Only the family manager can set up a balance for a child to tap to pay in stores. Parental controls for the balance are managed in Google Family Link or the Google Wallet website. Learn more about parental roles.
Step 1: Check eligibility requirements
- The child must be under 18, and be a supervised member of the Family Group. Learn how to get started with Google Family Link.
- The child must have an eligible Android device or smartwatch that supports tap to pay transactions added to their Google Account.
- The child should have the Google Wallet app installed on their device.
- Make sure Google Play services is up to date. Learn how to keep your devices and apps working with Google Play services.
Step 2: Only the family manager can set up the child’s balance in Google Wallet
The family manager can set up the child’s balance in Google Wallet with Google Family Link or on the Google Wallet website.
Through Google Family Link- On a parent's device, open Google Family Link.
- Select your child.
- Tap Google Wallet
Set up a balance.
Set up a balance.- On a parent’s device, go to the Google Wallet website.
- Under the “Family” section, select your child’s account.
- If your child isn't listed, you'll be prompted to create their account. Learn how to create a Google Account for your child.
- Tap Set up a balance.
Step 3: Family manager to verify their identity
To keep your account safe we verify your identity.
Important: The family manager must first verify their identity to complete the setup.
- Enter your passkey to confirm it's you.
- Tap Remember device
- Review Google’s terms and conditions.
- At the bottom, tap Accept.
- Review the issuer terms.
- Tap Accept.
- Enter your personal info.
- Tap Submit.
- Your info will be verified by Google and Google’s partner.
- Enter your child's info.
- Tap Continue.
You may be prompted to upload additional information to Google and Google’s partner. Once approved, you'll be able to finish the child’s balance setup.
Google verification: If you need to verify more info with Google, you'll be prompted immediately to upload more information. Learn more about verification documents.
- Once you upload your documents, the Google review generally takes 48 hrs. You'll receive an email with the final decision.
Partner verification: Google’s partner may also require additional documentation to finalize the approval.
- Check your email from [email protected].
- If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam folder.
- Upload the requested documents there. You must provide these documents within 14 days of receiving the request.
- Once you upload your documents, the partner review generally takes 72 hrs. You'll receive an email with the final decision.
If you still have issues or any questions, you can contact us.
The other parent can’t set up the child’s balance but they can add money to the child’s balance. The other parent will need to verify their identity before they can add money.
- On a parent’s device, go to the Google Wallet website.
- Under the “Family” section, select your child’s account.
- Tap Add money.
- Enter your personal info to be verified by Google.
- Once your identity is verified, you can proceed to add money to your child's balance.
Step 4: Create a PIN for the child’s balance
Important: Only the family manager can create or reset the PIN. Make sure to share the PIN to your child.
- Create a 4-digit PIN. Your PIN must not use:
- Numbers in order, like 1234.
- Consecutive repeating numbers, like 5555.
- Re-enter the PIN.
- It must match the PIN you created, otherwise an error message may appear.
- Tap Submit.
Tip: If you choose to skip setting up the PIN, you'll be prompted to create it later.
Step 5: Add money to the child's balance (Optional)
The family manager can add money to the child's balance during setup or choose to add it later. Learn how to add money to the child's balance.
Step 6: Add child's balance to a device
The available devices linked to the child's Google Account should appear.
- Select the device your child will use with the balance.
- If there's no available device, follow the on-screen instructions to add an eligible Android device to the child's account. For more info, refer to set up supervision from your child's Android device.
- For smartwatches that aren't paired to a phone, the child can only use the balance to tap to pay in stores.
- Click OK.
- The child will receive an in-app notification on the selected device.
Tips:
- The child should have the Google Wallet app downloaded on their device before the balance is added.
- The family manager can choose to add the child's balance to a device later.
Step 7: Complete child's balance in Google Wallet setup
Once the child's balance is created, they must complete the setup on their device immediately after they receive the notification. Otherwise, the family manager needs to select the child's device again and add the balance again
On the child’s mobile phone- Tap the Google Wallet app notification
- If the child's device doesn't have a screen lock, they'll be asked to create one first. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a screen lock.
- Once the screen shows "You're ready to tap to pay," tap Got it.
- The child should now be able to tap to pay. Learn about tap to pay for kids.
- Tap the Google Wallet notification to complete balance setup
- If the child's device doesn't have a screen lock, they'll be asked to create one first. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a screen lock.
- The child should now be able to tap to pay. Learn about tap to pay for kids.
- Confirm that the child’s device is online.
- Verify the child’s device has not opted out of Wallet notifications.
Tip: The child can also click the setup link in their email to complete the process.
Related resources
- Download the Google Wallet app
- About balance in Google Wallet for kids (US Only)
- Tap to pay for kids
- Your version of Android doesn’t support Google Wallet
Disclaimer: The Google Pay Balance Prepaid Visa® Card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card valid only in the U.S. No ATM or Cash Access. Card can be used in stores everywhere contactless Visa debit cards are accepted.