When you set up Family Sharing in the Apple ecosystem, iOS automatically enables a feature called “Ask to Buy” for any child accounts under the age of 13. When this feature is active, children cannot independently download apps, purchase music, or make in-app purchases. Instead, they must tap an “Ask” button, which pings the Family Organizer’s iPhone or Mac with a notification. The parent must then authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID, or their Apple password to approve or decline the transaction.
While an essential parental control tool for young children, the constant barrage of approval requests can become incredibly frustrating as children get older. If your child is constantly downloading free apps or if they have proven they can be trusted with a monthly allowance or iTunes gift card balance, the notification friction becomes a nuisance. If you are tired of acting as the gatekeeper for every single App Store transaction, you can completely disable the “Ask to Buy” feature.
Why Disable ‘Ask to Buy’ on iPhone?
Parents typically disable this feature for the following reasons:
- Notification Fatigue: Constantly pausing your workflow to approve free games, app updates, or minor in-app purchases is tedious.
- Fostering Independence: As teenagers mature, allowing them to manage their own digital purchases (especially if funded by a dedicated gift card rather than a shared credit card) teaches financial responsibility.
- Technical Glitches: Occasionally, iCloud sync issues cause approval notifications to drop or delay, completely blocking the child from downloading software for school or communication.
How to Turn Off ‘Ask to Buy’ (Family Sharing) on iPhone
As the Family Organizer, you can disable the “Ask to Buy” requirement for any individual child account directly from your iPhone Settings.
- Open the Settings app on the Family Organizer’s iPhone.
- Tap on your Apple Account Name (your profile picture) at the very top of the screen.
- Tap on Family Sharing.
- Under the “Family” list, tap on the specific Child’s Name whose permissions you wish to modify.
- Tap on Ask to Buy.
- Toggle the switch next to Require Purchase Approval to the Off position (it will turn grey).
Once disabled, the child can instantly download free apps and make paid purchases (which will be billed to the Family Organizer’s primary payment method) without requiring prior consent. To prevent unexpected credit card bills while still avoiding notifications, it is highly recommended to add an Apple Gift Card balance to the child’s Apple ID before disabling this feature.