How-To: Turn off in-app purchases on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

With in-app purchases getting increasingly popular among iOS developers, it’s easy to spend a small fortune on extra functionalities modern apps offer

. Some of the apps sell access to additional content and features, whereas games are known to offer character upgrades, new weapons and other enhancements that ultimately help you win. Although most in-app purchases ask for small amounts, it all easily adds up to the rising iTunes bill.

That said you may want to consider turning them off. This is especially true if your phone is used by someone else, too. Notably if you have a child, he or she may be tempted to spice up an existing app or game with a small enhancement. Luckily there’s an option to prevent (or least manage) that.

1. Go to “Settings” -> “General”.
2. Scroll to “Restrictions” and tap the “Enable Restrictions” button.
3. You’ll be asked to set a passcode which will be used to lock certain iOS functions.
4. Scroll down to the “Allowed Content” section and slide the “In-App Purchases” to “Off.”

Once you’re done, only those who know the passcode you’ve set in the third step will be able to spend your hard-earned money on in-app purchases. It’s that easy.