Check your Android device now for ‘accidental purchase feature’ that stops unwanted bank-draining app downloads

GOOGLE has a warning for Android users who want to avoid accidental app purchases.

The tech giant recommends turning on an authentication feature that can save you from bank-draining apps.

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Google says: “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 purchasing through Google Play’s billing system).”

Turning on authentication means you’ll need extra information, like a password, to make Google Play Store purchases.

Google notes: “Purchase authentication settings only apply to purchases made through Google Play’s billing system.”

It’s easy to turn on purchase authentication on your Android smartphone.

Open the Google Play Store app and then click on the profile icon.

Then, click on the Settings menu and Authentication.

Here you should see a Require authentication for purchases option.

Choose the setting that works for you and follow the instructions on the screen.

Google adds: “To change authentication settings you will need your Google password.

“Visit account recovery if you don’t remember your password.”

You can also turn on authentication settings for your Google Assistant.

Say “Hey Google, open Assistant settings” on your Android.

Then click Popular settings, You, and Payments.

Here you can turn Pay through your Assistant on or off.

It’s advisable to turn Confirm with fingerprint or face and Confirm with Voice Match on as an extra safety measure.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk