Approving Purchases on Apple Family Sharing: A Comprehensive Guide

So, your child is eyeing that new app, game, or movie, and you’ve got Family Sharing set up. The request pops up – now what? Approving purchases through Apple Family Sharing is a straightforward process designed to give parents control over their children’s spending. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, troubleshoot common issues, and answer frequently asked questions.

Quick Answer: How to Approve Purchases on Family Sharing

The process varies slightly depending on your device and operating system. Here’s a breakdown:

• On Your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name at the top.
  3. Tap Family Sharing.
  4. Tap your family member’s name.
  5. Tap Ask to Buy.
  6. Review the request. You’ll see the item, the price, and who is requesting it.
  7. Tap Approve or Decline. You can also add a message to the request.

• On Your Mac:

  1. Choose the Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Family.
  2. Click your child’s name.
  3. Click Ask to Buy in the sidebar.
  4. Review the request and click Approve or Decline.

Once you approve, the purchase will proceed, and the child can download the item. If you decline, the purchase is canceled, and the child is notified. It’s that simple! But what if things don’t go as planned? Let’s dive into some common questions and issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Family Sharing Purchases

1. Why am I not receiving Ask to Buy requests?

Several factors can prevent you from receiving Ask to Buy requests. Here’s a checklist:

• Check Family Sharing Settings: Ensure you’re the designated parent/guardian with approval permissions within Family Sharing.
• Apple ID Consistency: Verify you’re signed in with the same Apple ID for both Family Sharing and iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing and check the Apple ID listed there. Also verify you are using the same Apple ID in Settings > [Your Name].
• Device Compatibility: Make sure you are using a supported device. Older devices may not support the latest Family Sharing features.
• Notification Settings: Ensure notifications are enabled for the App Store and iTunes Store. Go to Settings > Notifications, find the App Store and iTunes Store, and ensure “Allow Notifications” is toggled on.
• Internet Connection: A stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection is crucial for receiving requests promptly.

2. How do I change the payment method used for Family Sharing?

The Family Organizer controls the payment method for all shared purchases. To change it:

• On Your iPhone or iPad:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap Payment & Shipping. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.
  4. Add, update, or remove payment methods. The first card you add becomes the default payment method.
• On Your Mac:
  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Click your name at the bottom of the sidebar.
  3. Click Account Settings at the top.
  4. Next to Payment Information, click Manage Payments.

3. Can I use my own payment method even if I’m part of Family Sharing?

Yes, you can if the Family Organizer turns off Purchase Sharing. This means everyone must use their own payment method for individual purchases. However, shared subscriptions like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade can still be shared. To turn off Purchase Sharing:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Purchase Sharing, then turn off Share Purchases with Family.

4. Why can’t my child make in-app purchases even with approval?

Several factors can prevent in-app purchases, even with parental approval:

• Content & Privacy Restrictions: Check Screen Time settings. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Ensure “In-app Purchases” is set to “Allow.”
• Age Restrictions: Some in-app purchases might be restricted based on the child’s age settings within their Apple ID.
• Game/App Restrictions: Some games or apps may have their own internal restrictions on in-app purchases, regardless of Family Sharing settings.

5. How do I hide a purchase from other Family Sharing members?

If you want to keep a purchase private, you can hide it:

• In the App Store:
  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon.
  3. Tap Purchased > My Purchases.
  4. Find the app you want to hide, swipe left on it, and tap Hide.
• In iTunes (for older purchases like music or movies):
  1. Open iTunes.
  2. Go to your Account > Purchased.
  3. Hover over the item, and an “X” will appear. Click the “X” to hide the purchase.

6. What types of purchases can be shared with Family Sharing?

Most App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books purchases can be shared, including:

• Apps
• Music
• Movies
• TV Shows
• Books

However, some items may not be eligible for sharing due to licensing restrictions or developer choices. For example, some in-app purchases and subscriptions may not be shareable.

7. How do I turn off Ask to Buy for a family member?

If you no longer want to approve a family member’s purchases (perhaps they’ve reached a certain age or have proven responsible), you can turn off Ask to Buy:

• On Your iPhone or iPad:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap Family Sharing.
  4. Tap your family member’s name.
  5. Tap Ask to Buy.
  6. Toggle Require Purchase Approval off.
• On Your Mac:
  1. Choose the Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Family.
  2. Click your child’s name.
  3. Click Ask to Buy in the sidebar.
  4. Toggle Require Purchase Approval off.

8. Can I set spending limits for my child’s account?

While Family Sharing itself doesn’t offer specific monetary spending limits, you can use Screen Time to manage their overall device usage and restrict access to certain apps and features, which indirectly controls their spending. You can also use parental controls within individual apps, if available.

9. My child is over 18, why are they still being asked to ask for permission?

This usually means the Ask to Buy feature was accidentally left on, or the age associated with their Apple ID is incorrect. Verify their age in their Apple ID settings and ensure Ask to Buy is turned off following the instructions in FAQ #7.

10. I’m the Family Organizer, but I don’t want to share my payment method. Can I still use Family Sharing?

Yes! As explained in FAQ #3, you can turn off Purchase Sharing. This allows you to still share subscriptions and other Family Sharing benefits (like shared photo albums and calendars) without sharing your payment information.

11. How do I manage subscriptions shared through Family Sharing?

The Family Organizer manages all shared subscriptions. To view, modify, or cancel subscriptions:

• On Your iPhone or iPad:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap Subscriptions.
• On Your Mac:
  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Click your name at the bottom of the sidebar.
  3. Click Account Settings at the top.
  4. Scroll down to Manage and click Manage next to Subscriptions.

12. What if I accidentally decline a purchase request?

Unfortunately, you can’t undo a declined request. Your child will need to re-request the purchase.

13. How do I ensure my child isn’t bypassing Ask to Buy with gift cards?

The most effective way is to regularly monitor their account activity and have open conversations about responsible spending. You can also set restrictions on redeeming gift cards through Screen Time settings.

14. Can Family Sharing be used across different countries?

Family Sharing is generally designed for families within the same country or region. Using it across different countries can lead to issues with content availability, payment methods, and age restrictions.

15. What resources are available to help my child learn about responsible spending habits?

Many great resources exist to teach kids about money management and responsible spending. Check out websites like Games Learning Society ( https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ ) which explore innovative ways to engage children in learning, including financial literacy through games. Teaching financial responsibility can also involve setting up a family budget together and providing opportunities for them to earn money.

Family Sharing is a powerful tool for managing your family’s digital life and ensuring responsible spending habits. By understanding its features and addressing common issues, you can create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. You can explore more engaging and educational content on responsible digital habits at GamesLearningSociety.org.