T-Mobile to end support for popular Android payment method

In 2009, T-Mobile launched Direct Carrier Billing for Android users, enabling its subscribers to charge their digital purchases to their T-Mobile accounts.

According to a recent update on Google’s Help Center, this option will soon be discontinued. Carrier billing provides users with a convenient way to pay for apps, books, and games on Google Play, particularly for those without a credit card.

T-Mobile allows you to charge up to $80 of third-party content per line each month to your account, which means you can make digital purchases without the concern of exceeding your budget. Regrettably, for those who relied on this payment method, it will be phased out on August 29.

If this was your primary payment option, it is essential to update your payment information, especially if you have a Play subscription and wish to avoid interruptions in recurring payments.

On August 29, T-Mobile phone billing will no longer be accepted as a payment method for new Google Play Store subscription sign-ups. If you currently have a Play subscription using T-Mobile phone billing, please update your payment method before September 2024 to avoid any interruptions.

For some reason, the page indicates that Sprint users can still utilize the mobile phone billing option, despite the fact that Sprint is now owned by T-Mobile. Similarly, US Cellular, which T-Mobile has indicated it would bring under its umbrella, continues to support this option.

We believe the page is being updated; otherwise, it seems illogical for Sprint to still be listed as a participating carrier. Nevertheless, T-Mobile’s decision to eliminate Google Play billing is not surprising, especially considering that Verizon and AT&T ceased support in 2022.

With numerous payment options emerging since carrier billing was first introduced, it’s likely that only a small portion of T-Mobile subscribers still depend on this method, which may explain why the company has chosen to discontinue it.

We anticipate an official announcement from T-Mobile soon, as August 29 is approaching, and users should be informed in advance to allow them time to establish an alternative payment method rather than being caught off guard.