Fix issues with “Tap to pay” transactions done via cards

Important: If your phone doesn’t meet security requirements, you can’t make a payment immediately. Use a device that runs an original version of the Android operating system.

If you installed a modified operating system on your phone, you need to reinstall your phone’s original operating system before you can make contactless payments. If not, your device manufacturer’s software doesn't meet Google’s security requirements. For more information, contact your device manufacturer.

• Check if your software is Play Protect certified.
• If you can no longer make contactless payments with Google Pay, reach out to your device manufacturer. There could be a device software update that impacts functionality.
• While you're in a Beta program, Google Pay can be unreliable or stop working entirely on your device.
• If you have questions or concerns about how Beta program can impact your ability to use Google Pay, contact your device manufacturer.
• If you modified your phone, make sure it meets security standards. Google Pay doesn't work in stores with phones that:
  • Run developer versions of Android.
  • Are rooted, run a custom ROM, or have modified factory software.
    • Due to security risks, Google Pay doesn’t run on these phones.
  • Are untested and haven’t been approved by Google.
  • Have an unlocked bootloader.

If a check mark shows on your phone but the cashier says that the payment didn’t work, you can:

• Try a different payment reader.
• Confirm if the store accepts mobile payments.
• Contact your bank. Find out if there’s an issue with your card.

• Your phone must be NFC enabled, run Android version 9.0 or higher, and have HCE.
• Activate contactless payments settings for your card through the issuing bank’s mobile app or internet banking.
• If your device is enabled for NFC payments and your card is supported, but you can’t set up contactless payments, contact your bank.

Due to technical issues, Visa branded cards in Google Pay won’t work at certain transit agencies like metro, subway, or public buses. This incident affects transactions at transit agencies in New York, London, Sydney, and other cities. Visa is working on restoring this functionality in 2024. To complete your transaction, use another payment method.

Tip: Non-Visa payment cards are not affected.

Important: The RBI has a directive that takes effect from October 1, 2020. Any Indian debit or credit card that's newly issued or has never been used for online ecommerce or contactless payments will be blocked.

Activate contactless payment settings for your card through the issuing bank’s mobile app or internet banking. For more details, contact your bank.

1. On your Android device, open the Google Pay app .
2. Tap your Profile picture Pay with credit or debit cards.
3. Under “Other ways to pay,” find your cards.
4. Click any card.
   • Under any of your added cards, find “Default Tap and pay card”
5. To select a different card as default, click on the card.

To make contactless payments with Google Pay, use a screen lock on your device for your security.

1. On your Android phone, open Settings .
2. Tap Security.
   • If you don’t find “Security,” you can get help at your phone manufacturer’s support site.

3. Tap Screen lock.

   • If you already set a lock, you should enter your current PIN, pattern, or password before you can choose a different type.

4. Select the screen lock type that you want to use.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips:

• If you picked a PIN code as your screen lock, enter a minimum of 4 numbers.
• A 6-digit PIN or more is recommended for added security.

For added security, set up your phone so that it must be unlocked first to complete an NFC transaction.

To turn on this setting:

1. On your Android phone, go to Settings .
2. Tap Connected devices Connection preferences NFC.
3. Turn on Require device unlock for NFC.

If you can’t find this option, update your phone to the latest Android version.