Google wallet debuts in India: Here’s how to use it

Mangalore Today News Network / India Today

New Delhi, May 9, 2024: Google has launched its digital wallet in India, called ’Google Wallet’, which allows users access to essential everyday utility services.

Users can access it on their Android smartphones after downloading it from the Play Store. However, it’s important to note that Google Wallet and Google Pay are different applications with different purposes.

What is Google Wallet?

Google Wallet is a digital platform on Android devices that provides access to essential everyday items such as flight boarding passes, cinema and event tickets, bus tickets, brand loyalty cards, important credentials, and more.

"With Google Wallet, you can now have a single, organized destination for fast, secure access to your everyday essentials – boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, public transport tickets, gift cards, and more, making them easily accessible when you need them," said Google in a press release.

Google has collaborated with 20 leading Indian brands to enable various functionalities within Google Wallet. Some of these partners include PVR & INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, Pine Labs, Hyderabad Metro, Kochi Metro, VRL Travels, Abhibus, Dominos, and Shoppers Stop. Google plans to add more partners in the coming months.

Key features of Google Wallet:

Movie or Event Tickets: Users can add and store movie and event tickets for convenient access.

Flight Boarding Passes: Access and store flight boarding passes. For Google Pixel smartphone users, boarding passes can be added via screenshot by tapping the "Add to Google Wallet" button.

Brand Loyalty or Gift Cards: Store digital copies of loyalty and gift cards from various brands.

Public Transit Tickets: Metro and bus tickets can be stored and accessed via the wallet.

Corporate Badge: Selected corporate identity cards can be stored and presented as needed.

Digitalisation of Physical Documents: Generate new passes from images containing barcodes or QR codes, such as airline boarding passes or parking receipts.

Gmail Integration: Event confirmations (e.g., movie or train tickets) received in Gmail will automatically appear in Google Wallet if smart personalization settings are enabled in Gmail.

How to use Google Wallet in India?

If you are using an Android device running on Android version 7.0 and above, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Play Store, search for ’Google Wallet’, and download the app. If you’re already logged into your Google account, no additional login details are needed. You will be directed to the ’Add Items’ page. Click on ’Add to Wallet’ and choose from categories like Photo, Loyalty, Gift Card, or Transport pass.

Step 2: Select a category (e.g., ’Transport Pass’). For instance, choosing ’Kochi Metro’ will redirect you to the Kochi Metro website, where you’ll log in with your Google account to add the metro ticket to Google Wallet.

What is the difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay?

Google Wallet focusses on non-payment-related features, unlike Google Pay, which is primarily used for payments.

The tech giant highlighted that Google Wallet complements Google Pay, which remains the app for all payment needs across India.

"As services become increasingly digitized, most of us now rely on our phones for quick access to our everyday essentials. While the Google Pay app remains your destination for all things payments, Google Wallet now brings a new level of convenience to the Android experience in India," said Google.