Having to constantly enter the Apple ID password to download free apps from the Mac App Store is kind of annoying, but thanks to a new settings option you can stop the authentication requirement for free apps while still maintaining it for paid app downloads and for in-app purchases in Mac OS X.
This works just like it does with allowing free downloads from the iOS App Store without password entry on any iPhone or iPad, so if you like that setting in the mobile world, consider enabling it on the Mac too.
How to Allow Free Downloads from the Mac App Store Without Password Entry
- Quit the App Store on the Mac if you have it open
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu and go to “App Store”
- Under “Password Settings” click on ‘Free Download’ and choose “Save Password”
- Under “Purchases and In-App Purchases” select either “Always Require” or “After 15 Minutes” is what the header question “Require a password for additional purchases after a purchase from the App Store with this computer?” pertains to, choose whichever is appropriate for your Mac usage
- Leave System Preferences and relaunch the Mac App Store
Now you’re free to download any Mac app that isn’t paid, and you won’t need to login with the Apple ID each time.
Depending on the setting you picked for purchases, you can do the same with a paid download if the purchase appears within the allotted time since authenticating.
The ability to save the app store passwords for free downloads from the Mac App Store is included in the latest versions of Mac OS X, anything beyond 10.11 will include the ability while prior versions will not.
As alluded, this feature is equally as useful on the iPhone and iPad if you find yourself downloading a lot of free apps and don’t want to deal with password entry or Touch ID.
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