NFC / Google pay works 1 in 10 times

[Android Central Question]

I have a new p20 lite (UK edition from a physical store). I find that trying to use it to pay for things is a crap shoot. it will work fine once, and then won't work the next ten times.

I've tried using google pay as default, or using the app for the bank card; I've tried phone unlocked or locked, on or standby. no pattern on why it works sometimes or not.

TFL (London underground - almost never works)

By comparison, my old apple phone worked perfectly everytime. is this a Huawei issue (weak nfc singal / sensor) or an android issue?

how can I fix it? I called Huawei who gave some basic advice.. cleared cache etc.

thanks