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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 available option, and confirm. On the web, use play.google.com → profile picture → Settings → Verification preferences, then click Update.
Set up purchase verification on an Android phone or tablet
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Payments & subscriptions, then Purchase verification.
- Tap Verification requirement or Verification frequency, depending on what appears for your account.
- Choose an available option and confirm.
Google may offer different methods or choices depending on your region, device, account, and eligibility. Follow the labels shown in your app if they differ from these instructions. Google’s purchase verification help describes the available methods, including Google Account password, biometrics, screen lock on eligible devices, and Google prompts in some contexts.
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Change verification preferences 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 if prompted. Google requires the password to change this web setting.
The web preference covers purchases made through Google Play billing and remote app installs from the web. It also applies across browsers where you are signed in to Play at play.google.com. Google’s help page has the details.
Understand what each verification method protects
Verification settings are tied to the device or web context where they are selected, and the methods do not all have the same account scope:
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
| Method | Account scope | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Google Account password | Specific to the Google Account on that device | Changing the web preference requires the Google password. |
| Biometrics | Device-wide across Google Accounts on that device | Any biometrics stored on a shared device may be used to verify Play purchases for any Google Account on it. |
| Screen lock | Device-wide across Google Accounts, where offered | Google says it is offered to eligible users during checkout, but cannot currently be selected from Play settings. Anyone who knows the device PIN, pattern, or password may be able to verify purchases if this method is selected. |
| Google prompt | Availability and scope depend on context | Google documents prompts as an option in some contexts. |
Google says users who selected screen lock can later switch to biometrics or their Google Account password in Play settings. Exact availability and labels can vary. Google documents these method and account-scope differences.
Set purchase approvals for a child or family member
Purchase verification is a personal authentication setting. Family purchase approvals are a separate control that lets a family manager or parent review certain purchases by family members. In the Play app, a family manager can use this route:
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Tap the profile picture, then Settings.
- Tap Family, then Manage family members.
- Select the family member, then tap Purchase approvals.
- Choose the approval scope available for that member.
Google lists choices 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. The options depend on the family setup. These approval rules apply to Google Play billing purchases. See Google’s instructions for purchase approvals on Google Play.
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Chromebook, Android TV, and Google Play Games on PC
Do not assume the Android phone menu path is identical on other platforms. 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. Changing verification preferences on Chromebook requires the Google password. Use the instructions for your platform in Google Play Help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
When purchase verification will not apply
- Alternative billing: In certain regions, developers may offer another billing system. If you choose it, that provider handles payment and related support; Google Play purchase controls do not cover the transaction. See Google’s information about alternative billing.
- Payment-provider checks: Your payment method may have its own authentication, such as a provider app or login. Google does not control that separate process. Google explains this distinction.
- Different devices or surfaces: Verification preferences apply to the device or web context where selected; they are not a universal setting for every transaction method.
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