Do you want to know how to use Google Pay?
We got you! We tried and tested how it works and we are here to share it with you.
Here’s the thing:
Google Pay, as we know it, is a digital wallet designed to replace the tap-to-pay or swipe-to-pay credit/debit card payment scheme. Furthermore, it is also an online payment system developed by Google.
What’s more…
The Google Pay (GPay) payment system aims to power in-app and tap-to-pay purchases on supported Android mobile devices. Enabling users to make payments with Android Smartphones, Tablets and/or even Smartwatches.
Nifty, right?
Formerly called Android Pay, GPay is still that same payment system service. So, if you plan to start using GPay or plans to switch from other digital wallet payment systems such as Samsung Pay or Apple Pay, then this article is for you.
Related:
Google Pay Review 2019: Everything You Need to Know
The Evolution of Google Pay: Android Pay and Google Wallet
How to Use Google Pay on iPhone & iPad
How To Pay in Stores With Google Pay
If you’re simply here wanting to know what is GPay, how to use it, and how does it work, then here’s a short video that quickly answers those questions.
What is Google Pay?
Basically, GPay is a payment system by Google. It is somehow similar when you’re paying goods with Credit Card. The only difference is that instead of a Credit Card, you will use your Android Smartphone’s NFC technology to make the payment.
How to Use GPay?
To use GPay, you have to:
- Download the app on the Google Play store or visit pay.google.com.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Configure and set up your preferred payment method.
- To use GPay in stores, check to see if your phone has NFC.
That’s it! You’re ready to pay.
How Does GPay Work?
Once you add a card or your preferred payment method, GPay works by:
- Paying in stores, services, or various goods using your phone.
- Pay in apps purchases or on websites just like PayPal.
- Easily and quickly send money to friends and family (US/UK only).
To learn more about GPay, simply click these links to know what GPay is and where it’s available.
How To Use Google Pay to Pay in Stores
To able to use Google Pay to pay your purchases in stores, you need to do a couple of things as well as meet certain requirements.
First, you will need an Android phone that’s capable and feature NFC technology. Other than that, here are some requirements:
- An Android Phone that features NFC
- Installed Google Pay app
- Configured Google account and Google Pay
If you meet all of these requirements, then you’re good to go. So, to pay your purchases in stores with Google Pay, here’s how to do it.
1. Check If Your Phone Can Make in-store Purchases
To pay in stores with Google Pay, your Android phone must work with NFC (near-field communication) and is Play Protect certified. To verify:
- Check the specification of your Phone to know if it supports NFC.
- Check if your device is Play Protect certified under Google Play store settings.
If your device is not Play Protect certified, you won’t be able to use Google Pay. Furthermore, the following circumstances won’t also work with Google Pay:
- An Android Phone running on a developer versions of Android.
- A rooted Android Phone.
- An Android Phone that uses Samsung MyKnox.
- Android Phones that are untested and are not approved by Google.
- Android Phones that has their bootloader unlocked.
If you want Google Pay to work with a rooted Android phone, you can do that by means of Magisk which you can learn more about that here.
2. Look For Google Pay Symbol or Contactless Symbol
If you want to use Google Pay in stores, you have to look for the contactless or Google Pay symbols. You can mostly find them on the payment terminal screen or on the cash register at checkout. If not, don’t hesitate to ask the store personnel.
| Google Pay symbol | Contactless symbol |
Note: If you can’t find the Google Pay symbol, Google Pay will still work with Contactless terminals. You can pay with it even if you only see the contactless symbol.
3. Wake Up And Unlock Your Phone
The next step that you will need to do is simply turning on your phone screen and then unlock your phone.
4. Hold The Back Of Your Phone Close To The Payment Terminal
The next step is to place and hold your phone to get it as close as possible to the payment terminal. Simply, hold the back of your phone close to the payment terminal. If your payment is successful, you’ll see a blue check mark on the screen.
If your phone won’t connect or the payment won’t go through:
- Try holding your phone in a different way. Your NFC antenna could be near the top or bottom of your device.
- Make sure your phone is very close to the payment terminal.
- Try to hold your phone for a few more seconds.
If you do see a check mark but the cashier says the payment didn’t work:
- Double-check if the store accepts mobile payments.
- Confirm with your bank that your card is working right.
5. Follow The Instructions On The Screen if Prompted
Some stores uses payment terminals with older software. Because of this, terminals may ask for a PIN or signature. If this happens, follow the steps on the screen.
- For Debit cards: Enter the PIN that you set up with your bank. This PIN is different from the PIN you use to unlock your device. Usually, ATM PINs.
- For Credit cards: Simply sign the receipt or the signature box that’s prompted on the screen.
If you want to change your Google Pay payment method, all you have to do is:
- Open the Google Pay app .
- On the bottom, tap Payment.
- Tap the payment method you want to make your default.
- Turn on Default for in-store purchases.
Also read:
How to Request Money on Google Pay: Request or Pay a Request
How to Send Money Through Google Pay: A General Guide
How to Use Google Pay – The Ultimate Guide for Android Users
How to Use Google Pay on Smartwatch
Another cool feature that Google Pay has is the support for certain smartwatches. Basically, you can pay by simply placing your smartwatch near the payment terminal. How cool is that?
To use Google Pay on your watch, you need to:
- Be in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, UK, or US.
- Use a supported watch. Basically, Google Pay is should already be installed on supported watches out of the box.
- Use a supported card.
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that supports Google Pay, then we highly recommend Fossil Q Gen 4 Smartwatches.
Fossil Smartwatch Gen 4 with Leather Strap
The Fossil Gen 4 Smartwatch is powered with Wear OS and is compatible with Android OS 4.4+ (excluding Go edition) and iOS 9.3+ smartphones. It features fast charging, support for Google Pay and Google Assistant, custom social dials, and interchangeable watch bands.
How to Add a Card on your SmartWatch
Adding a card to your Android Smart Watch is another cool and convenient feature of having Google Pay on your smartwatch. Basically, you won’t need your phone to pay.
- On your watch, open the Google Pay app.
- Tap Get started.
- Set up screen lock.
- Add a credit or debit card.
Note: With smartwatches, you can’t add a discount, loyalty, or rewards card to Google Pay.
How to Use Google Pay in a Store with your Smartwatch
- On your watch, open the Google Pay app.
- Hold your watch over the contactless payment terminal until you hear a sound or feel a vibration from your watch.
- If asked, choose “Credit” regardless of your type of card.
- For debit card transactions, you may have to enter the PIN that you set up with your bank.
Suggested reads:
Samsung Pay vs Google Pay – A Comparison
What to do when Google Pay payment fails? (Full Guide)
Who Accepts Google Pay? (Stores, Banks, Countries)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Pay safe to use?
Yes. Google Pay is a safe and secure digital wallet app. All the information you input in this app is encrypted, also all of GPay’s data are stored in a secured server. So, if you are having any worries about having a data leak, you can relax.
Can users use Google Pay if they do not have a debit card?
Yes. You can use Google Pay even if you do not own any debit card by using a GPay card. GPay offers an official GPay card that you can buy from grocery stores and in the Google Pay online store. This card can be used like a regular debit card.
And, if you do not want to buy the GPay card, you can use a different virtual card that you can obtain from PayPal, Skrill, Gcash, and more.
Does Google Pay charge transaction fees?
Google Pay does charge transaction fees but it has one of the most inexpensive fees compared to other digital wallet apps. Also, it does not charge any fees for when you transfer funds on debit cards and bank accounts.
Who accepts Google Pay?
Almost all the major stores accept Google Pay. American Eagle Outfitters, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, Crate & Barrel, Foot Locker, Giant Eagle, Macy’s, McDonald’s, Nike, Schnucks, Staples, Toys R Us, Walt Disney World, and Whole Foods Market are a few among numerous stores that accept Google Pay.
Does Walmart accept Google Pay?
No, currently Walmart does not accept any mobile payment apps except Walmart Pay.
What gas stations accept Google Pay?
Conoco, Exxon Mobil, Phillips 66, and Shell are a few gas stations that accept Google Pay.
Does Chevron accept Google Pay?
Chevron worked with Visa and since 2015, it accepts NFC payments at some stations. Thus, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Samsung ay, and Google Pay are accepted at some Chevron gas stations.
Final Thoughts…
Google Pay is a great way to end your credit card and debit card clutter problems. However, there are a few other odds and ends you should know about it.
In times, this feature can come in handy by allowing you to save your receipts within the app. Although, Google Pay does not support recurring payments, such as subscriptions or bills.
Do you use Google Pay? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
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