Why can't I turn off the requirement to enter my password when downloading free apps?

iPadOS used to not require me to enter a password when downloading free apps but it seems that is no longer an option with iPadOS14.x. When I click on my name in Settings and then Media and Purchases, and then Password Settings, there are no options to change anything in that screen... Always Require P/W, Require after 15 Minutes, and Require Password under free downloads are set with no options to change anything. Is this a bug in iPadOS? How we do we fix this??

I've searched for a fix online and everything I find says to do what I am trying to do above yet the items discussed above are fixed and one can't make changes in order to make the settings as I want.

iPad Air, iPadOS 14

Posted on Dec 18, 2020 5:59 AM

Top-ranking reply

beachdog57

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Feb 12, 2021 7:27 AM

This thread has the easiest solution: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252006162

Old_Apple_Fan posted the workaround in the thread. It has to do with default font scaling of the iPad not displaying the options to change the password requirement settings. Strange bug that I'm guessing will be fixed in a future update.

"* 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."

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19 replies

Feb 18, 2021 7:44 PM in response to n3ntjmatt

I having same issue...can’t toggle off require password...it’s not there. Just got update to 14.4. Don’t know what to do

Arnajak

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2021 6:28 AM in response to beachdog57

Thanks a lot. The problem solved.

n3ntjmatt Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 18, 2020 10:14 AM in response to n3ntjmatt

iOS14.2 and 14.3 don't have this problem on my iPhone, but the options to limit requiring passwords for purchases and for free items is missing in iPadOS. There are no sliders on that page of settings to make customization. A bug?

n3ntjmatt Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 18, 2020 11:56 AM in response to n3ntjmatt

UPDATE - I think I solved the problem.. Apple, in its 'infinite wisdom' has turned off the feature to anything by "immediate" if you have the TouchID option activated in iPadOS 14. If you turn it off and only use a passcode, all of the prior options (immediately, every hour, every 4 hours, etc.) come back and let you choose. Turn TouchID back on, and only "immediately" is the only option. I talked to an Apple Support Tech and that's what he told me. I tried it out a few times and that is indeed what happens. No idea why Apple things entering a passcode every 4 hrs is more secure than using your fingerprint every 4 hours.. a fingerprint is more secure and not easy copied than someone stealing your passcode over your shoulder. Go figure.. Hopefully Apple will figure this out and make these settings work for TouchID, too.

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Why can't I turn off the requirement to enter my password when downloading free apps?