iPadOS requires password for free apps, can't disable "Always Require Password"

On iPadOS 14.2, when I try to download a free app, it requires me to login with my AppleID. I cannot seem to enable Touch ID (iPad Pro 9.7"), and I cannot enable "Free downloads" to NOT require a password.

Under Apple ID, I've tapped "Media & Purchases" and my options are:

Sign Out

Password Settings >

Require Password Done (no edit or options to change)

When purchasing (Always Require Password, and Require After 15 minutes)

Free Downloads (Require Password)

View Account

I've checked under Touch ID and Passcode, Use Touch ID for:

iPad unlock (YES)

iTunes & App Store (YES)

Apple Pay (YES)

Password Auto Fill (YES)

Further down, under "Require Passcode... Immediately >, I cannot disable that. If I tap Immediately >, it's the only option on the next screen.

Basically, I have no option to use Touch ID for downloading apps, and have to enter my AppleID and password for downloading even free apps.

What am I missing here?????

iPad Pro 9.7-inch WiFi

Posted on Nov 6, 2020 5:33 PM

Top-ranking reply

Old_Apple_Fan

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Feb 11, 2021 8:04 PM

This does seem to be a widespread problem, but here are some additional steps that helped me to resolve it:

* For the unavailable “Require Password” buttons/checks, try first going into Settings\Accessibility and turning on Large Fonts with a big font choice (right side of slider). Go back to “Media and Purchases” and when you open the Password pop-up, you should be able to see the buttons/checks. Once the settings are corrected, you can return to Accessibility and change the fonts back to your typical settings.

* If the password is always required for free updates even with the setting off, and you have Screen Time restrictions enabled, temporarily also set the Content Restrictions for Apps to allow all apps (e.g. no specific age maximum). On my device (Air 4, iPadOS 14.4), a password is always required for every app download regardless of any other settings if the app age limits are anything other than allow all (I usually have set to 12+).

Hope these options are helpful for others with the same issues!

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iPadOS requires password for free apps, can't disable "Always Require Password"

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