Google Wallet's Security Update Will Stop Working Below Android 9

Google announced that updates will no longer be available for Wallet that is not running on Android 9 and higher, starting June 10.

The company started to release the feature for Android 5.2 and higher versions during its initial launch in 2022.

Google Wallet Requires Android 9, Higher Versions

In a support document, Google shared the increased requirements for Wallet. Android should be version 9 or higher, while smartwatches must have at least Wear OS 2.x or higher to receive updates.

"To help keep Wallet features such as tap-to-pay transactions more secure, we must be able to send security updates to your device," the company announced. Starting next month, security updates will no longer be provided for devices failing to meet the minimum requirement.

Google Wallet users who are still under Android Nougat (7.0 and 7.1) and Oreo (8.0 and 8.1) will be affected by the change. Currently, Android 9 Pie has reached a cumulative distribution of 86.4%, making it the optimal requirement to run the digital app for now.

How to Check OS Version on Smartphones, Smartwatch

To check your smartphone's Android version simply explore the Settings app and check the About phone or tablet to see the Android version. Details such as the version, Android security update, and build number will be provided on the tab.

For smartwatch devices, check the System tab on the Settings and check the Version on the About page. Users must not be confused as the OS version and the system version are two different things.

If the device is still covered by updates, users can manually update their device or wait for a system alert that will remind them to update their device. However, some older devices do not support newer Android versions anymore.