Fix problems with tap-to-pay transactions

Important: If you can't pay contactless, check if you've completed the following steps:

1. Check if your device supports NFC.
2. Set Google Pay as your default payment app.
3. Add a card.
4. Set a screen lock.
5. Check if your phone is certified and meets security requirements.
6. Check if your device is unlocked before payment.

Step 1: Check if your device supports NFC

1. On your Android device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Connected devices Connection preferences NFC.
3. Tap On.
   

Step 2: Set Google as your default payment app

1. On your Android device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Connected devices Connection preferences NFC.
3. Tap Contactless payments.
4. Select Google Wallet.

Tip: Make sure that your Google Wallet app is up to date.

Step 3: Add a card

1. Open the Google Wallet app .
2. At the bottom, tap Add to Wallet .
3. Tap Payment card.
   • Any cards that you saved to your Google Account are shown.
4. Tap New credit or debit card.
   • To add a card, use your camera or tap Enter details manually.
5. At the bottom, tap Save and continue.
6. Read the issuer terms.
7. Tap Accept.
8. If you're asked to verify your payment method, select an option from the list. Learn how to verify your payment method.

Step 4: Set a screen lock

1. Open your phone's settings app.
2. Tap Security and privacy.
   • If you can't find 'Security', you can get help on your phone manufacturer's support site.
3. Tap Device unlock Screen lock.
   • If you've already set a lock, you need to enter your PIN, pattern or password before you can select a different one.
4. Select the screen lock method that you want to use.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 5: Check if the phone is certified and meets security requirements

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Settings.
4. To check if your device is Play Protect certified, tap About.
   • Learn more about Google Play Protect certification status.

Step 6: Unlock your device before payment

Before you can pay, you'll need to confirm that it's you using your Android screen lock. You can verify that it's you in Google Wallet with a:

• PIN
• Pattern
• Password
• Fingerprint or Class 3 biometric face unlock (if your device supports it)

Try to pay contactless again with tips

• Hold your phone closer to the payment reader for a few more seconds, then try it in a different way.
• If the payment doesn't go through, find the NFC sign on the terminal or ask a cashier for help. Your NFC antenna could be near the top or middle of your device.

Fix other issues

The cashier says that the payment didn't work

If a tick appears on your phone when you hold it up to the payment reader but the cashier says that the payment didn't work:

• Try a different payment reader.
• Confirm that the shop accepts mobile payments.
• Contact your bank to find out if there's an issue with your card.
• Try a different payment method. Some terminals might not accept certain cards.

I attempted to make a payment but was prompted to enter my PIN

If you're prompted to enter your PIN, it means that you tried to verify the purchase with a method that's not supported. To solve the issue, enter your Android screen lock PIN.

To avoid this issue, use a supported Android screen lock method. You can also open the Google Wallet app before a purchase. If needed, you'll find a prompt in the app to verify the purchase.

The terminal requested that I swipe or insert my card after I attempted to pay using contactless

To reset the transaction if you're using a self-service terminal, try pressing 'X'. Otherwise, ask the cashier for assistance. Ensure that your phone is unlocked and then try to pay again. Alternatively, you can open the Google Wallet app before you make the purchase. If necessary, you'll be prompted to verify the purchase within the app.

Can't add a card to Google Wallet

If you can't add a debit or credit card:

• Make sure that the info on file with your bank or card issuer matches the name and address in your payments profile settings.
• Try a different payment method.
• Contact your bank or card issuer if you still have issues.

Learn how to fix problems when adding debit or credit cards to the Google Wallet app.

Can't set up contactless payments

To set up contactless payments, your device must:

• Have NFC activated
• Run Android version 9.0 and up for phones and Wear 2.x and up for watches
• Have host card emulation (HCE)
• Be set up with a card supported for contactless payments

If your device allows NFC payments and your card is supported but you can't set up contactless payments, contact your bank.

Your phone isn't certified or doesn't meet security requirements

1. Check if your software is Play Protect certified.
2. If you could previously make contactless payments with Google Wallet but no longer can, contact your device manufacturer. There may have been a software update that affects functionality.
3. If you've modified your phone, make sure that it meets security standards. Google Wallet may not work in shops with phones that:
   • Run developer versions of Android.
   • Are rooted, run a custom ROM or have modified factory software. Due to security risks, Google Wallet doesn't run on these phones.
   • Are untested and haven't been approved by Google.
   • Have an unlocked bootloader.

Tips:

• If your phone doesn't meet security requirements, you can't make contactless payments. Use a device that runs an original version of the Android operating system.
• If you've installed a modified operating system on your phone, before you can make contactless payments, you must reinstall your phone's original operating system.
  • If not, your device manufacturer's software may not meet Google security requirements.
  • For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

Home screen isn't available in Google Wallet

If the Wallet app gives you an error saying that you can't access the app, you might be able to open Google Wallet from your phone's settings menu:

1. On your Android device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Google All services Settings for Google apps.
3. Tap Google Wallet.

Tip: If you can't open the app's home screen, you might be able to pay contactless with your default card. If you continue to have this issue, report a problem or send feedback about the app.

Couldn't finish pay contactless setup

Your card might have been saved to your Google Account but not to the Google Wallet app. Try to add a different payment method and finish the setup.

Your cards have disappeared in the Google Pay app or you were notified that your cards were deleted

Your cards might be removed from Google Wallet as a security precaution. Readd any removed cards to Google Wallet.

Need more help

If you still have issues or any questions, you can ask the community. You can also contact us.