Have you ever faced this problem as a parent? Suddenly, an invoice from Apple appears for an app or an in-game item that your child purchased accidentally without your knowledge. This issue can be a headache and lead to unnecessary expenses. But for families in the Apple ecosystem, this problem can be easily solved with a feature called Ask to Buy.
Today, cmns Mac Repair Chiang Mai would like to introduce you to this essential assistant for managing your children's online spending.
What is Ask to Buy and How Does It Work with Family Sharing?
Ask to Buy is a feature that operates within Apple's "Family Sharing" system. Its working principle is straightforward and effective:
When you set up your child within a Family Sharing group and enable Ask to Buy, every time your child attempts to purchase digital goods—whether it's an app, game, song, book, or an in-app purchase—the transaction will not go through immediately. Instead, a request notification is sent to the family organizer's device (the parent).
The parent can then review the details of what the child wants to buy and has the option to "Approve" or "Decline" the request. If approved, the purchase is completed and charged to the parent's payment method. If declined, the purchase is canceled.
Benefits of Ask to Buy Every Parent Should Know
- 100% Spending Control: Say goodbye to surprise bills and unexpected charges. You are the one who approves every single transaction.
- Review Apps Before Installation: It's not just about money. You can also check if the app your child wants to buy is age-appropriate and safe. It acts as a content filter.
- Building Financial Discipline: It creates an excellent opportunity to teach children about the value of money and making thoughtful purchases, ensuring that spending is always a result of a conversation.
How to Enable Ask to Buy
- Prerequisite: You must have Family Sharing set up first and have added your child's Apple ID to the group.
- Activation: Ask to Buy is typically enabled by default for any child under 13. If you wish to turn it on for older children (ages 13-17), you can do so in: Settings > Tap your name > Family Sharing > Tap your child's name > Ask to Buy
Conclusion: Ask to Buy is a powerful and essential tool for families in the digital age. It provides peace of mind for parents and creates a safe purchasing environment for children. A few minutes of setup can prevent the problem of budget overruns permanently.
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