Integration Overview
Adyen supports two integration methods for Tap to Pay on Android:
Mobile SDK integration (embedded in the POS app)
Adyen Payments App integration (external payment app)
Both approaches allow NFC-enabled Android devices to accept contactless payments without a dedicated payment terminal.
Method 1 — Mobile SDK Integration
Overview
With the Mobile SDK integration, the POS application directly integrates the Adyen Mobile SDK and controls the full payment flow.
This method provides the most control over the user experience and is recommended for fully integrated POS applications.
Payment Flow
POS App
↓
POS Backend
↓
Create POS SDK Session
↓
Mobile SDK
↓
NFC Tap
↓
Payment Response
Integration Steps
1. Add the Mobile SDK
Add the Adyen Mobile SDK to the Android application.
Example Gradle configuration:
repositories {
maven {
url "https://maven.adyen.com/repository/android-pos"
}
}
dependencies {
implementation "com.adyen.ipp:mobile-sdk:<version>"
}
2. Create a POS SDK Session
The backend must create a POS SDK session.
Endpoint:
POST /checkout/possdk/v68/sessions
3. Initialize the SDK
The POS app initializes the SDK using the session data returned by the backend.
4. Start a Payment
The POS app creates a Terminal API PaymentRequest and sends it to the Mobile SDK to start the Tap to Pay transaction.
Method 2 — Adyen Payments App Integration
Overview
Instead of embedding the Mobile SDK, the POS application can launch the Adyen Payments App, which handles the Tap to Pay flow.
The Payments App manages:
Tap to Pay UI
NFC interaction
Payment processing
SDK updates
Payment Flow
POS App
↓
Launch Adyen Payments App
↓
Tap to Pay UI
↓
Customer taps card
↓
Payment processed by Adyen
↓
Result returned to POS App
Integration Steps
1. Install the Adyen Payments App
The merchant device must install the Adyen Payments App from Adyen.
2. Configure App Links
The POS application launches the Payments App using Android App Links.
3. Start a Payment
The POS application sends the payment request to the Payments App.
The Payments App then:
Displays the Tap to Pay interface
Processes the transaction
Returns the result to the POS application.
Choosing the Right Integration Method
Method | Recommended for |
Mobile SDK | Fully integrated POS applications |
Payments App | Faster integrations with minimal development |