To make contactless payments with Google Pay, you need to set up a screen lock on your device for your security.
Important: Screen lock is optional for e-money, QUICPay, and iD users in Japan.
You can unlock Google Pay with the following methods:
- PIN
- Pattern
- Password
- Fingerprint
- Iris scan
- 3D face unlock
Google Pay doesn't work with 2D face unlock or screen locks like Smart Unlock or Knock to Unlock.
Turn on screen lock
Learn how to set or change a screen lock.
You can use Google Pay for higher amounts without unlocking your phone, because some countries have increased their contactless card payment limits. The new limits will be implemented in early April 2020 and gradually roll out in certain countries.
Change how quickly your phone locks
Your phone can be used to pay when it's unlocked. For more security, make it lock faster.
- On your Android phone, open the Settings app
.
- Tap Lock screen & security
Secure lock settings
Lock automatically.
- Choose the amount of time for your screen to automatically lock.
No unlock needed for smaller payments
Important: You can only make a limited amount of locked transactions before your phone will ask you to unlock it.
To make contactless payments, you need to unlock your phone. You won't need to unlock it for certain small payments.
To turn on this setting:
- Go to Settings
.
- Tap Connected devices
Connection preferences
NFC.
- Turn on Require device unlock for NFC.
If you can’t find this option, you may need to update your phone to the latest version of Android.
Payment limits on a locked device
Country | Amount |
---|---|
Australia | $100 AUD |
Austria | €50 EUR |
Belgium | €25 EUR |
Brazil | Unlock is required for all transactions except for transit. |
Bulgaria | 100 BGN |
Canada | $100 CAD |
Chile | $12,000 CLP for credit |
Croatia | 350 HRK |
Czech Republic | 500 CZK |
Denmark | 350 DDK |
Estonia | €50 EUR |
Finland | €25 EUR |
France | €30 EUR |
Germany | €50 EUR |
Greece | €50 EUR |
Hong Kong | 1000 HKD |
Hungary | 15,000 HUF |
Ireland | €50 EUR |
Italy | €25 EUR |
Japan (VISA Touch) | ¥10,000 JPY |
Latvia | €50 EUR |
Lithuania | €50 EUR |
Netherlands | €50 EUR |
New Zealand | $80 NZD |
Norway | 200 NOK |
Poland | 100 PLN |
Portugal | €50 EUR |
Romania | 200 RON |
Russia | ₽1000 RUB |
Singapore | S$200 SGD |
Slovakia | €20 EUR |
Spain | €50 EUR |
Sweden | 400 SEK |
Switzerland | 80 CHF |
Ukraine | ₴500 UAH for Mastercard ₴1500 UAH for Visa |
United Arab Emirates | 300 AED |
United Kingdom | £45 GBP* |
United States | Unlock is required for all transactions except for transit. |
*Important: The United Kingdom limit may vary for specific issuers. Learn about the United Kingdom’s supported payment methods.
Tip: Contactless payments with locked devices are accepted at merchant terminals. If you can’t pay with your locked device, try again with your device unlocked. For amounts above your country’s contactless limit, you can still use Google Pay. Simply unlock your phone and tap on the terminal. These high value transactions are also accepted at merchant terminals.