My Child Has Run Up a Large In-App Purchase Bill
You have received a large or unexpected bill from Apple, Google, or another app store, or noticed multiple in-app purchase charges on your bank statement that your child has made without your knowledge.
Finding a large unexpected bill from in-app purchases can be stressful, but this is one of the most common issues parents face with children's device use. Many apps and games are deliberately designed to encourage spending, and children often do not understand the real value of the money involved. Stay calm — in many cases, you can obtain a full or partial refund, and there are simple steps to prevent it happening again.
What to do now
Review the Charges
Check your bank statement and app store purchase history to understand the full extent of the spending. Note which apps the purchases were made in, the dates, and the amounts. Look for any recurring subscriptions as well as one-off purchases.
✗ Do not: Do not immediately cancel your payment card, as you may need the transaction records for your refund request.
Talk to Your Child
Have a calm conversation about what happened. Many children genuinely do not realise they are spending real money, especially when purchases are made with in-game currency. Understand how it happened rather than assigning blame.
Request a Refund
For Apple: visit reportaproblem.apple.com and select the purchases for refund. For Google Play: open the Google Play app, go to your purchase history, and request a refund within 48 hours, or use the Google Play refund form. For other platforms, check their refund policies. Refunds are more likely when purchases were made by a child without authorisation.
Disable Future Unauthorised Purchases
Enable purchase authentication on all devices. On Apple: require a password or Face ID for every purchase. On Google Play: set authentication for all purchases. Remove saved payment methods from your child's device and consider using prepaid gift cards instead.
Set Up Spending Controls
Use family sharing features to require approval for all purchases. Apple's Ask to Buy and Google's Family Link purchase approvals ensure no money is spent without your explicit permission.
What not to do
- ✗Do not punish your child harshly — the apps are designed to encourage spending and children are particularly vulnerable to these tactics.
- ✗Do not ignore recurring subscriptions. Cancel them immediately to prevent further charges.
- ✗Do not assume a refund is impossible — both Apple and Google regularly refund unauthorised purchases by children.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Save screenshots of all purchase confirmations, receipts, and bank statements showing the charges.
- •Keep records of your refund requests and any responses from the app store or developer.
How to talk to your child
- ✓Explain how in-app purchases work in simple terms — that virtual coins, gems, and upgrades cost real money, even though they do not feel like it.
- ✓Agree on ground rules together, such as always asking before making any purchase, no matter how small.
- ✓Use this as a positive learning experience about money and digital literacy rather than a punishment.
Who to contact
Apple Report a Problem
To request a refund for App Store or in-app purchases
Online, 24/7
Google Play Help — Request a Refund
To request a refund for Google Play purchases
Online, 24/7
Citizens Advice
If you are struggling with the financial impact or the app store refuses a refund
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Ofcom — Online Safety
To report concerns about apps targeting children with manipulative purchase mechanics
Online resources available 24/7
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Quick Reference — My Child Has Run Up a Large In-App Purchase Bill
My Child Has Run Up a Large In-App Purchase Bill — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. Check your bank statement and app store purchase history to understand the full extent of the spending. Note which apps the purchases were made in, the dates, and the amounts. Look for any recurring subscriptions as well as one-off purchases.
- 2. Have a calm conversation about what happened. Many children genuinely do not realise they are spending real money, especially when purchases are made with in-game currency. Understand how it happened rather than assigning blame.
- 3. For Apple: visit reportaproblem.apple.com and select the purchases for refund. For Google Play: open the Google Play app, go to your purchase history, and request a refund within 48 hours, or use the Google Play refund form. For other platforms, check their refund policies. Refunds are more likely when purchases were made by a child without authorisation.
- 4. Enable purchase authentication on all devices. On Apple: require a password or Face ID for every purchase. On Google Play: set authentication for all purchases. Remove saved payment methods from your child's device and consider using prepaid gift cards instead.
- 5. Use family sharing features to require approval for all purchases. Apple's Ask to Buy and Google's Family Link purchase approvals ensure no money is spent without your explicit permission.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not punish your child harshly — the apps are designed to encourage spending and children are particularly vulnerable to these tactics.
- ✗ Do not ignore recurring subscriptions. Cancel them immediately to prevent further charges.
- ✗ Do not assume a refund is impossible — both Apple and Google regularly refund unauthorised purchases by children.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-30