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 smartwatch, ring, or other dedicated gadget—that can handle Google Wallet without all the other smartphone features?
2 Answers
A Wear OS smartwatch is probably your best option. Compatible watches support Google Wallet over NFC, so you can tap to pay without carrying your phone with you. Your bank and card also need to support payments through the watch.
Google Wallet is tied to your Google account rather than being limited to a particular phone. A compatible smartwatch could work, and even a phone without cellular service may be usable over Wi‑Fi. The main catch is that the device needs internet access during setup or whenever Wallet requires account verification.
A cellular connection isn’t always necessary for the actual payment. For example, a Wi‑Fi-only smartwatch can still make payments away from the phone after it has been set up, though it may occasionally need Wi‑Fi for updates or verification.