Google Wallet, an app designed to facilitate secure contactless payments and digital pass storage, has yet to launch in India according to confirmation from Google. However, despite this official status, certain users in the country have reported being able to download the app from the Google Play Store. The key functionality of the Google Wallet app revolves around enabling users to conduct contactless payments using their credit or debit cards. This process involves tokenizing and securely storing card information, replacing actual card numbers with unique codes or creating virtual cards altogether. Moreover, the app serves as a digital wallet, accommodating various items such as gift cards, gym memberships, event tickets, and even flight tickets.
It’s important to distinguish Google Wallet from Google Pay in the Indian market. While Google Pay primarily focuses on UPI payment services, Google Wallet is specifically tailored for contactless payments using credit or debit cards. Additionally, Google Wallet is reliant on near-field communication (NFC) technology, meaning it will only function on smartphones equipped with NFC support. According to a TechCrunch report, Google intends to maintain both Google Pay and Google Wallet apps in India, catering to different user preferences and needs.
Moreover, Google Wallet extends its functionality to eligible WearOS-powered smartwatches, allowing users to make contactless payments directly from their wristwear. Select Android smartphone users can access the app via the Play Store, enabling them to add their cards and passes seamlessly. The app even offers the convenience of automatically importing passes from Gmail and supports biometric verification for added security during transactions.
Interestingly, prior to its official release, some users on X platform had reported successful functionality with Google Wallet even through sideloading. For Samsung users, a similar experience can be achieved through the Samsung Wallet app.