Google Wallet On T-Mobile Galaxy S2

[OutstandingO]

I just recently got a Sammy SG2. I was surprised and pleased to find out that it had an NFC chip built into the battery. I thought that I would be able to use Google Wallet given the "tech". Unfortunately I haven't been able to even install Google Wallet. When I got to market.android.com I'm unable to install the app, and says that it's not supported. I can't even find it in the market place when I go on my phone.

Does anyone out there have any ideas as to why this isn't working, or how I can get it to work?

You guys are great!!!

 

[John Jason]

I just recently got a Sammy SG2. I was surprised and pleased to find out that it had an NFC chip built into the battery. I thought that I would be able to use Google Wallet given the "tech". Unfortunately I haven't been able to even install Google Wallet. When I got to market.android.com I'm unable to install the app, and says that it's not supported. I can't even find it in the market place when I go on my phone.

Does anyone out there have any ideas as to why this isn't working, or how I can get it to work?

First, the battery says "NFC" on it, but as far as I know the chip is in the phone, not in the battery.

As for not finding it, I can confirm that it doesn't appear to be available in the marketplace. I checked and there are several tap and pay merchants near me, so apparently the merchant end has been created. However, I note that at this time the only ways to pay are with a Citi credit card or with a Google virtual card. But the marketplace would have no way to know whether you have one of those cards or not, so it still should be available.

I'm thinking that a firmware update may be forthcoming to enable the chip.

I'm also thinking that NFC payments are more trouble than they're worth. I fail to see how it's going to save time over handing the clerk my plastic card. But that's an opinion that is unrelated to why Google Wallet is not in the marketplace.

 

[RRSpikes]

Per Google, Google Wallet is currently available for the Sprint Nexus S 4G only.

The start guide (pg 23) that comes with the T-mo SGS2 specifically states the NFC chip is in the SGS2's battery.

 

[John Jason]

Per Google, Google Wallet is currently available for the Sprint Nexus S 4G only.
The start guide (pg 23) that comes with the T-mo SGS2 specifically states the NFC chip is in the SGS2's battery.

I must have read the Start Guide too quickly. However, now that you point it out, it actually says that the antenna is in the battery, not the chip. It doesn't say where the chip is, although it may be in the battery as well.

So if we can't use Google Wallet, how do we make payments with our SGS2s?

 

[RRSpikes]

I must have read the Start Guide too quickly. However, now that you point it out, it actually says that the antenna is in the battery, not the chip. It doesn't say where the chip is, although it may be in the battery as well.

So if we can't use Google Wallet, how do we make payments with our SGS2s?

Nice catch on the antenna/chip. I should proof read my replies before submitting...

Looks like Isis will be used on T-mo/AT&T/Verizon instead of Google Wallet.

 

[nodrogkam]

the chip should be in the phone, but unlike the htc amaze 4g with it's fancy, frankly, crazy looking back cover, the antenna is in the battery. i suspect this is the case because our battery has 4 connectors, vs. the typical 3.
this is kind of smart on samsungs part, but then it also limits the range of to just the battery area, and it means that if we buy aftermarket batteries, we will likely lose nfc functionality. however, if you like to swap back covers...this would be good for you!