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Can someone tell me step-for-step how to use Google Wallet at a store? (self.GalaxyNexus)

submitted ago by N0V0w3lsAOKP toro M5 - LeanKernel 3.4.0 stable

The first time I tried it, I couldn't figure it out. I looked like an idiot and gave up.

Here's what I did:

  • Turn on screen
  • Hovered over sensor
  • ...nothing happened

Am I supposed to unlock the phone? Touch the sensor? Hold it in any sort of special orientation? Please save me from looking like a douche next time.

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[–]nc6220-Verizon- 2 points3 points ago

Here is what I do, 1. wake up the screen. 2. Touch it to the sensor. 3. Enter PIN.

If the cashier looks at you weird just tell them to hit the credit button on the register. I had one lady freak out, acting like I was trying to steal something when I used it.

[–]N0V0w3lsAOKP toro M5 - LeanKernel 3.4.0 stable[S] 1 point2 points ago

Does "wake up" the screen include unlocking the phone? From other comments it seems like this might be what I'm doing wrong.

[–]monsdaVerizon - AOKP 1 point2 points ago

I think if it's password/pattern protected you have to unlock.

I've only used it twice, and have just unlocked (I don't have a password/pattern) the phone, since I'm pretty sure you have to enter the PIN within something like 60 seconds.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]rnelsonee 0 points1 point ago

I can see why there's confusion. It's not like you always need to show ID or sign anything when using someone's stolen credit card.

1) Google does not tell you that you need to unlock your phone
2) No PIN is required on some transactions, despite the Wallet app obviously supporting a PIN feature

The one time I used Google Wallet I did not need a PIN, and to be honest, I'm not sure I unlocked my phone first. There's a hardware tie between the screen and the NFC chip for security reasons. But I think it's up to the terminal as far as PINs are concerned (usually <$25 requires no signing for a credit card, so that's probably the "PIN limit"), so why require the user to unlock the phone?

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]rnelsonee 0 points1 point ago

Ah, I found documentation that covers this - I had typed my PIN into the app earlier (while standing in line) to make sure I had the Prepaid card as default. I was then able to pay without entering the PIN (or unlocking the phone, or 'tapping' twice IIRC) because I was within a timeout period:

From Google's help:

When making payments with Google Wallet, you may be required to enter your security PIN beforehand. However, if you recently accessed Google Wallet with your PIN and the app has not timed out, you can tap and pay without reentering your PIN. Once the cashier finishes ringing up your purchase, make sure your screen is on and simply tap your phone on the PayPass™ terminal to pay.

[–]bonixvzw stock 1 point2 points ago

Go to the google wallet site and find out which stores near you can use it. Open wallet app, put pin in, touch to thingy, enjoy your purchases.

[–]N0V0w3lsAOKP toro M5 - LeanKernel 3.4.0 stable[S] 0 points1 point ago

Google Wallet told me I just need to turn the screen on, not even have the app open.

[–]LincolnSteinVZ - AOKP M5 1 point2 points ago

if you do not put in your pin prior to setting the phone next to the sensor, it will ask to input your pin number then.

[–]N0V0w3lsAOKP toro M5 - LeanKernel 3.4.0 stable[S] 0 points1 point ago

Ok, that's what I thought. You said "touch to thingy", do I need to physically touch the sensor?

[–]LincolnSteinVZ - AOKP M5 0 points1 point ago

I don't believe it has to physically touch, but it has to be fairly close for the radios to contact each other.

[–]abbys_alibi 0 points1 point ago

You do NOT need to touch it to the "thingy". I hover mine over the sensor, less than an inch. The phone vibrates and makes a bell sound when the transaction is complete. Also, your phone will say "Approved" in a green box near the bottom of your screen.

I use gWallet all the time and love it!

[–]bonixvzw stock 1 point2 points ago

I touch it

[–]rnelsonee 0 points1 point ago

You don't need the app open, and when I used it, I didn't need a PIN.

[–]attomsk 0 points1 point ago

I don't understand the appeal of google wallet, can someone explain to me what is so great about it?

[–]N0V0w3lsAOKP toro M5 - LeanKernel 3.4.0 stable[S] 0 points1 point ago

It's a cool way to pay. Instead of swiping your card, you wave your phone and pay. You can set up multiple credit cards or pre-paid cards and decide what you want to pay with all in one spot.

[–]jaesin-CDMA CM9 Lean- 1 point2 points ago

It's a level of obfuscation between your cards and the payment. Your card won't get swiped, your pin number is entered on your device instead of the keypad, and if you're using the prepaid card there's no connection to your actual money. I see it as an additional layer of identity protection.

[–]abbys_alibi 0 points1 point ago

This! And, I've been using wallet for months (prepaid) and adore it. I started using it when a particular cashier kept trying select Debit instead of Credit, for my visa check card. Every time she hit debit, my card would decline. Google Wallet eliminates all B.S. I hit the icon, enter my pin and when it's time to pay - hover over the sensor - the phone vibrates and dings - I sign and walk away. It's fast!

[–]G_O_B_Bluth-GSM- 0 points1 point ago

I see a huge potential to stop carrying my wallet around. Phones can keep track of everything you need and now you can even use them as a debit card.

[–]Thadster 0 points1 point ago

when they are dead due to battery, they still kick ass!

[–]lomotil-CDMA Rooted- 0 points1 point ago

I can usually get to my phone quicker than I get to my wallet. I would love if our transit system started supporting pay pass as well. The metro cards we use are flimsy and don't always get picked up on the machine.

Also instead of carrying around multiple gift cards you can have them stored on google wallet. I really wish they would increase the amount of retailers that do this tho.

It seems like the terminals read the chip off my phone much faster than it reads the chip off my credit card. I don't know what the reason for this is.

[–]upvot3r 0 points1 point ago

I've been using it at Peet's Coffee by turning on the app, enter in my PIN, and hover over the sensor, while they are getting my coffee. Worked every time since.

[–]brianoh 0 points1 point ago

I was having problems too. Restarting my phone fixed the problem.

[–]steinman17 0 points1 point ago

It might take a second or two to get the GW to pop up on your phone, so just leave it on the sensor till it does

[–]LUCARiO-GSM Rooted - AOKP- 1 point2 points ago

I think you'll find that yes, you do have to unlock your phone for it to work. I've never used google wallet, as it's not supported in Australia and I haven't been bothered to install the apk that works, but it needs you to enter a pin for the transaction to go through, and it can't do that if you're phone is locked! It won't unlock the phone for you, because the if someone steals your phone, but you have password protection, there is a super simple way around it.

I suppose it just kinda makes sense

Also, if you've ever used NFC before, you'd probably know that the field of communication is very near (hence the name) so you practically need to tap it to the sensor for it to register.

[–]Totodile-Verizon- 0 points1 point ago

I used it for the first time tonight. I had to unlock the phone before it would pick up the signal.

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