Users between 13–18 years (hereinafter referred to as underage users) can now explore digital payments safely and responsibly with Google Pay. With Google Pay, they can pay other users, shop in stores and online, recharge mobile plans or pay bills.
This version offers core Google Pay features while restricting access to unsuitable content for underage users. It provides a safe and controlled environment for underage users to learn about digital payments and manage money responsibly.
Google Pay is committed to comply with Google’s privacy and legal guidelines for users under 18 years.
Get started with Google Pay
Important: To get started, download Google Pay from the Play Store or App Store and set up your Google Account.
- On your mobile device, open the Google Pay app
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- Enter the phone number linked to your account.
- Choose an account.
- Tap Next.
- Enter the OTP sent to verify your number.
- To keep your account safe, you need to choose a screen lock or a four-digit Google PIN.
- A pop-up appears to indicate that a mandatory app lock activates.
- Tap Got it.
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Explore features
Eligibility criteriaTo qualify, you must:
- Be between the ages of 13–18 years old
- Reside in India
- Own an Indian mobile number that starts with (+91)
The home screen is a simplified experience that:
- Allows underage users to find contacts through a search bar.
- Provides easy access to scan QR codes, send money, initiate bank transfers and mobile recharges.
- Intentionally hides promotional content and offers related to credit products such as personal loans, credit cards and CIBIL score.
Tip: The UPI Lite chip appears on the home screen only if the underage user links an independent bank account to Google Pay. This feature offers a faster and more convenient way to make small-value payments.
The profile section allows access to set up alternative payment methods such as UPI Circle and UPI Voucher.
Important: A limited number of users currently have access to UPI Circle and UPI Voucher. Access will be ramped up to more users over the next few months.Underage users can make payments through any authorised form of payment, including new payment methods such as UPI Circle or UPI Voucher.
Important: A limited number of users currently have access to UPI Circle and UPI Voucher. Access will be ramped up to more users over the next few months.
Other features
- The 'Transaction history' tab will show all transactions, irrespective of the payment method used.
- The 'Conversation' feature allows basic payment requests but disables free text messages to comply with social media guidelines.
- Group creation and bill splitting are temporarily disabled.
Keeping Google Pay safe for underage users
- Minimal data collection: The app collects minimal data from underage users and limits it to what's necessary for basic digital payments. All personalisation features are turned off by default and can’t be turned on until the user turns 18.
- Mandatory app lock: To enhance security and prevent unauthorised access, a mandatory app lock feature acts as an extra layer of security.
- Safety and restricted categories: The app restricts payments to certain merchants and categories considered inappropriate for underage users. Underage users can’t pay to businesses in investing, trading or fantasy games, and similar merchant categories.
- No personalised ads or offers: To ensure that underage users aren't subject to commercial gains, there are no personalised ads, offers or promotional content on the app.
- Limited notifications: To avoid excessive communication, notification and email settings are simplified and turned off by default. Any marketing-related notifications won’t be received but users will continue to receive their transaction-related important notifications.
Upgrade to the full Google Pay experience
When users turn 18, they can upgrade to the full Google Pay experience, which enables access to all features and notifications.
- On your mobile device, open the Google Pay app
- Tap your Profile picture to go to 'Profile'.
- Select Settings
Get access to all Google Pay features.
- Tap Sign out.
- Sign in again to upgrade to the full version.
Get access to all Google Pay features.
Tip: The entire transaction history and all payment methods added by the user are saved during the upgrade.
Find out more
Use my parents' bank account on Google PayYou can't directly add your parents’ bank account. However, you can use the UPI Circle feature, where your parents can approve your payment request. The payment is made through their bank account.
Important: A limited number of users currently have access to UPI Circle and UPI Voucher. Access will be ramped up to more users over the next few months.
Important: A limited number of users currently have access to UPI Circle and UPI Voucher. Access will be ramped up to more users over the next few months.
When you turn 18, you're shown a prompt to upgrade to the full Google Pay experience, to help you access all features and notifications.
Alternatively, you can manually upgrade to the full Google Pay experience.
- On your device, open the Google Pay app
- Tap your Profile picture to go to 'Profile'.
- Select Settings
- Tap Sign out.
- To upgrade to the full version, sign in again.
Tip: The entire transaction history and payment methods are saved during the upgrade.