The term “In-app purchases (IAPs)” can be defined as any type of digital purchase made inside a mobile app; after it was downloaded as free or paid app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android devices).
The primary advantage of “In-App purchase” model is that it provides developers with the opportunity to offer their applications for free or at a low price point to users; with a built-in option to buy additional features or the full-featured version of the free apps.
For users, the “In-App Purchases (IAPs)” model provides the opportunity to try apps for free or try them with Ads and later on go the paid or Add free version of the App; if they find the App being useful or find the need to buy additional features of the App.
Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone & Android
While the “In-app purchases (IAPs)” feature can be useful, it has the potential to expose both children and adults to the risk making unwanted purchases and the possibility of running up a large bill by unknowingly buying game credits, while playing an intense, addictive and hard to resist game.
Hence, the App Store (iPhone) requires App developers to provide a detailed list of IAPs, subscriptions and their prices/price range at the time of download. While such level of pricing details are rare for apps listed on Play Store; it is mandatory for apps on Google Play Store to display “Offers In-App purchases” label at the time of download; if they contain paid Add-on digital services and goods.
In addition to this transparency, both Google Play Store and App Store provide users the option to disable In-App Purchases on their devices.
1. Disable In-App Purchases On iPhone
If you are using an iPhone, the option to disable In-App Purchases is available within “Screen Time”; which needs to be enable in order to disable or prevent In-App Purchases.
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > tap on Turn On Screen Time.
2. On the pop-up, select Turn On Screen Time option > On the next-pop-up, select This is My iPhone option.
Note: In the case of a Child’s iPhone, you need to follow the steps to setup a Screen Time Passcode.
3. Next, scroll down on the same screen and select Content & Privacy Restrictions tab.
4. On the next screen, move the slider next to Content & Privacy Restrictions to ON position and tap on iTunes & App Purchases.
5. On iTunes & App Store Purchases screen, tap on In-App Purchases.
6. On the next screen, select the Don’t Allow option.
After this, your iPhone will come up with “In-App Purchases are not allowed” message, whenever you or anyone that is using your device tries to purchase game credits while paying games or tries to upgrade to paid version of any App.
2. Disable In-App Purchases on Android Phone
You can follow the steps below to disable In-App Purchases on an Android phone or tablet.
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
2. Once you are on Play Store, tap on your Profile Icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
3. On the Settings screen, scroll down and tap on Require Authentication for Purchases option.
4. On the pop-up, select For all purchases made through Google Play on this device option.
This adds a layer of security to your device and totally prevents the possibility of unintentional or accidental In-App Purchases.