Google Wallet not working? Here are some quick fixes

Contactless payments offer a quick and easy way to check out at a store and take the hassle out of interacting with a PIN pad. With mobile payments, you don’t need to carry around your physical wallet, as your phone replaces it and allows you to pay using the cards you use every day.

Most of the best Android phones are compatible with mobile payments, including Google Wallet. The service makes it easy to pay virtually anywhere by allowing you to add your payment and loyalty cards. However, it can be harmful when it doesn’t work, preventing you from being able to pay using your phone. This situation can be especially embarrassing if you don’t have a wallet. However, there are quick fixes you can try on the go to fix the situation and avoid looking bad in public.

Update the Google Wallet app

One reason your app might not work is that it’s out of date. You can check if the update solves the problem by running the most up-to-date version, or you may have problems paying. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Google Play Store.
2. Search the Google Wallet application.
3. A Update button is available on the app page if it hasn’t been updated to the latest version.
4. Click Update, and you’re on your way to fast, contactless payments.

Check your phone number

You’re asked to enter your phone number when you set up Google Wallet. This allows Google to confirm your identity when you make purchases. If your phone number is incorrect or outdated, you may experience problems when you try to use your phone to pay. There’s a quick way to check and update your phone number:

1. Open the Google Wallet application.
2. Click the profile picture in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Click Wallet settings AND then click Payment profile.

4. You will see your number below Name and address.
5. If it’s incorrect, tap the Modify icon next to Name and address.

6. Enter the correct phone number.
7. Follow the instructions to set up your account and prepare it for payment.

Verify your card in Google Wallet

In order for you to make payments, Google Wallet goes through your bank and is linked to your credit and debit cards, so having the right ones is essential to ensuring your account is up and running. You may have forgotten to add a card, or your card may have expired since you last used Google Wallet. In any case, check your cards and accounts to make sure they are in order. Do that:

1. Open the Google Wallet app.
2. This opens an interface with your available cards.
3. Click each tab and then click Details bottom button.

4. Verify that the information at the bottom is correct.
5. If you need to add a card, click the button in the lower right corner that says Add to portfolio.

6. Follow the instructions to settle down.

Empty the cache

Sometimes the technology gets a little messy in the chaos of everyday use and needs a reboot to get started. Because Google Wallet stores some unnecessary and easily corruptible data after each use, the app can get bogged down, preventing it from functioning properly. A quick cleaning can fix the problem. All you do is:

1. Go to your phone Settings.
2. Select the App section.
3. Scroll down and tap Google Wallet.

4. Click the Storage and caching section.

5. Click Clear cache.
6. Once you’ve done that, restart the app and you’re good to go.

Check your internet connection

While debit and credit cards work without the internet, the same can’t be said for your internet-enabled smartphone. Next, having a working internet connection when making payments is vital for them. If your details aren’t working or your Wi-Fi connection is lagging, you may have trouble receiving payment confirmations.

If you want to make sure your payments go through, it’s best to use Google Wallet when your data connection is strong enough or when you are in a place where Wi-Fi is available. Here’s how to make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Login to Network and internet section.
3. Faucet Internet.

4. Tap the network connection you use.
5. Make sure your preferred network says Connected below it.

Uninstall and reinstall the app

Turning a device off and on again is a tried-and-true method for solving any technology problem, and Google Wallet follows suit. Uninstalling and reinstalling the Google Wallet app may fix the problem right away. Yes, there’s a chance you’ll need to set up your cards and bank accounts again, but at least the app will work for you. To uninstall the app:

1. Find the Google Wallet application on your phone.
2. Press and hold the icon rather than just pressing it.
3. Drag the icon to Uninstall button at the top of the screen.
4. Go to Google Play Store.
5. Find the Google Wallet application.
6. Click To install.
7. Set up your accounts.

Google Pay versus Google Wallet

If you’re having trouble paying with Google Pay, it’s because Google changed things up recently and made it confusing. While Google Wallet has replaced the Google Pay app for contactless payments, the company still uses the Google Pay name for another app. The latter is only available in the US, India and Singapore and is designed for peer-to-peer payments and reward earning.

If you’re using the Google Pay app and are having trouble paying in-store, use Google Wallet instead. You’re right to be wrong, as the G Pay logo is still in widespread use, leading to even more confusion.

You can do more with Google Wallet

In addition to using Google Wallet to pay seamlessly with your Android smartphone or watch, you can also use the service to store your loyalty cards and transit passes. In some countries, you can link it directly to your bank or PayPal account instead of a debit or credit card, giving you even more options for paying using your phone.

If you want to explore a new way to send money to friends and family using your phone, Google Wallet is the app you should download.