Google just made it harder for your kids to spend your money

The post Google just made it harder for your kids to spend your money appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 24, 2025 - 20:55

Google is adding a swipe gesture to the Play Store for purchases to help try and minimize the risk of accidentally buying something you didn’t mean to. While it might seem like it’s not that easy to accidentally buy something, it’s easier than you might think. Especially if you have the 1-tap buy option enabled. Therein lies the reason why Google is adding this feature. To cut down on the possibility that someone can accidentally buy an app or game.

Google confirmed it would be adding this Play Store Swipe gesture already, but when it was announced, there wasn’t any mention of a timeframe for the rollout. As it turns out, the rollout is happening at this very moment. According to Android Authority, a user on Telegram by the name of @Adamzampahere states the feature is already available for them.

The button for the new gesture looks basically the same as the 1-tap buy option, but now there’s a small circle inside the button with two rightward-facing arrows in the middle to designate that you’re supposed to swipe. It also says “swipe to buy” or “swipe to subscribe,” so things are pretty straightforward. You will also have to hold and swipe to finalize the purchase. While it’s unlikely that this will completely prevent accidental purchases, it should help reduce the number of those incidents. That’s its intended goal, after all.

The Google Play Store swipe gesture is not available for everyone yet

The new gesture for quick purchases is rolling out as of today, but it’s not quite available to everyone just yet. Android Authority reports that they weren’t able to see the new purchase button. I can also confirm that it wasn’t visible on my Google Pixel 8. It’s also worth noting that the Play Store version this is reportedly being rolled out for is 45.8.21-31, which is the version I have. That being said, it will likely take a little time before it shows up for everyone.

The Swipe gesture button is completely replacing the 1-tap buy button. So you won’t have an option to choose either or. Google is flat out swapping one for the other.

Why is this necessary?

We wouldn’t exactly say this is necessary, but to some degree, it probably is. It’s quite likely a boon for parents who let their kids use their devices to play games. In that particular scenario, think about how many purchases may have been made because of the 1-tap buy button. Even as an adult, the argument could be made that it’s easy enough to buy an Android app unintentionally. That being said, even the 1-tap buy button in Google Play still requires you to tap the button that lists the price of an app purchase or subscription. So, really, it’s just as easy to avoid these accidents. Regardless, this new swipe gesture should improve things in this regard. Not to mention help Google avoid headaches pertaining to users who want refunds.

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