Module 4: App Store Safety
What you will learn: How to find, download, and verify apps safely. You will learn to spot fake apps, understand what permissions mean, and keep your device running smoothly.
Frank, 76, wanted to download a weather app for his iPad. His friend had recommended one, so Frank opened what he thought was the App Store and searched for "weather." He found an app that looked right, tapped "Get," and was immediately asked for his credit card number. Frank entered it, thinking this was normal.
Two weeks later, Frank noticed a $49.99 charge on his credit card from a company he had never heard of. It turned out he had downloaded a fake weather app that signed him up for a weekly subscription. The "App Store" he had used was actually a website pretending to be the App Store.
Frank's mistake was understandable — the fake store looked very real. But there are clear ways to make sure you are using the real App Store, downloading real apps, and never getting tricked by hidden fees. That is what this module is all about.
The safest way to open the App Store is to tap its icon directly on your Home screen — never from a link in an email, text message, or website.
How do I use the App Store on my device?
📱 Apple App Store (iPhone / iPad) — blue icon with white "A"
- Open the App Store — tap the blue icon with the white letter "A" on your Home screen.
- Search for an app — tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom, then type the name of the app you want.
- Review the app — check the star rating (4 or higher is good), the number of reviews, and who made it.
- Download — tap Get (free apps) or the price button (paid apps). You may need to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
- Allow permissions — when the app opens for the first time, it may ask for access to your location, camera, or contacts. You can choose "Allow" or "Don't Allow" for each one.
🤖 Google Play Store (Android) — colourful triangle icon
- Open the Play Store — tap the colourful triangle icon (blue, green, red, and yellow) on your Home screen or app drawer. It may be labelled "Play Store."
- Search for an app — tap the search bar at the top and type the name of the app you want.
- Review the app — check the star rating, number of installs, and who published it (look for well-known names).
- Download — tap Install (free apps) or the price button (paid apps). You may need to confirm with your fingerprint or Google account password.
- Allow permissions — the first time you open the app, it may ask for access to your location, camera, or contacts. Read each request carefully before choosing "Allow."
🖥️ Microsoft Store (Windows) — blue shopping bag icon
- Open the Microsoft Store — click the blue shopping bag icon in your taskbar at the bottom of the screen, or search "Microsoft Store" in the Start menu.
- Search for an app — type the name of the app in the search bar at the top of the Store window.
- Review the app — check the star rating, number of reviews, and the publisher name.
- Download — click Get (free) or the price button (paid). You may need to sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Allow permissions — some apps will ask for permissions (camera, microphone, location) when you first use them. You can choose what to allow in your Windows Settings if you change your mind later.
The Real App Store: How to Find It
The App Store is the only safe place to download apps on your iPad or iPhone. It is run by Apple, and every app in it has been reviewed for safety. Here is how to find the real one:
Finding and Opening the App Store
The Google Play Store is the only safe place to download apps on your Android phone or tablet. It is run by Google, and apps in it are reviewed for safety. Here is how to find the real one:
Finding and Opening the Google Play Store
Never download apps from a website, a link in an email, or a link in a text message. Only use the official app store on your device. If someone sends you a link to download an app, ignore it — find the app yourself in the real App Store or Play Store.
Confidence Check: The App Store is your safe shopping centre for apps. If you stick to the App Store, you are already ahead of the game.
How to Search for and Download an App
Downloading an App Step by Step
Play Store Search Results
Play Store results show the app name, developer, star rating, and download count. For a banking app, confirm the developer matches your bank's official company name.
Downloading an App Step by Step
Real App vs Copycat App
A real bank app is published by the bank itself and has millions of downloads. A copycat uses a similar name and logo but comes from an unknown developer with very few reviews.
You now know how to find and use the real App Store. That is the first line of defence.
Everything that follows builds on this foundation.
How to Spot a Real App vs. a Fake App
When you search the App Store, you might see several apps with similar names. Here is how to pick the real one:
- Check the developer name. The developer's name appears below the app name in small text. For example, the real "RBC Mobile" app is made by "Royal Bank of Canada." If the developer name looks unfamiliar or is misspelled, be cautious.
- Look at the number of ratings. Popular, legitimate apps have thousands or millions of ratings. A fake copycat might have very few — perhaps dozens or even none.
App Store Listing
The developer name appears just below the app title on the store listing. For your bank app, it should match your bank's official legal company name exactly.
- Read the star rating. Most real apps from established companies have ratings of 3.5 stars or above (out of 5). Very low ratings (below 2 stars) are a warning sign.
- Check the screenshots. Scroll down to see pictures of what the app looks like. Do they look professional? Do they match what you would expect?
- Look for the "In-App Purchases" label. If an app says "In-App Purchases" below the "Get" button, that means the app is free to download but may ask you to pay for extra features inside the app. This is not always bad, but be aware of it.
The 3-Second Rule for Apps
If an app has very few ratings, a developer name you do not recognise, or screenshots that look sloppy, do not download it. A legitimate app from a major company will always have thousands of ratings.
Remember the 3-Second Rule
Stop. Breathe. Think before you tap. If something feels urgent or too good to be true, that is your signal to pause.
Understanding App Permissions
When you first open a new app, it might ask for permission to access parts of your iPad. These requests appear as small pop-up boxes. Here is what the common ones mean:
- "[App Name] Would Like to Send You Notifications" — This means the app wants to send you alerts and reminders, even when you are not using it. Tap "Allow" if you want reminders (like a weather alert) or "Don't Allow" if you do not want to be bothered.
- "[App Name] Would Like to Access Your Location" — The app wants to know where you are. A weather or maps app needs this to work properly. A game or flashlight app does not. Choose "While Using the App" for apps that genuinely need your location, and "Don't Allow" for apps that do not.
- "[App Name] Would Like to Access Your Photos" — The app wants to see pictures stored on your iPad. A photo editing app needs this; a calculator app does not.
- "[App Name] Would Like to Access Your Contacts" — The app wants to see your address book. Only allow this for communication apps like FaceTime or Messages.
- "[App Name] Would Like to Track Your Activity" — The app wants to follow what you do on other apps and websites to show you targeted advertisements. Almost always, tap "Ask App Not to Track."
Permission Request Popup
When an app asks to access your location, camera, or contacts, read carefully. Tapping Don't Allow is always safe if you are uncertain why the app needs access.
If you are not sure, choose "Don't Allow." You can always change your mind later in Settings. Saying "no" never breaks an app — at worst, one feature might not work, and the app will tell you.
Confidence Check: You are now an informed app shopper. You know how to find real apps and protect your privacy when using them.
When in doubt about a permission, choose "Don't Allow." You can always change your mind later in Settings, and saying no never breaks an app.
Subscriptions and Hidden Costs
Some apps are free to download but charge a monthly or yearly fee to keep using them. This is called a subscription. It is like a magazine subscription — you pay regularly to keep getting it.
Subscriptions are not necessarily bad, but you should always know what you are signing up for. Here is how to check:
Checking Your Subscriptions
In-App Purchase Controls
In Screen Time (iPhone/iPad) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) settings you can require a password before any purchase — this prevents accidental charges completely.
Some apps offer a "free trial" that automatically converts to a paid subscription after 3 or 7 days. If you try a free trial, set a reminder on your phone to cancel before the trial ends — or cancel immediately after signing up (you will still get the full trial period, but it will not charge you afterward).
Some "free trial" apps will charge you automatically after a few days. If you sign up for a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends — or cancel right away (you still get the full trial period).
You are becoming a savvy app shopper. You know how to check permissions and watch for hidden costs.
These skills protect you every time you use your device.
Deleting Apps You Do Not Want
Removing an App from Your iPad
Remember: deleting an app does not cancel a subscription. If you are paying for an app monthly, you need to cancel the subscription separately (using the steps above) before deleting the app.
App Store Tutorials
Download Apps Safely
Learn how to find and download trustworthy apps on your device.
Watch TutorialsApp Store Safety Guide
How to spot fake apps, check reviews, and understand permissions.
Watch TutorialsThese links open YouTube in a new tab. YouTube is safe and free to use — you can watch as many videos as you like without signing in.
📚 New to YouTube? Learn how to spot quality videos and avoid ads
Practical Exercise: App Store Explorer
- Open the App Store and search for "The Weather Network." Check the developer name, star rating, and number of reviews. Do not download it — this is practice.
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions and check if you have any active subscriptions you did not know about.
- If you have any apps on your Home screen that you do not recognise or no longer use, practise deleting one.
Well done! You have practised searching for apps, checking their legitimacy, and reviewing your subscriptions.
Quick Check: Test Your Knowledge
1. Where is the only safe place to download apps for your iPad?
2. An app asks permission to "Track Your Activity across other companies' apps and websites." What should you do?
3. You deleted an app, but you are still being charged $9.99 per month. Why?
🤝 Need In-Person Help?
Your local community offers free technology support for seniors:
Your Local Library
Many libraries offer free tech workshops and one-on-one help sessions.
Senior Centre
Community centres often host technology classes and support groups.
Connected Canadians
Free one-on-one tech support by phone or video call.
1-855-808-0505
Cyber-Seniors
Free tech training from trained volunteers.
1-844-217-3057
Congratulations! You have completed Module 4!
You are now a smart app shopper who knows how to stay safe in the App Store. Onwards to email and messages!
Feeling Stuck?
You do not have to figure this out alone. These free services are staffed by real, patient people who love helping:
Connected Canadians — 1-855-808-0505
Cyber-Seniors — 1-844-217-3057
Both services are free, Canadian, and specialise in helping older adults with technology at your own pace.
Quick Answers
Only download apps from the official Apple App Store (the blue icon with letter A). Read reviews and check the developer name. Free apps from well-known companies like TD Bank or Canada Post are generally safe. Avoid apps with very few reviews.
iPhone and iPad viruses from App Store apps are extremely rare. Apple reviews every app before it appears in the store. The main risk is apps that ask for more personal information than they need.
Ask yourself: does this app need that? A flashlight app does not need your contacts. A navigation app reasonably needs your location. Tap "Don't Allow" if the request seems unnecessary. You can change permissions anytime in Settings > Privacy.
Press and hold the app icon until a small menu appears. Tap "Remove App" then "Delete App." This permanently removes the app. Your other apps and photos are not affected.