To require authentication for Google Play purchases, open the Play Store app on Android and go to Profile picture → Payments & subscriptions → Purchase verification. Choose Verification requirement or Verification frequency, select an option available for your account, and confirm. On the web, use play.google.com → Profile picture → Settings → Verification preferences, select an option, and click Update; Google requires your password to change the web setting.
Set up purchase verification on an Android phone or tablet
- Open the Google Play app.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Payments & subscriptions, then Purchase verification.
- Tap Verification requirement or Verification frequency.
- Choose an option shown for your account and confirm.
Google’s current instructions are at Google Play Help: Require authentication for purchases. The labels and available choices can vary by region, device, account, and product surface, so use the options displayed in your Play app if they differ.
Change verification on the Google Play website
- Go to play.google.com and sign in to the Google account you use for Play.
- Click your profile picture, then Settings.
- Under Verification preferences, select the setting you want.
- Click Update and enter your Google password when prompted.
The web preference covers purchases made through Google Play billing and remote app installs from the web. Google says it applies across browsers where you are signed in to Play at play.google.com.
Choose a verification method with the right account scope
Google may offer a Google Account password, biometrics, screen lock on eligible devices, or Google prompts in some contexts. Not every method is available to every user. The scope differs:
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| Method | Scope | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Google Account password | Specific Google account on that device | Useful when you want verification tied to one account. |
| Biometrics | Device-wide across Google Accounts associated with the device | Biometrics stored on a shared device may verify Play purchases for any Google Account on it. |
| Screen lock | Device-wide across associated Google Accounts, when eligible | Google says it is offered to eligible users during checkout, not selectable from Play settings. Anyone who knows the device PIN, pattern, or password may be able to verify purchases. You can later switch to biometrics or your Google Account password in Play settings. |
| Google prompt | Availability depends on context | Google documents prompts in some contexts; availability and labels may vary. |
Google’s explanation of methods and account scope is in its purchase verification help. If several people use a device, consider what access its saved biometrics or screen-lock credentials give them before selecting a device-level method.
Set purchase approvals for a child or family member
Purchase verification for your own account is different from family purchase approvals. A family manager can set approval rules for family members, and a parent can manage approval settings for accounts supervised with Family Link.
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For a family member managed through Google Play
- In the Play app, tap your profile picture, then Settings → Family → Manage family members.
- Select the family member.
- Tap Purchase approvals and choose the approval scope.
Google lists options such as all content, purchases using the family payment method, in-app purchases only, or no approval. Family Link has its own choices, including paid content and never. See Google Play Help: Approve purchases on Google Play for the applicable family controls.
Use the platform-specific instructions on Chromebook, Android TV, and Play Games on PC
Do not assume the Android phone menu path applies everywhere. Google provides separate instructions for the Play Store app on Chromebook and Android TV, and a reset option for purchase authentication in Google Play Games on PC. On Chromebook, changing verification preferences requires the Google password. Follow the platform-specific guidance in Google Play Help.
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Understand what purchase verification does—and does not—cover
Google describes purchase verification as a way to help prevent accidental or unauthorized purchases. The setting covers transactions processed through Google Play’s billing system, within the device or web context where the preference is selected. It does not necessarily govern every payment associated with an app.
- Alternative billing: Developers may offer another billing system in certain regions. If you choose it, that provider handles the payment and related support; Google Play purchase controls do not apply. See Google Play Help: Alternative billing.
- Payment-provider checks: A card or payment service may separately require an app, login, or other authentication. Google does not control that separate process.
For a purchase that does not appear to follow your Play verification setting, first check whether it was processed through Google Play billing or a developer’s alternative system.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
