Fix issues with tap to pay transactions (2024)

If you can’t complete a contactless payment, use these steps to help you solve the problem.

Step 1: Check your contactless payment set up

Check that you have Android 7.0 or higher on your phone, which is required for tap to pay transactions. Learn how to update your Android version.
Set up a contactless payment method.
NFC turned on.
1. Open Settings .
2. In the “Search settings” bar, type “NFC.”
3. Make sure NFC is turned on. If your phone doesn’t have NFC, it can’t make contactless payments.
Google Pay set as your default payment app.
1. Under “NFC,” tap Contactless payments Payment default.
2. Make sure "Google Pay" is selected.
A screen lock set up.
Once you’ve checked and updated your contactless payment set up, try the payment again.

Step 2: Try again with these tips

Make sure your phone is awake and unlocked.
Hold your phone in a different way. Your NFC antenna could be near the top or middle of your device.
Hold your phone closer to the payment reader.
Hold your phone close to the payment reader for a few more seconds.

Fix other issues

Your phone isn't certified or doesn't meet security requirements

Check if your software is Play Protect certified.
If you werepreviously able to make contactless payments with Google Pay but no longer can, reach out to your device manufacturer. There might have been a device software update that impacts functionality.
While you're in a beta program, Google Pay may become unreliable or stop working entirely on your device. If you have questions or concerns about how this beta program might impact your ability to use Google Pay, contact the device manufacturer for more information.
If you modified your phone, make sure it meets security standards. Google Pay might not work in stores with phones that:
- Run developer versions of Android.
- Are rooted, run a custom ROM, or have modified factory software. Due to security risks, Google Pay doesn’t run on these phones.
- Are untested and haven’t been approved by Google.
- Have an unlocked bootloader.

Important: If your phone doesn’t meet security requirements, you won’t be able to make a payment immediately. Use a device that runs an original version of the Android operating system.

If you installed a modified operating system on your phone, you need to reinstall your phone’s original operating system before you can make contactless payments. If not, your device manufacturer’s software may not meet Google’s security requirements. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

The cashier says the payment didn’t work

If a check mark appears on your phone when you hold it up to the payment reader but the cashier says the payment didn’t work, you can:

Try a different payment reader.
Confirm the store accepts mobile payments.
Contact your bank to find out if there’s an issue with your card.

Can’t add card to Google Pay

Learn how to add payment methods to Google Pay.

Can’t set up contactless payments

Your phone must be NFC enabled, run Android version 7.0 or higher, and have HCE. You must also set up with a card supported for contactless payments. If your device is enabled for NFC payments and your card is supported, but you can’t set up contactless payments, contact your bank.