Faizel Patel, Radio Islam  – 10-12-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

If you have an Android phone, the Google Play Store features apps which allows you to purchase additional content or services within the app.

Examples of these ‘in-app’ purchases include additional functionality, not included in the free version of the app and virtual coins, power-ups, character costumes and levels within a game.

Parents have learnt the hard way that their kids can run up a fortune in credit card charges on in-app purchases, if left unsupervised with a smartphone or tablet.

Alcatel takes you through the steps you can take to avoid accidental or unwanted in-app purchases on your Android device:

Turn on authentication

Authentication means certain information, like a password or a fingerprint, must be entered on your device to make a purchase. Thus, if you sometimes let your child use your phone, he or she will not be able to make in-app purchases without your permission:

• Open the Google Play Store app

• Tap Menu and then Settings

• Tap Require authentication for purchase

• Choose a setting

• Follow the on-screen instructions

If your device supports fingerprint authentication, you can approve Google Play purchases with a fingerprint scan. Turn on Fingerprint authentication in settings.

To change authentication settings, you will need your Google password. You can choose between the following authentication settings:

• For all purchases through Google Play: The user must provide authentication for every digital content purchase through Google Play on your device, including in-app purchases.

• Every 30 minutes: Once you authenticate for a purchase, you will not need to provide authentication for digital content you buy for the next half an hour.

• Never: Authentication is not required for any purchases. This setting isn’t recommended, even if you never share your phone with a child. Even adults can sometimes make a mistake or purchase on impulse!

As a parent in an Android family group, you can require your children to get your permission for purchasing or downloading content on Google Play.

• Visit the Google Play My Account page from your computer

• Click Family Group

• Click a family member’s name

• Select All content, All paid content, Only in-app purchases, or No approval required

Users should also note that your experience with setting up in-app purchase restrictions may differ, depending on the Android smartphone you use.