How to Disable In-App Purchases on the iPhone 5

Have you ever been surprised by unexpected charges on your Apple ID? Maybe a game your child played made automatic purchases, or you accidentally tapped “Buy” while using an app. Don’t worry — you can stop that from happening.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to disable in-app purchases on the iPhone 5, explain why it’s important, and give you easy, step-by-step instructions to keep your wallet safe.

This tutorial is simple, beginner-friendly, and perfect for anyone still using the iPhone 5 or older iOS devices.

What Are In-App Purchases?

In-app purchases are additional content or features you can buy within an app after downloading it. For example:

• Buying coins in a game

• Unlocking premium levels

• Subscribing to premium features

• Removing ads

These purchases use your Apple ID for payment, and they can quickly add up if not controlled — especially if multiple people use the same iPhone.

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Why Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone 5?

Even though the iPhone 5 is an older device, many users still rely on it for everyday use — and it’s still connected to the App Store. Here’s why disabling in-app purchases is a smart move:

• 🧒 Prevent children from spending money accidentally.

• 💰 Avoid unexpected charges from apps that use “microtransactions.”

• 🔐 Protect your Apple ID from unauthorized purchases.

• 🧘 Reduce distractions by removing “Buy Now” temptations in games.

• 📉 Control spending without disabling the App Store entirely.

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Types of In-App Purchases

Understanding the types of in-app purchases helps you manage them better:

All of these can be disabled in one go — and we’ll show you how.

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How to Disable In-App Purchases on the iPhone 5 (Step-by-Step)

On the iPhone 5, in-app purchases are controlled through Restrictions, also known as Parental Controls.

Follow these simple steps:

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Step 1: Open Settings

1. Unlock your iPhone 5.

2. Tap the Settings app (gray gear icon).

This is where you’ll manage all privacy, security, and content restrictions.

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Step 2: Tap General

1. Scroll down.

2. Tap General → it’s near the top of the list.

This opens your device’s main configuration options.

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Step 3: Open Restrictions

1. In the General menu, tap Restrictions.

2. If you haven’t set it up before, you’ll need to enable it.

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Step 4: Enable Restrictions

1. Tap Enable Restrictions.

2. You’ll be asked to set a 4-digit passcode.

   • Make sure it’s something you’ll remember but your child or others won’t guess.

This passcode will protect your Restrictions settings.

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Step 5: Turn Off In-App Purchases

1. Scroll down to the Allowed Content section.

2. Find In-App Purchases.

3. Toggle it OFF.

✅ Once this is done, no app on your iPhone 5 can make in-app purchases unless you re-enable it.

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How to Set a Passcode for Restrictions

Setting a Restrictions Passcode is crucial — it ensures no one can re-enable in-app purchases without your permission.

To change or add one:

1. Go to Settings → General → Restrictions.

2. Tap Enable Restrictions.

3. Enter and confirm a 4-digit passcode.

💡 Tip: Use a code different from your device unlock passcode for extra safety.

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How to Disable In-App Purchases Using Screen Time (iOS 12+)

If your iPhone 5 is running iOS 12 or later (via an upgrade), Apple replaced “Restrictions” with Screen Time.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Settings → Screen Time.

2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

3. Turn the switch ON.

4. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.

5. Tap In-App Purchases → Don’t Allow.

That’s it — all in-app purchases will now be disabled.

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How to Enable In-App Purchases Again

If you ever change your mind:

• Go back to Settings → General → Restrictions.

• Scroll to In-App Purchases.

• Toggle it ON again.

Or if using Screen Time:

• Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → Allow.

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Alternative: Require Password Before Every Purchase

If you don’t want to block in-app purchases completely, you can require a password for every transaction.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings → iTunes & App Store.

2. Tap your Apple ID → View Apple ID.

3. Tap Password Settings.

4. Choose Always Require.

Now, your iPhone 5 will ask for your password every time before buying anything — even free apps that offer paid add-ons.

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How to Prevent Kids from Making Purchases

Many accidental purchases happen because kids tap “Buy” during games. You can prevent that easily:

• Turn on Restrictions and disable In-App Purchases.

• Set a Restrictions passcode only you know.

• Use Guided Access to lock a single app on the screen.

• Teach your child to always ask permission before downloading.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also create a Child Apple ID under Family Sharing with spending limits.

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Parental Controls for iPhone 5 Users

You can use other parental controls alongside in-app purchase restrictions:

These settings combine well with in-app purchase blocking to make your iPhone safer for kids.

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How to Monitor Purchase History

If you want to see what has already been purchased:

1. Open Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases.

2. Tap View Account → enter your password.

3. Tap Purchase History.

Here you’ll find every app, song, or item ever bought — including in-app purchases.

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Common Problems and Fixes

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How to Disable In-App Purchases for Specific Apps

While Apple doesn’t offer a per-app toggle for in-app purchases, you can restrict specific apps manually:

1. Go to Settings → General → Restrictions.

2. Turn off Installing Apps temporarily.

3. Delete or restrict apps that have built-in purchases.

Alternatively, consider using Family Sharing → Ask to Buy for controlled approvals.

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Extra Tips to Avoid Accidental Purchases

Here are some expert suggestions for total control:

• 🛡️ Always sign out of your Apple ID after purchases on shared devices.

• ⏱️ Use Screen Time limits for apps that tempt in-app spending.

• 🧒 Create child accounts with restricted permissions.

• 💳 Remove payment methods from your Apple ID if not needed.

• 📱 Disable Face ID or Touch ID for purchases on newer devices if you hand over your phone often.

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Conclusion

Learning how to disable in-app purchases on the iPhone 5 is one of the easiest ways to prevent surprise charges, protect your finances, and maintain control over what gets purchased on your device.

Whether you’re setting up a child’s phone, managing your own spending, or simply securing your Apple ID, disabling in-app purchases gives you peace of mind.

All it takes is a few taps in Settings → General → Restrictions → In-App Purchases → Off — and you’re protected.

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FAQs

1. Can I block in-app purchases without turning off the App Store?

Yes, disabling “In-App Purchases” only affects purchases inside apps. You can still download new apps normally.

2. Will disabling in-app purchases affect free apps?

No. You can still download and use free apps — only in-app transactions are blocked.

3. How do I re-enable purchases later?

Just go to Settings → General → Restrictions → In-App Purchases → ON (or via Screen Time on newer iOS versions).

4. What if my iPhone 5 doesn’t have Screen Time?

Older models use Restrictions instead of Screen Time — you’ll find it under Settings → General.

5. Can I prevent subscription renewals too?

Yes. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → Cancel next to any active plan.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Quick Summary:
To disable in-app purchases on iPhone 5 —
Go to Settings → General → Restrictions → Enable Restrictions → Toggle Off In-App Purchases.
That’s it — no more surprise charges or accidental buys!