What it means
Ask to Buy lets an organizer or designated adult decide on eligible child app downloads and purchases. The request includes the item, and approval can download it to the child's account. Apple notes that some events, including updates, a child's own redownloads and redemption codes, do not cause the same approval request. The feature depends on a Child Account in the family group and regional age rules.
A real-world example
A parent approves a free game and later sees a purchase made through another payment route. Ask to Buy's earlier approval was for the displayed item; it was not a blanket authorization for every future transaction.
What to do
Check the child's account, Ask to Buy setting and the actual approval request. Review purchase history and any third-party billing separately. Use age-appropriate app restrictions and discussion about scams rather than relying on one switch.
The distinction that matters
A failed notification does not mean the child bypassed a control; check the adult's Messages, contacts and device updates. Conversely, receiving a request does not certify the app's privacy practices. Ask to Buy cannot replace controls for web purchases, gifts or payment details outside the eligible Apple flow. Where regional law fixes an age-based setting, follow the actual account interface and Apple guidance.
Apple Ask to Buy explanation
