Google will be implementing an upgrade within Google Pay to ensure secure contactless payments on wearable devices that use its OS operating system. You may find that you’ll have more opportunities to use your PIN, simply because your watch will no longer lock automatically.
This, even if a little inconvenient for the user, can provide greater security against unauthorized transactions. Think of it like double-checking: simply opening your watch, to make a payment, while receiving a five-digit PIN for the actual transaction confirms everything.
Good News? You may not need to ping most of the time. The Google Wallet app on your smartwatch app must be actively opened just before you tap on the payment terminal for your turn to appear to be the intended activity. Don’t be surprised though because the more you do this without interacting with the app beforehand, the more PIN requests will be required.
It is currently in the testing phase and only affects a few lucky users so far. But I expect Wear OS to make major advancements over time. Despite Google’s hesitation in officially acknowledging the news of the update, the new security improvements are in line with recent security amendments that were in effect on the Google Pay mobile app. Thus, don’t be surprised if making payments from your smartwatch will be a little more secure (although it may also be a little slower).
Google recently introduced strict security for smartphones and seems to be planning the same for Wear OS:
- “Before making a payment, you will now be asked to confirm your identity – either via PIN, pattern, fingerprint or Class 3 biometric unlock – with the option to disable verification for public transport.”
It also says:
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“If you have verified your identity on your device in the last few minutes, verification may not be required for another transaction. Once verification expires, you will need to re-verify for your next transaction.”
