iPhone, iTouch, and iPad Restrictions for In-App Purchases

My son is a hard core Apple fan.  Can’t you tell from this picture that I took during the summer?  He learned at an early age when my husband and I purchased iPhones.  I think that it is in my son’s genetics to be a “gamer”.  We’ve tried to hold off on the video games, and computer games, but it was inevitable.

My son is VERY smart and he is able to figure out iTunes apps and games pretty fast.  I started hearing more and more about “In App” purchases lately, and I got a little scared.  My husband deleted every game on his iPhone that had the “In App” purchase option on it.  He was scared that either he or our son would buy something within the apps, with one simple click.  Also, it does not ask you for your iTunes password.

What is an “In App” Purchase?: With iOS 3.0 or later, you can purchase subscriptions and extra content from within an application using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Some examples of in app purchases are bonus game levels/maps, additional experience points, subscriptions, and recurring services.

I recently learned how to put “RESTRICTIONS” on your Apple devices to prevent “In App” purchases being made.  I’m going to list the restrictions, but also give a photo tutorial to give everyone a visual of how it works.

How To Restrict In-App Purchases on your iTouch, iPhone, and iPad with iOS 3.0 or later:

• Tap on Settings
• Tap on General
• Tap on Restrictions
• Enter a Restrictions Passcode when asked
• Tap on “Enable Restrictions”
• Scroll down and tap “In-App Purchases” so that it is “OFF”
• Exit Settings

A Visual Display of How To Restrict In-App Purchases on your iTouch, iPhone, and iPad with iOS 3.0 or later:

Step 1: Tap on Settings:

Step 2: Tap on General:

Step 3: Tap on Restrictions:

Step 4: Enter a Restrictions Passcode When Asked:

Step 5: Tap on “Enable Restrictions”:

Step 6: Scroll down and tap “In-App Purchases” so that it is “OFF”:

Step : Exit settings by hitting your “home” button

You can now thank me in advance!  My husband almost spent money “accidently” on the Skeeball app last night to purchase extra balls, lanes, or something like that.  I told him that I disabled the In-App purchases on my phone already.  For once, I think I amazed him.  You can now save your credit card balance for something other than a $100 worth of Smurf berries.