Carrier billing support for US Cellular customers on the Google Play Store will cease on March 25, 2025. Current users will still have access to this payment method until March 31, 2026, but they are encouraged to transition to alternative payment methods as soon as possible. Valid options include credit cards, Google Play gift cards, Cash App, and PayPal. Carrier billing has been around for over a decade, designed to make it easy for consumers to make purchases on the Google Play Store.
By billing purchases directly to users’ mobile accounts, it allowed for convenient payments that were settled within monthly carrier bills. However, many carriers have gradually phased out this service in recent years, leading to its eventual discontinuation by US Cellular. Effective March 25, 2025, customers will no longer be able to use carrier billing as a payment option. Those who are currently using US Cellular for carrier billing can still make non-subscription purchases until the end date.
Subscriptions initiated before the cutoff will remain active until March 31, 2026, but Google strongly advises users to change their billing methods in advance to ensure a smooth transition. While the exact reasoning behind the decline of carrier billing is unclear, it’s evident that this once-popular option has lost traction, with carriers withdrawing support. The discontinuation by US Cellular marks a significant moment for Google’s Play Store payment system. Fortunately, users have several viable payment alternatives.
Credit cards, Google Play gift cards, Cash App, and PayPal are all still accepted. For those who have relied on carrier billing, it is essential to make the switch before the March 31, 2026, deadline to avoid any disruptions in access to the service.
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