Block App Purchases: How to Stop Unwanted Spending on Phones and Tablets

When you block app purchases, you prevent unauthorized or accidental spending on mobile apps, games, and digital content through app stores like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Also known as in-app purchase restrictions, this is a simple but powerful tool for families, budget-conscious users, and anyone who’s ever been shocked by a surprise charge on their credit card. It’s not just about stopping kids from buying virtual swords or premium game skins—it’s about taking control of your digital spending before it spirals.

Most people don’t realize how easy it is for a child—or even a curious adult—to tap their way into hundreds of dollars in purchases. A 2023 study by the FTC found that over 1 in 5 parents had been charged for purchases their child made without permission. That’s not a glitch. It’s a default setting. Both Apple and Google let apps request payment with just a tap, and many users never turn off the requirement for a password or biometric confirmation. Parental controls, a set of settings built into iOS, Android, and streaming platforms to limit access and spending. Also known as family sharing restrictions, these tools let you lock down purchases, require passwords for every transaction, or even disable buying entirely. You don’t need a third-party app. Everything you need is already on your phone.

It’s not just about kids. Ever bought something by accident after a mis-tap? Or shared your device with a friend who downloaded a subscription you didn’t know about? Device management, the process of controlling which devices can access accounts and what actions they can take. Also known as account security settings, this goes beyond blocking purchases—it lets you sign out old devices, revoke access, and track who’s using your account. If you’ve ever been locked out of your own Netflix or Hulu account because someone else logged in on a tablet you forgot about, you know how important this is.

Some of the posts below show you how to sign out of old TVs and revoke streaming access—same idea. Whether you’re dealing with a kid’s iPhone, a shared family tablet, or a device left unattended in the living room, blocking app purchases is the first line of defense. You’ll find clear, step-by-step guides for Apple, Android, and even Amazon Fire tablets. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works.

And it’s not just about money. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing your account is secure, your kids aren’t spending recklessly, and your credit card isn’t getting hit by surprise charges. That’s worth a few minutes of setup. The tools are there. The steps are simple. You just need to turn them on.