To make contactless payments with Google Pay, you need to set up a screen lock on your device for your security.
Important: Screen lock is optional for e-money, QUICPay and iD users in Japan.
Google Pay works with PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint or retina-scanning screen locks. It won't work with facial recognition or screen locks like Smart Unlock or Knock to Unlock.
Turn on screen lock
Learn how to set or change a screen lock.
You can use Google Pay for higher amounts without unlocking your phone, because some countries have increased their contactless card payment limits. The new limits will be implemented in early April 2020 and will be gradually rolled out in certain countries.
Change how quickly your phone locks
Your phone can be used to pay when it's unlocked. For more security, make it lock faster.
- On your Android phone, open the Settings app
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- Tap Lock screen & security
Secure lock settings
- Choose the amount of time before your screen automatically locks.
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Secure lock settings No unlock needed for smaller payments
To make contactless payments, you need to unlock your phone. You won't need to unlock it for certain small payments.
Important: You can only make a limited amount of locked transactions before your phone will ask you to unlock it.
Payment limits on a locked device
| Country | Amount |
|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 100 |
| Belgium | EUR 25 |
| Brazil | Unlock is required for all transactions except for public transport. |
| Canada | CAD 100 |
| Chile | CLP 12,000 for credit |
| Croatia | HRK 350 |
| Czech Republic | CZK 500 |
| Denmark | DDK 350 |
| Finland | EUR 25 |
| France | EUR 30 |
| Germany | EUR 50 |
| Hong Kong | HKD 1000 |
| Ireland | EUR 50 |
| Italy | EUR 25 |
| Japan (VISA Touch) | JPY 10,000 |
| New Zealand | NZD 80 |
| Norway | NOK 200 |
| Poland | PLN 100 |
| Russia | RUB 1000 |
| Singapore | SGD 200 |
| Slovakia | EUR 20 |
| Spain | EUR 50 |
| Sweden | SEK 400 |
| Switzerland | CHF 80 |
| Ukraine | UAH 100 for Mastercard UAH 500 for Visa |
| United Arab Emirates | AED 300 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 45* |
| United States | $50 USD |
*Important: The United Kingdom limit may vary for specific issuers. Learn about the United Kingdom's supported payment methods.
Tip: Contactless payments with locked devices are accepted at merchant terminals. If you can't pay with your locked device, try again with your device unlocked. For amounts above your country's contactless limit, you can still use Google Pay. Simply unlock your phone and tap on the terminal. These high-value transactions are also accepted at merchant terminals.
