The new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones from Google come with a lot of features and one of its novelties is the face unlock feature. However, users can use this face unlock feature only to unlock their Google Pixel 7 series smartphone but not for secure apps like Google Pay transactions, which decline unexpectedly while making any payments. In this article, let us find out how to fix the Google Pay payments not working on Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones.
How to fix Google Pay Payments Not Working on Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones finally reintroduces Google’s Face Recognition feature. But you’ll still want to use the fingerprint sensor on your Pixel 7, because Face Recognition doesn’t work with Google Pay or connections to applications.
This limitation was first noticed by Max Weinbach, a journalist and 9to5Google contributor. Shortly after the Pixel 7 launched, Weinbach tweeted that his Pixel 7 Pro automatically declines all contactless payments.
Seem a bit of poor UX is confusing a lot of Pixel 7 users right now. If you unlock your phone with face authentication and then try to make a contactless payment via Google Pay, the payment is declined and then you're asked to unlock your phone via fingerprint.
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 16, 2022
Obviously, Weinbach encountered this problem because he tried to activate Google Pay with facial recognition. Another Twitter user Mishaal Rahman explains that facial recognition is a “class 1” biometric system, which means it’s not secure enough to unlock Google Pay payments or log into apps.
Unrelated but every single time I try to pay with the Pixel 7 Pro, the transaction gets declined. No matter the card.
I just had to whip out an iPhone to use that to pay instead but it's really weird. https://t.co/nh6tOogvSy
— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) October 16, 2022
An official statement from Google, obtained by Felix Frank, provides further details. “For secure activities like app sign-in and making payments on Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you can use Fingerprint Unlock or rely on a strong pin or password.”
Face Unlock will launch as a Class 1 (Convenience) biometric, according to Android Compatibility Definition for phone unlock on Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. For secure activities like app sign-in and making payments on Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you can use Fingerprint Unlock or rely on
— Felix Frank (@Flix_95) October 6, 2022
Technically speaking, the Pixel 7 is better equipped for facial recognition than previous Android smartphones. Machine learning algorithms and the new autofocus selfie lens should provide an increased level of security. But I doubt Google will upgrade the Pixel 7’s facial recognition beyond a “Class 1” system.
That is all you need to know about how to fix the Google Pay payments not working on Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones. While you are here, do not forget to check out our other guides only on TechNClub.com: Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Google Pixel 7 Pro, and How to Fix Pixel 7 & 7 Pro Google Play System Update Not Installing Issue.