Play Store to replace Google Account password with face and fingerprint authentication

Android users, check your inboxes, because Google is sending out emails about an upcoming update to the Play Store that aims to enhance both convenience and security when making purchases. This welcome change will allow you to ditch your Google Account password in favor of biometric authentication – your fingerprint or face – to confirm app downloads, movies, music, and in-app transactions in the Google Play Store.

Currently, if you want to enable the “Biometric Verification” feature in the Play Store settings, you need to enter your Google Account password. This might seem a bit redundant, especially when unlocking your phone already involves a secure biometric method. Google’s update addresses this, making the whole process simpler.

In an email titled “Your Google Play purchase verification settings,” the company highlights an upcoming shift in confirming this security preference. Very soon, you’ll be verifying these settings with a quick fingerprint scan or face unlock instead. Google is pushing for users to enable purchase verification for extra protection. The Google Play Store has three options for how often biometric authentication kicks in: “Always,” “Every 30 minutes,” or “Never.”

Notably, the email includes a sensible reminder to use caution when storing biometric data (like fingerprints) on a shared device, especially if children are involved. Since this data can approve transactions, responsible use is key. It also emphasizes the importance of keeping your passwords private.

Security and user-friendliness often feel at odds, but Google’s update aims to strike a balance. By removing the extra step of entering a password, they are not only streamlining the purchase process but also encouraging greater adoption of security measures. Biometric authentication provides a layer of protection against unauthorized purchases, giving you a bit more peace of mind when exploring the vast world of the Play Store.