HT201089: Request and make purchases with Ask to Buy

Learn about Request and make purchases with Ask to Buy
Newsie
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Why can't I approve my child's request using TouchID?

I've given my old 5S to my 3 year old to use for apps and movies.  I turned on "Ask To Buy" on his phone, since that seemed like the thing to do.  (I wish turning off the app store under restrictions would stop paid kids' apps from relentlessly presenting ads for other apps, but that's another discussion.) Now, when I want to put an app on his phone, I have to:

Go into the app store, possibly enabling it under restrictions, first

Enter the password for his AppleID

Enter the password for his AppleID, again.

Acknowledge the Ask To Buy request should be sent.

Switch to my phone

Open the Ask To Buy notification

Enter my AppleID's password (Touch ID is apparently not supported, although I can buy apps for myself with TouchID)

Switch back to his phone

Open the Ask To Buy approved notification

Enter his password, AGAIN

Download the app.

 

How did this seem like a good workflow to anyone in Cupertino?

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.2, 5S, also running 9.2

Posted on Jan 12, 2016 7:47 AM

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Newsie

Q: Why can't I approve my child's request using TouchID?

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  • by ZikzakCorp,

    ZikzakCorp ZikzakCorp Jan 12, 2016 8:48 AM in response to Newsie
    Level 4 (1,033 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 12, 2016 8:48 AM in response to Newsie

    Hi Newsie,

     

    Speculation on the reasons why Apple does or doesn't offer different features is not allowed on this forum. You can make the suggestion for that feature at http://www.apple.com/feedback. I would add that the iPhone is designed for users who can at least read and write, so if the user was able to enter his or her own password and hit the Ask to Buy themselves, which would shorten the process.

  • by Newsie,

    Newsie Newsie Jan 12, 2016 8:55 AM in response to ZikzakCorp
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2016 8:55 AM in response to ZikzakCorp

    Sorry for the invitation idle speculation. You're right, I should have phrased this question more helpfully.

     

    So you're saying if my son could type, he would't mind entering his password three times?  I can type and entering my password bugs me on my touch-ID capable phone.

  • by ZikzakCorp,

    ZikzakCorp ZikzakCorp Jan 12, 2016 10:15 AM in response to Newsie
    Level 4 (1,033 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 12, 2016 10:15 AM in response to Newsie

    As you said, Touch ID is not supported to approve and enter Ask to Buy requests. It's part of the security. Sounds like your real concern is that you have to enter your password instead of using Touch ID for everything. On the iPhone 6S, Touch ID is not intended to replace your password in all situations, only compliment it.

    Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad - Apple Support