How to Approve App Download for Child iPhone
If your child tries to download an app on their iPhone and it asks for your approval, that’s part of Apple’s Family Sharing feature.
It’s designed to give parents control over app purchases and downloads, ensuring kids only access age-appropriate content.
Understanding how to approve or deny app downloads for your child not only keeps their iPhone safe but also helps you manage their digital activity responsibly.
How App Approval Works on iPhone
| Feature | Purpose | Who Can Use It | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask to Buy | Sends requests to parent for approval | Child under 18 | Family Sharing Settings |
| Family Organizer | Controls permissions for all members | Parent or guardian | Apple ID → Family Sharing |
| Screen Time | Sets limits and content restrictions | Parent and child | Settings → Screen Time |
| Purchase Sharing | Allows or blocks purchases | Family group | Settings → Family Sharing |
Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing
Before approving app downloads, ensure Family Sharing is set up properly.
To set it up:
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
Select Family Sharing → Set Up Your Family.
Choose Parent/Guardian as your role.
Tip: You can invite your child via iMessage or create a new Apple ID for them if they don’t already have one.
Step 2: Turn On “Ask to Buy”
The Ask to Buy feature is what sends you notifications when your child tries to download an app.
To enable Ask to Buy:
Open Settings → Family → Your Child’s Name.
Tap Ask to Buy.
Turn the toggle ON.
Now, whenever your child tries to get a new app, you’ll receive a request notification on your device.
Step 3: Approve or Deny App Requests
Once Ask to Buy is active, you’ll start receiving notifications each time your child requests an app.
Here’s how to approve or deny them:
When a request appears on your iPhone or iPad, tap the notification.
Review the app name, price, and age rating.
Tap Approve or Don’t Approve.
If you miss the notification, you can still manage it by going to:
Settings → Family → Your Child’s Name → Ask to Buy Requests.
Step 4: Approve from Another Device (Mac or iPad)
You can also approve your child’s app download from any Apple device linked to your Family Sharing account.
On a Mac:
Open the App Store.
Click your name or sign in if needed.
Go to Ask to Buy Requests under your account.
Approve or deny the app from there.
Step 5: Manage App Permissions Later
Even after approving an app, you can still manage how your child uses it.
To adjust settings:
Go to Settings → Screen Time → Your Child’s Name.
Tap App Limits to set daily limits.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions to block certain features or age-inappropriate apps.
This ensures your child’s iPhone remains safe, balanced, and appropriate for their age.
When to Use App Download Approval
| Scenario | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| New apps from unknown developers | Prevents potential security risks |
| In-app purchases or subscriptions | Controls unnecessary spending |
| Games with chat or ads | Protects your child’s privacy |
| Social media or dating apps | Maintains age-appropriate usage |
FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I approve my child’s app download?
Make sure both your device and your child’s iPhone are signed in with Family Sharing and Ask to Buy is turned on.
Q2: Can my child download free apps without approval?
No. If Ask to Buy is on, even free apps require your approval.
Q3: What if I want to disable Ask to Buy temporarily?
Go to Settings → Family → Your Child’s Name → Ask to Buy → Turn Off.
Q4: Can multiple parents approve requests?
Yes. If both parents are listed as Guardians, either can approve the request.
