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iPhone · iPhone / iPad · 3 min · Updated September 2026

How to turn off purchases on iPhone

On iPhone you can either require your approval for every purchase, or turn in-app purchases off. Both methods work — choose the one that fits your child’s age and your level of trust.

Phone and an hourglass

In short

If you use Family Sharing: turn on Ask to Buy for your child. Otherwise: Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → In-app Purchases → Don’t Allow. Check both if your child has iPhone and iPad.

  1. 1

    If you use Family Sharing

    On your iPhone: Settings → Family. Select your child and turn on Ask to Buy. You then approve purchases before they go through. Apple calls it Ask to Buy. Approval comes as a push notification — so you can say no before money is taken.

  2. 2

    If you want to block purchases

    On your child’s iPhone: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn it on, and set a passcode your child does not know. Go to iTunes & App Store Purchases → In-app Purchases → Don’t Allow. Do not use their birthday or iPad passcode — choose a separate Screen Time code.

  3. 3

    Also check saved cards

    Remove payment cards your child can use in Apple ID or in games such as Roblox. A limit inside a game does not stop an App Store purchase. If you dispute a charge, you can complain to the Danish Consumer Ombudsman. Also check whether your child received gift cards — they can be used without Ask to Buy.

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More help in Denmark

If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.

  • Danish Consumer Ombudsman

    Supervises marketing and consumer protection in Denmark, including misleading purchases and subscriptions. Relevant for unexpected app purchases and fraud.

  • Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57

    Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.

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