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How to Recognize and Avoid Accidental In-App Purchases

Seniors

How to Recognize and Avoid Accidental In-App Purchases

You download a free app, start using it, and then notice an unexpected charge on your credit card. Or your grandchild plays a game on your phone and accidentally buys something. In-app purchases are one of the most common sources of unexpected charges on phones and tablets. This guide explains how they work, how to protect yourself from accidental purchases, and what to do if you are charged for something you did not mean to buy.

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What Are In-App Purchases?

An in-app purchase is a charge made from within an app — after you have already downloaded it.

  • Extra features: unlocking premium features in an app (for example, removing ads or accessing advanced tools).
  • Virtual items: buying coins, gems, or other virtual currency in a game.
  • Subscriptions: signing up for a recurring monthly or annual fee within an app.
  • Content: buying additional levels, books, music, or other content within an app.
  • The charge goes to the payment method linked to your Apple ID (iPhone) or Google account (Android).

Tip: Many apps are free to download but designed to encourage in-app purchases. The word "Free" in the App Store or Google Play means the download is free — it does not mean the app has no charges.

How to Require a Password for Every Purchase on iPhone

You can set your iPhone to require your Apple ID password or Face ID/Touch ID before every purchase — including in-app purchases.

  1. 1Go to Settings → your name → Payment & Shipping.
  2. 2Scroll down and tap Password Settings.
  3. 3Under In-App Purchases, select Always Require.
  4. 4This means every in-app purchase will require your password or biometric confirmation before it goes through.

Tip: If you share your phone with grandchildren or others, this setting is especially important. No purchase can be made without your approval.

How to Turn Off In-App Purchases Entirely on iPhone

If you want to prevent in-app purchases completely, you can disable them through Screen Time.

  1. 1Go to Settings → Screen Time.
  2. 2If Screen Time is not set up, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts.
  3. 3Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  4. 4Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  5. 5Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
  6. 6Tap In-app Purchases.
  7. 7Select Don't Allow.

Tip: Set a Screen Time passcode that is different from your phone passcode. This prevents others from changing the restriction.

How to Require Confirmation for Purchases on Android

Google Play can require authentication before every purchase.

  1. 1Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. 2Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. 3Tap Settings.
  4. 4Tap Authentication.
  5. 5Tap Require authentication for purchases.
  6. 6Select For all purchases through Google Play on this device.

How to Recognize a Subscription You Did Not Mean to Start

Some apps sign you up for a subscription during a free trial, and the charge begins automatically when the trial ends.

  • Watch for "free trial" offers — they often require a payment method and charge automatically when the trial ends.
  • Check your email for subscription confirmation emails you may not have noticed.
  • Review your credit card or bank statement regularly for recurring charges.
  • On iPhone: go to Settings → your name → Subscriptions to see all active subscriptions.
  • On Android: open the Google Play Store → your profile picture → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions.

How to Request a Refund for an Accidental Purchase

If you were charged for something you did not mean to buy, you can request a refund.

  1. 1For Apple App Store purchases: go to reportaproblem.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID. Find the purchase and click Report a Problem. Select "I didn't mean to make this in-app purchase" and submit.
  2. 2For Google Play purchases: open the Google Play Store → your profile picture → Payment & subscriptions → Order history. Find the purchase and tap Refund.
  3. 3Apple and Google typically approve refund requests for accidental purchases, especially if requested within a few days.

Tip: Request refunds as soon as you notice an unexpected charge. The sooner you request it, the more likely it is to be approved.

What to Do If You See a Charge You Do Not Recognize

If you see a charge on your credit card from Apple or Google that you do not recognize, here is how to investigate.

  1. 1On iPhone: go to Settings → your name → Subscriptions to see active subscriptions, and check your purchase history at reportaproblem.apple.com.
  2. 2On Android: check your Google Play purchase history as described above.
  3. 3If the charge is not from an app purchase, contact your bank — it may be an unauthorized charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Securing Your Phone Against Accidental Purchases?

My Neighbor Tech provides patient, in-home smartphone support for seniors throughout Harford County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Howard County, MD. We can set up purchase confirmation, review your subscriptions, and make sure your phone is configured the way you want it.

Schedule Service(410) 870-9233