Require a password or authentication for purchases

You can help prevent accidental purchases on your device from apps and games available outside of the Family section by turning on authentication (apps and games in the Family section automatically request authentication before buying).

Authentication means certain information, like a password, must be entered on your device to make a purchase. If needed, you can change or reset your Google Account password.

To approve purchases with your Google Assistant, learn how to set your payment info.

Turn authentication on or off

Except for your play.google.com settings and certain Google Assistant settings, which apply across devices, authentication settings apply only to the active account on the device where you add them. If you use your Google Account on more than one device, repeat the steps below for each device. If you use multiple accounts on your device, repeat the steps below for each account on the device.

Change authentication settings on your mobile device

Tip: To change authentication settings you will need your Google password. Visit account recovery if you don't remember your password.

Change your Google Assistant authentication settings

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings."
  2. Under "Popular settings," tapYouand thenPayments.
  3. Turn Pay through your Assistant on or off.
  4. Turn Confirm with fingerprint or face and Confirm with Voice Match on or off.

Learn how to make payments with Voice Match.

Change authentication settings on your Chromebook

Tip:

  • This will only work if you're using the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook. Find out more about how to use the Google Play Store on Chromebooks.
  • To change authentication settings you will need your Google password. Visit account recovery if you don't remember your password.

Set up fingerprint authentication (on select devices)

If your device allows fingerprint authentication, you can approve Google Play purchases with a fingerprint scan.

You'll only be prompted for fingerprint authentication if the app requires it or you've followed the steps above to require authentication for purchases.

Tip: To set up fingerprint authentication you will need your Google password. Visit account recovery if you don't remember your password.

Change authentication settings on Android TV

Tip:To change authentication settings, you need your Google password. Visit account recovery if you don't remember your password.

Change authentication settings on play.google.com

This setting applies to purchases made through Google Play. Authentication is required for all remote app installs through the web.

  1. Go to play.google.com.
  2. At the top right, click your profile icon.
  3. Click Settings & devices.
  4. Under "Authentication Preferences," select a setting.
  5. Click Update.

Tip: To change authentication settings you will need your Google password. Visit account recovery if you don't remember your password.

Change authentication settings in Google Play Games on PC

What authentication settings mean

If you turn off authentication for purchases, it may result in unauthorized purchases. You assume responsibility for all charges including unintended or unauthorized purchases.

You can select a payment method to make purchases through Google Play. Learn more about setting up and managing a family group on Google Play.

Tip:

  • Authentication is always required for every purchase for an app or game designed for ages 12 and under, even if you have your settings set differently.
  • When you create a family group on Google Play, your family members can use the family payment method to make purchases through Google Play. Learn how to set up and manage a family group.

For all devices (other than through play.google.com)

For all purchases through Google Play on this device (default setting): Authentication is required for every digital content purchase through Google Play (including within apps).

Every 30 minutes (mobile device only): Every time you authenticate for a purchase, you can continue to buy all forms of digital content through Google Play (including within apps) for the next 30 minutes without authenticating again.

Never: Authentication is not required for any purchases.

For play.google.com

These settings apply when you're signed in to play.google.com on any device. These settings don't affect your authentication settings outside of play.google.com (for example, when you're in the Google Play app on your mobile device).

All purchases and app installs through play.google.com (default setting): Authentication is required for every digital content purchase through your Google account on play.google.com.

Only app installs through play.google.com: When you're signed in to play.google.com, authentication is not required for digital content purchases (for example, paid content and in-app purchases). Authentication is required for remote app installations through your Google account on play.google.com.

Tip: If you share your devices with others or want to prevent purchases of kid-friendly content through play.google.com, turning on authentication for purchases is important.

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