How to use Google Pay on Android or iPhone

Want a faster, safer way to pay for your morning coffee or groceries? Google Pay™ makes it possible to leave your wallet at home and pay with your phone.

At Asurion, we help you get the most out of your tech—from setting up mobile payments to troubleshooting common phone issues. Here's how to set up and use Google Pay on Android™ and iPhone®.

How Google Pay works

Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment system. You can add your credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and even tickets to the app. When you make a purchase, Google Pay uses a virtual account number instead of your real card details, keeping your transactions secure.

Set up Google Pay on Android

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Google Play™ Store.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
3. Tap Add a payment method and follow the prompts to add your card.
4. Verify your payment method with your bank if prompted.
5. Set Google Pay as your default payment app in Settings > Connections > NFC & payment.

Set up Google Pay on iPhone

Although iPhones have Apple Pay® built in, you can still use Google Pay for sending and receiving money, managing payment methods, and tracking purchases.

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Apple App Store®.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
3. Tap Add a payment method and follow the prompts.
4. Use Google Pay to send and receive money, manage cards, and view payment history.

Where you can use Google Pay

• In stores that accept contactless payments (look for the Google Pay or contactless symbol at checkout).
• In apps and on websites that support Google Pay.
• To send money to friends and family.

Troubleshooting Google Pay issues

If Google Pay isn’t working, try these steps:

1. Make sure your phone has NFC turned on (for Android).
2. Check that Google Pay is set as your default payment app.
3. Confirm your card is up to date and verified.
4. Restart your phone and try again.

If the issue continues, you may need to remove your card and add it again, or contact your bank for help.

FAQ

Can I use Google Pay without NFC?

Yes, you can still use Google Pay to send and receive money, store cards, and shop online without NFC. However, in-store tap-to-pay requires NFC.

Is Google Pay safe?

Yes, Google Pay uses advanced encryption and doesn’t share your actual card number with merchants. It also requires authentication (like a fingerprint or passcode) to complete transactions.

Can I use both Google Pay and Apple Pay on iPhone?

Yes, you can have both apps installed, but only Apple Pay can be used for in-store tap-to-pay purchases on iPhone.