How to Configure Ask to Buy for Family Sharing
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iOS 18.4 - iPhone 15 Pro
- You will need
- Apple ID with Family Sharing enabled, Family Organizer account access
Step by step
Access Family Sharing settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap your name at the very top of the menu, then select Family Sharing from the list.
Choose the family member
Locate the Family Members section and tap the name of the child for whom you wish to enable purchase approvals. You must be the Family Organizer to modify these settings.
Enable Ask to Buy
Tap the Ask to Buy option within the child's settings menu. Toggle the switch to the On position to activate the approval requirement for all purchases and free downloads.
Note: This setting applies to all devices connected to the child's Apple ID.Confirm notification delivery
Ensure the device you are currently holding is selected as the primary approver device. Future requests will appear as push notifications on your lock screen and within the Messages app.
Validate the approval flow
Ask the child to attempt to download a free app from the App Store. When the child taps Get, an Ask to Buy request will be sent to your device for final confirmation.
Note: Requests expire after 24 hours if not approved or declined.