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Beginners: how to buy a paid app in the Google Play Store

androidpit google play store 2
© nextpit

Some Google Play apps have a price tag, which means that they are sometimes better developed, but also void (or almost) of annoying ads that invade your smartphone or tablet’s screen. With Google, it’s really easy to buy apps, but the first time might be a little tricky for newbies to Android and the smartphone world. For those who need that extra help, here is our Android for Beginners tutorial on how to buy paid apps from the Google Play Store.

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How to buy an app from the Google Play Store. / © ANDROIDPIT

First of all, you need to have a Credit Card and add its information to your Google account. This service is called Google Wallet which you can easily configure, either when you set up your smartphone for the first time after receiving your device, or when you are buying an app. In both cases, setting it up is exactly the same.

Once you set up your device for the first time or your Google account, a new page called Entertainment will appear. You can add your credit card info by choosing ‘Set up credit card’ and add your bank info just like you were paying for something online.

androidpit google wallet 1
© ANDROIDPIT

If you decided to skip the step at the beginning, this isn’t a problem. You can simply add the payment type of your choice in the Google Play Store when you click on the price after choosing a paid app. Tap on continue and enter your info. Your card is then registered for all your future purchases. You also have the options of using a PayPal account or redeeming a Google Play Gift Card. If you want to add the payment information at any given time, even if you aren't buying an app, go into the side menu and select My account. Here you have the same payment options that you can save.

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To buy a paid app, you have three payment options. / © ANDROIDPIT
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If you don't want to use your credit card, you can log in with PayPal or redeem a Gift Card. / © ANDROIDPIT
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At any given time, you can enter the payment options in the Account section in the settings. / © ANDROIDPIT

Once this step is done, you can now not only buy apps but also music, movies and books from Google Play without needing to add the information anew. After the purchase is complete, you will receive an email which confirms your transaction as well as your the payment details. If you are unsure about giving Google this kind of info, you can read more about Google Wallet privacy measures on their site.

Were you able to buy an app? What was the first one you got?

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Go to comment (15)
Loie Favre

Loie Favre
Editor

Loie Favre found her way to her present passion for Android and smartphone technology after experiencing an epiphany when she held her Galaxy Note 2. From that point onwards, you can find her with her nose buried in countless Android apps and different smartphone models, and thanking her lucky stars that she gets to work at something she loves.

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15 comments
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  • 2
    tobie dupreez Jun 27, 2023 Link to comment

    How do I increase my airtime spending limit?


  • 2
    Ronen Oct 20, 2018 Link to comment

    Please explain, is google play app shopping, a one time payment? Or monthly? Yearly?

    Alexandr Narbut


    • 2
      tobie dupreez Jun 27, 2023 Link to comment

      It's one time thing exempt if they state it's a subscription


  • 2
    GrizzledGeezer somebody else Aug 31, 2017 Link to comment

    You missed the most-important point -- about PayPay, anyway. PayPal provides a "magic lozenge" that supplies a one-time six-digit password. This makes PayPal access essentially inaccessible to anyone else.

    Can I use the magic lozenge when buying through Google Play?


  • SinchanDey Blogs 2
    SinchanDey Blogs Jul 16, 2017 Link to comment

    Hi, great article. Useful tips


  • Michael S. 6
    Michael S. Feb 6, 2017 Link to comment

    Log in to your Google Play account, click on Account, then click on the question mark for Help and sign in for a Live Chat. Google operators are "standing by" to help you!


  • Ernellie Escuadro 1
    Ernellie Escuadro Jul 13, 2016 Link to comment

    I have been trying to buy an item from an online game magicrush heroes, every time I wanted to level up my VIP, I always encounter a verification error. I don't have a credit nor a debit card. My only option is to buy it through prepaid. I have checked and rechecked my google acc. And I don't see any problem. How can you help me with this problem?


    • 2
      tobie dupreez Jun 27, 2023 Link to comment

      I don't think we can increase our spending limit I've try hope someone can help i have same problem


  • 1
    cindy ramos May 16, 2016 Link to comment

    If I buy a game & it costs $1,99 do I have to pay monthly for it or just once?


    • 2
      Ronen Oct 20, 2018 Link to comment

      I was wondering about the same thing, is it monthly? Or a one time payment?


    • 2
      tobie dupreez Jun 27, 2023 Link to comment

      No it's once only no need to worry


  • Usman Tariq 1
    Usman Tariq Aug 6, 2015 Link to comment

    Plz help me. My english is not good plz try to understand...
    I'm from Pakistan. I never bought anything online before but now i want to make an in-app purchase. I have a game called "respawnables". I want to buy a weapon. I asked my father for his credit card but he says that this whole online buying thing is just a fraud and if i buy anything online then it would empty his account (well he is not an educated person). Can you assure me that this in-app purchasing process is safe and secure? It's not a Fraud right?


    • 1
      arindom mondal Sep 6, 2015 Link to comment

      Don't worry. Anything from Google play
      is safe. But if you buy from someother site, then you are at risk


    • 2
      tobie dupreez Jun 27, 2023 Link to comment

      If it's Google it's safe


  • 1
    Chandan Singh Dec 22, 2013 Link to comment

    Nice application

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