Parental Controls & Spending Limits on App Stores

Are your kids using an iPhone or Android device? Without the right settings, they can buy apps or in-game items without your knowledge. The solution: Screen Time on Apple and Family Controls on Google, backed up by digital cards with a fixed value to cap spending.

On iPhone & iPad: Screen Time

Ask to Buy:

• Every purchase requires a parent's approval first — your child can't buy anything without your permission.
• To enable: Settings → Screen Time → Family Sharing → turn on Ask to Buy for the child.

Restrict in-app purchases:

• Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → set In-App Purchases to Don't Allow.

On Android: Google Play Family Controls

Require approval for purchases:

• Open Google Play → tap your account image → Settings → Family controls → enable and set a PIN.
• Configure allowed content levels and purchase permissions.

Family Link:

• The Google Family Link app lets you manage kids' devices remotely: approve apps, set screen time, and monitor activity.

Extra tip: digital cards as a fixed budget

Instead of linking a bank card to your child's account, top it up with an Apple or Google Play card for a set amount — when the balance runs out, they can't buy. A safe way to teach kids budget management.

FAQ

Does Ask to Buy work with all purchases? Yes — it covers apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Can a child get around the restrictions? With a PIN different from the device code, it's very difficult. What's the easiest way to cap spending? A digital card with a fixed value — when it's gone, it's gone.

👉 Apple card · Google Play · WhatsApp

Written by the Tether.sa team