Introduction
The Ask to Buy feature that’s part of Apple’s Family Sharing is awesome, giving kids the freedom to pick the apps they want to install, but still ultimately keeping the control with parents, as they have to approve everything kids install. Thankfully, setting up and turning on the Ask to Buy feature is easy, but it can only be done if you have Apple Family Sharing set up and have created Apple IDs for your kids. You can click here to check out my video that will show you how to do that. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Turn On Ask To Buy On iPhone or iPad
- Open the “Settings” app on your Apple iPhone or iPad, and then tap the section with your profile picture and name at the top of the menu. You’ll land on the Apple ID screen.
- Tap “Family Sharing.”
- Scroll down to the More to Share section, and then tap “Ask to Buy.” A screen is shown giving you an overview of the Ask to Buy feature that’s part of Apple Family Sharing.
- Tap “Turn On Ask To Buy.” The Ask To Buy screen is displayed showing a list of the children associated with your Apple ID.
- Tap the name of the child you want to turn on Ask to Buy for, and then tap to turn on the Ask to Buy toggle on the next screen. Going forward, whenever that child tries to install any apps, you’ll receive a request from them to install that app that you’ll have to approve before they can install it. Repeat this process for any other child accounts you want to turn on the Ask to Buy feature for.
4 Reasons to Turn on Ask to Buy on iPhone or iPad
1. Control Over-Spending
The “Ask to Buy” feature on iPhone and iPad can help parents take control of their children’s spending habits. With this feature turned on, parents can set limits on the amount their children can spend on App Store or iTunes Store purchases. Each time their child makes a purchase, the parent will receive a notification asking them to approve or decline the purchase. By doing so, parents can ensure that their children do not overspend or make unauthorized purchases.
2. Prevent Accidental Purchases
Children are known to be curious and experimental, which can sometimes result in accidental purchases. This is where the “Ask to Buy” feature comes in handy. With this feature turned on, parents can review each purchase request made by their child and decline any that were made accidentally. This helps prevent the child from accidentally making purchases that they did not intend to.
3. Monitor Content
The App Store and iTunes Store offer a wide range of content, some of which may not be appropriate for children. With the “Ask to Buy” feature turned on, parents can monitor the type of content their children are accessing on their devices. They can review each purchase request and decline those that feature inappropriate content. This helps ensure that children are only accessing content that is suitable for their age.
4. Educational Opportunities
The “Ask to Buy” feature can also offer educational opportunities for children. By setting limits and reviewing each purchase request, parents can teach their children about responsible spending and budgeting. They can explain the value of money and how to make informed spending decisions. This can help children develop good money management skills that they can use in the future.
