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[Verizon] Google Wallet Guide: Avoid Secure Element Brick [Updated 5/25/13]

OK, so this is not a secure element issue. However, I couldnt find a more suitable thread.

My phone was running on IMM30B (rooted). I had Google Wallet running with a prepaid card. Today I decided to go to IMM76K (rooted). Went through the usual steps.. created a Titanium backup of all app/data and created a nandroid backup. Then I reset Google Wallet. Flashed the new rom (wiped only cache and davlik). Everything is running great. I tried to setup Google Wallet but received an error I haven't seen posted anywhere.

Screenshot_2012-06-04-19-44-28.png


I did what it said, to no avail. I called Google Wallet, and they refused to help since its a Verizon GNex. So I finally decided to restore the app from my nandroid backup.. and VOILA! Anyone know what causes this issue... and for the sake of helping others.. does anyone know how to correct the issue without restoring from nandroid.

Thank you for sharing. Their have been reports that there is trouble brewing with Google Wallet again, on their end. Saw some news about it on Phandroid today. This may be related to that. I can't be sure. It is my understanding that Wallet is having trouble in terms of updating balances. Reports are that you can still use your Wallet, it just won't update. This error may be similar to the provisioning errors we faced earlier this year. I will keep my eyes peeled and ears open.

jmar
 
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So, the last time I used wallet was back in January. I have flashed, both dirty and full, many times since then. I open wallet and it looks like my money is still on my google card. When would I get the secure elements error? When I try to use it? Or will it happen as soon as I open the app? I am trying to decide whether I need to do this prior to running B38. But then again, I am trying to figure out if I do have the problem, and just don't know it yet...
 
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So, the last time I used wallet was back in January. I have flashed, both dirty and full, many times since then. I open wallet and it looks like my money is still on my google card. When would I get the secure elements error? When I try to use it? Or will it happen as soon as I open the app? I am trying to decide whether I need to do this prior to running B38. But then again, I am trying to figure out if I do have the problem, and just don't know it yet...

It happens when you factory reset or wipe data without first following the steps in the OP. I recommend that you follow the guide before a full wipe to b38. I just did it last night and my Wallet is perfect.

Let me know how it goes!

jmar
 
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It happens when you factory reset or wipe data without first following the steps in the OP. I recommend that you follow the guide before a full wipe to b38. I just did it last night and my Wallet is perfect.

Let me know how it goes!

jmar

Right, but when would I see the error? When I open the app? When I try to buy something?

When I open my app, I don't get an error. I can look at the balance on my card, no error. So just trying to see if I have the issue, and need to revert way back to an older NANDROID or not.

Thanks for putting this together.
 
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Right, but when would I see the error? When I open the app? When I try to buy something?

When I open my app, I don't get an error. I can look at the balance on my card, no error. So just trying to see if I have the issue, and need to revert way back to an older NANDROID or not.

Thanks for putting this together.

You are not having the issue. Everything you've explained points to that. If you booted into recovery right now and wiped data without following the guide, upon opening the app in a fresh ROM, you would experience the error then.
 
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So anyways I flashed a new ROM, but didn't wipe wallet first. So after I restored all my apps, I wiped wallet, uninstalled it, then reinstalled it. Think that'll work? Lol

I still have yet to find a pay pass to use it on... Except that drive through, but I haven't been back there yet.

Edit: it works. McDonalds

Sent using Tapatalk, the free one.
 
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So anyways I flashed a new ROM, but didn't wipe wallet first. So after I restored all my apps, I wiped wallet, uninstalled it, then reinstalled it. Think that'll work? Lol

I still have yet to find a pay pass to use it on... Except that drive through, but I haven't been back there yet.

Edit: it works. McDonalds

Sent using Tapatalk, the free one.

It seems that one can get away with the process you described but I would never recommend it. It is a risky situation of "your mileage may very," since you can't unbrick a secure element error.


Question, the OP says do not restore data... How do I get my apps data back then?

Data is the information stored within any given application, whereas an application is merely the application, without any saved information. Titanium Backup allows for restoration of both the application and its previously stored user data. For Google Wallet, it is highly recommended that user data is deleted within the app and in settings afterward, after which a restore of only the application will ensure very low (if any) risk of brick to the secure element. PM me if you need further assistance. Otherwise the OP contains the answers.

jmar
 
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You are not having the issue. Everything you've explained points to that. If you booted into recovery right now and wiped data without following the guide, upon opening the app in a fresh ROM, you would experience the error then.

Awesome!! Thanks for the guide jmartin. I have basically always been on AOKP, maybe that's why I don't have the issue. I will start doing this prior to every full wipe. Thanks again.
 
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Question, the OP says do not restore data... How do I get my apps data back then?

I didn't really answer your question two posts before :(

Here it is: you have to enter your info again; you don't reload data, just the apk itself. This is because we are taking precautions to ensure the secure element doesn't brick. I know it takes some extra time, but you would need a new phone if you took the wrong steps.

Hope that helps.

jmar
 
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It is soooo magical when you do it and the cashier's jaw hits the floor!

I love that. I used mine at Taco Bueno and the lady behind the counter looked at me like I was crazy, told me "That doesn't work with your phone sir, you'll need to swipe a credit card". I didn't say anything, as soon as she finished talking the receipt printed out... HAHA, she looked at me like I was George Jetson.

But the greatest experience was at Home Depot, the lady behind the counter pulled out her iPhone and asked where she could get the app. I smiled and told her that iPhones couldn't do it. oh the disappointment in her eyes when she found out her iPhone wasnt the 'state of the art futuristic device' she was told that it was.

Love it!
 
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This is because we are taking precautions to ensure the secure element doesn't brick. I know it takes some extra time, but you would need a new phone if you took the wrong steps.

I've had a question about this. If the Secure Element does end up bricking, what all in the phone is broken? It seems like non-secure NFC processes still work, and basically just Google Wallet stops working. If this is the case, I would probably rephrase to "you will need a new phone if you want to continue using Google Wallet."

If I end up bricking my Secure Element, but the only thing it affects is Google Wallet and everything else about the phone is fine, I'm not getting a new phone, I'll just live without Wallet and not risk using my one of two warranty claims per year.
 
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I've had a question about this. If the Secure Element does end up bricking, what all in the phone is broken? It seems like non-secure NFC processes still work, and basically just Google Wallet stops working. If this is the case, I would probably rephrase to "you will need a new phone if you want to continue using Google Wallet."

If I end up bricking my Secure Element, but the only thing it affects is Google Wallet and everything else about the phone is fine, I'm not getting a new phone, I'll just live without Wallet and not risk using my one of two warranty claims per year.

Yeah, basically it just bricks the payment ability. All other NFC functions will continue to function. It is up to the user if Wallet is that important.
 
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Yeah, basically it just bricks the payment ability. All other NFC functions will continue to function. It is up to the user if Wallet is that important.

It makes me feel better that my phone will still be totally functional, save for the ability to pay via NFC. It would suck though, it's really fun to pay like this :D
 
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Seems i have a different issue. I am rooted and running liquid ics 1.4. i was using wallet just fine. Then for some reason my phone got stuck on boot and would not boot completely. I had to reboot into recovery, wipe and flash again. I figured i would get the secure element, however, when i open wallet it opens the page and i click "get started". then it shows mmy gmail account and i click continue. then it shows the terms of service and i click "i agree". then it shows the circle and "activating account" forever. I have tried with wifi and 4g and it will not get passed the activating account. Is this the same issue, or am i experiencing something different?
 
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Seems i have a different issue. I am rooted and running liquid ics 1.4. i was using wallet just fine. Then for some reason my phone got stuck on boot and would not boot completely. I had to reboot into recovery, wipe and flash again. I figured i would get the secure element, however, when i open wallet it opens the page and i click "get started". then it shows mmy gmail account and i click continue. then it shows the terms of service and i click "i agree". then it shows the circle and "activating account" forever. I have tried with wifi and 4g and it will not get passed the activating account. Is this the same issue, or am i experiencing something different?

How long did you wait? I remember mine took a few minutes at the loading circle but not a crazy amount of time.
 
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