Android: How to Use Android Pay

Don’t you hate it when you reach for your wallet to pay for something and you don’t have enough? You could have sworn you had a 50 in your wallet, but then remembered you used it, and now you don’t have enough to buy your new shirt.

With Android pay, you’ll always have enough cash on you and paying will be easier since you’ll probably have your phone in your hand anyway. There are some things you’ll need to keep in mind if you want to use Android Pay.

What is Android Pay?

You may have heard the words Android Pay, but weren’t sure what it was exactly. Android Pay is an app that allows you to pay with either your wallet or your smartwatch. All you’ll have to do is put your phone near the reader and watch how you’ll be charged without reaching for your wallet.

Pros & Cons of Using Android Devices

While Android is the most widespread mobile operating system in the world, with predictions of becoming the dominant OS in general, that doesn’t mean that it is superior to its counterparts in every way, especially when we consider the iOS.

Depending on your phone, your proficiency, and your needs, you may want to opt for a different operating system or learn how to make the most out of the Android version on your smartphone.

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– Versatile
– Modular
– Adaptable
– Easy to program
– Allows 3rd party apps
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[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#ef3b3f”]

– Not as streamlined
– Slightly hardware intensive
– Questionable app oversight
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If you want to learn how to make your own apps, or to find out how most current Android apps work, you might want to take out Android Programming for Beginners that provides a nice, gentle learning curve for all that want to learn.

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Requirements to Use Android Pay

Your phone is going to need to meet some prerequisites to be able to use Android Pay. Your phone or smartwatch will need to have NFC (Near Field Communication) and when it’s time to pay you’ll need to tap your phone to the payment terminal on the counter.

You won’t have to touch it, place your phone near it. You’ll need link a card to Android Pay, and this will be the card where your purchases will be charged.

How to Use Android Pay

To use Android Pay you will need to install the app Google has for it, but your phone may already have it installed. Give your phone a quick search to see if you already have it and that way you don’t have to install yet another app on your phone. After you install the Android App app (now called Google Pay), it will guide you on how you can add your default card (if you use more than one card).

At least during my testing, after I entered my info, I gained access to the app. Once the app lets you in you will see notifications of what the app can do for you. The second tab at the bottom will be the Payment tab. Tap on the blue payment method button, and you will need to enter your credit card info.

Once you enter your information, your bank will show you terms and conditions you will need to agree to such as it is not responsible for the app. Its only job is to provide accurate financial info when you purchase something.

The app will show you a message letting you know that it is contacting your bank. If everything matches up, you’ve just added your first card. If you ever want to add another card, this is the tab to do it.

The app will need a picture of your card so the rear-camera of your phone will be accessed. Put the card in a flat surface, and the details will be read. If nothing happens, you can still add the details yourself. You’ll also need to add an Email since this is where the app will send you a security code.

Credit Card Support

Android Pay supports various credit cards; if you’re not sure of your card is supported you can check the list Google has for the cards that are supported. If you’re going to add various cards, make sure that you assign one to be your default card, so you know which card you’ll always be using first.

Assigning a card as your default card is easy. When you add a card, there will be a visible option that says Set as default card. If you ever want to change this, double tap on the card you want to mark as default and choose the option that says set as default card.

To use Android Pay, you’re also going to need to have a lock screen on your phone. You can either add a PIN, a pattern, fingerprint scan or facial. To add this security feature to your phone, go to settings, followed by lock screen and security or similar depending on the kind of phone you have.

It’s also possible to add shops reward cards. As soon as you enter the store, you will be reminded to use the card. That way, you can pile up those points and take advantage of those offers as well. You can add a loyalty card by tapping on the Passes tab and choose the Loyalty program option when the options appear at the bottom of your display.

What Happened When You Buy Something

When you’re ready to buy something, turn on your smartphone and tap on the reader at the counter. If you have to pay a large amount, you will need to unlock your phone and tap on the reader. If the payment were done correctly, you’d get a notification letting you know the payment was done correctly.

Is it safe to use Android Pay?

This is the question many will ask when faced with the option of substituting their credit cards for Android Pay. It is very secure and safe. Android Pay has the option of enabling a password or fingerprint, so before any purchase is made, the user must go through a security protocol.

If your phone has a fingerprint scanner you can easily set that up, if it doesn’t you can set it up so a PIN would be needed each time any payment is to be made.

Conclusion

Paying for things is easier now, and as you can see setting it up and using it is beginner-friendly. Those days where you had to go back to the store because you forgot your credit card is over since your card and phone are one. What are your thoughts on Android/Google Pay?