Controls
Spend caps, approvals and PINs on every console and launcher
Every big platform lets you cap spending, ask for approval or require a PIN before a purchase. Here is where each control lives and what it can and cannot do.
Most controls live in a family or parental area and are set from an adult's account. Where the platform allows it, we recommend two things for every household: a PIN or password for any purchase, and a monthly limit for each child's account.
| Platform | Spending cap | Ask before buying | PIN or password on purchases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | Yes, monthly per child (starts at £0) | No | Adults can require a password |
| Microsoft (Xbox and Windows) | Yes, spending limits and added money | Yes, 'Ask a parent' | Password for every Microsoft Store purchase |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes, by pre-loading a fixed balance | Block purchases | Parental Controls app and PIN |
| Steam | No | Yes, purchase requests | Store access can be restricted |
| Epic Games Store | US$100 a day for under-13s | No | Six-digit PIN for purchases |
| Battle.net | No | Block shop and in-game purchases | No |
| Ubisoft | Currency only, monthly | No (email for every purchase) | No |
| GOG | No | No | No |
PlayStation
Each child's monthly allowance is set by the family manager, on the web or the console. Purchases come out of the manager's funds, and nothing can be spent until the manager raises the limit from zero. Adults can require a password at checkout.
Microsoft (Xbox and Windows)
Microsoft Family Safety and the Xbox Family Settings app let an organiser approve each purchase, add a fixed amount to a child's account and receive a notice for every buy. The Windows store can also be set to ask for the account password at every checkout.
Nintendo Switch
A parent's Nintendo Account can stop a child's account buying on the eShop, or load a set amount that the child can spend and no more. The free Parental Controls app adds play-time limits and daily reports.
Steam
In Steam Families a child can ask for a game and an adult approves and pays from the Steam app or email. Adults can also restrict which parts of the store a child sees. There is no monthly cap, because children cannot pay on their own.
Epic Games Store
Epic's parental PIN can be required before any purchase paid through Epic. Accounts for players under 13 have an automatic daily spending cap, which only the PIN lifts. The controls do not reach purchases made through a console store.
Battle.net
Blizzard's parental controls can block the Battle.net Shop and in-game purchases outright, as well as limiting play time. Turn them on before a child's account is given any Balance, because money already there can still be used.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft child accounts cannot buy in-game currency unless a parent sets a monthly limit, and the parent is emailed about every store purchase. The limit does not cover games, add-ons or subscriptions.
GOG
GOG has no parental spending controls. For a child, use the controls on the device or the payment method, or buy GOG games as gifts from your own account.
General information about UK consumer law as it stood on the date we checked it, written for people buying games for themselves. It is not legal advice. For a dispute, Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) can help for free.