Android users have been told that a feature they likely rely on every day has had much-needed refresh. Tech specialists have revealed that a streamlined process now allows mobile wallet users to add additional cards with just one straightforward step.
According to Android Authority: “Google Wallet is simplifying the mechanism for adding new debit or credit cards to your collection. Although the process previously required you to either enter the details manually or capture an image of the digits, cards that support contactless payments can now be added instantly by tapping on the area around the NFC reader on your phone.” NFC, which stands for Near Field Communication, is used when you tap your phone on a contactless card reader to pay for things like coffee, groceries, or lunch.
NFC technology is ideal as it sends signals between your device and the reader to process the payment, meaning no physical card is actually required. This new feature has been in testing since at least April of this year and was rolled out as part of the latest Google Play Services update earlier this week.
That update also brought support for Live Updates on flights and events in Android 16. Alongside the quicker card-adding process, Google Wallet has also added the ability to store Play Points and introduced a new feature that automatically brings up relevant tickets or passes on your phone when you’re near your destination.
If you’re worried about the safety of adding cards to your digital wallet, experts say you don’t need to be as long as you tick the right boxes. Tech experts at NordVPN, explained: “From the user’s perspective, NFC technology can also be taken advantage of by bad actors.
“If your phone is stolen, it could be used to make contactless payments without your authorisation, unless you have already set up a payment verification process (like a biometric scan). Most devices have limits on how much money can be spent via contactless payment, but the risk of any financial losses is still something to be aware of.”
It added: “Despite the dangers of theft and misuse, NFC is still a relatively secure payment option, compared to other methods like chip-and-pin payments.”
As well as this, the Android experts shared that Google is testing its updated Material 3 Expressive design language in the Google Wallet app. The update introduces a subtle background tint and makes the button for manually entering card details more visually prominent.