GCash down or offline? Here's how you can transact

GCash, one of the top e-wallets in the Philippines, is also one of the most widely used mobile payment apps by Filipinos. However, since it’s an online app, problems can still arise, like going offline for maintenance or suddenly going down without notice.

So, what should you do when GCash is down or offline? Here are some tips:

Test if the problem is isolated on your phone or app

Sometimes, your GCash offline issue is isolated to your device or account. So, before going to social media to “report” the problem, try these quick resolutions and see if it works.

1. Have you tried “turning it off and on” again?

The most basic tech resolution can be achieved by simply turning off and on your device. You can restart your smartphone and see if the issue has been resolved. You can also force-close and re-open your GCash app. This step can fix common problems.

2. Check the app for software issues

Aside from restarting your GCash app, you should also check your app to see if it has a new software update. Make sure that your GCash app is always up to date. To do this, open your Google Play Store for Android users or App Store for iPhone users and update the app. Then, try opening the app again.

3. Check your network connection

If you have already checked for updates and restarted the app, check your network connection to ensure you are connected to the Internet.

Your first option is to switch to “Airplane Mode,” wait for 30 seconds, and reconnect to the network.
The second option is to connect to a different Wi-Fi network or change your connection to your mobile data to isolate the network issues.

4. Ask others if their app is working

If the first three quick resolutions didn’t work, you can ask a friend or housemate to test whether their GCash app works. If it does, then the issue is with your device. If others also can’t connect to GCash, there might be an app issue.

You can also try clearing the App Cache (for Android only) or uninstalling and reinstalling it and testing it again. You may also check a “Down Detector” site to verify if the issue persists to other users.

5. Is your smartphone modified, like jailbreak or rooted?

Another reason why you may be unable to access your GCash account is if your smartphone has been modified. According to GCash, they are implementing a security feature prohibiting access to the app through jailbroken (for iPhones and iPads) or rooted (for Android) devices.

Don’t worry. This feature against modified devices won’t block your account. You can still log in if you use an unmodified smartphone.

What to do if you’re unable to access GCash but need to transact with it

If the quick tests didn’t work and you still need to access your GCash funds or transact with them, here are some suggestions from GCash.

1. Transact through GCash’s over-the-counter (OTC) partners

If you need to send or receive money through GCash, but it’s offline, you can do so with their over-the-counter partners, such as:

Cash-In Machines (BSP, eTap, Pay&Go, TouchPay)
Select Convenience Stores
Select Pawnshops
Various Payment Facilities
Major Supermarkets
SM and Robinsons Department Stores
Drug Stores (Generika, Mercury Drug, South Star Drug, Watson)
LBC Express
Petron and Seaoil
Sari-Sari Store GCash Pera Outlets

Please note that these OTC partners may charge you additional fees. The complete list of GCash OTC partners is available here.

2. GCash without internet? Use your GCash card

If you regularly need to withdraw money from your ATM accounts, you probably already have a GCash Visa Card. This is a prepaid debit card connected to your GCash account. If you still don’t have one, you should order it through the GCash app for future transactions.

This GCash card can be used to pay at any establishment accepting VISA, including over 35.9 million merchants in 210 countries and 150 currencies. You may also withdraw from it in BancNet networks.

3. Pay GLoan, GCredit, or GGives through partner banks or centers

A. Using Auto-Deduction: The most convenient way to pay your GCash dues is to set up auto-deduction. This way, you won’t forget to pay your obligations. You will also receive an SMS notification after each transaction.

B. Paying through Offline Payment Partners: You may also pay your dues through partner banks (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, and Bayad Centers) and choosing Fuse Lending as the biller and providing your 8-digit account number or GCash-registered mobile number.

Note: Payments made through offline payment partners are posted after one (1) business day, so consider paying earlier to avoid late fees.

4. Deposit and withdraw from GSave accounts

You may also deposit and withdraw funds from your GSave accounts through the following channels:

A. BPI MySaveUp: Deposit and withdraw at OTC or bank ATM.

B. GSave by CIMB: Deposit and withdraw at OTC or bank ATM.

C. Maybank EzySave+: Deposit and withdraw at OTC, bank ATM, or via Cliqq and 7-Eleven.

If nothing is working…

Lastly, if your GCash account cannot be accessed and you can’t make any transactions through their partners, the next step is to contact customer service and ask for assistance.

A. Browse their Help Center: GCash has an extensive list of articles answering the most common issues on your account.

B. Chat with Gigi: You may also chat with GCash’s Virtual Assistant, Gigi, or connect to a support agent.

C. Call the GCash Hotline: GCash also has a dedicated hotline available from 8 AM to 5 PM for general concerns and 24/7 assistance for urgent concerns, like scams, frauds, and unauthorized transactions.

GCash is one of the most beloved e-wallets in the Philippines, providing convenience to every Filipino. However, despite their efforts, they are not perfect and may still have issues occasionally. So, ensure that your account is always secured and be aware of how to use it, even if it’s down or offline.

GCash down or offline? Here’s how you can transact