The Mir Pay payment service application, which enables payments in stores using Mir payment system cards linked to a smartphone, has been removed from the Google Play market. A correspondent from socialbites.ca verified this change and noted the development for readers.
Mir Pay functions as an alternative to Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and Mi Pay. Following its launch, SVO stood out as one of the few Android-compatible contactless payment options accessible in Russia. On March 27, 2024, the app was taken down from the Google Play store. In addition, the SBPay and Privet! Mir Pay services were also removed from Google Play at that time.
It is important to highlight that these services had already been removed from the Apple App Store in February of the same year. The action occurred shortly after the National Payment Card System (NSPK), the operator behind the Mir payment system, was subjected to United States sanctions.
With Mir Pay removed from Google Play, users can still obtain the official application by visiting the NSPK’s official site or the RuStore market. To complete the installation, a device running Android 7 or later with an NFC module is required.
In retrospect, there were statements indicating potential restrictions on Russians using Samsung Pay for purchases, which added to the broader context of changing access to digital wallets within the region.