I'm planning to stop using a smartphone within the next six months, but I'd still like to keep using Google Wallet for contactless payments. Is there a simple device—such as a watch, ring, or other gadget—that can run Google Wallet without all the other smartphone features?
2 Answers
Google Wallet is tied to your Google account rather than being exclusive to a particular phone. Any compatible device that can access the account could potentially work, including a smartwatch or another internet-connected device. The main limitation is connectivity: devices without mobile service generally need Wi-Fi access to get online and set things up or use account-based features.
A Wear OS smartwatch is probably your best option. Google Wallet supports NFC payments on compatible watches, and you can pay with the watch even when your phone isn’t nearby.
I’ve been able to make payments with a Wi-Fi-only Apple Watch while my phone was somewhere else, so a mobile data connection may not always be required once the watch is configured.