How to Control Your Child's App Store Spending

Stories of children racking up hundreds or even thousands of pounds in App Store charges are more common than you'd think. Whether it's in-app game purchases, accidental downloads, or subscriptions they don't understand, kids and unrestricted App Store access don't mix well.

The Scale of the Problem

Children often don't understand that in-app purchases cost real money. That "chest of gems" for 9.99 pounds feels no different to them than tapping any other button in a game. Without proper controls, a child can make dozens of purchases in a single play session.

Setting Up Ask to Buy

Ask to Buy is Apple's primary parental spending control. When enabled, every purchase request from your child's device gets sent to you for approval.

1. Open Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing
2. Tap your child's name
3. Enable Ask to Buy

Now, whenever your child tries to buy or download anything — including free apps — you'll receive a notification to approve or decline. This applies to apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions.

Blocking In-App Purchases Entirely

For younger children, you might want to block in-app purchases completely:

1. On your child's device, go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. Enable the toggle
4. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
5. Set In-app Purchases to Don't Allow

Setting Up a Child's Apple ID

Children under 13 can have their own Apple ID through Family Sharing, with the parent as the organiser. This is much safer than letting them use your account, because:

• Ask to Buy is enabled by default
• You control all spending
• They can't access your purchase history or personal data
• You can set age-appropriate content restrictions

Screen Time Spending Controls

Beyond Ask to Buy, Screen Time offers additional controls:

• App limits — Restrict how long your child can use specific app categories (including games)
• Downtime — Schedule periods when only allowed apps and phone calls work
• Content restrictions — Limit access to age-inappropriate apps and content
• Always allowed — Ensure essential apps (like Phone) remain accessible during downtime

What to Do If Your Child Has Already Spent Money

If you've discovered unexpected charges:

1. Don't panic — Apple is generally understanding about children's purchases
2. Request a refund — Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and explain the situation
3. Enable Ask to Buy immediately — Prevent further charges
4. Talk to your child — Explain that in-app purchases cost real money

Teaching Financial Awareness

Controls are important, but education matters too. Consider giving your child a small monthly App Store budget using gift cards. This teaches them the value of money and the concept of budgeting, while keeping your payment method safely out of reach.