Pixel 9a Gets Google Wallet For Kids To Help Ease Your Anxiety Over Your Child’s Spending
Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google Wallet with parental controls is rolling out to the Pixel 9a.
- Kids using a Family Link-managed Pixel 9a will be able to make tap-to-pay transactions in stores.
- Parents will be able to stay on top of their child’s recent transactions, remove cards remotely, and block passes.
Family Link gives parents the ability to manage their child’s phone usage. This can include everything from setting a daily limit for how long the phone can be used to filtering what they see on YouTube, Search, Chrome, and so on. While there are plenty of ways to supervise how your kid uses their phone, management of on-device payments has sorely been missing. Not anymore, as Google is rolling out Wallet for kids on the Pixel 9a.
After launching Google Wallet for kids on the Fitbit Ace LTE last year, the Mountain View-based tech giant is now bringing parental controls for Wallet on smartphones. This means that those who have a Pixel 9a with Family Link set up can now download the Google Wallet app to make payments.
Google Wallet will act just like it always does, but there are a few differences. Just like the full experience, kids will be able to make payments in stores through Google Pay, and there’s support for gift cards. Passes can also be stored, including movie tickets, library cards, and loyalty cards. And they’ll need to use their PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition to authorize NFC payments.
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Unlike the regular version of Wallet, however, your child won’t be able to use saved cards for online purchases. Parents will also need to approve credit and debit cards before they are added. Additionally, parents will be able to view recent transactions, turn off access to passes, and remove cards remotely.
Google Wallet for kids will debut on the Pixel 9a and will arrive first in the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Poland. Strangely, the company says you can use Google Wallet for kids starting today, despite the Pixel 9a not being available yet.
If you have an older Pixel or some other Android device, Google Wallet for kids will eventually expand to these devices as well. However, it’s unclear how long you’ll have to wait for the rollout.
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a
Built-in Gemini • Incredible camera • All-day battery
All the Pixel essentials for less.
The Google Pixel 9a brings built-in Gemini, an incredible camera, all-day battery, and seven years of updates for under $500.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at [email protected]. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it’s your choice.
