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Google Wallet / NFC - Anyone Else Had Problems ?

molerat
molerat Posts: 36,587
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edited 23 July 2025 at 11:45AM in Techie Stuff
Over the past week or so I have had problems paying with my phone, hit and miss then just nothing coming up so I suspected the NFC aerial had failed or something.  This morning paid in 4 different shops flawlessly.  Had a look at the apps and Wallet had an update yesterday so was there a glitch ?

Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you'll try to deal with them on their level - and on their level they'll beat you every time.

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Comments

  • grumpycrab
    grumpycrab Posts: 5,045
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    My NFC functionality has been hit and miss. A phone restart normally solves it but can be awkward if there's a queue of people waiting.  I've thought it could be my phone's case blocking the signal.  And I've just noticed a setting "Restore NFC functionality" under "Connection and sharing" which I'll try next time there's a problem.
  • Newcad
    Newcad Posts: 2,148
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    edited 23 July 2025 at 4:22PM
    Not just phones, I've had NFC issues with my bank card the last few days .
    Works some places but other places not.
    At least with a card you can shove it into the reader and enter your PIN.
  • Doshwaster
    Doshwaster Posts: 6,414
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    Newcad said:
    Not just phones, I've had NFC issues with my bank card the last few days .
    Works some places but other places not.
    At least with a card you can shove it into the reader and enter your PIN.

    Indeed. That's why I don't like going out without my actual wallet. Paying by phone may be convenient but it's a single point of failure. Even if one physical card is refused you can use another but if your phone doesn't want to cooperate then it doesn't matter how many payment methods you have in your virtual wallet. 
  • Yarmy
    Yarmy Posts: 47
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    edited 23 July 2025 at 8:08PM
    I've seen people try to pay by phone on our local bus and it's failed because they've put their bank card inside their phone cover, which has then caused the ticket machine on the bus to have a wobbly.
  • RumRat
    RumRat Posts: 5,150
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    Not had any problems over the past week or so....or ever really...
    Drinking Rum before 10am makes you
    A PIRATE
    Not an Alcoholic...!
  • Ant555
    Ant555 Posts: 1,614
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    I had an issue at one store in the last week or so  - they said the reader was being 'iffy this week'.

    When I access the Google Wallet it should pay with the default card but I had to select the actual card I wanted to pay with and then it worked.

    Doesn't sound like your specific issue but thought it was worth a mention.
  • Troytempest
    Troytempest Posts: 384
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    All good for me - no issues at all
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 36,587
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    And today it didn't work.  Only tried it once so will give it a go somewhere else.  I suspect, as originally, it is my phone on the blink.  Unfortunately NFC is not something that can easily be tested.

    Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you'll try to deal with them on their level - and on their level they'll beat you every time.

    Being hated by idiots is the price you pay for not being one of them.

    Jean Cocteau 1889-1963

  • basill
    basill Posts: 1,435
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    molerat said:
    And today it didn't work.  Only tried it once so will give it a go somewhere else.  I suspect, as originally, it is my phone on the blink.  Unfortunately NFC is not something that can easily be tested.
    There are a few NFC apps for Android that will let yiou read the RFID in contactless cards, passports etc.   At lease you can see if the feature is on and working.
  • sausage_time
    sausage_time Posts: 2,110
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    edited 16 August 2025 at 7:58AM
    What brand is your phone?  If you have a Google Pixel you can use this to check:

    https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/android-phones/your-google-pixel-has-a-secret-diagnostics-menu-how-to-find-it

    You want to check NFC and use a contactless card to check it reads OK.

    Other brands may have similar hidden menus.
    I’m a Forum Senior Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Credit Cards, Savings & Investments, Budgeting & Bank Accounts, and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.  All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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