There are a few common reasons why the barcode may not be showing in Google Wallet:
The app hasn’t updated fully
Google Wallet relies on having the latest version of the app installed to function properly. If the app recently updated but hasn’t fully finished installing the new version, there may be issues like the barcode not showing up.
To fix this, first make sure the app has finished updating by checking for any pending updates in the Play Store. If it says the Wallet app is up to date, try force closing the app and restarting your phone to ensure the update has fully taken effect.
Connection issues
Like any app, Google Wallet needs an internet connection to load important components like your barcode. If you’re having connection issues due to poor signal, being in airplane mode, or other problems, the barcode may fail to load.
Check that your phone has a strong WiFi or cellular data connection. Toggle airplane mode off and consider switching networks or moving to an area with better signal. Forcing the app closed and restarting it can also help refresh the connection.
Outdated operating system
Google Wallet requires Android 5.0 or later to run. If you’re running an older Android version that’s no longer supported, features like the barcode may not work properly or at all.
Check what Android OS version you have in your Settings app. If it’s older than 5.0 (Lollipop), you’ll need to either update your operating system if possible or use a newer Android device that isn’t outdated.
Expired loyalty cards
If you have loyalty cards or membership cards added to Google Wallet, they may not show the barcode if the card is expired or otherwise invalid.
Go through your list of membership cards in the app and remove any that are expired. You may need to renew the card or get a new one reissued before the barcode will show correctly again.
Google Pay setup issues
Google Wallet relies on Google Pay working properly in the background. If you’re having issues with Google Pay being set up correctly, it can prevent the Wallet barcode from displaying.
Check that Google Pay is fully set up on your device. You may need to re-add your cards, update your payment methods, or contact Google support to troubleshoot Google Pay functionality.
Device incompatibility issues
Though Google Wallet works on most modern Android devices, some lesser known brands or models may have compatibility issues.
Check Google’s recommended devices list and ensure your Android phone is supported. Try testing Google Wallet on a different device if possible to determine if your hardware is the issue.
Disabled app permissions
Like many apps, Google Wallet needs certain permissions to access data and features on your device. If you have previously disabled access for the app, the barcode may fail to load.
Go to your phone’s app settings, find Google Wallet in the list, and ensure all necessary permissions like camera, contacts, storage, etc. are enabled.
Google account issues
Your Google account credentials are required for Google Wallet to access your payment cards and information. Account problems can lead to the barcode not displaying.
Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account in your device settings. Try removing and re-adding your account in the Wallet app as well. You may also need to contact Google support to resolve any unknown account issues.
Corrupted app data/cache
Occasionally app data or cached files can become corrupted and prevent certain features from working properly. This may interfere with the barcode loading correctly in Google Wallet.
Try clearing the app cache and data by going to your phone settings, applications, selecting Google Wallet, then choosing to clear data and cache. Resetting the app this way often resolves corrupted data issues.
performing a factory reset
As a last resort, performing a factory reset on your Android device may resolve any deeper issues preventing Google Wallet’s barcode from displaying properly. Backup any data first, then reset your device to factory default settings.
Once your device is reset, set it up again from scratch and test Google Wallet. The app data will be fresh which can eliminate any persistent glitches.
Contacting Google support
If you still can’t get the barcode to show up after trying the troubleshooting tips above, your best bet is to contact Google support directly about the issue.
The Google Pay and Wallet support teams have additional tools and insight available to help diagnose and resolve problems like barcodes not displaying properly in the app.
Reach out to their support channels through the Wallet app, online forums, or by phone to get specialized assistance troubleshooting the specific issue with your account and device.
Using an alternative contactless payment app
If you find that Google Wallet’s issues persist and you need a mobile payment option in the meantime, consider downloading another contactless payment app to use instead.
Many banking apps and third party services like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay also offer contactless payment through your device. You can use theseDigital wallets provide an easy way to pay with your smartphone, storing your credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and more in one place. But sometimes technical issues can arise that prevent features like the barcode from displaying properly in apps like Google Wallet.
Here are some of the common fixes to try when your Google Wallet barcode isn’t showing up as expected on Android:
Update and restart the app
Make sure you have the latest version of Google Wallet installed. Force close the app, restart your phone, then reopen Wallet to refresh it. This will ensure any updates have taken effect and can often resolve app glitches.
Check your internet connection
Ensure your WiFi or mobile data connection is strong. Google Wallet requires an internet connection to access card information and display your barcode, so connectivity issues are a common cause.
Re-add cards and passes
Remove any expired or invalid cards and passes in your Google Wallet app, then add your active cards again. This syncs your latest valid credentials to display the correct barcode.
Make sure Google Pay is set up
Google Pay provides the foundation for Google Wallet to work properly. Check that your payment methods with Google Pay are correct and fully operational.
Clear app data and cache
Sometimes corrupt data gets cached which can prevent the barcode from loading. Clearing the app data and cache gives Wallet a fresh start.
Check for Android OS and device compatibility
Make sure you’re running Android 5.0 or later and that your device model is supported by Google Wallet. Incompatible devices can experience issues.
Contact Google support
If all else fails, reach out to Google’s customer support for additional troubleshooting help. They can further diagnose issues with your specific device and account.
Use an alternative mobile payment app
Consider Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, banking apps, or other Wallet alternatives if problems persist and you need a temporary workaround for contactless payments.
Perform factory reset
As a last resort, reset your device to factory default settings. This wipes any corrupted data that could be preventing Google Wallet from operating properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Google Wallet barcode not showing up?
The most common reasons the barcode won’t display are expired cards, connectivity issues, needing an app update, Android version too old, Google Pay problems, and device incompatibility. Clearing app cache, re-adding cards, and contacting Google support can help resolve it.
What should I do if clearing app data didn’t fix Google Wallet?
If clearing cache and data didn’t work, try reinstalling the app, making sure Google Pay is set up properly, checking your internet connection, and contacting Google support if the issues persist. Factory resetting your phone as a last resort may also help.
How can I get the barcode back in Google Wallet?
Start by updating the Wallet app, restarting your device, and ensuring you have a strong internet connection. Re-add any expired or invalid cards in the app. If that doesn’t work, clear app cache and data, reinstall the app, make sure Google Pay works, and contact Google support if needed.
Why does Google Pay work but not Google Wallet?
Google Pay provides the backend payment functionality, while Google Wallet is the front-end app. If Google Pay works but the Wallet app has issues, it’s likely an app-specific problem like corrupt cache, needing an update, or a device incompatibility.
Should I delete and reinstall Google Wallet to fix it?
Reinstalling the app can help eliminate any corrupted files or cached data causing issues. Make sure to backup your wallet cards and passes first. Reinstalling Google Pay may help too if you keep having problems.
Summary
Google Wallet’s barcode not showing is generally a fixable software issue rather than a hardware problem. Updating the app, checking your internet connectivity, clearing corrupt cached data, re-adding cards, and contacting Google support are good troubleshooting steps. In rare cases, you may need to factory reset your device if no other fixes resolve the issue. Using an alternate mobile payment app can offer a temporary workaround as well. With the right troubleshooting, you should be able to get Google Wallet working properly again.