As parents, we want to have control over what apps our kids install on their devices. Apple offers some great parental controls, but there’s one loophole that many parents don’t realize exists: By default, kids can re-download previously installed apps without needing to enter a password.
This means that if your child had previously downloaded a game or social media app, they can reinstall it anytime—without asking for permission. Fortunately, there’s a way to require a password every time an app is downloaded, whether it’s new or re-downloaded.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up your child’s iPhone or iPad so they must always enter a password before downloading any app.
Step 1: Sign in to the App Store with Your Apple ID
Many parents assume that signing into iCloud is the same as signing into the App Store, but they are actually separate.
To ensure full control, follow these steps:
- 1. Open the App Store on your child’s device.
- 2. Tap the profile icon (top right corner).
- 3. Scroll down and sign out if their account is currently signed in.
- 4. Sign in with your Apple ID (this ensures the password settings apply correctly).
Step 2: Disable Face ID or Touch ID for App Store Purchases
By default, iPhones and iPads allow users to confirm purchases with Face ID or Touch ID, which can make it too easy for kids to bypass restrictions.
To disable this:
- 1. Open Settings.
- 2. Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older devices).
- 3. Enter your passcode.
- 4. Toggle off “iTunes & App Store.”
This ensures that every app download requires a manual password entry instead of a quick Face ID scan.
Step 3: Require a Password for All App Downloads
Now that Face ID is turned off, we need to make sure every download requires a password, even for free apps and re-downloaded ones.
- 1. Open Settings.
- 2. Scroll down and tap App Store.
- 3. Tap Password Settings (if you don’t see this option, make sure you’re signed in to the App Store with your Apple ID).
- 4. Under Free Downloads, toggle “Require Password” ON.
- 5. Under Purchases and In-App Purchases, select “Always Require”.
🔒 This setting ensures that every app download—whether new or previously installed—requires a password!
Bonus: Use Screen Time for Extra Control
If you want an extra layer of security, you can use Screen Time to prevent app downloads entirely without permission.
- 1. Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
- 2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- 3. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions if it’s not already on.
- 4. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- 5. Set Installing Apps to “Don’t Allow” (if you want to require permission for all new downloads).
- 6. Set Deleting Apps to “Don’t Allow” (to prevent kids from deleting an app to try and re-download it without restrictions).
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you’ll force your child to enter a password every time they download an app, even if they’ve downloaded it before.
This setup:
✅ Prevents kids from easily re-downloading previously installed apps
✅ Ensures parents have control over every new app installation
✅ Stops Face ID or Touch ID from bypassing password entry
This method is a great way to set boundaries while still allowing kids to use their devices responsibly.
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