6 Effective Solutions for Fixing Ask to Buy Issues on Mac and iPhone

ByJim Miller

Many users encounter issues with the Ask to Buy feature on their MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. Ask to Buy is a valuable tool, especially for families with Apple devices, as it allows parents to monitor and control their child's purchase attempts. However, it can be frustrating when your child encounters the “Unable to Ask Permission” error while trying to make a purchase. In this article, we will explore six solutions to fix the Ask to Buy feature not working on iPhone or Mac.

1. Check If the Content Is Supported

If your child is experiencing the Ask to Buy permission error, it could be because the feature does not support the specific content they are trying to purchase. Ask to Buy only applies to purchases made within the App Store or iTunes Store, such as apps, in-app purchases, movies, TV shows, books, and music. It does not apply to apps or content from educational institutions.

2. Verify Family Sharing Settings

One quick solution to resolve the Ask to Buy permission error on iPhone or Mac is to check the Family Sharing Settings and ensure that it is turned on. You can follow these steps on all your devices.

On Your MacBook

  1. Go to the Apple menu and click on System Settings.
  2. Choose Family.
  3. Navigate to Purchase Sharing.
  4. Make sure Purchase Sharing is enabled.
  5. Go back to Family and click on your child's name.
  6. Enable Ask to Buy.

Once you have completed these steps, restart your MacBook and try using the Ask to Buy feature again.

On your iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings and go to Family.
  2. Select Purchase Settings and ensure it is enabled.
  3. Go back to Family and choose a family member's name.
  4. Click on Ask to Buy.
  5. Enable Require Purchase Approval.

Repeat these steps for all family members and restart your device to save the settings.

3. Change the Approver

If a family member is unable to ask for permission, you can try changing the approver or guardian. Here's how you can do it:

On MacBook

  1. Click on the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
  2. Open Family.
  3. Click on any family member's name and choose Parent/Guardian.
  4. Enable the option for Set as Parent/Guardian.

Once approved, the Ask to Buy or purchase request will be sent to this ID.

On iPad or iPhone

  1. Go to Settings and open Family.
  2. Choose the family member from the list.
  3. Click on Parent/Guardian.
  4. Enable the option Set as Parent/Guardian.

You can choose multiple parents/guardians for the child user in the family to accept or reject purchase requests.

4. Check Your Apple ID

Ask to Buy might not work on iPhone or MacBook if you are using different Apple IDs across different devices. Ensure that you are using the same Apple ID for the App Store, Family Sharing, and all other purchases. Follow these steps to check your Apple ID.

On MacBook

  1. Click on the Apple logo and go to System Settings.
  2. Open Family and locate your name.
  3. Check your Apple ID here.

Make sure to double-check both Apple IDs and ensure they are the same.

5. Update macOS and iOS to the Latest Version

To ensure the Ask to Buy feature works properly, make sure your iPhone or Mac is running the latest software version. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues and permission errors. Follow these steps to update your devices.

On MacBook

  1. Go to System Settings.
  2. Open Software Update and wait for the system to check for updates.
  3. Click on Update Now to update your macOS.

Once the update is complete, restart your device and check if the Ask To Buy feature is working again.

On iPad and iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Choose Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, select Download and Install.

Wait for the update to install and your device to restart. Verify if the Ask To Buy feature is functioning properly.

6. Try Restarting Your Device

A simple yet effective solution for various errors on your iPhone or Mac is to restart the device. Whether it's your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, go to System Settings on your MacBook and choose Restart. On iOS devices, press and hold the Home and Volume Up buttons until the device restarts. Restarting your devices can resolve potential bugs and restore the functionality of the Ask To Buy feature.

By following these six effective solutions, you can fix the Ask to Buy feature not working on your Mac and iPhone. Ensure that you have the correct settings, compatible content, and up-to-date software to enjoy the benefits of Ask to Buy and maintain control over your family's purchases.