Use of Octopus on Android

How do I make a payment or top up by cash with Octopus on Android at authorised service providers?

Octopus on Android is just like your physical Octopus card when you make a payment or top up by cash at authorised service providers. Please follow cashier instructions to tap your Octopus on Android on the Octopus reader for making payment and/or cash top up.

How do I purchase a public transport monthly pass with Octopus on Android?

You can purchase a public transport monthly pass with Octopus on Android by following the steps below:

Open Octopus App;
Select "More”;
Select "Transport Passes";
Select "Buy Pass";
Select service provider, ticket type and confirm payment amount;
Select payment method;
Proceed with authentication for completion.

Can I make payments with Octopus on Android via bank card readers that accept Google Pay?

No. Octopus on Android can only be used with Octopus readers.

If the transaction amount is deducted from my Octopus on Android without hearing a “dood” sound or seeing the remaining value displayed on the screen of the Octopus reader, is the transaction considered successful?

This transaction is incomplete. Please follow the merchant's instructions, tap the Octopus on the same reader again until you hear a "dood" sound for a complete transaction and see the remaining value. This will NOT cause a double deduction.

Do I need to open an app / unlock my phone in order to make transit and retail payment with my Octopus on Android?

No. Just tap your Android device at any Octopus reader to make payments for transportation, retail spending and access control without using biometric authentication or passcode.

There is no need to wake or unlock the device or open any apps. However, please ensure your device is powered ON.

Is Internet connection required for Octopus on Android?

Yes. Octopus on Android requires Internet connection when paying for transport and retail purchases.

Can Octopus on Android still function if the mobile device's battery runs out?

If the mobile device's battery runs out, you will not be able to use Octopus on Android.

Will the transaction be successful if the remaining value of my Octopus on Android is too low?

Octopus on Android works just like a physical Octopus card. If the remaining value of your Octopus on Android is positive (HK$0.1 or more) but insufficient to cover the payment of a particular transaction, the Octopus can still be used provided the resulting negative value does not exceed HK$50. Octopus cannot be used for payment if the remaining value is zero or negative prior to the transaction.

What should I do if there is no response when using Octopus on Android for a transaction?

There are a number of possible causes for this problem:

The mobile device may need a firmware upgrade.
The NFC function on the mobile device may not be enabled, or "Google Pay" may not be selected, please follow the steps below:
- Open “Settings” on your device;
- Select "More Connections";
- Select “NFC”;
- Select “Default NFC Method”;
- Select “Google Pay” / ”Android Operating System”.
Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile device for instructions on how to enable NFC/select the appropriate option.
There may be a file transfer via NFC in progress. (Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile device for more information on this.)
Your mobile device may be too close to metallic materials, such as a metal mobile phone case, or to another Octopus or contactless smart card.
Internet connection may have been turned off, or network signal is very weak.

Are Octopus payment offers also applicable to Octopus on Android?

Yes, unless otherwise specified, all Octopus payment offers apply to Octopus on Android.

Can I use a merchant-specific loyalty scheme (e.g. Café de Coral, Circle K) with Octopus on Android?

Yes, unless otherwise specified, the procedure to apply for these services is the same as any other Octopus.

If my mobile device has both Octopus on Android and an Octopus Mobile SIM, which one will be set as the default payment method?

If your Octopus Mobile SIM is detected in SIM slot 1, you will not be able to issue Octopus on Android. To use Octopus on Android, please switch Octopus Mobile SIM from Slot 1 to Slot 2.

If your Octopus Mobile SIM has been put into the SIM slot 2, please follow the steps below.

You may need to configure your mobile device to choose your default NFC method. Please follow the steps below:

Open “Settings” on your device;
Select "More Connections";
Select "NFC";
Select "Default NFC Method";
Select "Google Pay" / ”Android Operating System” (for Octopus on Android) or "SIM cards" (for Octopus Mobile SIM).

Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile device for more information on the relevant setting.

If your device only has one SIM card slot, please replace a new SIM card without Octopus functionality from your service provider.

Does it affect my Octopus on Android if I change to another SIM card or mobile network operator?

No. Your Octopus on Android will not be affected if you change SIM cards or mobile network operators.

If I do not use my Octopus on Android for some time, will it still work?

Your Octopus on Android will be deactivated if you have not added value to it for a continuous period of 1,000 days. You can reactivate your Octopus on Android via Enquiry on Octopus App, or visit any Octopus Service Point or any MTR Customer Service Centre. Please note that Inactive Mobile Octopus Administrative Fee will be charged if your Octopus on Android has remained inactive for 3 years. For details, please refer to our Schedule of Fees and Guidelines.

Octopus on Android is not responding when I tap my device to the Octopus reader, what should I do?

Please ensure the device has an internet connection and the NFC setting is turned on. The default NFC setting should be configured on your mobile device. Please follow the steps below:

Open “Settings” on your device;
Select "More Connections";
Select "NFC";
Select "Default NFC Method";
Select "Google Pay" / ”Android Operating System” (for Octopus on Android).

Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile device for more information on the relevant setting.

When I tap my mobile device on the Octopus reader, there is not a "dood" sound, can I move the device?

Since Octopus on Android requires an internet connection to process the transaction, it may take a few seconds to complete the payment. Please DO NOT move away your mobile device when the "loading ring" is still spinning until you see a green circle checkmark logo on screen or hear a “dood” sound (?).

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