Google Wallet -- how to use?

**egburr** · 06-19-2012, 10:05 AM

So, those of you who have successfully used Google Wallet at a store. How did you do it?

I tried for the first time last night at a CVS that Google lists as accepting Wallet. I started the app, entered my pin code, selected the card, and then felt silly waving my phone around the payment pad with nothing happening. I finally gave up and dug my credit card out of my pocket to pay with.

**Mellimel22** · 06-19-2012, 10:33 AM

u have to hold it up to the pad not wave it and u have to exit the app before using it at a pay pass aka have the phone on the home screen

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**egburr** · 06-19-2012, 12:25 PM

Well I wasn't waving it at first, but since nothing happened I thought maybe moving it around would help. But having to exit the app first seems a little counter-intuitive; I didn't even think of trying that. Thanks for the tip.

**Mellimel22** · 06-19-2012, 01:27 PM

Yeah because the nfc chip the phone has to be on the home screen for all or most nfc transactions well at least for gw u have to add the funds then exit and use the pay pass

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**jj14x** · 06-19-2012, 04:28 PM

youtube.com/watch?v=AZ8t757ZfUs - start at about 3:53

**stinkyfischer** · 06-19-2012, 07:15 PM

i usually keep the app open on the prepaid card screen when i pay and it works. Some places it still will not work then i also feel a'fool holding my phone up to the credit card swiper. But most places it works instantly. you must touch it to the reader

**Mellimel22** · 06-19-2012, 07:44 PM

I don't have to touch the meter at all just hold it by it and HAVE THE PHONE ON THE HOMESCREEN it even says that in the directions on how to use it :rolleyes:

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**dave04045** · 06-19-2012, 07:53 PM

I open google wallet, select the card I want to use, and then hold the phone to the reader. Never had any problems with it...

**gmbrown** · 06-19-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mellimel22

I don't have to touch the meter at all just hold it by it and HAVE THE PHONE ON THE HOMESCREEN it even says that in the directions on how to use it :rolleyes:

Sent from my Nexus S 4g using Tapatalk 2

If that's what you think the directions say, you should try reading them again. The in-app help specifically says you need to touch the phone to the pad. And you're half right about the home screen thing--it says you can be on the home screen, but you don't HAVE to.

**davemacd** · 06-19-2012, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mellimel22

I don't have to touch the meter at all just hold it by it and HAVE THE PHONE ON THE HOMESCREEN it even says that in the directions on how to use it :rolleyes:

Sent from my Nexus S 4g using Tapatalk 2

I have been using Google Wallet a couple times a week for the last six months, and I have NEVER had my phone on the homescreen. In fact, I'm pretty sure it doesn't work if the phone is on the homescreen.

**briankurtz79** · 06-19-2012, 08:25 PM

ive done it both ways. only difference is if youve opened the app already then you just tap it once and your good. if your on the home screen the phone tap will prompt ypu enter your pin and then you have to tap again to send the payment. works either way

**e2ackbar** · 06-19-2012, 08:38 PM

I used it for the first time at a nearby BP station today. One cashier knew what I was trying to do, but the other one didn't understand. I got an error message on the phone (incorrect card?), but the terminal accepted the payment. After exiting GW, the balance updated on the Google prepaid card. Next time I will try it from the home screen (maybe I won't get that odd error). Hopefully this system will continue to expand among retailers!

**ali247** · 06-19-2012, 08:40 PM

I have also used it the way briankurtz79 used it. I think having the app open may speed up the process though. I usually try to open it first then tap it against the nfc reader. I have also used it without a data connection and with the screen just on. For some reason it does not work at all stores. Even when I tell the cashier it is a credit transaction. For me it won't work at McDowell's but will work at Burger King. I tried using it at BP but it kept giving me an error. Worked at Rite Aid for me also.

**stinkyfischer** · 06-19-2012, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by e2ackbar

I used it for the first time at a nearby BP station today. One cashier knew what I was trying to do, but the other one didn't understand. I got an error message on the phone (incorrect card?), but the terminal accepted the payment. After exiting GW, the balance updated on the Google prepaid card. Next time I will try it from the home screen (maybe I won't get that odd error). Hopefully this system will continue to expand among retailers!

I have had that error too a few times. I think at a BP also. It still works though. Its a little longer before it beeps and accepts it when I get that error too.

**Reno Skyy** · 06-20-2012, 02:10 AM

It has worked flawless for me ever sence my nexus s 4g days never had a problem u just hold the phone up to the pad no matter what ur doing iv used it while browsing the web or on google plus its so easy to use! :-) I even used it out in the middle of no where with no data or even signal at that u just need to tell the cashier to put on the register u paying with credit but sometimes the cashiers don't know what ur doing u have to tell him twice an it will work never had a error message over here

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**Erckul** · 06-20-2012, 07:07 AM

I open Google Wallet and enter the pin before I approach the register, and leave it on the screen that shows the Google prepaid card with your balance. Like Reno Skyy said, tell the cashier that you're paying by credit, hold the phone against the card reader, and you'll hear a confirmation tone. The screen will immediatly change over showing the current balance after the purchase you've just made and you're done!

I have never had an issue using my on my stock Verizon Gnex (never unlocked it) since I installed it using the trick posted in the forums. Love Google Wallet and will continue to use it.

**Mobius360** · 06-20-2012, 11:21 AM

Why can't we use Google Wallet in the Play Store? Seems like an obvious thing for Google to do. I've got 50 bucks in my account I'd love to be able to use for music and applications.

Sent via my Galaxy Nexus
60% of the time, It works every time!

**schwars1** · 06-20-2012, 11:32 AM

Somewhat related: I've successfully used Google Wallet once at 7-11, but I'd like to start using it more as tons places around me are accepting it.

My question, though, is that without a MasterCard my only option is to load money from an existing credit card onto the prepaid GW card, right? That seems like a lot of extra work - is there any way to tie my current (Visa) card into the app?

**jj14x** · 06-20-2012, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Mobius360

Why can't we use Google Wallet in the Play Store?

"All purchases for Android apps on Google Play can be made either using a credit/debit card on Google Wallet or, if available, by billing to your mobile carrier."
from :
Also, indicates that "Google's own sites and stores" will accept google wallet.

I haven't had the opportunity to use wallet on the play store yet. Is it not working for you? (on the payment screen, does it not give you the option to switch to google wallet instead of the credit card?

============
Edit: Hmm - just tried a dummy transaction (canceled before actual purchase) - you are right - it doesn't seem to permit selecting anything besides the credit card registered on google wallet - UGH!

**Mobius360** · 06-20-2012, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by jj14x

Edit: Hmm - just tried a dummy transaction (canceled before actual purchase) - you are right - it doesn't seem to permit selecting anything besides the credit card registered on google wallet - UGH!

Yeah my thoughts exactly. I can tie a credit card to Google Wallet and use that or bill my carrier. I want to use the funds available in my Google Wallet account. I wrote down my Google Wallet card number but there's no 3 digit ccv number, no expiration date which are both required fields to setup a credit card to your account. It seems like such an obvious opportunity for Google to push Wallet. They already have the info tied to my email address you'd think it would be a snap to tie the accounts together just like any of their other services.

Sent via my Galaxy Nexus
60% of the time, It works every time!

**Mellimel22** · 06-20-2012, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by davemacd

I have been using Google Wallet a couple times a week for the last six months, and I have NEVER had my phone on the homescreen. In fact, I'm pretty sure it doesn't work if the phone is on the homescreen.

I used it over ten times and its always been on the home screen true fact

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**Mellimel22** · 06-20-2012, 09:39 PM

And it always worked at MacDonalds

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**rone57** · 12-17-2012, 02:05 AM

Google wallet is a ripoff. Useless. I have $50in my wallet, but google play says I can't use it pay for an android application,nor can i use it for MaximumPc $ 10.99 digital subscription. USELESS. Then it says i can use my creditcard or to redeem another googleplay prepaid card. What crock! My son ran into the same scenario on Friday. So, google has $100 between the two accounts and we have nothing to show for it.Now I understand how they can be so profitable - they don't let you purchase with your wallet and they don't pay taxes. Must be sweet to be them!!!!!!