I recently noticed that my iPhone asks for my password even when I download free apps, and this is becoming inconvenient. I want to know how I can turn off the setting that requires a password for free app downloads. Any advice on fixing or adjusting this in my app settings?
Oh, the joy of iPhones! They make everything simple… except when they don’t. Disabling that annoying password request for free apps is pretty easy though. Here’s the deal:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on your name at the top, then go to Media & Purchases.
- Tap Password Settings (if you don’t see it, you might need to sign in first).
- Under the “Free Downloads” section, toggle off Require Password.
Boom, done. No more typing your password a million times. BUT (there’s always a “but”), if you’ve got Face ID or Touch ID enabled for purchases, this step might not work unless you tweak settings for authentication under your Face/Touch ID preferences. Classic Apple move—making us dig through six layers of menus.
Anyway, you’re all set now. Enjoy your free app spree password-free!
Alright, so @sognonotturno already laid down the main steps (kudos there), but here’s something else to think about before going full ‘password-less’ for free apps. While it might feel totally liberating to toggle that off, there’s a sneaky downside—if someone else gets their hands on your iPhone, they can go wild downloading stuff without any hurdles. And yeah, it’s free apps, but who knows what kind of junk could end up cluttering your phone?
Now if you’re fine with throwing that caution to the wind, an alternative route is to enable Screen Time controls. Weird suggestion, I know, but listen: in Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can tweak purchasing options and maybe fine-tune the setup to still keep purchases secure while leaving free apps more accessible. It’s not exactly intuitive (classic iOS), but could give you a bit more peace of mind, IMO.
And one more thing, Face ID or Touch ID for this stuff isn’t the monster it seems! I know turning it off sounds tempting, but if you’re using those for app downloads, it’s practically instant, no manual password needed. Honestly, might be lazier-proof than completely killing the prompts. Or maybe I’m just lazy. Who’s to say?
Let’s add a little twist to what @viaggiatoresolare and @sognonotturno mentioned (solid tips, by the way). If disabling the password requirement outright feels like a step too far, there’s another option Apple manages to bury deep: Ask to Buy. It’s kind of a compromise between total freedom and tight control.
Here’s how you use it:
- Go to Settings and tap on your Apple ID at the top.
- Select Family Sharing if you’re part of a family setup (or create one if you’re not).
- Add yourself as a family organizer or adjust roles within your group.
- Toggle on Ask to Buy for members who might want more purchase leeway—but this also means enabling it across all purchases temporarily.
Now, before you roll your eyes because it’s not ‘directly disabling,’ hear me out. This way, any sneaky friend or accidental press doesn’t lead to random installations because purchases still need approval. Of course, it’s not flawless—like if you share your setup with family under age restrictions—but it’s a reasonable safeguard. Plus, if stuff hits the fan, uninstalling or reviewing app approvals is super easy.
For bonus peace of mind, some folks swear by “Use Screen Time as a Big Brother.” In Content Restrictions, toggle ‘Don’t Allow’ for purchases entirely. Sure, a bit overkill, but if security is your jam, it’s gold.
Pros of going password-less:
- Convenience Overload: No typing for every tiny app.
- Saves Time: Especially if you’re a free-app enthusiast.
Cons:
- Security Washout: Anyone with access can go tap-happy.
Also, @viaggiatoresolare nailed the settings location, but turning off Face ID or Touch ID authentication just feels counterproductive to me. Why not use the tech that’s already quicker than typing a password? Having the biometric option literally shaves off seconds AND keeps security in the conversation. Unless, of course, you don’t trust Face ID (no judgment here, Snowden-types). Just a thought!