Gaming & Entertainment / Guide
Check Family Purchase Controls Before Setting Up a Shared Console
Compare purchase approvals, separate child accounts and checkout controls before setting up a console for family use.
List the accounts that will use the console and who should approve purchases. Check whether the platform supports separate accounts for children and how a parent receives requests. Features can differ across consoles and stores, including purchases made inside a game.
Test the approval path
Set up the accounts as the platform directs and check the settings from both the adult and child account. Microsoft’s Xbox purchase approval guide shows how requests can work on a supported account. Check the equivalent instructions for your platform. Make sure the adult who needs to respond can receive the notification.
Check what a guest can access
Review whether guests can sign in, switch users or reach a saved payment method. Check that adult profiles require the access control you intend. Look at subscriptions and recurring charges separately and decide who handles renewals.
Explain the setup before the first purchase
Show the child how to request something and agree on when you’ll review requests. Check the controls again after adding a new game, changing a payment method or creating another user.
