In-app purchases tend to be a real nuisance for Android users which can lead to problems and issues. Unfortunately it’s a system that more developers are relying on and one that can be lucrative if the app is decent enough. Some people have been caught out by not realising they’ve made a series of in-app purchases, some are well disguised within apps and some unwitting parents may not realise that their children have racked up a massive bill in an innocent looking game.

Although there’s no way to permanently get rid of in-app purchases from appearing in the apps you enjoy, there’s a way to add a layer of security which can help stop unwanted purchases being made by you, or your family. In this tutorial we’ll take you through this process which will hopefully help save you and your wallet.

Open up the Google Play app from the app drawer on your device. Press on the menu icon located on the top right of the home page and select the Settings tab from the drop down menu that now appears in front of you. Find User Controls

Scroll down through the various settings until you reach the User Controls sub-menu. From within here you’ll want to find the Use PIN for purchases option. Currently this will be greyed out and you’ll need to select the Set or Change PIN option instead. Add and confirm PIN

This screen will require you to create a unique PIN for your phone or tablet. There’s no restriction on the length of it, but make sure it’s easy enough for you to remember. After adding your new PIN, you’ll need to confirm it on the next screen. Use PIN for purchases

You’ll now find that the Use PIN for purchases option is now available for you to select. By ticking this option any subsequent purchases you make on your device, including in-app purchases, will require you to first enter the PIN before confirming it. Open an app

After setting everything in place you’ll want to make sure it’s working properly. Open up an app that you know includes a range of in-app purchases. We used Temple Run 2 here. Find an in-app purchase and click on the Buy option.

If you’re an avid user of Facebook, and I mean avid, then chances are you’ll want to check out the new Facebook Home app. This app replaces the current launcher installed on your device and replaces it with a complete Facebook overhaul. Unfortunately, the app is only being released for a handful of devices in the first instance, so if your device is a little older than the current crop of new releases, chances are you’ll need to find an alternate way to get your hands on Facebook Home.

We’ve all been there – sat at a computer engrossed in a long web browsing when suddenly you have to go out. It’s always a wrench to finally tear yourself away, wishing that you really didn’t have to. It’s quite silly, of course, because in most cases the same content will still be there later on. While that knowledge doesn’t do much to quell the urgency, thanks to Google Chrome for desktop and Android devices this no longer needs to be a problem.

Once an account is setup, syncing can occur between desktop and mobile devices, enabling you to carry on with your browsing session wherever you are. This system also manages the syncing of bookmarks between desktop and mobile browsers, so you’ll never be caught without access to your favourite websites again.

Developer options let you access parts of Android you would otherwise be unaware of. In the latest version of Android they are hidden very well: you have to go to Settings>About phone and tap the Build number section 7 times for them to appear. It will be worth the effort, however.

This feature lets you connect an Android device to a desktop computer to transfer data between each device and to install apps directly without any standard notifications.

Stay awake performs an obvious task and that is to keep the screen awake when charging. This is useful if you need an onscreen clock or photo slideshow running.

You’ve flashed CyanogenMod 10.1 and your phone is now running Android 4.2.

You’re now fully equipped to enjoy the new keyboard, lockscreen widgets, improved notifications and all the other small but very welcome improvements seen in the most recent version of the OS.

But you needn’t stop there. CyanogenMod is more than just  a plain version of the Android OS. It has a few extra features that enable you to configure and tweak how the system looks and works. The options are subtle and, as is typical with CyanogenMod, so perfectly integrated into the system that you wouldn’t know they weren’t a normal part of the OS.

Even if you’re not the busiest of person, it’s pretty likely that your Gmail inbox sometimes looks like it could do with a cleansing fire to clear it out. Whether it’s work emails, friends connecting, or just the steady stream of special offers and voucher websites that fill up your inbox everyday, it can feel like a daunting task trying to get on top of things. That’s where labels and your priority inbox come in.

These handy inclusions in the official Gmail app let you keep a close eye on what actually matters to you, and leave the rest to read when you’ve got a spare minute. Here then are some simple tips and tricks to help you get a better hold of your on the move email communications. With a bit of tinkering and some sensible labeling, you’ll soon be the master of most of the mail coming your way, and that’s a great feeling. These tweaks will change your internet email inbox too, giving you almost complete control.