Level 1

23 points

App store missing from child's phone even though it's "allowed"

The app store will only show up on my son's phone if I disable all content restrictions, even if I select "allow" for installing apps. I have even added the app store as one of the apps he can access at all times, even in downtime, and yet it still won't show up.

settings>screen time>content and privacy restrictions> itunes and app store purchases> all allowed

I have restarted his phone and mine. Checked for software updates.

The ONLY time it will show on his phone is if all content and privacy restrictions are completely toggled off.

I can't even swipe down and search for it. It doesn't come up.

How can I fix this? This is very frustrating.

iPhone 14

Posted on Jun 6, 2024 11:21 AM

Top-ranking reply

carolynnt

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jun 21, 2024 5:23 AM

Here’s what I did:

Under purchases in “Content and Privacy Restrictions” menu turned app installs back on

Turned off “Content and Privacy Restrictions” entirely to get the App Store to show up again

Turned “Content and Privacy Restrictions” back on

In the main menu for my kid’s Apple ID (the first screen you see when you tap their name under family sharing), turn on “Ask to Buy.”

The App Store will still be visible and browsable on your kid’s device, but where your version has a download/buy option, theirs will have a request function. When they use that, you will get a notification that they’re requesting to download app XYZ, and can approve or deny the request.

If you wanted to be able to block the App Store completely and unblock at will, it seems you’re out of luck. The glitch does recur if you ever turn off purchases again. But this at least keeps your kid from downloading stuff willy-nilly, and you can still set a time limit for the App Store under screen time, so there’s that.

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Similar questions

44 replies

Jun 21, 2024 10:37 AM in response to Hterrell

This is what I am hoping to avoid but I have an apnt with an Apple tech today to see if they can help. Thank you.

Jun 21, 2024 8:04 PM in response to anbsgggi-60

Please let us know if you find a resolution.

Jun 25, 2024 12:59 PM in response to anbsgggi-60

Was apple able to help you?

RasmusMJ

Level 1

8 points

Jul 7, 2024 11:15 AM in response to sahid007

Looking forward to the update. It is a very buggy experience. My child have two devices (iPhone & iPad) and the bug only occur on the iPad.

sahid007

Level 1

35 points

Jul 7, 2024 2:27 PM in response to RasmusMJ

Yeah it does seem buggy. I personally thought it maybe something to do with my devices that are managed by Mosyle (MDM solution) but it isn’t. I am sure they will release this update asap!

Caro-EH

Level 1

8 points

Jul 13, 2024 5:06 AM in response to timothy_steven_apple

Thank you so much! This was the ONLY thing that worked for me!

Jul 25, 2024 2:35 PM in response to timothy_steven_apple

Will I have to redo all the screen time stuff

Jul 25, 2024 5:20 PM in response to timothy_steven_apple

This worked perfectly Thank you for sharing. I was about to throw the phone away! Again, a million Thanks for your help.

Jul 28, 2024 5:56 AM in response to carolynnt

Thank you I’ve tried it all and this is the only thing that worked! I have restrictions on my phone for my son.

Jfu2021

Level 1

8 points

Aug 10, 2024 5:35 AM in response to carolynnt

thank you!! you saved me after an hour of frustration. <3 <3 <3

rpmsongs

Level 1

8 points

Aug 14, 2024 11:09 AM in response to timothy_steven_apple

That did it! Thanks. And it doesn't take you back to square one when you re enable it. Not a big issue. I wish I'd seen this earlier!

kkdallas

Level 1

12 points

Aug 28, 2024 8:21 PM in response to timothy_steven_apple

I did this and right when I added it back and toggled “Content & Privacy Restrictions” back on, App Store disappeared again!

Jun 16, 2024 7:53 AM in response to VanaMagenta

Having the same issues, nothing we seem to do will fix it, the weirdest part is when you scroll down in settings you can still see the App Store section, but the app is nowhere to be found on the home screen, app library or pulling down and searching for it.

Jun 16, 2024 4:05 PM in response to VanaMagenta

I solved this by removing my child from screen time. On the parents' phone, go into "Screen Time" > "Stop Managing child's Screen Time". The app store immediately reappeared and then I re-added their ipad to screen time.

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App store missing from child's phone even though it's "allowed"