Google Wallet, Google’s digital payment platform, has finally launched in India, as per recent reports. Currently, the app’s availability is limited, with some users managing to download it from the Google Play Store while others, like those using a Pixel 8, have encountered messages stating that the app is not yet available in the region. Despite this inconsistency, there are confirmed sightings of the app, supported by screenshots from several users and a Tech Crunch report indicating a brief availability on the Play Store.
Multiple sources had previously speculated about the introduction of this digital wallet to the Indian market. According to Tech Crunch, Google plans to maintain both the Google Pay and Google Wallet applications in India.
About Google Wallet:
Google Wallet is designed to facilitate mobile payments globally by storing various digital forms of payment such as debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards. The app allows users to send money, make purchases both online and offline, and use the tap-and-pay feature at NFC-enabled terminals via their mobile phones.
Distinct from other UPI-based apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe, Google Wallet focuses on contactless payments using debit or credit cards and requires devices equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) to function in India.
Although Google has not officially confirmed Google Wallet’s availability in India, select users have successfully downloaded the app. Additionally, owners of Android smartwatches with Wear OS can install Google Wallet to make contactless payments directly from their wrist.
Beyond payments, Google Wallet users can also store loyalty cards, gift cards, event tickets, boarding passes, and more. It also offers the functionality to receive money directly into one’s Google Wallet account.
