6 mins read Finance

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Use Google Pay in Nigeria 2025

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Google Pay lets you shop, send, and receive funds online. What excites me the most is the rich features and integration with several payment providers. On top of that, it is available for Android and iPhone users.

The sad news is that while the app is operational in many countries, it is unavailable in Nigeria. However, you can access it with a VPN. 

To get started, you need to download the app via VPN. Alternatively, you can get it from an APK app store like Aptoide. 

If you want to understand how to use Google Pay in Nigeria, this piece is for you. Let’s begin.

What is Google Pay?

Google Pay is a mobile payment service developed by Google, designed to make transactions easier across apps, online platforms, and physical stores. It’s fast, user-friendly, and equipped with advanced security features like biometric authentication to ensure your payments are safe.

What is Google Pay

Currently available in over 80 countries, Google Pay supports major card providers like Mastercard, Verve, and American Express. Some features, such as “Request Money” or using a personal QR code to receive funds, may vary by region. 

Beyond receiving money, Google Pay is also an excellent tool for making payments worldwide.

However, if you’re in Nigeria and face restrictions while trying to use Google Pay for payments, the Cardtonic virtual dollar card is a reliable option. It offers secure and seamless transactions, helping you overcome these limitations effortlessly.

How Does Google Pay Work?

To use Google Pay, you’ll need a Gmail account and a credit or debit card. You will need to install Google Wallet and add a payment method by entering your card details. 

Once set up, you can make payments online, in stores, or contactless. 

  • To pay online, you must select the Google Pay option at checkout and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment. 
  • For contactless payment, you must hold the phone with the screen facing the terminal, authenticate the payment, and await confirmation.

Google Pay accepts Visa and Master cards. It saves physical cards virtually in the app, and the card number is saved as a unique token to process transactions and ensure safety.

You can also save other cards in your Google Wallet, such as transit passes, loyalty cards, and gift cards, such as Visa gift cards

Google Pay is available on Android and iPhone devices. Although the specific features may differ, iPhone and Android users share the same payment and transfer features.

How To Set up a Google Wallet

First, install the Google Wallet app and tap Add to Wallet. Choose a payment card and enter details manually. Tap Accept and Text Me A Code. Then, enter the verification code you received. Tap Set as Default and Replace. Then tap OK.

How to use google play

Here are the specific steps:

1. Install the Google Wallet from the Google Play Store or App Store if it’s available in your region. Otherwise, download it from Aptoide.

2. Open the app and select the Google account you want to use with Google Pay. Then, follow the on-screen instructions. 

3. Tap Add to Wallet.

4. Then, choose a payment card. Other options include a transit pass, loyalty, and gift card. You can scan and add details by tapping or entering them manually.

5. Select Enter details manually and key in your card details. 

6. Tap Accept on the terms and conditions page. You will need to choose how you’ll verify.

7. Tap Text me a code to get a verification code.

8. Then, enter the verification code you received.

9. Choose Set as Default and then Replace to make Google Wallet the default payment app. You will get a confirmation that the card is ready to be used.

10. Then select OK.

You can always click on the card to open the details. There, you can find your activity and virtual account number, which Google assigns to keep your card safe. You can also name the card if you want.

How to Send Money with Google Pay

Log into your Google Wallet and Gmail account. Then, tap Compose. Enter the recipient’s Gmail address, choose the currency, enter the amount and hit Send

1. Log into your Google Wallet account using either the app or the web.

2. Log into your Gmail account and tap the Compose tab.

3. Key in the recipient’s Gmail address. You may want to add an accompanying message.

4. Choose the appropriate currency, i.e., US Dollar.

5. Type in the amount and tap Send.

How to Receive Money with Google Pay

Log into Gmail, open the transfer email, and follow the instructions to claim your cash. 

1. Log into your Google or Gmail account.

2. Open the email you received about the money transferred to your Google Wallet.

3. Follow the provided instructions to claim the cash. You may need to verify your Google Wallet identity.

4. You can withdraw the funds to your Google Wallet balance or a linked bank card.

Top 3 Benefits of Google Pay for Users

With Google Pay, you get payment convenience, security for your cards, and help in staying organised.

1. Payment Convenience 

With Google Pay or Wallet, you do not have to carry multiple credit cards around each time you want to purchase online. You can shop, send and receive money, and pay bills straight from your smartphone.

2. Robust Security for Your Cards

Google Pay offers robust security via tokenisation to keep your credit card information safe. It eliminates fraud and alerts you of potential security threats via email alerts or in-app notifications.

3. Helps You Stay Organized

Google Pay lets you stay organised and manage your digital cards, including payment cards, loyalty cards, and transit passes.

Google Wallet Vs. Google Pay: What’s the Difference?

While Google Pay is the Android equivalent of Apple Pay, Google Wallet is the Android version of the Apple Wallet app, which allows you to store your gift cards, credit and debit cards.

Here is a little history: Google launched Google Wallet in 2011 but rebranded to Android Pay in 2015. Then, in 2018, Google Pay was launched, merging the features of Google Wallet and Android Pay.

In 2022, Google Wallet replaced Google Pay in some regions. But in 2024, Google shut down US standalone versions of the Google Pay app to focus on the Google Wallet.

Google Wallet allows you to store credit and loyalty cards and make payments where Google Pay is accepted. Google Wallet offers a more complete package, including storing cards, tickets, and IDs, sending and receiving money, and making all kinds of payments. 

Google Wallet Vs. Google Pay What's the Difference

Unlike Google Pay, Google Wallet offers more integration with other Google services i.e. Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google Wallet API. The wallet is available in several countries and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Google Pay in Nigeria

1. Does Google Pay Work in Nigeria?

No, Google Pay or Google Wallet is not currently available in Nigeria. However, you can use a VPN to access Google Pay or opt for other payment alternatives like the virtual dollar card.

2. Do I Need a Google Account to Use Google Pay?

Yes, you need a Google account to use Google Pay, just like other Google services.

3. Is Google Pay Safe?

Yes, Google protects your card information when you use Google Pay to make purchases. It employs tokenisation to replace your card details with a unique token. 

Furthermore, your device is protected by an Android lock PIN, pattern, or password, which requires you to unlock it at the point of purchase.

4. What is a Virtual Account Number?

It’s a unique temporary number used to protect your actual card details when making payments. It is created once you add your card to Google Wallet. With this number, you can make your purchase with your debit card via Google Pay.

5. Can I Add My Debit Card to Multiple Devices?

Yes, you can add a single debit/credit card to multiple devices and wallets. You must follow the same setup instructions to add the device to each device. You may also want to check with your card provider for any possible restrictions.

6. How Can I Withdraw from Google Pay in Nigeria?

To withdraw from Google Pay in Nigeria, simply navigate to find your Pay Balance and choose Transfer Balance. Then, type in the amount you wish to transfer and pick your preferred payment method. 

Conclusion

Google Pay (now Google Wallet) offers a comprehensive payment solution with lots of benefits. It offers security and convenience and helps you stay organized. 

Currently, Google Pay is not available in Nigeria, but you can access it via a VPN. Getting started with Google Pay isn’t complicated. You can install the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your card.

Once set up, Google Pay can be used to send and receive international payments from peers regardless of their location. You only require a Google account and an internet-enabled smartphone.

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