Google Wallet not working on some older Android devices

For the past three weeks, some Google Wallet users have been experiencing a rather sticky situation where their contactless payments are not working. Reports started pouring in around mid-July, forcing affected users scrambling for their physical wallets at the checkout counter. This issue comes not long after Galaxy S23 users reported a similar problem with Google Wallet.

Phones that once facilitated seamless contactless payments are now flashing an ominous message: “Your device doesn’t meet security requirements.” The glitch seems to be affecting a wide range of aging devices running Android 13 and older — from Google Pixels, Motorolas and LGs to Sonys, Nothing Phones and Ulephones. But there are also isolated cases from devices on the latest Android 14.

The common thread? An error message that pops up like an unwelcome guest, declaring the phone doesn’t meet security standards. But here’s the kicker: these phones were working perfectly fine just days before.

The problem appears to have started around July 11. Users report that their once fully functional Google Wallet app suddenly began to falter, with contactless payments becoming a thing of the past. No major updates, no changes to the phone settings—just a sudden, inexplicable shutdown of service. For many, the app now claims their phones may be rooted or running uncertified software, despite this not being the case.

The issue seems widespread, impacting various older models and manufacturers. Even factory resets and app reinstalls haven’t provided a solution. Users have tried all the usual tricks — clearing caches, checking for updates, and reinstalling the app — only to find themselves back at square one.

A product expert in the Google Wallet forum claimed last week that this is a known bug, but there’s no timeline for the fix. Google has not publicly acknowledged the issue, so there’s no word on whether Google is actually working on a resolution. Granted, for those without a reliable payment method, the product expert’s statement feels like cold comfort.

For now, you may have to get back to using the good old physical cards and alternative payment methods. With any luck, Google Wallet will soon be back to its seamless self, and hopefully users can put this digital debacle behind them. Until then, it’s back to the old-fashioned wallet.