Most users of contactless payments who are on Android Q beta 3 are reporting cases of Google Pay being broken.
Although the release of Android Q – the next version of Android – isn’t until August, the beta releases are ongoing, with Beta 3 launched earlier this week at Google IO 2019.
Beta 2 gave users app bubbles and bug fixes, so beta 3 is expected to be much better going forward.
However, it is expected that beta releases tend to come with bugs, and beta 3 isn’t any different.
Some users have had nastier experiences when their devices didn’t pass the SafetyNet test, probably due to a similar SafetyNet hitch like what Android P DP4 had in 2018. Those who go attempt to fix the problem themselves have since not been able to use Google Pay.
One Reddit user said that Google Pay worked fine on beta 1 and beta 2, but stopped working on beta 3, despite using a compatible Pixel device.
A Pixel Product Expert said in a comment in r/android_beta that the issue was being investigated and a fix would soon be given to users.
Fix: Google Pay not working in Android Q Beta 3
If you’re struggling to find a working solution to the problem with Google Pay and Android Q beta 3, you can resolve it by rebooting and clearing data on Google Play store. This will force a refresh of the status.
Once you do this, it should work again, and your device should also be able to pass the SafetyNet test.
In its Beta release notes, Google clearly states that devices with Android Q Beta aren’t CTS-approved; so it’s strange how the issue is affecting some users, and not others.
But Google has noted the reports on this bug, and so far the resolution here should get your mobile payments working again.
Android Q will be a free update, whose full launch is expected probably in August, after the March 13 release and launch of the Android 10 developer beta.
Beta 4, which is the final incremental update, is expected to land in June, and beta 5 and 6 may be released sometime in July.
If you own one of 23 Android Q beta compatible phones including OnePlus 6T and all Pixel phones, then you should be able to access the developer beta.
Android’s Director of Product Management, Stephanie Cuthbertson, said in a blog post that Android Q is designed to support the potential of foldable devices, and ever-changing trends in the industry.
“This year, new industry trends like foldable phone displays and 5G are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do. Android Q is designed to support the potential of foldable devices—from multi-tasking to adapting to different screen dimensions as you unfold the phone.”
Android Q is the first OS to support 5G. App developers will thus get tools to build for what Cuthbertson adds is “faster connectivity, enhancing experiences like gaming and augmented reality.”
Did the fix work for you? Tell us in a comment below.
Elsier is an avid tech writer, who loves mobile apps, games, music, and cars. When she’s not catching up on the latest in tech, she’s binging on reruns of her favorite series.
