What you need to know
- A bug affecting Google Wallet caused repeated authentication prompts for Wear OS users.
- More than a week after first acknowledging the problem, Google confirmed it has patched the bug.
- Wear OS users can now continue making Wallet payments without authenticating their purchase if it is unlocked and on their wrist.
A recent adjustment to Google Wallet’s handling of contactless payments on Android devices inadvertently led to a frustrating experience for Wear OS users. However, this issue has now been addressed. In a community post dated May 29, a Google representative confirmed that the bug, which prompted Wear OS devices to repeatedly request PIN or pattern authentication, has been resolved.
With the fix in place, users can now enjoy seamless Wallet transactions. Once the smartwatch is unlocked and worn on the wrist, making contactless payments with Google Wallet can be done swiftly and effortlessly, eliminating the need for repeated authentication.
The community update clarified that some Wear OS users had been experiencing prompts to re-enter their PIN or password during in-store transactions. Google acknowledged this issue on May 20, and after a week of anticipation, the patch is now available.
For Android smartphones, Google Wallet requires unlocking via a passcode or biometric verification to access the app. The timing of the Wear OS bug’s emergence coincided with this change, but it has since been confirmed as an error rather than an intended feature.
The Google Wallet app has been updated to version 25.17 on Wear OS smartwatches. It remains unclear whether the patch was implemented as a server-side adjustment or if it necessitates a manual app update.
