How To Download Free Apps without Authentication

This tip works for iOS 8.3 // The feature cannot be found on iOS 9 or later. 

Apple requires users to enter a password or use Touch ID every time content is obtained from the iTunes or App Stores. The purpose of this is to prevent others who may have access to your Apple account from making unauthorized purchases and running up the bill on your credit card. In the past, it didn’t matter if the content was purchased or free, a password still had to be entered to download the material. Now, with iOS 8.3, you no longer have to enter a password when downloading free material from iTunes or free apps from the App Store. It’s free, so what does it matter?

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To activate this feature, go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings. (Those of you who have Touch ID enabled for your iTunes and App Store purchases won't see Password Settings and won't be able to use this feature. Apple probably feels Touch ID is already convenient enough when making purchases.)

  

Under Purchases and In-App Purchases, select Always Require or Require After 15 Minutes. Now you will be able to toggle Require Password off under Free Downloads.

Top image credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock.com

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Paula Bostrom's picture

Author Details

Paula Bostrom

Paula is a freelance media broadcaster and journalist. She enjoys life at home with her husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats and a parrot. Her iPhone is never more than two feet away from her and she can't imagine life without it.