India is rapidly moving towards becoming a digital nation that includes the power to go cashless. The most important tool for digitization of any nation is how safe and easy digital transactions can be processed. A digital wallet is one of the fastest, safest, and easiest ways to pay with your smartphone. It also allows you to store IDs, important documents, keys, passes, tickets, and cards to access them anywhere on the go.
To enable these activities, Google launched its digital wallet, Google Wallet two years ago in 2022. At that time Google Wallet was launched in select global markets, but now after two years, it has started working in India as well. Yes, you heard it right Google Wallet is now available in India after years of wait. While the rollout is pretty limited, the app is available to download from the Play Store. The app is downloadable for some while for others it says, not available in your country. Some users in India have also shared screenshots of the app being available to download. A report by Tech Crunch says that it was made available in India for a limited time.
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What is Google Wallet?
Google Wallet is a safe and private digital wallet for Android devices, using which one can get access to quick payment cards, tickets, keys, passes, IDs and more.
Google Wallet is free for all the users in the countries it has been rolled out and comes with various layers of Google’s security.
What will happen to Google Pay when Google Wallet arrives?
Google Wallet has recently been seen on the Android app store in India and it was available to download as well. Earlier, The listing had screenshots showcasing Indian brands like PVR, SBI, and Air India which confirms that the users will be able to save flight tickets, loyalty points, and movie tickets on the app. Users with eligible Android smartwatches with WearOS can also download the Google Wallet app on watches to make contactless payments.
While the Wallet app is rolling out, that doesn’t mean Google Pay is being discontinued. GPay will continue to work alongside as Google hinted how the company will keep investing in GPay to offer users easy, and safe access to digital payments.
This does seem unusual as at the global level, Google merged the Pay app with the Wallet app. However, in India, Google seems to have different plans altogether. One of the reasons behind this decision could be Google Pay having a huge audience in India as it is the 2nd largest payment app after PhonePe. Indians might want to continue using GPay so Google has planned to retain it.
This would mean the Indian version of Google Wallet will be different from its global version. The app might allow users to store tickets and passes and allow one-tap payment as well. Google Pay will allow UPI transactions, bank transfers, check bank statements, and more.
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What does Google have to say about Google Wallet in India?
Gadgets360 was able to get a statement from a Google spokesperson who said, “While we don’t have anything new to share right now, we’re always working to bring more convenience to people’s digital experiences in India. We’re continuing to invest in the Google Pay app to give people easy, secure access to digital payments.”
The app might not be available on the Play Store but it can be sideloaded via the latest APK on Android devices. For now, users can only add credit or debit cards to the app for making contactless payments. The loyalty points system is disabled for now.
Currently, the Google Pay app offers more functions to users. These include NFC support, UPI support, and more.
Google Wallet Vs Google Pay
Google Pay can be used to manage your money and finances as the app can be used to keep track of your spending habits, send money to anyone, split bills, earn rewards, and get offers from favorite merchants.
Google Wallet is a digital wallet that allows you quick access to bank cards, tickets, keys, IDs and more.
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Setting Up Google Wallet
Setting up Google Wallet is very simple. Just download the Google Wallet app and open it. Tap on ‘Add to Wallet’ and follow the instructions given on the screen. Verify your bank card and you will be able to use the digital wallet.
When you want to pay using Google Wallet, unlock your device, hold it near the QR code or reader, and enter the amount. The tick mark indicates your payment has been sent and accepted.
More about the Indian version of the Google Wallet will be known when Google officially rolls it out in India soon.
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