How to Turn Off In-Game Purchases

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before turning off in-game purchases?

Before disabling in-game purchases, gather key information and tools to ensure a smooth process. Identify your device type—such as iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, Xbox, or PlayStation—because each has different settings. Have your account login credentials ready for the app store or gaming platform linked to purchases. Confirm you have administrative access to the device or account, especially important on shared devices or family accounts. Also, decide whether the account belongs to an adult or a child, since parental controls vary accordingly. For example, on an iPhone, parental controls are set via Screen Time, while on Android devices they are managed through Google Play settings. Gathering this information helps avoid delays and confusion during setup.

How do you turn off in-game purchases step-by-step?

Follow this detailed process to disable in-game purchases effectively, with reasons explaining each step:

1. Open your device’s settings or app store account settings. For example, on iPhones, open Settings > Screen Time; on Android, open the Google Play Store app and go to Settings > Parental controls; on Xbox, open Settings > Account > Family settings.

1. Find and enable parental controls or purchase restrictions. Activating these controls blocks or limits purchases. On iOS, this is under Content & Privacy Restrictions. On Android, toggle Parental controls on and set a PIN. On consoles, locate spending or store purchase restrictions under family or account settings.

1. Set a secure passcode or PIN. This prevents others, especially children, from disabling restrictions. Choose a code you can remember but others cannot guess. For example, a 4-digit PIN or password works well.

1. Disable or restrict in-app or in-game purchases explicitly. On iOS, turn off In-App Purchases under Allowed Apps. On Android, restrict purchases by requiring authentication for every purchase. On consoles, set spending limits or block purchases entirely.

1. Save or apply your settings before exiting. On some devices, changes are saved automatically; on others, tap Apply or Save to confirm. Failing to save can cause the settings to reset.

1. Restart your device or app. This helps apply the new restrictions fully. For example, power off your phone or console, then power it back on.

1. Test the changes by attempting a purchase or checking if purchase buttons are disabled. Try to buy a small item or open the in-game store. You should see a prompt for a password or a message that purchases are blocked.

This approach works for most devices and platforms, though wording and menus vary. For instance, on PlayStation, you can set spending limits via Family Management settings, while on Steam, parental controls are accessed through Family View.

How can you tell if turning off in-game purchases worked?

After applying restrictions, you should notice clear signs that purchases are blocked. For example, the in-game store’s purchase buttons might be missing or grayed out. If you try to make a purchase, the device should prompt for a password or PIN, which you can’t provide if the settings are working correctly. On iOS, a message saying “Purchases and downloads are not allowed” appears if in-app purchases are disabled. Checking the purchase history in your app store or gaming account can also confirm no new charges have been made after activating restrictions. If children use the device, they might say they can’t buy items anymore, which is a practical sign. Testing ensures your setup protects against accidental or unauthorized spending.

What should you do if turning off in-game purchases doesn’t work?

If you find purchases are still possible, try these steps to fix the issue:

• Revisit settings to ensure purchase restrictions are enabled and saved correctly. Sometimes toggles are missed or not confirmed.
• Check that the passcode or PIN is active and not easily bypassed. If the restriction password is not set or forgotten, controls won’t function.
• Verify you applied restrictions to the correct user profile, especially on shared or family devices with multiple accounts.
• Restart the device to refresh system settings.
• Update your device’s software and apps to the latest versions, as outdated software can cause features to malfunction.
• Remove saved payment methods in app store or gaming accounts to add another layer of protection.
• Contact the game developer or platform support if a particular game allows purchases despite restrictions.
• Consult detailed guides or official support pages for your device or platform.

If unauthorized charges occurred, review purchase history and request refunds where possible. For refunds and purchase disputes, see resources on Can I Refund In-Game Purchases? What You Should Know.

How do you adapt turning off in-game purchases for different audiences?

Parents and guardians should combine purchase restrictions with strong passcodes to protect children, explaining the importance of these limits. For example, set clear family rules about spending and gaming time alongside restrictions. Educators can use this knowledge to teach youth about digital spending and responsible account management. Adults managing their own accounts may disable purchases to avoid impulse spending or budget better. For shared devices, create separate user profiles with individual restrictions to fit each user’s needs. For instance, a family Xbox console can have child accounts with blocked purchases and adult accounts unrestricted. Tailoring instructions to the user’s tech skills and device ensures effective control and understanding.

Why is it important to turn off in-game purchases?

Disabling in-game purchases protects users from unexpected charges, especially children who might not understand real-world money value. Some games heavily promote microtransactions, which can quickly accumulate costs. Turning off purchases also guards your financial information and limits impulse buying. It encourages responsible gaming habits and reduces potential conflicts over money in households. Understanding what in-game purchases are and how they work, as explained in What Are In-Game Purchases, helps users make informed choices about their gaming and spending.

What additional steps support safe gaming beyond turning off purchases?

In addition to disabling purchases, consider these safety practices:

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on gaming accounts.
• Monitor and limit screen time to promote balanced gaming habits.
• Educate children about money value and how digital transactions work.
• Review and adjust privacy settings to control data access.
• Regularly check billing statements for unauthorized charges.
• Use parental controls specific to popular games, like Fortnite, following detailed guides such as How to Set Parental Controls on Fortnite.
• Discuss open and honest communication in families about gaming and spending.

Combining these strategies with purchase restrictions creates a safer, more controlled gaming environment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I turn off in-game purchases on any device?

Most devices like iPhones, Android phones, Windows PCs, and gaming consoles offer parental controls or purchase restrictions to disable in-game purchases. However, procedures vary by platform and device model. Some older devices might not support these features, so check your device’s support resources for exact instructions.

How do parental controls differ from simply removing payment methods?

Parental controls actively block purchase attempts and often require a password to override, providing stronger protection. Removing payment methods stops current payment options but doesn’t prevent adding new ones or using gift cards. Using both strategies together offers better security.

Can I disable in-game purchases for only specific games?

Most device-level controls apply restrictions across all apps and games on the account or device. Some games may offer internal purchase controls, but this is uncommon. To block specific games, consider uninstalling or restricting app usage via parental controls.

What if unauthorized purchases have already been made?

Review your account’s purchase history and contact the platform or game developer promptly to request refunds if eligible. Resources like [Can I Refund In-Game Purchases? What You Should Know](#r2) provide guidance. Setting up spending controls and discussing responsible use helps prevent future incidents.

Are there options to limit purchase amounts instead of turning them off completely?

Some platforms allow setting spending limits or require approval for purchases, found under parental controls or account settings. These features vary by system but can help manage spending without fully disabling purchases.