Kids spending money on apps without permission? Yeah, that's one of the biggest headaches for parents right now. From surprise $99 charges for game coins to monthly subscriptions you never even heard of, in-app purchases can quickly get out of control and lead to some seriously shocking credit card bills.
I've worked with hundreds of families who have run into these digital spending traps. It's a wild world out there.
The good news? Both iPhone and Android devices have built-in parental controls that can block or require approval for all app purchases. These controls work across games, entertainment apps, and subscription services.
But honestly, a lot of parents don't even realize these features exist, or they hit a wall trying to set them up.
In this parental control in app purchases guide, I'm going to walk you through the exact steps to set up parental controls for in-app purchases on pretty much any device. You'll see how to block unauthorized spending, manage subscriptions, and teach your kids smarter digital money habits.
I'll also share some third-party tools and strategies that go beyond what your phone offers.
📌 TL;DR Qustodio is the easiest way to stop surprise in-app purchases in 2026. It blocks unauthorized spending, tracks app use, and keeps kids accountable — all in one dashboard.
Key Takeaways
- Built-in parental controls on phones can block or require approval for all app purchases and subscriptions.
- Teaching kids about digital money and spending limits is honestly more effective in the long run than just blocking purchases.
- Third-party parental control apps can give you more detailed monitoring and spending controls than device settings alone.
Understanding Parental Control In App Purchases
In-app purchases let people buy digital content right inside mobile apps, from game currency to premium subscriptions. These purchases add up fast if you’re not paying attention, so parental control in app purchases are pretty much a must for managing kids’ spending.
How Parental Control In App Purchases Work
In-app purchases happen when you buy digital content inside an app after downloading it. The app connects to your device's payment system, whether that's the App Store or Google Play Store.
Most apps just use whatever card you already have saved. Kids can make purchases with a couple of taps—it's honestly way too easy.
App store purchases get charged to your credit card, debit card, or account balance. You’ll usually get an email receipt, but sometimes those emails show up hours later.
A lot of apps have one-click purchasing options that make spending dangerously easy. Kids often don’t even realize they’re spending real money.
Types Of In-App Purchases
Consumable In-App Purchases
These are digital items that get used up and disappear. Think extra lives in games or in-game coins and gems.
Non-Consumable Purchases
These stick around forever—like removing ads or unlocking a premium feature.
Subscriptions
Monthly or yearly payments for ongoing access to content. Loads of apps use this model now.
The most problematic stuff? Definitely consumables. Kids can buy extra lives over and over, not realizing how much it costs.
Games often use casino-like tricks to encourage more spending. Popular games like Candy Crush and Pokémon Go make a ton of money from these tiny, frequent purchases.
Risks Of Unrestricted In-App Spending
Unrestricted digital purchases? That’s a recipe for some seriously scary credit card bills. Kids have accidentally spent hundreds—sometimes thousands—in just one sitting.
Financial Risks:
- Unexpected charges on your payment methods
- Getting refunds from app stores can be tough
- Little charges add up fast and can cause real debt
Behavioral Concerns:
Kids can pick up bad spending habits. In-app purchases are designed to be compelling and manipulative. Honestly, even adults fall for these tricks.
Games often push players to spend money just to keep playing. It’s frustrating for kids when they hit a paywall.
Educational Impact:
Kids miss out on learning about money management. They don’t always connect digital spending to real-world consequences, which isn’t great for financial responsibility.
Setting Up Parental Control In App Purchases On Devices
Let’s get into how to block unwanted purchases on different devices. You can use built-in controls or third-party apps to stop kids from buying apps, games, and add-ons behind your back.
Configuring Parental Controls On iPhone
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First stop: Screen Time on your kid’s iPhone. This built-in feature gives you control over what your child can buy or download.
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Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If you’re managing their device remotely, select your child’s name under Family.
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Next, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode. Don’t use your kid’s unlock code for this—pick something they don’t know.
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Turn on the toggle to activate restrictions.
Now you can block different types of purchases. These controls work across all apps that use Apple’s payment system.
Settings sync across all devices in your Family Sharing group, but you’ll need to update everything to the latest iOS version first.
Managing App Store Restrictions
To stop your child from making any app-related purchases, head to iTunes & App Store Purchases to install parental control in app purchases. This section lets you control downloads, purchases, and deletions.
Go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Here, you can set rules for installing apps, deleting apps, and in-app purchases.
For maximum protection, set everything to “Don't Allow.” That blocks:
- Installing Apps: No new downloads
- Deleting Apps: Can’t remove apps
- In-App Purchases: Blocks all add-on buys
You can also require your password for every purchase. Under “Require Password,” pick “Always Require” instead of the 15-minute option.
Setting up these App Store restrictions keeps surprise charges at bay. Kids can use installed apps but can’t spend money.
Establishing Controls For Android Devices
On Android, you set up parental control in app purchases through Google Play Store settings. It’s a bit different than iPhone but just as effective.
Open Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Family > Parental Controls.
Create a PIN that’s not your child’s device unlock code. This protects your settings.
Google Play parental controls let you set content ratings and require approval for purchases. You can block all purchases or just require your OK first.
For purchase approval, select “All content” so you review every transaction. You’ll get a notification when your child tries to buy something.
Samsung phones have extra parental control in app purchases too—check out the Samsung Kids app or Device Care settings.
Using Parental Control Software
If you want even more control, third-party parental control in app purchases is the way to go. These programs work across different devices and platforms.
Popular picks include Qustodio, Norton Family, and Circle Home Plus. They track spending, block purchases, and send you reports.
Install the parent app on your phone and the child version on your kid’s device. Most require a monthly subscription for all the features.
Parental control in app purchases can also block purchases in apps that don’t use official app stores—like certain games with their own payment systems.
These apps also monitor screen time, filter websites, and track app usage. You’ll get alerts if your child tries to make purchases or download something new.
Some software works at the router level, covering every device on your home network. That blocks purchases even when kids switch devices.
🧰 Best Tools to Prevent In-App Purchase Surprises (2026)
If your goal is to stop unauthorized app spending and teach kids healthy digital money habits, these parental control tools deliver the right balance of visibility, safety, and simplicity — all trusted and parent-approved.
🥇 Qustodio — Best Overall for Purchase Control & Spending Awareness 🏆
- Blocks in-app purchases and app store charges across devices
- Sends instant alerts for spending attempts
- Tracks app usage and screen time from one dashboard
- Works on Android, iOS, and desktop
- Free trial available — no payment required to start
🥈 Norton Family — Best for Multi-Device Purchase Oversight 💻
- Monitors browsing, app activity, and spending trends
- Great for households with mixed Android/iPhone use
- Includes strong location and website filtering tools
🥉 Bark — Best for App & Payment Notifications 📱
- Detects risky app behavior and possible payment triggers
- Focuses on communication monitoring and child wellbeing
- Simple setup and clean reports for parents
💡 Built-In Options (Great for Beginners)
- Google Family Link: Free Android tool with “Ask-to-Buy” approvals.
- Apple Screen Time: Blocks purchases and manages Family Sharing budgets.
Pro Tip: Combine built-in features with a full suite like Qustodio for best protection and clearer reports — it lets you manage both spending limits and screen habits in one view.
Managing App Purchases In Apps And Games
You can control app purchases with your phone’s built-in settings, password protection, and family controls. These parental control in app purchases tools help prevent surprise charges and give you visibility into what’s being downloaded.
Disabling In-App Purchases
The most straightforward fix? Try to turn off inapp purchases completely. That blocks all purchases inside apps and games.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Switch on restrictions, tap iTunes & App Store Purchases, and set In-app Purchases to Don't Allow.
For Android, open Google Play Store > Menu > Settings > Authentication. Select Require authentication for purchases and choose For all purchases.
This setting covers every app and game on the device. Kids can still download free apps, but they can’t buy coins, upgrades, or extras.
Setting PIN Or Passcode For Purchases
A PIN or passcode is a nice middle ground—it doesn’t block purchases, but you have to approve them. You get to decide when it’s OK.
iPhone users can set purchase approval requirements in Screen Time. The phone will ask for your passcode before anything goes through.
On Android, you can require your Google account password for each purchase. Go to Google Play Store > Settings > Require authentication and pick how often you want to be asked.
Password timing options:
- Every 30 minutes
- Every purchase
- Never (please don’t choose this for kids’ devices)
Honestly, “Every purchase” is the safest bet.
Using Family Sharing Features
Family Sharing lets you manage purchases for up to six people from one account. You can see what everyone downloads and keep an eye on spending.
On iPhone, set up Family Sharing in Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing. As the family organizer, you can manage App Store purchases and settings for each person.
Google Play parental controls work setting it up is easy. It also has a similar thing with Google Family Library. Just invite family members and pick what content to share.
Family Sharing perks:
- One payment method for the whole family
- Shared purchases save money
- You can see all downloads
- Purchase approvals go through you
Everyone gets their own account, but you’re in charge of spending.
Enabling Ask To Buy
Ask to Buy sends you a notification every time a family member tries to make a purchase. You get to approve or deny it on your phone.
For Apple devices, turn on Ask to Buy in Family Sharing settings. When your kid tries to download an app or make an in-app purchase, you’ll get a notification right away.
Google Play purchase approvals work pretty much the same. Set up approval for each family member based on age.
You’ll see the app name, price, and what kind of purchase it is. Approve it instantly or talk to your kid first.
This works for both free and paid apps, so you always know what’s being added to their device.
Guidelines And Rules For Safe Spending
Setting clear rules and spending limits helps me protect my family from those sneaky, unexpected charges. I like to write up a quick agreement so everyone knows exactly what’s okay to buy—and what’s not.
Establishing Rules For In-App Purchases
It’s important to lay out which apps my kid can use and what kinds of purchases are even on the table. I try to keep the rules straightforward—no confusion, no loopholes.
Basic spending rules I should set:
- No purchases without asking first
- Only buy items that last forever in games
- Avoid buying extra lives or coins
- Never share payment passwords
I try to explain why in-app purchases can be tricky to resist for kids. A lot of games toss out flashy rewards and countdowns that make spending feel a lot more urgent than it really is.
Types of purchases to avoid:
- Monthly subscriptions
- Temporary items like lives or energy
- Mystery boxes or surprise items
- Anything that costs real money for fake currency
I want my kid to pause and think before buying. I’ll ask them to consider, “Will I still want this tomorrow?” or “Is this really worth my allowance?”
Setting Spending Limits And Allowances
Deciding how much my child can spend on apps each month is a pretty big deal. It has to fit our budget and, honestly, it’s a good chance to teach some money smarts.
Monthly spending limits by age:
- Ages 6-8: $5-10 per month
- Ages 9-12: $10-20 per month
- Ages 13+: $20-30 per month
Sometimes I’ll give my kid a separate app allowance. It’s a good way for them to learn to budget their own money instead of just asking for mine.
If they want something pricey, I’ll make them wait a week. That cooling-off period usually helps them figure out if it’s actually worth it.
Tracking all app spending in a notebook or phone app is helpful. My kid can see where their money goes, and honestly, so can I.
Ways to earn extra app money:
- Complete extra chores
- Good grades on tests
- Helping with family projects
- Saving money from regular allowance
Creating A Family Agreement
I find it works best to write down all our app spending rules. We both sign it, so there’s no confusion later.
What to include in the agreement:
- Maximum spending per month
- Which apps are allowed
- Consequences for breaking rules
- How to ask permission for purchases
Listing out specific apps my child can use is key. I like to check each one first and see what kinds of purchases are hiding inside.
Every few months, I revisit the agreement. Kids grow, interests change, and sometimes the rules need a little update.
Sample family rule: “Before buying anything in an app, I will show my parent what it costs and what it does. I will wait 24 hours before buying anything over $5.”
If my kid breaks the rules, there should be clear consequences. Losing app privileges for a week or doing extra chores to pay back the money usually gets the message across.
I try to keep things positive, too. If they follow the rules well, maybe they get a little bonus app money or new privileges.
Educating Kids About Digital Purchases
Teaching kids about digital spending is a must. It’s easy for them to forget that money spent in an app is still real money, and subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify can quietly pile up over time.
Talking To Children About Online Spending
I think it’s smart to start talking about digital money as soon as kids get interested in apps or games. They often have no idea that virtual coins, gems, or skins actually cost real cash.
Concrete examples help. I’ll show them that $5 on a game skin is the same $5 they could spend on a snack or toy. It makes digital money feel as real as physical cash.
Key talking points include:
- Digital purchases use real money from your account
- Virtual items have no value outside the app
- Money spent on games can't be spent on other things
I try to keep the conversation open. Kids sometimes feel embarrassed about accidental purchases or just don’t get why parents get so annoyed about digital spending.
It’s helpful to show them my credit card statement and point out actual charges from app stores. That usually makes the costs hit home.
Teaching Digital Budgeting Skills
Digital budgeting makes way more sense when kids have a set amount to spend each week or month. For younger kids, $5-10 is plenty, and I’ll adjust as they get older.
We track their spending on a simple chart or app. Writing down each purchase with the cost and what’s left in the budget helps them pause before buying something on impulse.
Effective budgeting strategies:
- Set weekly spending limits
- Use gift cards instead of credit cards
- Require kids to wait 24 hours before big purchases
- Let them earn extra money through chores
I encourage saving up for bigger items. If they want a $20 skin, they can save their allowance over a few weeks instead of grabbing it right away.
Teaching the value of digital money really helps kids make better decisions about what’s actually worth their money.
Helping Kids Understand Subscriptions
Subscriptions are tough for kids to grasp since they just keep charging every month. Services like Netflix, Spotify, or gaming subscriptions take money automatically, and it adds up fast.
I use examples they know. Netflix is about $15 a month, which means $180 a year. That’s the price of a dozen new games or a whole stack of movie tickets.
A family subscription chart makes things clearer:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost | What Else You Could Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $15 | $180 | 18 new books |
| Spotify | $10 | $120 | 12 toys |
| Gaming Pass | $10 | $120 | 24 ice cream treats |
Kids sometimes sign up for free trials without realizing they turn into paid subscriptions. I always tell them to ask permission before entering any payment info—even for “free” stuff.
I show them how to check active subscriptions on their devices. It’s amazing how many families find subscriptions quietly draining money every month.
Subscription rules to establish:
- Always ask before starting any free trial
- Check what happens when the trial ends
- Cancel subscriptions you don't use regularly
- Set calendar reminders for trial end dates
Additional Strategies And Tools For Parents
There’s more to this than just flipping on parental control in app purchases. You need to spot apps that push spending and use tools to keep an eye on your kid’s digital purchases. Picking the right apps and checking in regularly goes a long way.
Identifying Potential Traps In Apps
I always check app descriptions before my kid downloads anything. If I see “offers in-app purchases” or “contains ads,” that’s a red flag.
Red flag features to watch for:
- Daily login bonuses that expire
- Limited-time offers with countdown timers
- VIP memberships or subscription tiers
- Loot boxes or mystery rewards
- Social features that show other players' purchases
Games use all sorts of psychological tricks to get kids to spend. Rewards, countdowns, and social pressure are everywhere.
I’ll try out new apps myself for 10-15 minutes. If I get constant purchase prompts or see what other players have bought, I know the app’s designed to push spending.
Monitoring Purchase Histories
I check my family’s purchase history at least once a week. Both Apple and Google make this pretty easy.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Open Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases > Purchase History
- Review all transactions by date and amount
On Android devices:
- Open Google Play Store > Profile > Payments & Subscriptions > Budget & History
Email notifications for every purchase—big or small—are a lifesaver. I get an alert right away if anyone buys something.
It’s all too common for parents to only notice surprise charges when the credit card bill arrives. By then, the damage is done.
I also use parental control software that shoots me instant alerts for new downloads or purchase attempts.
Choosing Safe Apps And Games
I stick with parental control in app purchases that are truly free and don’t have purchase options lurking inside. Educational apps and creative tools like drawing programs are usually a safe bet.
Safe app categories I recommend:
- Educational games with one-time purchase prices
- Creative apps for drawing, music, or video editing
- Offline puzzle games without internet connectivity
- Apps with clear age ratings that match your child's age
I avoid “freemium” games that start off free but make you pay for real progress. Those are built to hook kids and then frustrate them into spending.
Before giving the green light, I read recent parent reviews. If I see complaints about sneaky charges or pushy purchase prompts, that app’s off the list.
I keep a list of approved apps my kids can pick from. That way, they can’t just download whatever catches their eye.
Conclusion & Personal Recommendation
Parental control for in-app purchases isn’t just about blocking charges — it’s about building smarter digital habits.
Among all the options tested, Qustodio remains the most effective blend of control, simplicity, and family learning value.
If you want one tool to manage app spending, screen time, and device safety in one place, try Qustodio free — it’s the most balanced solution for parents in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents always want to know the exact steps to block unwanted app purchases on their kid’s devices. The process is a little different for iPhone, Android, or iPad, but every major platform has built-in parental control in app purchases.
How can I set up parental controls on my child's iPhone to limit in-app purchases?
I can turn on parental control in app purchases using Screen Time settings. I open Settings, tap Screen Time, and go from there.
Then I select Content & Privacy Restrictions and flip the toggle on. I tap iTunes & App Store Purchases for the purchase controls.
Under In-app Purchases, I pick “Don't Allow” to block all in-app buys. Or, if I want to approve purchases myself, I choose “Ask to Buy.”
Setting a Screen Time passcode my kid doesn’t know is crucial. It keeps them from just turning these settings off.
What steps are involved in turning off in-app purchases on an Android device?
I use Google Play Store’s built-in parental control in app purchases or the Family Link app. Google Play Store's built-in parental controls can block in-app purchases pretty well.
First, I open the Play Store and tap my profile picture. Then Settings, then Family, and finally Parental controls.
I turn on parental control in app purchases and make a PIN. Under “Apps & games,” I can set filters and purchase restrictions.
For more control, the Family Link app is great—it lets me manage my kid’s whole Google account and block purchases everywhere.
Are there any free parental control apps that can help manage in-app purchases on iOS?
Apple’s Screen Time is the main free tool built right into iOS. I don’t need to download anything else—Screen Time can handle in-app purchase restrictions.
Some third-party parental control in app purchases have free versions with basic controls, but Apple doesn’t let them fully control in-app purchases the way they can on Android.
The most reliable free method is using Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions. It gives me full purchase control without extra downloads.
Ask to Buy through Family Sharing is also free. Any purchase attempt needs my approval.
What is the process for disabling in-app purchases on an iPad?
It’s basically the same steps as iPhone. I head to Settings, then Screen Time, and pick Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Once restrictions are on, I tap iTunes & App Store Purchases. Under In-app Purchases, I choose “Don't Allow” to block everything.
Setting up parental controls on an iPad also lets me manage screen time and app access together. I can set different rules for different types of content.
I always test the settings by trying to make a purchase in an app. If everything’s set up right, the system blocks it or asks for my approval.
How do I configure parental controls for Amazon in-app purchases?
Amazon apps actually use their own purchase system, which is separate from Apple or Google. So, if you want to set up parental control in app purchases, you'll need to tinker with your Amazon account and poke around in the apps themselves.
To start, I log into my Amazon account online—usually on a computer because it's just easier that way. Then I head over to Manage Your Content and Devices.
Under the Settings tab, there's a section for Parental Controls. Here, I switch on Purchase Restrictions.
For Amazon apps like Prime Video or Kindle, I open each app and dig into their settings menus. I'm usually looking for anything labeled parental controls or purchase restrictions inside those settings.
There's also the option to set up a Purchase PIN. This PIN is required for all Amazon purchases, which honestly gives me some peace of mind.
It might seem like a lot of steps, but once it's set up, the extra protection is worth it.
Is there a way to prevent my child from making unintended purchases within apps on Apple devices?
Absolutely, there are a few solid ways to keep your kid from racking up surprise charges on Apple devices. The most reliable method, honestly, is to use Screen Time restrictions together with purchase authentication.
So, in Settings, I head over to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on the device). I double-check that “iTunes & App Store” is switched off under “Allow Access When Locked.”
Then, I hop into the iTunes & App Store settings and set it to “Always Require” for password or authentication. That way, every single purchase—big or small—needs my Face ID, Touch ID, or just my password.
Managing App Store purchases and settings is pretty useful too. I can keep an eye on the purchase history and spot anything weird before it gets out of hand.
Thats All For Now
Was this article helpful? Thanks for sticking around and reading this guide on parental control in app purchases.
Hopefully, it shed some light on getting started with the service and maybe even made things feel a bit less daunting.
Focus: Parental Control and Monitoring Software. Kevin Bong contributes to Impulsec’s reviews of parental control and monitoring software. His work focuses on researching product features, usage limitations, safety considerations, and real-world suitability for families. At Impulsec, Kevin’s contributions help ensure that reviews consider ethical use, transparency, and practical expectations rather than promotional claims.