Skip to main content

Installing Cards on Android

Step-by-step guide to installing loyalty cards on Android. Learn how to use Google Wallet or home screen installation (PWA), manage cards, enable notifications, and troubleshoot common issues.

Michael Francis avatar
Written by Michael Francis
Updated this week

Installation options for Android

Android users have two convenient ways to access their Perkstar loyalty cards:

Google Wallet – Store cards in Google's digital wallet app for quick access, automatic updates, and location-based notifications.

Home Screen (PWA) – Install the card as a Progressive Web App directly on your home screen—no app store required.

Requirements:

  • Android device with camera for QR scanning

  • Internet connection for card installation

  • Google Wallet app (for wallet installation)

Installing your loyalty card


Step 1: Access the card QR code

  1. Log in to your account

  2. Navigate to Cards from the left-hand menu

  3. Select the card you want to install

  4. Locate the QR code in the Card Information section


Step 2: Scan the QR code

  1. Open your Android camera or QR code scanner

  2. Point the camera at the QR code on your screen

  3. Tap the notification that appears to open the card issuing form


Step 3: Complete the card issuing form

Enter your information in the required fields:

  • First name – Enter your first name

  • Last name – Enter your last name

  • Contact number – Enter your phone number

  • Email – Enter your email address

Note: Some cards may have additional custom fields depending on the business requirements. Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).


Step 4: Choose your installation method

After completing the form, you'll see two installation options:

Option A: Install in Google Wallet (recommended)

  1. Click Install in Google Wallet

  2. The card preview will appear in Google Wallet

  3. Click Add to complete installation

  4. Access your card anytime from Google Wallet or your quick settings

Option B: Install on Home Screen (PWA)

  1. Click Install on Home Screen

  2. On the push notifications screen, click Enable (recommended for updates)

  3. Follow the browser-specific installation steps below

For Chrome browser (recommended):

  • A pop-up window will appear with an Install button

  • Click Install

  • The card icon will be added to your home screen

For other browsers:

  • Tap the menu icon (⋮) in your browser

  • Look for Install app or Add to Home Screen

  • Select the installation option

  • If prompted, choose Install (not "Create shortcut")

  • Confirm the installation

Tip: The card icon will appear on your home screen. Tap it anytime to open your card.

Which should you choose?

Google Wallet: Better for managing multiple cards, automatic updates, and location-based suggestions

Home Screen: Quick access with one tap, works like a regular app, no additional app required

Info: You can install using both methods if desired.

Using Google Wallet

Opening your card

Method 1: Google Wallet app

  1. Open the Google Wallet app

  2. Tap on your loyalty card to view details

  3. Show the barcode to staff for scanning

Method 2: Quick settings

  1. Swipe down from the top of your screen

  2. Tap Wallet in quick settings

  3. Select your loyalty card

Method 3: Location-based suggestions

Tip: When near the business (with location services enabled), you may receive a notification to open your card.

Viewing card details

Tap your card in Google Wallet to view:

  • Current points, rewards, or visit count

  • Available benefits and promotions

  • Business contact information

  • Active links and resources

  • Terms and conditions

Managing notifications

Control card notifications through:

  1. Open Google Wallet

  2. Tap your card

  3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)

  4. Select Notifications

  5. Enable or disable notifications as desired

Removing a card

  1. Open Google Wallet

  2. Tap your loyalty card

  3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)

  4. Select Remove

  5. Confirm deletion

Using Home Screen installation (PWA)

Opening your card

Info: Simply tap the card icon on your home screen—it opens like any regular app.

Card features

The home screen app provides:

  • Quick one-tap access

  • Full card functionality

  • Offline viewing capability

  • No app store installation required

Managing the card

Moving the icon: Long-press the icon and drag to relocate it on your home screen.

Removing the card: Long-press the icon and select Remove or Uninstall (depending on your Android version).

Updating the card: The app automatically updates when you open it with an internet connection.


Troubleshooting

QR code won't scan?

  • Ensure your camera has permission to scan QR codes

  • Increase screen brightness for better visibility

  • Hold your phone at different distances

  • Try using a different QR scanner app

  • Display the QR code on a different device if scanning from the same device

Google Wallet not installed?

  • Download Google Wallet from the Google Play Store

  • Alternatively, use the home screen installation option

  • Ensure your Android version supports Google Wallet

"Install in Google Wallet" button doesn't work?

  • Verify Google Wallet is installed and updated

  • Check your internet connection

  • Clear Google Wallet cache (Settings > Apps > Google Wallet > Clear Cache)

  • Restart your device and try again

Home screen installation not working?

  • Ensure your browser supports PWA installation (Chrome recommended)

  • Check that you have permission to add apps to your home screen

  • Look for the menu icon (⋮) and select "Install app" or "Add to Home Screen"

  • If you see both "Install" and "Create shortcut" options, choose "Install" for full app functionality

  • Enable push notifications when prompted for the best experience

  • Try using Chrome browser if your current browser doesn't show installation options

  • Restart your device and try again

Card not appearing in Google Wallet?

  • Open Google Wallet and pull down to refresh

  • Check that the card was successfully added

  • Try removing and reinstalling the card

  • Ensure you completed all required form fields

Card information not updating?

  • Open the card to trigger an update

  • Check your internet connection

  • For Google Wallet: Pull down to refresh

  • For home screen PWA: Close and reopen the app

  • Remove and reinstall if issues persist

Can't complete the card issuing form?

  • All required fields must be filled

  • Check for proper email format

  • Verify phone number format is correct

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection

  • Contact the business if validation errors occur

Comparing installation methods

Feature

Google Wallet

Home Screen (PWA)

Access speed

Very fast (2-3 taps)

Very fast (1 tap)

Multiple cards

Easy to organize

Separate icons for each

Automatic updates

Yes

Yes (when opened)

Location suggestions

Yes

No

Offline access

Yes

Yes

Storage space

Minimal

Minimal

App store required

No

No

Managing multiple cards

Google Wallet approach:

  • All cards in one app

  • Swipe through cards to find the one you need

  • Organized automatically by recent use

  • Easy to manage from one location

Home screen approach:

  • Create a folder for multiple cards

  • Long-press icons and drag them together

  • Name the folder "Loyalty Cards" or "Rewards"

  • Quick access to specific cards

Privacy and security

Info: Location services: Google Wallet uses your location to show relevant cards when near businesses. Control this in Settings > Location > Google Wallet.

Tip: Data security: Cards stored in Google Wallet are encrypted and secure. Your information is not shared without permission.

Info: Permissions: Both installation methods require minimal permissions—typically just internet access for updates.


Frequently asked questions

Can I install the same card on multiple devices?
Yes, scan the QR code on each device to install the card across multiple Android devices.

Can I have the same card in both Google Wallet and home screen?
Yes, you can use both installation methods simultaneously if desired.

Will the card work without internet?
Once installed, you can display the card offline, but updates require an internet connection.

Can I edit my information after installation?
Contact the business or reinstall the card with updated information.

What happens if I get a new phone?
Cards don't automatically transfer. Reinstall cards on your new device by scanning the QR code again.

Do cards expire?
Card expiration depends on the business's loyalty program settings. Check card details for expiration information.

Can I share my card with someone else?
No, loyalty cards are tied to individual accounts. Each person should install their own card.

What if I accidentally delete my card?
Reinstall it anytime by scanning the QR code again. Your points and rewards history are stored in the business's system.

Which installation method is better?
Google Wallet is better for managing multiple cards and location features. Home screen is better for single-tap access to one primary card.

Can I switch between installation methods?
Yes, you can remove one and install using the other method, or use both simultaneously.

Does this work on all Android devices?
Most modern Android devices support both methods. Google Wallet requires Android 5.0 or later. PWA installation works on most browsers.

Did this answer your question?