Information security experts recommend that parents disable the In-App Purchases option, in order to avoid children falling into the trap of spending money without their parents knowing.

What do "in-app purchases" mean?

Business Insider has divided the "in-app purchase" process into 3 types:

  • In-app purchases that permanently unlock certain content or features, including e-books and game updates.

  • Consumables Often found in free games, these purchases allow users to expand their in-app interaction. Users can purchase in-game virtual currency to boost their abilities, help them pass some difficult levels in the game, or get fun digital items.

  • Subscriptions are ongoing purchases (often charged on a monthly or yearly basis) that give you access to an app or allow you to use advanced features over the free version.

  • How do you disable the in-app purchases option?

    • Apple stores:

    Open the Settings app and tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions by tapping the slider, it will turn green when turned on.

    Then click on "iTunes & App Store Purchases".

    Click on “In-App Purchases”, then select your settings as you see fit, whether to allow purchases or not allow only with the password.

    • Android stores:

    Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, then select Settings in the pop-up menu, and then on the Settings page, tap Authentication, then tap Require authentication for purchases.

    Then select one of the three options for all purchases made through Google Play on that device, and enter your Google password when prompted.