Do I need to open the Google Wallet app to pay?

Tap and Go: Do You Really Need to Open Google Wallet to Pay?

We’ve all been there: standing in line, ready to pay, and fumbling with our phones. In the age of contactless payments, the process should be seamless. So, the burning question is, do you actually need to open the Google Wallet app every time you want to use tap-to-pay?

The good news is, in most cases, no, you don’t need to open the Google Wallet app for tap-to-pay transactions to work. The beauty of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the magic behind tap-to-pay, is that it allows for quick and easy communication between your phone and the payment terminal. As long as your phone is unlocked (typically with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint), you should be able to simply hold your phone near the reader and your transaction will go through.

This ease of use is what makes mobile payments so appealing. Imagine rushing to catch a train, grabbing a quick coffee, or paying for groceries – the ability to tap and go saves valuable time and eliminates the need to rummage through your wallet.

However, there’s a small caveat for users of certain Pixel devices. Currently, Face Unlock is not supported for tap-to-pay transactions on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. This means if you own either of these devices, you’ll need to authenticate with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint when using tap-to-pay, even if Face Unlock is enabled. While slightly less convenient, this is a security measure implemented by Google to ensure the safety of your transactions. Hopefully, future software updates will address this limitation.

So, to summarize:

• Most of the time: You do not need to open the Google Wallet app to use tap-to-pay. Simply unlock your phone.
• Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro: You need to authenticate with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint for tap-to-pay transactions due to the current lack of Face Unlock support.

Ultimately, the convenience and speed of tap-to-pay through Google Wallet, even with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro caveat, make it a valuable tool for modern life. Remembering these tips will help you navigate the tap-to-pay landscape with ease and keep those lines moving!