Balance App Spending And Kids

Apple makes it very a simple and fast to buy apps, music, and other entertainment items for iOS devices.  However, parents usually pay the price for these luxuries.  What I mean is, most parents purchase the new device, set it up and hand it over to their children.  Now who’s being irresponsible here.  Anyway, there is sorta a middle ground for parents and their children to meet when it comes to buying items in the iTunes store.  Their are a few different strategies parents can take to prevent high credit card bills or the shock of an outrageous credit card bill in the mail.  We all know getting refunds from Apple is like pulling teeth.  However, you did purchase these applications willingly.  You may not have purchased them directly but you gave your child an iOS device with your information and passwords.  That’s the same as saying you bought it in Apple’s eyes.  Well I have good news their are a few ways to prevent this from happening.

Set Allowances 

This is the best way overall and to me makes thew most sense.  It gives the user the ability to buy a set number of applications.  Not only does it keep down credit card bills but also teaches your child the meaning of money.  They may think before hiotting that buy button so often now.  They may stop and think do I really want this application.  Setting allowances can be a strategy both the parent and child have a say.  They can come to an agreement beforehand.

How to Set iTunes Allowances

1. Open iTunes and sign in to your account.  Be sure all the information is correct including the credit card numbers.
2. Click the “Home” button in the menu across the top of the screen.
3. Click on “Buy iTunes gift” in the right side bar of the page.
4. Scroll down the page until you see “Set Up Allowance”  Click on it.
5. Once the page opens you will need to enter all the specified information including how much you wish to allot the user you are setting up allowance for now.
6. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the set up.

You can view the allowances and manage them at any time by signing into your account.  You can change the amount, suspend, and create new allowances from here anytime.

Enable Restrictions

The child may be too young all together to purchase apps.  What can you do?  You can disable purchases altogether.  In order to disable iTunes store purchases complete the following.

1. Open Settings > General > Restrictions
2. Tap Enable Restrictions
3. Here you can set many other things including app tore restrictions.
4. Select a four digit code -keep in mind this code isn’t related to lockscreen code.  Once the code has been selected you may restrict a number of different feature’s such as FaceTime, installing/deleting apps, and more.
5. Once the passcode has been set it must be entered to purchase apps or anything else in iTunes store.

Use one of the methods above to control spending in the app store.  Parents may rest better knowing their credit card limits aren’t being exceeded due to app purchases from their child’s new iOS device.  By taking a little time to plan and enable restrictions on their child’s device, everybody is happy.

Watch the video below for a look at how to set up allowances.  Comments are always welcome.