Some Android users recently reported that Google Wallet NFC payments stopped working on smartphones running Chinese firmware (China ROM) after updating to Google Play Services 26.28.xx.
According to user reports, contactless payments failed even though Google Wallet showed no problems, NFC was enabled, and payment cards remained active. Payment terminals typically displayed messages asking users to use another card.
The issue was reported on several devices running China ROMs from brands such as Xiaomi, vivo, OPPO, and OnePlus.
Some users found log entries indicating that the Tap and Pay Host Card Emulation (HCE) service had been disabled for devices identified as Chinese-market models.
While troubleshooting the issue, some users rolled back Google Play Services to an earlier version using ADB, which reportedly restored NFC payments. Others said leaving the Google Play Services beta program fixed the problem.
To leave the beta program, users can:
Several users said Google Wallet returned as the default NFC payment service after completing these steps.
More recent reports suggest the issue has largely been resolved. Users said NFC payments started working again after updating to Google Play Services 26.29.xx, while others believe Google restored the functionality through a server-side change without requiring a new app update.
As of writing, Google has not released an official statement explaining the cause of the issue.
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