In-App Purchases and Parental Controls

Many free children's apps make money from purchases inside the app. A few settings, switched on before the first download, prevent nearly every surprise bill.

How free apps make money

A microtransaction is a small purchase made inside an app or game, such as extra levels, characters or virtual coins. Free apps often rely on them, and some are designed to appear at moments of excitement.

Settings to switch on

• Require a password or approval for every purchase on the device.
• Use the family or child account features of your phone or tablet's platform, which can route purchase requests to a parent.
• Turn off one-click payments on shared devices.
• Check which apps are allowed to show adverts.

Talk about pretend money

Virtual coins and gems can hide the fact that real money is being spent. With older children, explain that the coins were bought with real money and agree on an amount, if any, they may spend.

If a purchase happens anyway

App stores generally have a process for requesting refunds on accidental purchases. Use the store's own help pages, reached from within your account. Be wary of anyone who contacts you first offering to sort out a refund; see scams that target parents.

Revised 2026-10-22