Is Google Wallet not working? We know how it can be frustrating! Imagine facing an awkward moment at the checkout or holding up a line due to a glitch in your favorite payment app. These fixes aim to restore the magic, ensuring Google Wallet remains your go-to for swift and secure transactions.

And if you’ve tried it all and still face challenges, we’ve got one more trick up our sleeves—introducing the best Google Wallet alternatives. From Samsung Pay’s compatibility to PayPal’s versatility, these alternatives cater to diverse preferences, making your financial transactions a breeze. Explore this guide to keep your digital wallet in top-notch condition.

How to fix Google Wallet not working

Google Wallet’s contactless payment system is a marvel of convenience, but what happens when the magic falters? If you find yourself facing issues with Google Wallet not working, fear not. These workarounds can troubleshoot and fix common problems, ensuring your contactless transactions remain smooth and hassle-free:

• Update your Google Wallet App
• Verify your phone number
• Verify your cards in Google Wallet
• Clear your cache
• Check your Internet connection
• Uninstall and reinstall the app
• Check for system updates
• Review app permissions
• Contact Google Support
• Check for account issues
• Review device compatibility
• Check for app conflicts

Whether it’s a quick tap of a card or a smartphone interaction using near-field communication (NFC), the process eliminates the hassle of PIN pads and streamlines transactions. Google Wallet, a popular payment app for Android users, leverages the power of NFC to provide a seamless payment experience. However, as with any technology, hiccups can occur, and here are step-by-step introductions for the Google Wallet not working fixes.

Update your Google Wallet App

If your Google Wallet app isn’t performing as expected, it might be due to an outdated version. An outdated app can be a significant culprit in Google Wallet malfunctions. Ensure you’re running the latest version:

• Open the Google Play Store.
• Search for the Google Wallet app.
• If an Update button is available, click it to ensure you have the latest version.

Verify your phone number

Your phone number plays a crucial role in confirming your identity during transactions. If it’s incorrect or outdated, payment issues may arise. Follow these steps to check and update your phone number:

• Open the Google Wallet app.
• Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
• Navigate to Wallet settings > Payments profile.
• Verify and update your phone number as needed.

Verify your cards in Google Wallet

Google Wallet relies on your connected credit and debit cards. Ensure your account is fully functional by verifying your card details:

• Open the Google Wallet app and click on each card.
• Click the Details button to verify the information at the bottom.
• Add a card if necessary by clicking “Add to Wallet.”

Clear your cache

Technology can get jumbled with regular use, affecting the app’s performance. Clearing the cache can resolve this issue:

• Go to your phone’s Settings.
• Select Apps and find Google Wallet.
• Click on Storage & cache and then Clear cache.

Restart the app, and you should be good to go.

Check your Internet connection

A strong internet connection is vital for contactless payments. Follow these steps to ensure a reliable connection:

• Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet.
• Tap your network connection and ensure it says “Connected.”

Using Google Wallet with a strong data or Wi-Fi connection enhances the likelihood of successful payments.

Uninstall and reinstall the app

Sometimes, a clean slate is the best solution. Uninstalling and reinstalling the Google Wallet app can resolve underlying issues:

• Find the Google Wallet app on your phone and uninstall it.
• Visit the Google Play Store, find Google Wallet, and click Install.
• Set up your accounts once again.

Check for system updates

Outdated operating systems may lead to compatibility issues with the Google Wallet app. Ensure your device is running the latest software:

• Navigate to your device’s “Settings.”
• Look for a new software update.
• If an update is available, install it and restart your device.

Keeping your device up to date ensures it can seamlessly support the latest features of the Google Wallet app.

Review app permissions

Google Wallet relies on specific permissions to function correctly. Ensure the app has the necessary access to your device features:

• Open your device’s “Settings.”
• Select “Apps.”
• Find and click on “Google Wallet.”
• Navigate to “Permissions” and ensure all required permissions are granted.

Granting the necessary permissions allows Google Wallet to interact smoothly with your device’s hardware and software components.

Contact Google Support

If all else fails, reaching out to Google’s support can provide personalized assistance for your specific issue.

Check for account issues

Ensure that there are no issues with your Google account, as this could impact the functionality of Google Wallet. Follow these steps:

• Open your device’s settings.
• Scroll down and select Google.
• Verify that your Google account is active and properly synced.

If there are any issues, such as a sign-in problem or syncing error, addressing them can contribute to resolving Google Wallet-related issues.

Review device compatibility

Ensure that your device meets the necessary compatibility requirements for the Google Wallet app. Some older devices may not fully support the latest features, leading to performance issues. Here is Google Wallet’s compatibility requirements:

If your device falls short, consider upgrading to a more compatible device for an optimal Google Wallet experience.

Check for app conflicts

Other installed apps on your device could potentially conflict with Google Wallet. Investigate if there are any conflicting applications causing disruptions:

• Go to your device’s “Settings.”
• Select Apps.
• Look for any recently installed apps or those known to cause conflicts.
• Uninstall or disable apps that might be interfering with Google Wallet.

Resolving conflicts between apps can contribute to a smoother overall experience when using Google Wallet for contactless payments.

Do you still face problems? There is one thing you can do more!

Best Google Wallet alternatives that worth trying

Several robust options offer convenience and security if you’re exploring alternatives to Google Wallet for your contactless payment needs. Here are some noteworthy alternatives worth considering:

Firstly, Samsung Pay is a compelling alternative, compatible with a wide range of Samsung devices. Notably, it features Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology, allowing it to work with traditional magnetic stripe card readers.

For a versatile digital payment platform, consider PayPal. It facilitates both online and in-store transactions, widely accepted across various merchants, and integrates with numerous online platforms.

Venmo is known for its social payment features, making it a popular choice for peer-to-peer transactions. Users can easily split bills, share payments, and engage in a social feed.

Square Cash (Cash App) offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface for peer-to-peer and merchant transactions. The platform includes features like the Cash Card for physical transactions and supports Bitcoin.

In the realm of financial services, Revolut is a notable option. Alongside contactless payments, it offers fee-free currency exchange for international transactions.

Internationally, Alipay has become a leading digital payment platform, originating in China and expanding its services globally. It offers a broad spectrum of financial services beyond simple payments.

Similarly, WeChat Pay dominates the digital payment scene in China, integrated into the WeChat messaging app. It supports various transactions, including in-store, online, and peer-to-peer payments.

For those focused on peer-to-peer transactions, Zelle enables users to send and receive money directly from their bank accounts. Many major banks in the U.S. offer Zelle integration within their mobile banking apps.

Is Google Wallet not working? Now, you don’t have to be afraid! When choosing an alternative to Google Wallet, consider factors such as device compatibility, security features, and availability in your region. Each option mentioned has unique strengths, ensuring there’s a suitable alternative for every user.

Featured image credit: Google

The card can be procured from Bancolombia after placing a request for one’s Maestro debit card in order to have a single product that will allow access to the Integrated Public Transit System and make bank transactions. This form of electronic payment is a convenient, secure and reliable solution, which also facilitates orderly and rapid access to the system. The latest-generation contactless technology is the same as the SITP’s current “tullave” card, which is now expanded through this alliance.

They are offering three categories of cards, the Basic card which costs $ 3,000 and has no personal user data, so do not get the benefits like travel credit or balance recovery in case of loss, however, transfer discounts can be availed if applicable. The Plus card and the Special Plus card which are both personalised cards with the name and identification of the user, have the benefits of discounts for transhipment, travel credit balance and recovery in case of loss. The special plus card is targeted for the elderly population and people living in disability. It is personalized with name, photo identification and user has benefits such as discounts for transfers, travel on credit recovery if lost balance and extra discounts for this population.

Recaudo Bogotá CEO Javier Cancela stated- “After months of working together to unify the technologies, today electronic payment integration is a reality that will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s mobility with an efficient and flexible Integrated Public Transit System. This initiative proves our commitment to continue offering innovative systems and the best technology to simplify the use of the integrated transit system of the city of Bogotá.”

This is an effort to meet the city’s increasing mobility needs. The collaboration promises seamless operation between Bancolombia and Recaudo Bogotá  thanks to the chip and contactless technology. The card can be alternatively used to make retail or banking transactions as well as ‘tullave for the SITP payment.

“This integration initiates the transformation of the country’s public transit system. The implementation of electronic payments will make the transit systems more convenient and efficient, with better entry control, reducing the irregularities that have limited its growth and expansion,” said MasterCard Colombia and Ecuador President Marcela Carrasco.

Users who switch to this system do not need to replenish the card, since their fares will be debited directly from the cardholder’s savings account, and they may use it at all points that accept “tullave,” the current SITP card. For now, this means 6,500 SITP and TransMilenio Phase III buses may be accessed with these cards, but it is hoped that by early 2016, when Recaudo Bogotá is established as the sole operator of the entire SITP, the benefits will be expanded to the whole system.

“In addition to incorporating the functionalities of the transit and financial systems, this card offers our customers the ability to access payment without replenishing. Thus, you will be able to enter the transit system without the need to replenish the card at points of sale, since your fares will be deducted from your savings account in a process after use,” says Bancolombia Payments Vice President Liliana Vásquez, who adds that “the purpose is to strengthen plastic, making it a more complete customer tool, reducing queues and offering payment solutions at any commercial establishment authorized by MasterCard.”

(image credit: Carlos Felipe Pardo)

The company has launched a new mobile wallet solution in the Latin American market called Yepex, a white-labeled m-payment platform – which includes support for major operating systems and communication protocols like NFC, BLE and QR codes. This allows consumers, businesses and banks to interact, manage and accept cashless payments even if they don’t have smartphones.

Yepex operates via a system of tokens, wherein the users can make transactions with a unique token via either of the three platforms, without revealing sensitive information. Serge Elkiner, CEO/Co-Founder, says the tokenization system “drastically reduces the fraud for card-not-present transactions”, which is a major predicament in Latin America. He says it also improves the security for ATM transactions through a card and pin-less withdrawal.

This new round will bring YellowPepper’s total funding to $34 million and will mostly be dedicated to its development and commercialisation as reported by TechCrunch.

Yepex is encashing on the existing card infrastructure giving them an edge over other mobile payment solutions in latin America including Pademovil, Mobilcard and others offering closed loop payment solutions. YellowPepper reportedly has a five million customer base powering over 30 million trasactions per month comprising 85% of the market share in Latam.

Although PayPal continues to dominate the mobile payment market, Yepex is certain to carve its niche in the mobile payments sector in Latin America. With NFC payments rapidly gaining popularity, Yepex has the potential of expanding its market exponentially.

(image source: Mike Licht)

Since its launch in October last year, Apple Pay has been steadily growing in popularity. However, self- serving hardware seem to be one of the last few places to accept only cash or cards. USA Technologies (NASDAQ: USAT), a leader of wireless, cashless payment and M2M/IoT solutions for small-ticket, self-serve retailing industries, has now decided to bring Apple Pay to around 200,000 self serve platforms which include laundry machines, parking meters, vending machines and the likes of them.

USAT’s decision to bring NFC payments to self serving devices is a big step towards a complete freedom from physical money, paper, coins or plastic. USAT provides a broad line of cashless acceptance technologies including its NFC-ready ePort G-series, ePort Mobile for customers on the go, and QuickConnect, an API Web service for developers.

Stephen P. Herbert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USAT said in a statement- “USA Technologies has always sought to provide convenience, security and an easy way to pay for consumers who are less and less likely to carry cash. We recognized early on the potential for mobile payment, and promoted the technology to ensure our customers were ready for this shift to occur.”

USAT will introduce NFC payments with Apple Pay in amusement parks and arcades, car washes, and transit services as these are the places their self-service products are most often found. The firm also has prior experience with large brands like Starbucks and SMB nationwide.

“Our customers are excited to accept Apple Pay at the self-serve locations they operate.” Herbert added, “We anticipate that the millions of consumers who frequent these locations will appreciate the convenience and security of using Apple Pay for their everyday purchases, and we believe that Apple Pay will help to drive additional sales for our customers.”

According to a survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports In 2013, 5 million vending machines in the U.S. still only used cash, requiring physical money for snack-sized Funions. The question now arises whether these vending machines which have introduced card payment at a sluggish pace will take a leap forward and start accepting NFC payments?

On the other hand, USA Technologies which began building NFC capabilities into its cashless payment products and services approximately 10 years ago, has enjoyed a steady increase in the sale of its flagship ePort cashless payments technologies specially designed for small ticket, unattended retail applications.

Chevron had also announced last year that it will be working with Apple Pay to make it possible for customers to use their smart devices to purchase gas at the pump as well as other gas station goods. While Apple Pay continues to expand to more and more platforms, the Apple mobile payment and digital wallet service faces stiff competition from Google’s Wallet app and CurrentC, an upcoming mobile payment system backed by large retailers like Walmart.

(image credit: Forbes)

Techcrunch reported that the price may be under $100 million, the low cost pointing towards a probable crisis at Softcard. They reportedly downsized its employees laying off about 60 employees earlier this month and has been in a consolidation phase. According to Ed Busby, Softcard’s former chief commerce officer, spoke to techcrunch in the matter stating: “It’s unfortunate that they’ve chosen now as a time to scale back,” “Externally, for the first time since I’ve been in this industry, the signs are pointing positively for mobile payments.”

A spokesperson said: “Softcard is taking steps to reduce costs and strengthen its business. This includes simplifying the company’s organizational structure and consolidating all operations into its Dallas and New York offices, which involves layoffs across the company,” (source: redcode). Sources at techcrunch however said that, “People at Softcard have a limited view on what’s going on,” The whole place has been in a complete depression for at least six to eight months, to the point where people weren’t coming to work, and were being told in December to take it easy through the end of the year. In general, it’s not a culture with a lot of transparency, so a lot of people are thinking the worst.”

The founders of Softcard – AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless developed the idea to use the power of the mobile phone to offer consumers a safer, simpler way to shop, pay and save. With Softcard, users can make payments at hundreds of thousands of merchant locations nationwide, even apply loyalty cards and redeem money-saving offers at select merchants. Softcard features state-of-the-art technology to enable contactless payments and helps protect user information by adding multiple layers of security such as PIN-protection, encryption and one call or click to remotely disable the app on a lost or stolen phone.

Softcard uses NFC (near field communication) technology to send payment info at checkout. Adding an eligible American Express, Chase, or Wells Fargo, credit card and get all the same perks and benefits from the card issuer. Or set up an American Express Serve Account that you can add money to with your preferred debit card, credit card or U.S. bank account.

Google, however, has not confirmed these reports and has dismissed them as rumors in an emailed statement according to techcrunch: “We don’t have a comment, background, deep background, off the record steer, nod, wink or any other verbal or non-verbal response to these sorts of rumors,”
Google also appears to be interested in Softcard’s more than 120 patents and applications for patents, according to TechCrunch. Paypal and Microsoft have also reportedly shown interest in purchasing Softcard. Techcrunch also suggested that JV partners AT&T or Verizon might be taking it under one of their wings if an external sale is not achieved, although they have also been looking at developing their own wallet services for mobile devices.

Google’s three-year-old Wallet maintains a lead over Apple with about 4.0 percent of the market, but according to an ITG analyst said Apple Pay users are more engaged, which indicates a positive turn of events for Apple Pay. PayPal currently leads over both Apple and Google with 78 percent of the market, while Square holds 18 percent of the market.

(image credit: Ray Bouknight)