With some apps, you can buy additional content or services within the app. We call these "in-app purchases." Here are some examples of in-app purchases:
- A sword that gives you more power in a game.
- A key that unlocks more features of an app.
- Virtual currency that can be used for purchases.
Tip: To help protect against accidental or unwanted in-app purchases, check that password protection is turned on for your device.
Find out if an app offers in-app purchases
Before downloading an app, you can check if it offers in-app purchases:
- On the Google Play Store app, in-app purchases will be by the Price or Install button.
- On play.google.com/store, you'll see "Offers in-app purchases" below the name of the app.
Use a promo code for an in-app purchase
You can redeem promotional codes for some in-app purchases using the Play Store app on an Android device.
To redeem a promotional code for an in-app item:
- Find the in-app purchase you want to apply the promo code to.
- Start the check-out process.
- Next to the payment method, tap the Down arrow
.
- Tap Redeem.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
Problems with in-app purchases
If you’re having an issue with an in-app purchase, troubleshoot and get help.
Pre-order or pre-register for apps, in-app products, books & audiobooks
You can pre-order select e-books, and audiobooks and have them appear in your library as soon as they're available. Also, some developers allow you to pre-order an item inside an app or game. You'll be charged for the purchase and can access the pre-ordered item on the date that the developer specifies. You can cancel your pre-order anytime before you’re charged. You can also pre-register for select apps and games that aren't out yet.
Pre-order for an item
You won't be charged for pre-orders until the item is available in your app.
- On your computer, go to play.google.com.
- Select the item you want to pre-order.
- On the item’s detail page, click Pre-order.
You’ll get an email when your pre-order is placed. You’ll also get an email when you are charged for the pre-order item.
Important: A pre-order may be canceled if your payment is declined. If you used Google Play Store balance as your form of payment for your pre-order, your order will be canceled if you don't have enough credit in your account when the item is released.
How payment for pre-order works
Until the item is available in your app, you won’t be charged for your pre-orders. Before then, you can cancel your pre-orders anytime.
Your pre-order will be canceled if:
- The payment method is declined.
- You use the Google Play balance as your form of payment and there isn’t enough credit in your account when the item is released.
If the payment method (other than Google Play balance) you provided isn’t working, you'll get an email with further details.
If the item is eligible for Play Points, you'll earn them on the release date.
Pre-order changes & refunds
Pre-order details are subject to change. For example, developers can update the price or release date of the item. You’ll be notified if the release date changes. In the “Budget & history” page, you can find the status of your pre-order, including the up-to-date expected release date.
If the price changes after you’ve pre-ordered it, you'll pay the lower price between:
- The price at the time you placed your pre-order.
- The price on the date of its release.
Before you place the pre-order, check your item for a lower price guarantee tag. If your item doesn’t have a lower price guarantee, you’ll be charged the same amount you agreed to when you placed your pre-order.
If your pre-order item isn't available from the developer after the release date, we'll cancel the transaction and refund you. If this happens, you'll get an email.
Check status or cancel your pre-order for in-app items, books & audiobooks
On your computer, go to play.google.com.
- At the top right, choose your profile icon.
- Select Payments & subscriptions
Budget & order history.
- To cancel your pre-order: Select your pre-order item and click Cancel. Then, follow the prompts.
You'll receive a cancellation email after canceling your order.
In the “Budget & history” page, you can find the latest release date of your pre-ordered item. If the item can’t be delivered on the release date, the developer may update the release date. If the date changes from what you've previously agreed to, you’ll get an email.
Rentals
Rentals allow you to use a product for a limited time. Each rental offering displays an expiration date. Some products also have a set duration, which begins when you first access the product. These details are provided in the rental offering info you review at checkout. They’re also included in your confirmation email, for future reference.
If you have an issue with your rental, go to Problems with in-app purchases.
Pre-register
Important: If you pre-register for an item, you can’t cancel your pre-registration.
You can pre-register for select apps and games that aren't out yet. Pre-registration is applicable only to apps and games and doesn’t include in-app purchases.
- On your computer, go to play.google.com.
- Select the item that you want to pre-register.
- On the item's detail page, click Pre-register.
After you pre-register for an item and when it becomes available to download, you'll get an email notification.