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Wallet "almost" useless

Z

zetroc

Android Enthusiast
As I was driving back home yesterday from being out of town this weekend, I decided to pull into a Walgreens off the highway to get a drink. I then remembered that most Walgreens have NFC-enabled payment processors. Indeed, this one did. So when I got to the register I opened my wallet and it was initializing but to do so it needs a network connection... for a device that does not have a cellular radio, this is just annoying. I have to make sure there is WiFi in order to "conveniently" make a payment using my NFC-enabled device...

Yes, my phone has NFC so it's not really a big deal, but I wanted to try and use the $10 I got on my N7 and I couldn't... and still, it seems silly to make Wallet available on this device when it has such a shortcoming.
 
...

So, they should NOT make Wallet available, so that you can't make NFC payments under ANY circumstances, rather than making it available so you can make payments in some circumstances?
 
are you sure it wasn't just trying to use network in order to check your balance?
did wallet never fully open?
i just tried mine with wifi off and Wallet opened and under the google prepaid card, it says 'balance unavailable' but it should still work.
 
blahblahyoutoo said:
are you sure it wasn't just trying to use network in order to check your balance?
did wallet never fully open?
i just tried mine with wifi off and Wallet opened and under the google prepaid card, it says 'balance unavailable' but it should still work.
Click to expand...

This. Wallet doesn't need data for a transaction. Only to update your balance
 
NeoteriX said:
This. No one is forcing you to use the wallet.
Click to expand...

You are correct, no one is. However, I am referencing my recent experience on this forum, which I understand is the intended use of the forum. Yes, I included personal opinion and bias. Through the use of this forum, I've discovered that this may be an issue only I am experiencing, as other have not, and therefore I should test some more and reform my opinion/bias.

Those those that offered their experience, thank you. I will try again and report back.
 
I believe it need Wi-Fi for initial setup... I remember that process taking a few minutes. I suspect the OP had never set it up before, so thats where it got hung up.

Set up your account, get it initialized, all at home.. then take it someplace and try to pay. I'm guessing that'll work.
 
Just got back from CVS and had fine success with a purchase without wifi connected. It did take a few secs and I did login to Wallet before it went through. Works fine, but not sure if I'll be using it much.
 
zetroc said:
As I was driving back home yesterday from being out of town this weekend, I decided to pull into a Walgreens off the highway to get a drink. I then remembered that most Walgreens have NFC-enabled payment processors. Indeed, this one did. So when I got to the register I opened my wallet and it was initializing but to do so it needs a network connection... for a device that does not have a cellular radio, this is just annoying. I have to make sure there is WiFi in order to "conveniently" make a payment using my NFC-enabled device...
Click to expand...

Guessing that since its your first time using this live maybe you were not completely done with your registration process which is why it needed a wifi.

use it a few times and you will be hooked.
 
Actually your problem is that when you CHANGE cards, you need data. Otherwise you don't need data. Forget where I saw that tho
 
I'd let you know what I think but as far as I know NFC is only available in the US currently, so I'd look a bit weird tapping my tablet on the counter when nothing happens.
 
rootbrain said:
I you're rooted you can't use Wallet anyway. So yeah even more worthless.
Click to expand...

Rooted doesn't prevent you from using google wallet. I've been using it unrooted and now rooted on my GN. The only difference with rooted phone is that there is a bar up top of wallet that says "this device is unsupported". But its just words. It doesn't prevent you from doing any transactions.
 
Regarding OP's post about Walgreen's, someone else just posted that Walgreen's didn't work for them, and it didn't work for me, either. One should go by what the Google wallet locator website tells you. When I looked up the locator, I realized that my Walgreen's is NOT listed as a user-friendly store. Which is odd because I could have sworn that store was listed in the locator when I first got the Nexus 7. But it appears there no longer.

I tried using NFC in a McDonalds a couple days ago without connecting to WiFi. It worked great. I'm rooted. The guy behind the counter was impressed and wanted to know if he could get one in the Apple store. :eek:
 
I downloaded the locator app and was surprised to see a bunch of locations nearby, so I just now ran out to my local Rite Aid, where I was able to complete a transaction with no problems!

It is neat and all, but I don't see using it much myself either.
It's good to see it still works on rooted devices, because I'm getting ready to root mine.
 
CrackBaby said:
Regarding OP's post about Walgreen's, someone else just posted that Walgreen's didn't work for them, and it didn't work for me, either. One should go by what the Google wallet locator website tells you. When I looked up the locator, I realized that my Walgreen's is NOT listed as a user-friendly store. Which is odd because I could have sworn that store was listed in the locator when I first got the Nexus 7. But it appears there no longer.

I tried using NFC in a McDonalds a couple days ago without connecting to WiFi. It worked great. I'm rooted. The guy behind the counter was impressed and wanted to know if he could get one in the Apple store. :eek:
Click to expand...

Some locations may not have the PayPass component plugged in as they probably don't expect many people to use it.

Google Wallet does need to be initialized and you'll notice that it will say "this may take several minutes depending on your network connection" So if there is no connection, your device may not be initialized (or Wallet may not launch). So, if you have previously initialized your device, it should work, but if you haven't, you may experience issues.
 
CrackBaby said:
Regarding OP's post about Walgreen's, someone else just posted that Walgreen's didn't work for them, and it didn't work for me, either. One should go by what the Google wallet locator website tells you. When I looked up the locator, I realized that my Walgreen's is NOT listed as a user-friendly store. Which is odd because I could have sworn that store was listed in the locator when I first got the Nexus 7. But it appears there no longer.

I tried using NFC in a McDonalds a couple days ago without connecting to WiFi. It worked great. I'm rooted. The guy behind the counter was impressed and wanted to know if he could get one in the Apple store. :eek:
Click to expand...

I asked some people at walgreens about it. They said they just installed the readers but they have not activated it.
 
I was just reading the information about wallet and saw that you can add gift cards! Looks like a nice way to unload a couple that I have some change left on. I wonder how it will take money from them as I spend...?
 
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