Alex Ruben
How To Download Apps Without Apple ID Password in 2024
Ever get annoyed by that incessant prompt for your Apple ID password every time you wanna grab a new app? Kind of weird, but there’s a way to make that disappear—at least temporarily—so you can just tap and go. It’s not foolproof, and sometimes you run into weird glitches, but here’s a method that actually works on some setups, et cetera.
Step 1: Make sure your internet is solid
First off, your iPhone needs a stable Wi-Fi connection. Because, of course, everything depends on that. To check:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Wi-Fi. Confirm you’re connected to a network with a good signal. You don’t want a flaky connection when you’re trying to download that new app.
Step 2: Update iOS — don’t skip this
Before messing with settings, make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS. Updates fix bugs, improve security, and sometimes add options needed for this trick to work:
- Go back to the Settings menu.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If there’s an update available, follow the prompts to download and install it. Sometimes, old iOS versions just don’t play nice with new policies.
Step 3: Tweak Screen Time & Privacy Settings
This is usually the core step. Disabling or tweaking Screen Time restrictions can turn off the password requirement for app downloads. Here’s where the magic happens:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Scroll down and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Toggle it off to disable restrictions. It’s kinda weird because some devices leave this enabled without you noticing.
- Next, look for iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Tap on it and select Require Password. Significantly, on some versions, you can set to Don’t Allow.
This basically bypasses the usual password prompts for app installs. Keep in mind, on some setups, this might only last until a reboot or reset, so it’s not bulletproof but better than nothing.
Step 4: Use Face ID for quick downloads
If your device has Face ID, enabling it for app purchases can help skip the password altogether:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode when asked.
- Make sure iTunes & App Store under Use Face ID For is toggled on.
This way, when you tap to download, Face ID kicks in instead of a password. Not sure why it works sometimes, but it’s been consistent on a few different machines. On some setups, Face ID might not be enabled or working properly, so if it’s not working, try re-enabling it or toggling authentication settings.
Step 5: Download apps freely
Now, just head over to the App Store, pick your app, and tap Get. If Face ID or Touch ID is enabled, it’ll authenticate that way instead of asking for your Apple ID password. Simple, right? Or… it should be.
On some devices, you might still see password prompts if restrictions or updates interfere — just a heads up.
Extra tips & common hiccups
- Make sure storage isn’t full. Nothing kills a download faster than no space.
- If restrictions seem wonky, consider turning Screen Time off entirely, then back on. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Check that no parental controls are cranking in the background, forcing password prompts anyway.
When this method applies
This mostly comes up when you’re trying to quickly install some new app, maybe for testing or just to get around repeated password requests. Works better if your device is up to date, and if restrictions aren’t overly aggressive.
Sometimes, this tweak is kinda hit or miss—on one iPhone it works like a charm, on another, you’ll still get nagged. Rebooting afterward might help, or toggling some settings again.
What to expect
A pretty seamless download process, no password pop-ups, using Face ID instead. Still, remember you’re skipping some security layers, so don’t be surprised if it stops working after an iOS update or reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to requiring my Apple ID password?
Yep, just head back into Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and re-enable password prompts. Basic stuff, but can be a pain to find sometimes.
Will this mess up my device or Apple account?
Not really, but skipping security checks isn’t recommended long-term. Use with caution—like, it’s convenient now, but maybe not the best idea if privacy’s a concern.
What if I don’t have Face ID?
No biggie. You can try similar steps with Touch ID or just disable password prompts altogether, but you might need to set that up first.
Summary
- Make sure Wi-Fi is solid.
- Update to the latest iOS.
- Disable restrictions under Screen Time.
- Enable Face ID for app store purchases if available.
- Download apps without entering passwords anymore.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Not foolproof, but worth a shot on some setups.