Contactless payments make purchases simpler and faster by eliminating the need to take your credit card out of your wallet or enter a PIN.

Most Android phones, particularly those with 5G capabilities, come with NFC, which allows you to make payments using apps like Google Wallet, keeping your card details organized.

The software is fantastic when it works. But when it isn’t working, you miss paying a bill or two without having your physical wallet on hand.

Thankfully, there are easy steps to troubleshoot the app. Read our guide to learn what you can do to get Google Wallet working again.

Our guide references steps using a near-stock Android version (based on Android 15). Smartphones on older Android versions and custom-skin Android skins will have a slightly different UI. The process should remain relatively the same.

Update the Google Wallet app

One reason the Google Wallet app may not work is that it’s out of date or updates have been disabled.

Check whether updating it resolves the issue by running the most up-to-date version; otherwise, you may experience problems when making payments.

Here’s how to do it:

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

Check your phone number

When setting up Google Wallet, you need to enter a valid phone number. Google uses the phone number to confirm your identity when making purchases.

If your phone number is incorrect or outdated, you may encounter issues when using your phone to make payments.

There’s a quick way to check and update your phone number:

  1. Open the Google Wallet app.
  2. Tap the profile picture in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  3. Tap Settings and then click Payments profile.

  4. You’ll see your number under Name and address.
  5. If your number is incorrect, tap the Edit icon next to Name and address.

  6. Enter the correct phone number.
  7. Follow the instructions to set up your account and be ready to pay.

Verify your card in Google Wallet

To facilitate payments, Google Wallet processes transactions through your bank and connected credit and debit cards. You should verify your payment source.

For example, you may have forgotten to add a card, or your card may have expired since the last time you used Google Wallet.

Either way, check your cards and accounts to make sure they’re in order.

To do that:

  1. Open the Google Wallet app. This opens an interface with your available cards.
  2. Tap each card and then click the Details button at the bottom.
  3. Verify that the information at the bottom is correct.
  4. If you need to add a card, click the button in the lower-right corner that says Add to Wallet.

  5. Follow the instructions to get set up.

Clear your cache

Occasionally, technology can become a bit jumbled during everyday use and requires a reboot to get started.

Google Wallet can sometimes store unnecessary and easily corruptible data after each use. The app can get bogged down, keeping it from running smoothly.

A quick clear can fix that problem.

All you do is:

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

  4. Select the Storage & cache section.
  5. Tap Clear cache.

  6. After you’ve done that, restart the app, and you’re set.

Check your internet connection

While debit and credit cards work without the internet, the same cannot be said for digitized payments.

Subsequently, having a functioning internet connection is vital for them to complete the payment process.

If your data doesn’t work or your Wi-Fi connection lags, you may have issues getting payments to confirm.

To ensure your payments go through, use Google Wallet when your data connection is strong or when you’re in a location with Wi-Fi availability.

Here is how to make sure to check your Wi-Fi connection:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Access the Network & internet section.
  3. Tap Internet.

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

Uninstall and reinstall the app

Turning a device off and then on again is a tried-and-true method for solving any technology problem. Google Wallet is no exception.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the Google Wallet app may help resolve the problem. Be aware that doing so may require you to set up your cards and bank accounts again.

To uninstall the app:

  1. Find the Google Wallet app on your phone.
  2. Hold down the icon rather than pressing it.
  3. Drag the icon to the Uninstall button at the top of the screen.
  4. Go to the Google Play Store.
  5. Find the Google Wallet app.
  6. Tap Install.
  7. Set up your accounts.

You can do more with Google Wallet

Google Wallet is more than a digital payment solution.

Google Wallet also lets you store loyalty cards and transit passes.

In some countries, you can link Google Wallet to your bank or to a PayPal-branded debit card (not to a PayPal account), unlocking additional payment options.

Google Wallet isn’t the only mobile tap-to-pay app.

If you’re a Galaxy user, Samsung has a similar solution with Samsung Wallet.