Changing settings or information for your Google Play store account is easy to do right from your Android device. Here are quick answers to some common questions about changing your Google Play account:
How do I change my name on Google Play?
Open the Play Store app and tap on the 3 lines in the top left corner. Select “Account” from the menu. On the next screen tap “Personal info”. From there you can edit your first and last name.
Can I change my birthdate on Google Play?
Unfortunately you cannot change your birthdate on your Google Play account. This is to prevent issues with age restrictions on apps and content. If you entered the wrong birthdate when setting up your account, you will need to create a new account with the correct details.
How do I update my payment method?
To change the payment method linked to your Google Play account, open the Play Store and tap on the 3 lines in the top left. Go to “Payments & subscriptions” and tap on “Payment methods”. From there you can edit or add new credit cards or other payment options.
Can I switch my Google Play country?
It is possible to change your Google Play store country, however it is a bit more complicated than other account edits. First you’ll need to clear data for the Play Store app. Then open a web browser on your device and go to play.google.com. Tap the 3 lines at top left and go to Settings. Here you can choose your new country and follow the steps to update it.
How do I change my profile picture?
To update your Google Play profile picture, open the Play Store app and tap on the 3 lines in the top left. Go to “Account” then “Personal info”. Tap on your current profile icon to select a new photo from your device to use as your picture.
Can I delete my Google Play account?
If you want to permanently delete your Google Play account, go to play.google.com on your browser. Click “Settings” and look for the option to delete your account. Be aware this will erase your Google Play profile and all its data permanently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Google Play Account
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at detailed steps for some of the most common Google Play account changes:
Changing Your Name
Follow these steps to update the name displayed on your Google Play account:
- Open the Play Store app on your Android device
- Tap on the 3 line “hamburger” menu in the top left corner
- Select “Account” from the menu
- On the next screen, tap on “Personal info”
- Tap on the pencil icon next to your name
- Delete your existing name and type your new first and last name
- Tap “SAVE” to confirm the changes
Your updated name should now display in your Google Play profile.
Adding or Editing a Payment Method
Here is how to add a new credit/debit card or edit your payment method on Google Play:
- Open the Play Store and tap the 3 line menu
- Select “Payments & subscriptions”
- Tap on “Payment methods”
- To add a new method, tap the “+” icon and enter your card details
- To edit an existing method, tap the pencil icon and make your changes
- Review the updated information and tap “SAVE”
Your Google Play payment methods will be updated.
Changing Your Google Play Country
Follow these steps to change the country on your Google Play account:
- On your Android device, open Settings and go to Apps
- Locate the Play Store app and tap on Storage
- Tap on “Clear Data” to reset the Play Store app’s data
- Open your mobile browser and go to play.google.com
- Tap on the 3 line menu in the top left corner
- Go to Settings and select “Country and profiles”
- Read through the information and select your new country
- Follow the instructions to update your country
It may take some time for the change to fully process across Google’s servers. You’re Google Play country will now be updated.
Troubleshooting Common Google Play Account Issues
Here are some tips for troubleshooting problems you may encounter with your Google Play account:
Fixing Failed Payments
If you are having issues processing payments on Google Play, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure your payment method has not expired and has sufficient funds
- Check for typos or errors in your card details
- Contact your bank to ensure they are not blocking the charges
- Update your payment method with correct card information
- Clear cache and data for the Play Store app and try again
Recovering Hacked or Stolen Accounts
If your Google Play account was compromised or taken over by someone else, take these steps:
- Use Google’s account recovery process to regain access
- Change your password to something secure that only you know
- Remove any unknown linked accounts or devices
- Review recent purchases for unauthorized activity
- Consider enabling 2-step verification for added security
Fixing App Installation Errors
If you are unable to install apps from Google Play, try the following:
- Check that you have enough storage space on your device
- Make sure you have an active internet connection
- Confirm the app is compatible with your Android version
- Try clearing the Play Store cache and re-installing the app
- Restart your device and try installing again
Google Play Account Settings Overview
Here is an overview of some key account settings and options available on Google Play:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Update your first and last name |
| Profile photo | Change your account profile picture |
| Password | Update your Google Play password |
| Payment methods | Manage your payment options for purchases |
| Notifications | Configure your notification preferences |
| Parental controls | Manage restrictions and controls for family |
| Subscriptions | View and manage your active subscriptions |
| Order history | See your past app and content purchases |
| Account permissions | Manage app access to your account info |
Key Things to Know
- You cannot change your birthdate after account setup
- Editing your Google Play country is a more complex process
- Deleting your account erases all data permanently
- Review permissions for apps accessing your info
- Enable 2-step verification for increased security
Conclusion
Managing your Google Play account settings and information is straightforward once you know where to look. Focus on key areas like your name, payment methods, country, and security settings to ensure your account is configured properly. Be mindful that certain things like birthdate cannot be changed after account creation. Troubleshoot issues as they arise by consulting error messages, researching solutions, and contacting Google Play support if needed. With a few tweaks to your account, you can enjoy Google Play even more with the apps, games, movies, books, and other content you love.
