Require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases

You can require a password for every purchase or require a password every 15 minutes.

You can choose how often you want to enter your password when you buy items (including in-app purchases) from the App Store and iTunes Store:

  • Always Require—Every time you make a purchase, you'll be asked to enter your password, even if you're signed in with your Apple ID.
  • Require After 15 Minutes—If you entered your password within the last 15 minutes, you won't be asked to enter your password again.

If you don't want to enter a password when you download free items, follow the steps below and turn off password protection for free items.

Require a password on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap Media & Purchases.
  4. Tap Password Settings, then choose the setting that you want.

If you don't see Password Settings, you have turned on Face ID or Touch ID for App Store and iTunes Purchases. To change this, go back to Settings, tap "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode", then turn off Face ID or Touch ID next to iTunes & App Store.

Require a password on your Mac

  1. On your Mac, choose the Apple menu () at the top of your screen, then choose System Preferences.
  2. Click Apple ID.
  3. Click Media & Purchases.
  4. Select the settings that you want for free downloads and purchases. If you have Touch ID turned on for purchases, you won't see this menu.

If you're using an older version of macOS, open iTunes, choose iTunes > Preferences, then click the Store tab.

Require a password on your PC

If you're using a PC, open iTunes. From the top of the iTunes window, choose Edit, then choose Preferences. Click the Store tab. Then select the settings that you want for purchases and free downloads.

Require a password on your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD

  1. From the Home screen, select Settings.
  2. Select Users and Accounts.
  3. Select [your name]'s Account.
  4. Under Require Password, choose the settings that you want for purchases and free downloads.

Require a password on your Apple TV (3rd generation)

  1. From the Home screen, select Settings > iTunes Store > Sign In.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  3. After you click Submit, you'll see a screen that says "Remember Password?" Select your preferred level of protection:
    • Choose Yes if you want the Apple TV to remember your password for purchases as long as you're signed in with your Apple ID.
    • Choose No if you want to enter your password each time that you make a purchase in the iTunes Store.

To change your password settings, sign out, then follow the steps above to sign in again.

About turning off password protection

You can't completely turn off password protection for paid items on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or computer. On Apple TV, you can turn off password protection for both free and paid items.

If you enabled Touch ID or Face ID for App Store and iTunes Store purchases, you'll be asked to use Touch ID or Face ID for every download, even if the item is free.

Manage what kids buy or download

If you use Family Sharing, you can use Ask to Buy to control what kids buy. When a child asks to buy an item or download a free item, the family organizer can approve or decline the request.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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