If you’re trying to use Google Wallet (also known as Google Pay) to pay with your phone via NFC, but only see options to add a transit pass, loyalty card, or gift card, you’re not alone. This issue is surprisingly common, and most of the answers online are incorrect or misleading. Here’s the real reason — and how to fix it.
What’s Not Causing the Issue
Let’s get a few misconceptions out of the way. The problem is not caused by:
Your phone’s make or model
Whether your phone was officially sold in your country
Custom or imported firmware (in most cases)
Location services or app permissions
So if you’ve been wasting time tweaking these things — stop.
The Real Reason: SIM Card Country Restrictions
The main reason you’re unable to add a bank card to Google Wallet is due to Google’s regional restrictions, which are enforced via your SIM card.
Here’s how it works:
Google checks the country code embedded in your SIM card (not your GPS location or account settings).
If your SIM is from a country where Google Wallet is not officially supported, the app limits you to “everyday essentials” only (transit, loyalty, gift cards).
Even if you sideload the app, disable permissions, or spoof location — it won’t matter. Google Wallet still checks your SIM.
In some cases, Google also verifies your IP address, meaning you may need a VPN in addition to a valid SIM.
How to Get Google Pay Working in an Unsupported Country
If Google Wallet isn’t supported in your country, here are your options:
Method 1: Use a Supported Country’s SIM Card
Insert a SIM card from a country where Google Wallet is supported.
If your phone has dual SIM slots, place the supported SIM in Slot 1.
You don’t need to use this SIM for mobile data or calls — it just needs to be inserted.
Google will allow you to add bank cards while the SIM is present.
Method 2: Use a VPN
Use a VPN to reroute your internet traffic through a country where Google Wallet is supported.
The VPN location does not have to match your SIM card country — it just needs to be a supported country.
This helps bypass the IP address check.
Note: You must do both — have a valid SIM and be connected through a supported region’s IP.
A Temporary Workaround: Use an Older Version of Google Wallet
There is an older version of the app that doesn’t enforce the SIM card check. Here’s how you can use it:
Uninstall the current Google Wallet version.
Download and sideload the older version (ensure it’s from a trusted source).
Google Wallet 24.10.616896757 APK
Disable auto-updates to prevent Google Play from upgrading the app.
As of this writing, this method still works. But it’s unclear how long it will remain effective, as Google could disable this functionality at any time.
Why Did It Work Before But Not Anymore?
This check wasn’t always in place. If Google Wallet used to work on your phone but suddenly stopped:
Your app likely updated to a newer version that enforces SIM region checks.
Any previously added cards may have been removed automatically.
Final Thoughts
This issue has nothing to do with your phone’s hardware or carrier support — it’s all about your SIM card’s country code and, in some cases, your network IP address.
If you want full Google Wallet functionality:
Use a supported country’s SIM card
Pair it with a VPN
Or use an older version of the app (with caution)