Google has introduced the Google Wallet app for Android phones in India. However, it functions differently compared to its other versions in other countries like the US. Unlike in those places, the Indian version of the app won’t handle digital payments. Instead, this responsibility still lies with the widely used Google Pay app.
Google Wallet app launched to compete with Google Pay
Google has introduced its digital wallet in India, adding local features to the app. This comes about two years after the app was updated as a digital wallet platform in the U.S.
But, unlike what some might have thought, Google Wallet won’t replace the existing Google Pay app in India. Instead, it will work alongside Google Pay, which will stay as the main payments app in the country. This is similar to what happened in the U.S., where Google swapped its Pay app with Wallet in February.
Ram Papatla, who leads Android engineering at Google in India, explained that Google Pay will still be the main payment app. The Google Wallet have a lot of other features than just doing payments.
Google Wallet App advanced features
Google Wallet in India offers a variety of features for Android users. You can use Google Wallet to store and access flight boarding passes, gift cards, event or movie tickets, and also loyalty passes. Adding these items is easy – you can do it through a QR code, barcode, or a link shared via Gmail. Some partner apps also have a dedicated “Add to Google Wallet” button.
Transit tickets can also be stored in the app, and you can even create passes from images containing barcodes or QR codes like airline boarding passes or parking receipts.
At the start, Google Wallet is partnering with 20 brands, including PVR Inox, Flipkart, Air India, MakeMyTrip, Pine Labs, and Ixigo. Google Wallet will work at a lot of places like local transport operators such as Kochi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, VRL Travels, and Abhibus. Also, Google has teamed up with system integrators Wavelynx and Alert Enterprise to allow users to store and access their corporate badges.
How to install the Google Wallet app
In India, if you have a Pixel smartphone, you’ll find Google Wallet already installed. People can download Google Wallet from the Play Store who don’t have a Pixel smartphone. Google Wallet lets you keep your card details safe and easy to reach whenever you need them. However, Google mentioned that you can’t use Google Wallet on any wearables or trackers. People can only use Google Wallet on their mobile phones. They can’t use it on your smartwatch or fitness tracker.
