How to turn off in-app purchases

Turning off in-app purchases on a phone varies depending on the operating system (OS) it uses. Here’s how you can do it for two of the most common mobile operating systems, iOS and Android:

iOS (iPhone and iPad):

1. Open Settings:
   • Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
2. Go to Screen Time:
   • Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time.”
3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions:
   • If asked, enter your passcode.
   • Tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
4. Enable Restrictions:
   • Toggle the switch next to “Content & Privacy Restrictions” to turn it on.
5. Enter a Passcode:
   • Set a passcode that only you will know.
6. Enable In-App Purchases:
   • Under the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” section, tap on “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
   • Select “In-app Purchases” and set it to “Don’t Allow.”

Android:

1. Open Google Play Store:
   • Open the “Google Play Store” app on your Android device.
2. Access Settings:
   • Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner to open the menu.
   • Scroll down and select “Settings.”
3. Require Authentication for Purchases:
   • Under “User controls,” look for the option labeled “Require authentication for purchases.”
   • Choose either “For all purchases through Google Play on this device” or “Every 30 minutes.”
   Note: If you choose the latter option, after making an in-app purchase, there is a 30-minute window during which additional purchases can be made without re-entering your password.

Keep in mind that these instructions may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system on your device. If you have a different version, you can usually find these settings under a similar menu within the device’s settings.

By following these steps, you can help prevent accidental or unauthorized in-app purchases on your phone.