Amazing Google hack for Android could save you from costly Christmas nightmare

GOOGLE has come up with a brand new way to stop app buying chaos just in time for Christmas.

The tech giant has created a tool that allows parents to approve each purchase made on the Google Play Store.

It's designed to give bill payers maximum control - and minimise the risk of kids going rogue buying loads of stuff on your card.

The firm already had a family payment method available.

But the new Purchase Requests service takes things to the next level.

And it could be particularly handy for any lucky people who get a tablet or phone for Christmas this year.

Each time your child attempts to buy something from Google Play, a request will be sent straight to the family manager.

The same applies for in-app purchases too.

You then have the power to look at the app's information and decide whether it's suitable.

And ultimately whether you want them buying it.

You'll get an alert on your phone as soon as they go for it.

Should you say yes, you can use your own stored payment methods to go ahead with it.

Google Play gift cards can be used as well.

If you don't catch the notification, the request will be kept in an approval waiting queue.

They can be found listed within the Family Link app.

But crucially the app they want won't be bought and downloaded until you give the go ahead.

Best of all, you can still take advantage even if you kid uses an Android device while you're on an iPhone.

However, you can only approve pending requests for paid content made through Google Play’s billing system from your child’s device.

Alternatively, you can access everything online through a computer.

It's also worth pointing out that this doesn't work with Play Books, Google TV, or subscription purchases.

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