Verify it’s you to make a purchase

To make payments with Google Wallet, you must have a screen lock set up on your device and verify it’s you for your security.

Important: To make a payment, your payment methods require screen lock verification. After the verification times out, you must verify again for your next transaction. Learn more about why you’re asked to verify.

You can verify it's you in Google Wallet with several methods:

• PIN
• Pattern
• Password
• Class 3 biometric unlock

Tip: Google Wallet doesn't work with Class 1 or Class 2 biometric unlocks or screen locks like Smart Unlock or Knock to Unlock. Check with your phone manufacturer to determine which screen lock type applies to your device.

Set or change a screen lock

1. Open your phone Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy  Device unlock. 
   • If you don’t find “Security & privacy,” you can get help at your phone manufacturer support site.
3. Tap Screen lock.
   • If you already set a lock, you must enter your PIN, pattern, or password before you can choose a different one.
4. Tap the option you’d like to use. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   

Turn off verification setting for transit

Important: This allows you to pay for transit without the use of your screen lock to unlock your device. However, screen lock verification is still required for other payments.

To pay for transit with a credit or debit card on a locked device, you can turn off the verification setting:

1. Open the Google Wallet app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Account Wallet settings.
3. Under “Security,” tap Verification settings Transit payments.
4. Turn off Verification required.

 

Fix issues when you verify for transactions

Verification doesn’t work

If verification isn’t working, check the following:

• A screen lock set up on your device using PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics.
• You aren’t using an unapproved screen lock method.
• Your screen lock password is correct.

If you still have issues, set a new screen lock and try again. Learn how to set or change a screen lock.

Why am I asked to verify sometimes & not others?

For security, your payment methods can’t be used unless you verify it’s you. If you’ve verified it’s you on your device in the past few minutes, you may not be required to verify for another transaction. Once the verification has timed out, you must verify again for your next transaction.

Still need help?

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