Frequently Asked Questions
Android Pay & Google Wallet
What is the difference between Android Pay and Google Wallet?
Android Pay is the simple and secure way to use your Android phone to pay in stores and within apps. Learn more about Android Pay here.
We built the new Google Wallet app from the ground up to give you a fast, free way to send and request money on both Android and iOS devices. Any money you receive can be immediately transferred to your bank account. All you need is a US debit card or bank account.
How do I get Android Pay?
If your device receives automatic updates, your current Google Wallet app will automatically update to Android Pay and you'll just need to set it up. Any loyalty programs, gift cards, or offers that you had in Wallet will show up in Android Pay. If you don't receive automatic updates, you'll need to download the Android Pay app on Google Play. Android Pay will not be available for iOS devices.
To continue sending and receiving money, you'll need to download the new Google Wallet app on Google Play. If you have a Wallet Balance, don't worry—it will appear in the new app and, as always, at wallet.google.com.
On what phones is the Android Pay app available?
The Android Pay app is available for Android phones and tablets running KitKat (4.4) or higher that support NFC (Near Field Communication) and HCE (Host Card Emulation). For more info on how to check if your phone supports Android Pay, visit our Help Center.
How do I get the new Google Wallet?
The new Google Wallet app will be available on Google Play for Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0 or above. It will also be available from the App Store for iPhones and other iOS devices running iOS 7.0 or above. If you have an iPhone and receive automatic updates, your current Google Wallet app will automatically update to the new Google Wallet app.
What happens to my Google Wallet Card?
On June 30, 2016, we’re retiring the Google Wallet Card. You can continue to use your card until then, but the ability to add money to your Wallet Balance from a debit card or bank account will end May 1, 2016. Only money you receive from others will be added to your Wallet Balance. If you have money in your balance already, you can keep it there, send it to others, or cash out anytime. If you have additional questions about the Wallet Card, visit our Wallet Card FAQ.
Can I use my Wallet Balance with Android Pay?
No, your Wallet Balance cannot be used to make purchases with Android Pay. However, your Wallet Balance can be used to send money to friends, as well as make online purchases on Google Play.
What will happen to my gift cards, loyalty programs, and offers?
For Android devices: All gift cards, loyalty programs, and offers have been automatically transferred to the Android Pay app on your Android device. You can also download them as PDFs:
- Open our tool for downloading data
- Make sure the box next to "Google Wallet" is checked, then click "Next" and follow the instructions
For iOS devices: the new Google Wallet app does not support gift cards, loyalty programs, or offers. If you would like to export items previously added to the Google Wallet app, you can easily export them in one of the following ways:
On your iPhone or iPad
Add them to Passbook
- See a full list of your items
- Tap "Add to Passbook" for each one that you"d like to save
On your desktop
Download them as PDFs
- Open our tool for downloading data
- Make sure the box next to "Google Wallet" is checked, then click "Next" and follow the instructions
Where can I find the details of my past Google Wallet transactions?
You can find the details for all money you've sent and received using Google Wallet, as well as all your previous Wallet Card transactions, in the new Google Wallet app.
To see all tap and pay and online transactions you made with the old Google Wallet, visit payments.google.com. In the Android Pay app, you'll only see transactions made using Android Pay.
General
What is Google Wallet?
The Google Wallet app is designed to give you a fast, free way to send and request money from anyone. When you receive money through Google Wallet, you can quickly cash out to your bank account using a debit card or linked bank account.
On what phones is the Google Wallet app available?
The Google Wallet app is available from the Google Play store for Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0 or above, and will be available from the App Store for iPhones and other iOS devices running iOS 7.0 or above.
What are the different ways I can send and request money with Google Wallet?
You can send money to or request money from anyone in the US with an email address or phone number through the Google Wallet app, on Gmail, or at wallet.google.com. In the UK, you can send or request money only through Gmail. You can't send or receive money between the US and UK at this time.
What is happening to the Google Wallet Card?
On June 30, 2016 we’re retiring the Google Wallet Card. You can continue to use your card until then, but you’ll only be able to add money to your Wallet Balance through May 1, 2016. Your Wallet Balance will remain intact. You can keep using it to send money to friends and family, and make purchases on Google Play. You can also transfer your balance to your bank account at any time. Money you receive from others can still be added to your Wallet Balance, but you won’t be able to add money yourself after May 1. If you have additional questions about the Wallet Card, visit our Wallet Card FAQ
Security
What if my phone or card is lost or stolen?
If your phone is ever lost or stolen, you can instantly remove access to your account on that phone at myaccount.google.com.
What is Google Wallet Fraud Protection?
Google Wallet Fraud Protection covers 100% of verified unauthorized Google Wallet transactions reported within 120 days of the transaction. To be eligible for coverage under this policy, you must be a resident of the US and have a Google Payments account that is associated with a US address.
If you would like to file a report about an unauthorized Google Wallet transaction, please contact us here. Unauthorized transactions on other products, such as Google Play, Google Drive, and YouTube, are covered under separate policies. Please refer to the relevant Help Center for more information.
How does Google Wallet protect my payment info?
Google Wallet stores your data on secure servers and encrypts your payment information with industry-standard SSL (secure socket layer) technology. Your full credit and debit card information is never shown in the app. We also protect access to your Google Wallet with your PIN. We recommend locking your phone with a passcode for additional security.
Am I liable for unauthorized transactions made using Google Wallet?
Google Wallet Fraud Protection covers 100% of verified unauthorized Google Wallet transactions in the US. Contact us here to report an unauthorized Google Wallet transaction.
In addition to Google Wallet Fraud Protection, you may also have certain rights under your agreement with the issuing bank of your debit card. Contact your issuing bank for more information.