LumpyGB
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Family Sharing and approval of in app purchases

With Family Sharing what happens if I approve a free app that has in app purchases?  Will I be notified when my child attempts an in app purchase or am I opening my credit card up to as many purchases as my child wants to make?

iPhone 5s, iOS 8.3, null

Posted on May 13, 2015 4:07 PM

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LumpyGB

Q: Family Sharing and approval of in app purchases

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  • by pedro d,

    pedro d pedro d May 15, 2015 2:05 PM in response to LumpyGB
    Community Specialists
    May 15, 2015 2:05 PM in response to LumpyGB

    Hello there, LumpyGB.

     

    It sounds like you are concerned about in-app purchases after approving download of an app using Family Sharing. The "Ask to Buy" feature is something that would be helpful in your situation. The following article explains functionality and how to turn the feature on:

     

    Request and make purchases with Ask to Buy - Apple Support

     

    Request and make purchases with Ask to Buy

    With Ask to Buy, you can give kids the freedom to make their own choices while still controlling your spending.

    Ask to Buy is a feature of Family Sharing, and the family organizer can turn on Ask to Buy for any family member who isn't an adult. When a family member initiates a new purchase or free download, a request is sent to the organizer if Ask to Buy is on. For example, this could be a request for items in the iTunes, iBooks, or App Store, In-App Purchases, iCloud storage, or Newsstand subscriptions.

    The organizer can review the item and make the purchase or decline the request right from their own iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 8 or Mac with OS X Yosemite. If the family organizer makes the purchase, the content will download automatically to their family member’s device. If it's declined, no purchase or download will take place.

    Turn on Ask to Buy

    Use these steps to turn Ask to Buy on or off for family members who are under 18* in your family group.

    iOS 8

    1. Tap Settings > iCloud > Family and tap your family member's name.
    2. Tap Ask to Buy.

    OS X Yosemite

    1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
    2. Click Manage Family and select your family member's name.
    3. Select Ask to Buy.

    Ask to Buy is on by default for any children under 13, and you'll be asked if you want to enable Ask to Buy when inviting anyone under 18 to your family group.* If you turn off Ask to Buy for a family member after they turn 18,* you can't turn it on again.

    If you created your child's account using Apple ID for Students, you can use Ask to Buy for personal purchases outside of the educational institution. It won't apply to any apps or other content distributed by the school.

     

    The article continues to explain how the process works once the feature is turned on.

     

    Thanks for being a part of Apple Support Communities.

     

    Cheers,

    Pedro.

  • by LumpyGB,

    LumpyGB LumpyGB May 15, 2015 2:26 PM in response to pedro d
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 15, 2015 2:26 PM in response to pedro d

    Thanks Pedro.  Originally I didn't see the comment that Ask to Buy will also ask when an in app purchase is attempted.  This is great exactly what I needed.

  • by pedro d,

    pedro d pedro d May 21, 2015 6:12 AM in response to LumpyGB
    Community Specialists
    May 21, 2015 6:12 AM in response to LumpyGB

    Hello again, LumpyGB.

     

    You're very welcome. I'm glad the information was useful in answering your question and resolving your issue.

     

    Have a great one!

     

    Sincerely,

    Pedro.