Google Pay app to be phased out, users advised to transition to Google Wallet

Google has revealed that it will be discontinuing the standalone Google Pay app for users in the United States. In a recent blog post, the tech giant announced that the app will no longer be accessible after June 4, 2024. Users are advised to transition to Google Wallet, which will now serve as the main platform for handling digital payments and transactions.

The decision to end the Google Pay app affects users who are used to its features. Once the app is uninstalled, functions such as peer-to-peer payments, find offers, and balance management are no longer available. However, Google Pay will continue to operate in other markets, including India and Singapore, albeit in a different capacity, GSMArena reported.

Despite widespread use in 180 countries, Google is refocusing on the desktop version of Google Pay for ChromeOS, macOS and Windows PC. On mobile devices, Google Pay is integrated into the Google Wallet ecosystem, which offers its own applications for both Android and iOS platforms. This strategic reorganization aims to streamline Google’s payment services and improve the user experience on different platforms.

Google Wallet, the flagship service, acts as a secure repository for multiple credentials, such as payment cards, transit passes, and IDs such as state ID cards and driver’s licenses. In particular, Google Wallet has five times more usage than the Google Pay app in the US, demonstrating its importance in the company’s payment ecosystem.

For users with remaining balance in their Google Pay accounts, Google recommends transferring the funds to their bank accounts before the June 4 deadline. Additionally, finding deals previously available through the Google Pay app is now seamlessly integrated with Google Search, and a dedicated Deals section serves users in the US.

Although the discontinuation of Google Pay may initially disturb the routines of some users, the transition to Google Wallet promises greater security and convenience for managing digital transactions. As Google continues to develop its payments ecosystem, users can expect a seamless and integrated experience across its various platforms and services.