Last week, some Wear OS users noticed that Google Wallet was requiring them to enter their PIN code before enabling tap-to-pay. Google tells us that this is just a bug, and no changes are being made to the “authentication requirement” for Pay/Wallet on Wear OS.
Google is “aware of an issue that requires a small number of Wallet users to re-enter their PIN in order to make a payment from their Wear OS device.”
“…we are working to address the issue. There is no new authentication requirement for Wear OS users.”
—Google spokesperson
Having to enter a PIN every time before paying would defeat the purpose of a smartwatch that’s always on your wrist and therefore authenticated. For many, entering four digits on a small screen would be more inconvenient than using their phone.
Some people were concerned that the recent authenticate change for Android phones was coming to Wear OS. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
Last week, Google officially announced its “new authentication update” wherein you have three minutes from initial unlock to use Google Wallet. After that, tap-to-pay transactions won’t work until you “Verify it’s you.”
If you’ve verified it’s you on your device in the past few minutes, you may not be required to verify for another transaction. Once the verification has timed out, you must verify again for your next transaction.
Additionally, Google recently required all transaction amounts — save for transit — be authenticated first.
Some have found this change disruptive, but it’s being made to improve security. One workaround is using your watch to pay.
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