To use your Google Play balance, buy something in the Google Play Store and choose Google Play balance as the payment method at checkout. It works for apps, games, in-app purchases, movies, books, and many subscriptions. If your balance covers the whole price, Google usually uses it automatically. If it doesn’t, you can pay the rest with another payment method on eligible purchases.
Here’s how to check your balance, spend it, and what you can and can’t use it for.
How to check your Google Play balance
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Payments & subscriptions > Payment methods.
- Your Google Play balance is shown at the top.
On a computer, go to play.google.com, click your profile picture, and choose Payments & subscriptions.
How to pay with your Google Play balance
- Tap the price or Buy button for an app, in-app item, movie, or book.
- On the purchase sheet, tap the payment method shown under the item.
- Choose Google Play balance.
- Tap Buy and confirm with your password or fingerprint if asked.
What you can use Google Play balance for
| Can use it for | Can’t use it for |
|---|---|
| Apps and games | Hardware from the Google Store, like Pixel phones |
| In-app purchases and game currency | Sending money to other people |
| Movies, TV shows, and books | Withdrawing as cash or moving to a bank |
| Subscriptions billed through Google Play, like Google One or YouTube Premium in many regions | Purchases outside Google Play |
How to pay for a subscription with your balance
- In the Play Store, tap your profile picture > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription and choose Update or Payment method.
- Select Google Play balance. Add a backup payment method in case your balance runs out.
How to add money to your balance
- Redeem a gift card: Profile picture > Payments & subscriptions > Redeem code.
- Earn credit: Apps like Google Opinion Rewards give Play credit for answering surveys.
- Add funds: In some countries, you can top up your balance directly under Payment methods.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my Google Play balance to someone else?
No. The balance stays with your Google Account. See can you transfer Google Play balance to Google Pay.
Does Google Play balance expire?
Gift card balances generally don’t expire in most regions, but promotional credits, like Opinion Rewards credit, can. Check the details for each credit.
Why can’t I select my Google Play balance?
The item may not support balance payments, your balance may not cover it, or the balance is in a different country’s currency.
Can I use Google Play balance on an iPhone?
No. Google Play balance only works for purchases through Google Play on Android devices and the web.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.