How to Require Authentication for Samsung In-App Purchases

This guide shows you how to require authentication for every in-app purchase on a Samsung Galaxy device, preventing accidental or unauthorized charges. You’ll adjust a setting in the Samsung Galaxy Store app that prompts for your password, PIN, or biometric verification before any purchase is completed.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Store app (pre-installed on most Samsung devices)
Your Samsung account credentials (or the biometric method you use to unlock your device)

Step-by-Step

Open the Galaxy Store app. Look for the blue icon with a white shopping bag and the word “Galaxy” below it. If you can’t find it, swipe up on your home screen to open the app drawer and search for “Galaxy Store.”
Access the menu. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner of the screen. This opens a side navigation panel.
Go to Settings. In the side menu, scroll down and tap Settings (the gear icon).
Find the authentication option. In the Settings menu, look for a section labeled Purchases or Security. The exact name may vary slightly depending on your device model and Galaxy Store version. Look for an option that says “Require authentication for purchases” or “Use fingerprint/password for purchases.”
Enable the toggle. Tap the switch next to this option to turn it on. It should turn blue or show a checkmark, indicating it’s active.
Choose your verification method (if prompted). Some devices will ask you to select how you want to verify purchases. Options typically include:
- Password: You’ll enter your Samsung account password each time.
- PIN: You’ll enter a 4-6 digit PIN you set up for purchases.
- Biometrics: You’ll use your fingerprint or face recognition (if your device supports it).
Select your preferred method and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Confirm the change. If you’re asked to enter your Samsung account password or confirm with your fingerprint, do so to finalize the setting.
Test it (optional but recommended). Open any app that uses Samsung in-app purchases (like a game with coin packs). Try to purchase a free item or a cheap item to verify that the authentication prompt appears before the purchase completes. Note: Some apps may not trigger the prompt for free items, so you might need to attempt a real purchase (and then cancel if you don’t want it).

Common Mistakes

Looking in the wrong settings: The authentication setting is in the Galaxy Store app, not in the main Android Settings app. Don’t waste time looking under “Biometrics and security” or “Accounts” in the system settings.
Confusing Galaxy Store with Google Play: This setting only affects purchases made through the Samsung Galaxy Store. Google Play purchases have their own separate authentication setting (found in the Google Play app under Settings > Authentication). If you buy from both stores, you need to enable authentication in both.
Not updating the Galaxy Store: Older versions of the Galaxy Store may have a slightly different interface. If you can’t find the setting, check for updates in the Galaxy Store’s menu (tap your profile icon > Settings > About Galaxy Store > Update).
Assuming biometrics are set up: If you choose biometric authentication but haven’t registered a fingerprint or face on your device, the option won’t work. You’ll need to set up biometrics in the main device settings first.

Tips

Use biometrics for speed: Fingerprint or face recognition is faster than typing a password every time, but still secure.
Set a purchase PIN: If your device doesn’t have biometrics, a PIN is quicker than a full password and still adds a barrier.
Keep your Samsung account password strong: The authentication prompt is only as secure as your account password. Use a unique, strong password.
Check family sharing settings: If you have family sharing enabled, this setting applies to all purchases made on that device, including by family members.
Re-check after updates: Occasionally, a system or Galaxy Store update might reset some settings. It’s a good idea to verify this setting is still enabled after major updates.

Troubleshooting

If the authentication prompt doesn’t appear when you make a purchase, or the setting doesn’t work as expected, try the following:

Restart the Galaxy Store app: Close the app completely (swipe it away from recent apps) and reopen it. Then try a purchase again.
Restart your device: A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
Clear the Galaxy Store cache: Go to Android Settings > Apps > Galaxy Store > Storage > Clear Cache. This won’t delete your data, but it can fix corrupted temporary files.
Check your Samsung account: Make sure you’re signed in to the correct Samsung account. Sometimes, if you’re signed out, the authentication prompt may not appear.
Update the Galaxy Store: Go to the Galaxy Store, tap the menu (three lines), then tap your profile icon, then Settings > About Galaxy Store > Update. Install any available updates.
Re-enable the setting: Turn the authentication toggle off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This forces the setting to re-register.
Contact Samsung support: If none of the above works, there may be a deeper issue with your device or account. Reach out to Samsung support through the Samsung Members app or their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting affect Google Play purchases?

No. This setting only applies to purchases made through the Samsung Galaxy Store. Google Play has its own separate authentication setting that you need to enable separately.

Will I be asked for authentication for free apps or downloads?

No. Authentication is only required for purchases that involve a charge. Free downloads and in-app items that cost zero will not trigger the prompt.

Can I use my fingerprint to authenticate purchases?

Yes, if your device has a fingerprint sensor and you have registered your fingerprint in the device settings. You’ll need to select the biometric option when enabling the setting.

What if I forget my Samsung account password?

You’ll need to reset your password through the Samsung account recovery process. You can do this by visiting the Samsung account website and clicking “Forgot password?” or by using the “Find ID/Password” option in the Galaxy Store sign-in screen.

Will this setting apply to subscriptions?

Yes, the authentication requirement applies to any purchase that charges your account, including subscriptions initiated through the Galaxy Store. However, recurring subscription renewals typically won’t ask for authentication each time—only the initial sign-up.

Why is the option missing from my Galaxy Store?

This option may be missing if your Galaxy Store app is outdated, or if your device is not a Samsung device (e.g., a non-Samsung Android phone). It could also be hidden if the app’s interface has been customized by your carrier. Try updating the app or checking the “Security” section within Settings.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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