[GUIDE]Google Wallet - Everything you need to know before you flash or root!

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ArgyleDX

Member
Aug 31, 2010
43
15
Quick question...

So, my phone was stolen about a month ago :( I remotely disabled Google Wallet, but I got a message saying my phone had never signed in again, thus it was unable to reset the Wallet app since it was off the network.

Weeks later, and my phone was recovered. But it looks like the jerk who stole it freaked out when I tried to install Plan B remotely and wiped the phone.

Fortunately he didn't format the internal SD card and I was able to restore a nandroid backup. I signed into the Wallet app after signing back into my Google account (of course I had since invalidated the authenticator, etc. as well as changed all my other passwords) and the remote reset finally took effect.

I should be good right? I signed back into Wallet, added a card (noticed it didn't access the cards I have associated with my Google account, I had to readd the info manually), then I reset it again. I would have gotten a secure element error while doing that if something had screwed up, right?
 
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nomad64

Senior Member
Oct 15, 2012
102
77
Chicagoland, IL
Quick question...

So, my phone was stolen about a month ago :( I remotely disabled Google Wallet, but I got a message saying my phone had never signed in again, thus it was unable to reset the Wallet app since it was off the network.

Weeks later, and my phone was recovered. But it looks like the jerk who stole it freaked out when I tried to install Plan B remotely and wiped the phone.

Fortunately he didn't format the internal SD card and I was able to restore a nandroid backup. I signed into the Wallet app after signing back into my Google account (of course I had since invalidated the authenticator, etc. as well as changed all my other passwords) and the remote reset finally took effect.

I should be good right? I signed back into Wallet, added a card (noticed it didn't access the cards I have associated with my Google account, I had to readd the info manually), then I reset it again. I would have gotten a secure element error while doing that if something had screwed up, right?

You should be alright. I have done a lot of flashing and restoring using both TB and nandroid, and have yet to have an issue with the secure element. If NFC wasn't working right, Android would have thrown you some kind of error during the setup process.

When in doubt, find a vending machine that is equipped with a credit card reader (as these usually accept NFC-based transactions) and play around with it. Some people may look at you funny, but you don't have to hold up a checkout line while you figure out what buttons to press! :p
 

eventer289

Senior Member
Dec 4, 2010
283
20
If my secure element version says "Not present," does that mean it is hosed? Also, if this is the case, since they have done away with the prepaid cards, can I still use a linked credit card, or will those be broken as well if the secure element is broken?
 

sekigah84

Senior Member
Jan 14, 2009
798
445
New York City
Quick question...

So, my phone was stolen about a month ago :( I remotely disabled Google Wallet, but I got a message saying my phone had never signed in again, thus it was unable to reset the Wallet app since it was off the network.

Weeks later, and my phone was recovered. But it looks like the jerk who stole it freaked out when I tried to install Plan B remotely and wiped the phone.

Fortunately he didn't format the internal SD card and I was able to restore a nandroid backup. I signed into the Wallet app after signing back into my Google account (of course I had since invalidated the authenticator, etc. as well as changed all my other passwords) and the remote reset finally took effect.

I should be good right? I signed back into Wallet, added a card (noticed it didn't access the cards I have associated with my Google account, I had to readd the info manually), then I reset it again. I would have gotten a secure element error while doing that if something had screwed up, right?

Yes, you should be fine. Remotely wiping will only reset the information on the device it was signed into based on that devices ID. Since you restored the backup, it was as if it was never uninstalled and triggered the uninstall.

Setting it back up will be fine as all the information is store on the cloud. As long as you are not seeing a secure element error, you should be fine.
 

sekigah84

Senior Member
Jan 14, 2009
798
445
New York City
If my secure element version says "Not present," does that mean it is hosed? Also, if this is the case, since they have done away with the prepaid cards, can I still use a linked credit card, or will those be broken as well if the secure element is broken?

I am not sure if that is an indicator as to whether or not it is broken. The only way really is to try it to purchase an item. As the above poster said, those vending machines with NFC enabled (can be found in malls) is a good way to check.
 

thegameksk

Senior Member
Jan 29, 2008
638
38
Question

Hey everyone. I am new to the S3 and have a question about google wallet.

1) I just rooted my phone and it is now running the custom stock. I havent yet set up google wallet. Do I set it up now and then flash to my choosen rom and then my google wallet will still be secure?
 

evoer

Senior Member
Jul 22, 2010
506
154
far far away
Hey everyone. I am new to the S3 and have a question about google wallet.

1) I just rooted my phone and it is now running the custom stock. I havent yet set up google wallet. Do I set it up now and then flash to my choosen rom and then my google wallet will still be secure?
Flash a rom then set it up but since it became cloud based doesnt really matter it will work just fine
 
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CariusDemetrios

New member
Dec 1, 2012
1
0
Has anyone here tried the temp unroot method with Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper when they want to use Google Wallet? I've done that and had no issues with the Unsupported Device message.
 

Hobadee

Senior Member
May 6, 2009
51
18
San Jose, CA
eric.kincl.net
I have been messing around with Google Wallet and found out some useful info I figured I would share.

It *IS* still possible to "brick" your secure element, HOWEVER, it is only a soft-brick and can be fixed.

The easiest way to brick your secure element is to flash a new ROM without resetting Wallet. For example, last night I did a Nandroid backup, flashed a new ROM without resetting Wallet, then restored the Nandroid backup I had made. The secure element was bricked. (I never even opened Wallet on the ROM I flashed.)

In this screenshot, you will notice that in the Google Wallet "About" screen, the "Google Secure Element Version" is "Not Present". If Google wallet reports this, your device will NOT be able to make wallet payments using NFC. (I should know - I looked dumb quite a bit before I figured this out. :eek: )
"Bricked"
attachment.php



If your "Google Secure Element Version" is something other than "Not Present" (As shown in the following screenshot) then you WILL be able to make wallet payments using NFC. (I guess the current version is 1.6.)
"Non-Bricked"
attachment.php


While I haven't been able to narrow down a specific set of steps to unbrick the element, I have done it a couple times by fiddling with it enough. Here is what I do:
  1. Reset Google Wallet
  2. Restart Phone
  3. Open Google Wallet
  4. Select your account & enter credentials
    • Wait for it to think (Mine usually freezes here and will restart the UI. I'm guessing this has to do with the bricked element, but I cannot confirm this.)
    • If your phone has restarted the UI, open Google Wallet again. If it asks you which account to use, repeat steps 4 & 5 again until it works. It took me about an hour last night before it finally worked.
    • Note than when it finally does work for me, it still crashes, with the exception that the next time I open Wallet, it asks me to setup a PIN.
  5. Enter your new PIN.
  6. Go to your cards and click "Setup Card" on a card you already have. "Google Secure Element Version" will still show "Not Present" until you do this!

...I have no idea why Wallet crashes so much for me. You may not have this issue. As always, YMMV. I would still recommend resetting Wallet before flashing, but if it does "Brick", hopefully this will help get you back on track.
 

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ParrSt

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2011
256
15
Euless
New phone never used google wallet

I have looked through here and am still a little confused. I just got my gs3 and have NOT set up Google wallet. I am about to root and try some ROMs. I can wait until I find the ROM I am going to use before I set up Google wallet. Will I have to do anything special to make it work? and if not, which is what I think I understand, will I still get the error message that is mentioned here that can be ignored. I would prefer not to have the message even though I know it doesn't effect the wallet working.

Bob
 

maltydog

Senior Member
Apr 16, 2011
370
24
I have looked through here and am still a little confused. I just got my gs3 and have NOT set up Google wallet. I am about to root and try some ROMs. I can wait until I find the ROM I am going to use before I set up Google wallet. Will I have to do anything special to make it work? and if not, which is what I think I understand, will I still get the error message that is mentioned here that can be ignored. I would prefer not to have the message even though I know it doesn't effect the wallet working. Bob

I have the same question. It's a little unclear. I expect to upgrade my phone next month when my contract expires. If I activate the Wallet before rooting and installing the rom, then reset the wallet, does that mean I will not get the error message? If so I will do it.
 

evoer

Senior Member
Jul 22, 2010
506
154
far far away
I have the same question. It's a little unclear. I expect to upgrade my phone next month when my contract expires. If I activate the Wallet before rooting and installing the rom, then reset the wallet, does that mean I will not get the error message? If so I will do it.

Thats exactly what I did back in July when I got the phone, I just reset Wallet before flashing any new rom's, knock on wood...I have never had the secure element issue.
 

ParrSt

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2011
256
15
Euless
I have the same question. It's a little unclear. I expect to upgrade my phone next month when my contract expires. If I activate the Wallet before rooting and installing the rom, then reset the wallet, does that mean I will not get the error message? If so I will do it.

No I know from reading this thread, that if you HAVE activated your wallet, you can reset it and use it on a new ROM, but you WILL have the error message but it should still work.

My question was will I still get the error if I have NOT activated my wallet, then put a new ROM and then activate for the first time under the new ROM.

Bob
 

Ragnar

Retired Forum Moderator
Jul 11, 2011
6,178
5,482
Valhalla
No I know from reading this thread, that if you HAVE activated your wallet, you can reset it and use it on a new ROM, but you WILL have the error message but it should still work.

My question was will I still get the error if I have NOT activated my wallet, then put a new ROM and then activate for the first time under the new ROM.

Bob
If the phone is rooted you will always get the message regardless of rom.

Transmitted with a portable device using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
 
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  • 59
    Google Wallet - Everything you need to know before you flash or root!


    DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT OCCURS TO YOUR PHONE. THIS IS A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION I FOUND WHILE ROOTING AND FLASHING ROMS. I ONLY ORGANIZED IT HERE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO FIND.

    Don't forget to thank people who made the ROMs, Root Methods, etc. They put in a lot of work and take a lot of time helping people. All it takes is a click of a button. One for me too! It's a lot of work trying to keep everything updated. =P

    This will and always will be a work in progress. If you feel something should be added, clarified, or corrected feel free to PM me. I'm not perfect and I can't read everything so any and all help is appreciated. (Yes of course I will credit you. Just no plagiarism!)


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    What is Google Wallet?
    http://www.google.com/wallet/what-is-google-wallet.html
    The new update has simplified the process greatly. Now all cards can be added and all transactions are saved to the cloud. Very minimal information is saved on the device. There is also a very very very slim chance at breaking your secure element.



    What do I need to know before I start rooting or flashing ROMs?
    While there is much debate over whether or not to Reset Google Wallet before wiping the device, you should do it just in case. There needs to be more testing done to see if the Secure Element will be broken if you don't.

    To Reset Google Wallet do the following:
    1) Open Google Wallet
    2) Enter your pin
    3) Tap your Menu Button
    4) Tap Settings
    5) Tap "Reset Google Wallet"


    You should also write down your Google Prepaid Card User ID as well prior to resetting just incase. This will help Google find your money incase your ID changes. You only have to do this once. So far the USER ID has not changed for me ever. This change happens when you physically change phones. Also make sure you know the balance on the card.

    Write down your Google Prepaid Card User ID.
    1) Open Google Wallet
    2) Enter your pin
    3) Tap "Payment cards"
    4) Tap "Google Prepaid Card"
    5) Wait for your User ID to load and then tap "Show ID" to see your entire ID number. Write this down BEFORE FLASHING OR CLEARING DATA.

    Once you do this you are good to go and flash a custom ROM. You can wipe data, cache, dalvik without an issue.



    After you have set up your new ROM, download and install the latest Google Wallet in the Play Store.

    Once you login, Google Wallet will now automatically pull from the cloud any credit cards on file. All you have to do is set them up by tapping them. Some will automatically setup, others will require you to enter in all the card and billing details.

    Google Prepaid Cards you have to tap to add. It should pull all the funds and the same user ID as before. If the funds do not pull up, make sure you have your User ID from above, and call Money Network. Their number is (855) 896-0693.

    As I don't have every single credit card type, please post in this thread if you run into any issues. I'll update the OP

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ROOTED USERS:
    If you are rooted but stock and you have never used the Google Wallet application, there are a few things you need to know:
    #1 - You will always get an unsupported error at the top of your Google Wallet application. Do not worry. Google Wallet will still work as long as you didn't break your secure element. If you can add a Google Prepaid Card and add funds, then you can use it.
    #2 - If you try to call in for support, Citi Mastercard will not help you since you are rooted. Google Wallet and Money Network will give you very limited support if you are rooted.
    #3- Some users are finding success restoring their backups of Google Wallet to fix broken secure elements. I will need more confirmation but if it is broken, what do you have to lose.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Common Questions + Issues

    How to get it up and running on actual unsupported devices:
    You will have to edit your build.prop to make Google Wallet think your phone is one of the ones supported.

    Here are instructions. This is not for everyone. Sprint users won't have to do all this.

    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1769083

    How do I use Google Wallet to purchase items?
    1) You do not need to have the app open but the phone must be turned on. (There are some ROMs that turn NFC on without the screen being on, but you will still need to put in your PIN so just turn the screen on)
    2) Let the cashier know you are paying credit or press credit on the credit card terminal.
    3) Place the BACK of the phone on the sensor of the card terminal. You can put it on the terminal or place it near but it has to be within an inch or two.
    4) Remove the device and enter your pin.
    5) Follow directions on the screen till your transaction is complete.
    6) When in doubt, ask the cashier if it went through. Most will be amazed and think its cool and spend time with you to get it to work. lol

    I think my secure element is broke. How do I tell? How do I fix it?
    Check out this explanation w/screenshots. Great work Hobadee!
    http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=35156196&postcount=93

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I hope this helped you. If it has, please click thanks!

    Thanks to Racer of All and Rev3ge07 for their contributions on the Secure Element. Thanks to ogdobber for the build.prop tutorial. Thanks to Hobadee for the secure element soft brick fix explanation.
    [/strike]
    5
    I have been messing around with Google Wallet and found out some useful info I figured I would share.

    It *IS* still possible to "brick" your secure element, HOWEVER, it is only a soft-brick and can be fixed.

    The easiest way to brick your secure element is to flash a new ROM without resetting Wallet. For example, last night I did a Nandroid backup, flashed a new ROM without resetting Wallet, then restored the Nandroid backup I had made. The secure element was bricked. (I never even opened Wallet on the ROM I flashed.)

    In this screenshot, you will notice that in the Google Wallet "About" screen, the "Google Secure Element Version" is "Not Present". If Google wallet reports this, your device will NOT be able to make wallet payments using NFC. (I should know - I looked dumb quite a bit before I figured this out. :eek: )
    "Bricked"
    attachment.php



    If your "Google Secure Element Version" is something other than "Not Present" (As shown in the following screenshot) then you WILL be able to make wallet payments using NFC. (I guess the current version is 1.6.)
    "Non-Bricked"
    attachment.php


    While I haven't been able to narrow down a specific set of steps to unbrick the element, I have done it a couple times by fiddling with it enough. Here is what I do:
    1. Reset Google Wallet
    2. Restart Phone
    3. Open Google Wallet
    4. Select your account & enter credentials
      • Wait for it to think (Mine usually freezes here and will restart the UI. I'm guessing this has to do with the bricked element, but I cannot confirm this.)
      • If your phone has restarted the UI, open Google Wallet again. If it asks you which account to use, repeat steps 4 & 5 again until it works. It took me about an hour last night before it finally worked.
      • Note than when it finally does work for me, it still crashes, with the exception that the next time I open Wallet, it asks me to setup a PIN.
    5. Enter your new PIN.
    6. Go to your cards and click "Setup Card" on a card you already have. "Google Secure Element Version" will still show "Not Present" until you do this!

    ...I have no idea why Wallet crashes so much for me. You may not have this issue. As always, YMMV. I would still recommend resetting Wallet before flashing, but if it does "Brick", hopefully this will help get you back on track.
    2
    Time to update

    Probably time to update this thread. The new version of Google Wallet supports all credit cards and keeps the info in the Cloud. Should alleviate any concerns of ROM Flashing and messing up your Wallet account.
    1
    Cool write-up.

    and can you clarify in the OP, that if someone HASN'T used google wallet, or "enabled" any cards on a phone, they don't have to mess with any of this, right? can they flash a new rom normally?

    okay... and another hypothetical situation: what if someone originally HAD google wallet, did everything as stated in the OP, but after they flashed a new rom, they didn't bother with google wallet, so the app was never installed. does that person have to do anything before installing a FUTURE rom? or what?
    1
    FYI anyone that was having wallet issues should try again now. I have been having issues since Nov and Google was finally able to resolve them and it should resolve them for others. "Fail To Add Card" was the previous version error msg. I think the new version says failed and to check internet connection and try again.

    Anyways after several emails back and forth with the Google development team and loads of logcat files they finally resolved the issue.. They pushed the fix to the backend lastnight and mine is finally working after several months of it not.

    Hope this helps..

    James