The new Google Pay app is finally out of beta — here's what that could mean

By Derrek Lee
last updated

Google Pay 2020 logo
Google Pay 2020 logo (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • The new Google Pay app is no longer listed as "early access" in the Play Store.
  • Google is set to strip the old version of most of its features next month.
  • This could mean Google is preparing to roll out the new app to more countries outside the U.S.

The old version of the Google Pay app was recently and unsurprisingly given an expiration date as Google focuses on the new app experience. On April 5th, exactly a month from the time of writing, Google will strip the old app of most features that make it useful. As the new app had been available in the U.S. for months, the move was expected, bringing a new interface and focus on P2P transactions. Oddly, the new app was still listed as "early access," despite being widely available, and even appeared in the beta tab of the Play Store... until now.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

The new Google Pay app has apparently shed its early access status and is a full-fledged app. It also no longer shows up in the beta tab, meaning all the kinks have apparently been ironed out. Given that the new app is only available in the United States, India, and Singapore, this could also indicate that the company is getting ready for a wider launch.

It would be ideal for Google to release the new version of the app in more regions; that way, it can completely phase out the old app and doesn't have to waste any more resources on keeping it alive. It would also ensure more people have access to the latest features, such as the upcoming Google Plex bank account.

For now, anyone outside the supported countries will be unaffected by the changes Google is making to the old app and will continue to have access after the April 5th cutoff. At the time of writing, there's currently no word on how this affects the best Wear OS watches going forward.

The old version of the app remains available in the Play Store, but you can only access it through a direct link (opens in new tab) and not by a Play Store search. At this point, though, the old app should just be left to die a peaceful death. If you're still using this version, here's how to download and set up the new Google Pay app.

Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
News Editor

Derrek is a long-time Nokia and LG fanboy who loves astronomy, videography, and sci-fi movies. When he's not working, he's most likely working out or smoldering at the camera.

9 Comments
  • Why is Google still offering updates for Okf Google Pay? And touting its merits? Will we be able to uninstall the outdated version or will we be stuck w both?
  • Old version is being phased out.
  • People still might want to stay clear of the new app. It's getting awful reviews.
  • It'll be the only game in town. It's replacing the old app.
    I used it a few times last month and it was awful. I'd be at the register with a long line behind me. Mind you, I've used the old Google pay flawlessly for years. Made payment with the new app. Payment showed successful on the phone only to have the cashier tell me that it didn't go through and she would have to cancel the transaction. That happened three straight embarrassing times.
  • The new system will charge 1.5% on P2P transfers which have until now been free. I've used Google Play a ton to send and receive money from family members but I won't be using the new Pay and I'm shopping for an alternative - probably Zelle.
  • Zelle works well, but I also use Cash App and PayPal in addition to Zelle.
  • I've been using it for about two months, and it's been stable. I don't use it for for P2P payments, so no info on that.
  • Samsung​ pay works great for me.
  • And GPay works better for everyone else 🤷🏻‍♂️