How to Add PayPal to Google Pay: Step-by-Step

Adding PayPal to Google Pay lets you use your PayPal balance or linked cards to pay in stores, online, and in apps wherever Google Pay is accepted. This guide walks you through linking the two accounts on both Android and the web, so you can start paying with PayPal without pulling out your physical card.

What You’ll Need

A PayPal account with a confirmed email address and a valid password.
A Google account that is signed in on your Android device or browser.
An Android phone with the Google Pay app installed (version 2.105 or later). If you don’t have the app, download it from the Google Play Store.
For in-store payments: a phone with NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled, and your default payment method set to the PayPal card in Google Pay.
Internet connection to complete the linking process.

Step-by-Step

Open Google Pay on your Android phone. Tap the app icon to launch it. If you haven’t signed in yet, sign in with the Google account you want to use.
Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. This opens the main settings menu.
Select “Payment methods” from the list. You’ll see any cards or accounts already linked.
Tap “Add payment method” (or the plus sign). A list of options appears.
Choose “PayPal” from the list. If you don’t see PayPal, make sure your Google Pay app is updated to the latest version.
Tap “Continue” on the PayPal welcome screen. This will redirect you to a PayPal login page within the Google Pay app.
Log in to your PayPal account with your email and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the code sent to your phone.
Review the permissions that Google Pay requests. It typically asks for access to your PayPal email address and the ability to make purchases. Tap “Agree and Continue” to grant permission.
Wait for the confirmation screen. Google Pay will show a message like “PayPal added successfully.” Tap “Done” to return to your payment methods list.
Set PayPal as your default (optional but recommended). In the payment methods list, find the PayPal entry and tap it. Then tap “Set as default” to use PayPal for all contactless payments by default.

If you’re adding PayPal on the web (for online purchases), go to pay.google.com, sign in, click “Payment methods,” then “Add payment method,” choose PayPal, and follow the same login flow. The web method is useful if you want to use PayPal on a device without the app.

Common Mistakes

Not updating Google Pay: Older versions of the app don’t have the PayPal option. Always check the Play Store for updates first.
Using the wrong Google account: If you have multiple Google accounts, make sure you’re signed into the one you actually use for payments. Adding PayPal to a secondary account won’t help.
Skipping the NFC check: For in-store payments, NFC must be enabled on your phone. If it’s off, the terminal won’t detect your phone even if PayPal is set as default.
Expecting PayPal balance to work everywhere: Some merchants or Google Pay features may not support PayPal balance transfers, especially for peer-to-peer payments. You might need a backup card in your PayPal wallet.
Not setting PayPal as default: If you don’t set it as default, Google Pay will use your previously selected card, and you’ll have to manually choose PayPal each time.

Tips

Keep your PayPal app updated too: PayPal often updates its security protocols. An outdated PayPal app can cause connection errors during the linking process.
Use a strong, unique password for PayPal: Since Google Pay will store your PayPal token, a strong password adds an extra layer of security.
Check your default payment method before traveling: If you’re going abroad, confirm that PayPal is still your default, as some international terminals may not accept PayPal-linked cards.
Test with a small purchase first: After linking, buy a coffee or a cheap item to confirm everything works before relying on it for larger transactions.
Know the difference between PayPal and PayPal Credit: When paying, Google Pay may show PayPal Credit as a funding source if you have it. Make sure you select the one you intend to use.

Troubleshooting

PayPal option not appearing: Update Google Pay to the latest version. If it still doesn’t appear, your device may not support PayPal integration (rare on modern Android phones). Try clearing the Google Pay app cache: go to Settings > Apps > Google Pay > Storage > Clear Cache, then restart the app.

Login loop or error during linking: Close both apps, reopen Google Pay, and try again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection. If the problem persists, log out of PayPal on the web, then log back in to refresh your session.

Payment declined at the terminal: Check that NFC is on and that you’re holding the phone near the contactless symbol. If the terminal says “card not supported,” your PayPal account may not have a linked card that works with contactless. Add a credit/debit card to your PayPal wallet and try again.

PayPal added but not working online: Some websites don’t accept PayPal through Google Pay. Look for the PayPal button directly on the checkout page instead. If the site does accept Google Pay, make sure you’re selecting PayPal as the funding source during checkout.

Google Pay says “PayPal not verified”: This usually means your PayPal email isn’t confirmed. Log into PayPal, go to Settings, and confirm your email address. Then remove and re-add PayPal in Google Pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add PayPal to Google Pay on an iPhone?

No. Google Pay on iOS does not support adding PayPal as a payment method. You can use the PayPal app itself for contactless payments on iPhone.

Does adding PayPal to Google Pay cost anything?

No, linking the accounts is free. You may incur standard PayPal fees for certain transactions, such as currency conversion, but adding the method itself has no cost.

Can I use PayPal to send money to friends through Google Pay?

No. Google Pay’s peer-to-peer (P2P) feature uses your Google Pay balance or linked bank account, not PayPal. PayPal is only available for merchant payments.

Is it safe to link PayPal to Google Pay?

Yes. Google Pay uses tokenization, meaning your actual PayPal account number is not shared with the merchant. PayPal also has its own buyer protection policies.

How do I remove PayPal from Google Pay?

Open Google Pay, go to Payment methods, tap the PayPal entry, and select “Remove payment method.” This unlinks the accounts but does not delete your PayPal account.

Why is my PayPal balance not showing as an option when I pay?

Some merchants or transactions may not support PayPal balance as a funding source. If your balance isn’t enough to cover the purchase, PayPal will automatically use your linked bank account or card. You can check your PayPal settings to set the order of funding sources.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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