After what feels like years since its initial announcement,
Android Pay is finally available to download and use in the UK, bringing Android in line with its iOS equivalent,
Apple Pay. Just like Apple Pay, Android Pay can be used all over the UK wherever standard contactless payments are accepted, and even on London Underground. Here, we show you how to set up and use Android Pay in the UK.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Download the Android Pay app
The first step in setting up Android Pay in the UK is to download the official Android Pay app from Google Play, which can be found here. You may also need to update your Google Play Services before being able to use the app so if prompted, allow the update to be downloaded and installed.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Select your Google account
Once you’ve downloaded the Android Pay app, open it. If you’re logged into more than one Google account on your smartphone, you’ll be asked which account you want to use with Android Pay. Select your preferred account and you’ll be taken to the Android Pay setup page where you can add your credit or debit card to be used on your smartphone.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Add your debit or credit card
The next step is to add your debit or credit card to be used with Android Pay. The good thing is that if you’ve already added a bank card on your Google account to be used to buy apps, movies and music via Google Play, this will be readily available to add. If not, tap “Add another card” and follow the prompts on screen to add your debit/credit card details. It includes a handy feature that uses your camera to automatically scan your card and input your card details for you. It’s the little touches that count!
To find out which banks are supported at launch, take a look here:
Android Pay supported banks and cards UK
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Set up a screen lock
The next step may be annoying for those that don’t already use one, but Android Pay requires users to use a screen lock. This is for security purposes, as you may be required to unlock your smartphone in order to use Android Pay – think of it as verification, much like a PIN number when you want to use your card in-store.
Google claims that it’s down to the discretion of the bank to decide whether a screen lock is required, but we’re willing to go out on a limb here and assume many, if not all, will require it.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Verify your card
Android Pay is now within touching distance – the only thing left to do is verify your card. This verifies that it’s actually you adding the debit/credit card to your account, and not a random person that found it on the floor. Your verification options will depend on your bank, but many will offer a choice between sending a text with a confirmation code, or giving you a call. Select your verification method and follow the prompts on-screen.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Toggle on NFC
Before you can go out into the world and start splashing the cash via Android Pay, you must turn on NFC, which allows your smartphone to communicate with the contactless card reader used by many stores in the UK.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Spend, spend, spend!
Once you toggle on NFC, you’ll be taken back to the main Android Pay home screen where you’ll be able to see a virtual copy of your bank card ready for use. From here, you can tap the “+” icon to add more cards, be it credit, debit or loyalty, or go out into the world and use Android Pay.
To use Android Pay in the UK, simply hold your smartphone up to the contactless card reader, unlock the screen and, if prompted, unlock your smartphone. It’s that easy! Check out the next slide to find out some of the places you can already use Android Pay in the UK.
How to set up and use Android Pay in the UK: Where to use Android Pay
So, where can you use Android Pay in the UK? According to Google, you can use Android Pay anywhere that accepts standard contactless payments. This includes the likes of Starbucks, Boots, Waitrose and Transport for London, but isn’t limited to physical payments.
Android Pay can also be used to pay for items via a number of Android apps including Zara, Deliveroo, JD and YPlan – just tap the Android Pay button.
To find out more about where you can use Android Pay, supported banks and more, take a look at our
Android Pay Hub article.
