Use the Google Play Store on an Android

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The Google Play Store is an app that is already installed on most Android devices. It allows the user to download various apps and games, as well as songs, videos, books, and magazine articles. It might appear confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is simple. All you need is a Google account. If you choose to purchase higher end apps, songs, videos, and books, then you will need some form of payment as well.

Steps

Accessing the Google Play Store

  1. Make sure that you already have a Google account. When you first access the store, you will need to log in using your Google or Gmail account. If you do not have one, you will need to create one first. You can do this either on your phone or on your computer.
    • If you are using a computer to create a Google account, go to Google's homepage, and then click on the blue "Sign In" button in the top right corner to get started.
  2. Go to your device's apps. On most Android phones, the icon to the apps menu will be located on the lower right corner of the screen.
  3. Select the Google Play Store icon. You may have to scroll through several pages until you find it. It will be labeled as "Play Store," and have an icon that looks like a white bag or suitcase with a multicolored triangle on it.
  4. Log in with your Google account. If you have already logged into your account previously, then you will not need to do this. If this is your first time using the Google Play Store, then you will need to log in.
    • If you have multiple accounts, click on the "Menu" icon (the one shaped like three horizontal bars) and scroll down to the username. Click on the down arrow to select the account you wish to use.[1]
  5. Consider adding a secondary Google account. Go to your Settings and select "Accounts." Scroll down to "Add Account" and choose "Google" from the list. Follow the prompted instructions to add your secondary Google account. You then alternate between this account and your main account while using the Google Play Store.[2]
    • Purchases are not transferable between different Google accounts. If you are using the Google Play Store to access something, like a book, newspaper article, or movie, you will need to log into the account you purchased it on.

Downloading from the Google Play Store

  1. Open up the Google Play Store. You can find it in your device's apps.
  2. Choose a category if you wish to browse. There are two main categories: "Apps & Games" and "Entertainment." You will find all sorts of fun apps and games under the first category. You will find the following under "Entertainment."
    • Google Play Movies is great for those who love watching movies. You can both buy and rent movies.
    • Google Play Music is great for those who love to listen and stream music.
    • Google Play Books is great for the bookworms who love to read. You can read books directly in Google Play, or download them onto your device to read offline.
    • Google Play Newsstand is great for those who like to read newspapers and magazines.
  3. Consider searching for specific items instead. Near the top of your page, you will find a search bar. You can type in specific titles, such as "Game of Thrones" or you can type in topics, such as "cats" or "coloring books." The results will include items from both the "Apps & Games" and the "Entertainment" category.
  4. Click on the item that interests you. You will be taken to the information page on that item.
  5. Click on "Install" to download an app onto your device. Some apps are free, while others require a small fee. Keep in mind that some of the "free" apps have ads and in-app purchases.
    • If you already have the item on your device, you won't get an install option, but you may get an "Update," "Uninstall," or "Open" option.
  6. Purchase or rent books, movies, music, and other media. The Entertainment category works much like the Apps & Games category, but you will have more options, including trials, samples, and rentals.
    • In Google Play Movies, you will be given an option to "Buy" the movie for a fee. Sometimes, you may be able to rent the movie for a smaller fee. Other times, you will be able to choose between SD and HD.
    • In Google Play Music, you will typically be able to download a "Free Trial" or "Buy" the song/album for a fee.
    • In Google Play Books, you will typically be given an option to download a "Free Sample" or "Buy" for a fee.
    • In Google Play Newsstand, you will be able to download newspaper apps, such as Google News. You will also be able to purchase and/or subscribe to newspapers, such as the New York Times.
  7. Uninstall unwanted apps. If you no longer want an app, simply go to your apps page, and press on it until the trashcan symbol appears at the top of the screen. Hold onto the app's icon, and drag it into the trashcan.
    • You can also uninstall an app by finding it in the Google Play Store, and clicking "Uninstall."
    • If the app is on your home page, simply clicking it and dragging it to the trash will not uninstall it. It will simply remove the shortcut. You must go to the apps page in order to uninstall it.

Adding, Editing, and Removing Payment Methods

  1. Consider adding a payment method. Not everything in the Google Play Store app is free. In order to purchase these items, you will need to add a payment method to your Google Play Account.
    • You can use these steps to remove or edit existing payment methods as well.
  2. Open the Google Play Store app and access the settings Menu. It is the icon that is shaped like three horizontal bars.
  3. Scroll down to "Account" and select "Add payment method." From here, you will need to follow the prompted instructions on your screen, as they will vary depending on the payment method you choose. The payment method you add will be your main payment method.
    • You can use this method to add as many payment types as you'd like. When you purchase something from the Google Play Store, you will be able to select a payment type.
  4. Go to your "Account" to edit or remove your payment methods. Once you are in your "Account," go to "Payment Methods," and then select "More Payment Settings." From there, you can click on the payment method you want to edit or remove.[3]
    • If you choose to edit a payment method, remember to click "Save."
  5. Turn the authentication setting on if you want to avoid making accidental purchases. Open up the settings Menu, and select "Require Authentication for Purchases," then choose an option that appeals to you. Follow the prompted instructions. They may vary depending on the option you choose.[4]
    • This is great for devices that you will be giving to a child, or if you are just clumsy.

Video

Tips

  • You'll need to enter a credit card as part of the purchasing process if you haven't already done so for the Play Store.
  • It's a good idea to try out "lite" free versions of apps before purchasing the full version so that you can be sure you will like it.
  • Try turning your phone off and on again if you cannot find the Google Play Store. If this does not resolve the issue, then your device does not support the app.
  • Make sure that the Google Play Store is enabled. If you can't find it, it might be disabled. Go to your device's Settings, then click on "Apps." Find "Google Play Store" and make sure that it is "Enabled."[5]

Warnings

  • Some Android devices do not support the Google Play Store. If it is not already installed on your device, then you will not be able to download it.[6]

Sources and Citations