Google Wallet for the Verizon GALAXY S 4

Verizon users haven’t really been able to use Google Wallet on their devices. Verizon opted to go with ISIS for mobile payments and despite seeing frequent complaints from users, that doesn’t appear like it will be changing any time soon. Basically, Verizon Wireless users have been blocked from using Google Wallet. That would be the standard rule here, however there is the option to run Google Wallet if you are willing to do a bit of work to make it happen.

Well, technically the folks at xda developers have done most of the hard work. Nonetheless, there is still some work involved on the part of the end user. And in this case, it looks like Google Wallet is now up and running on the GALAXY S 4. That is, provided your GALAXY S 4 is rooted. Specifically, the xda forums note that you will need to be rooted and have a custom recovery.

The necessary files, along with the directions can all be found in the xda forums and the good news is how this will work for those using a TouchWiz- or AOSP-based ROM. Those who have already rooted their GALAXY S 4 have a head start here and can proceed directly to the part where you get Wallet installed, set-up and running. Thankfully though, the process shouldn’t be all that difficult even if you are still unrooted.

Just yesterday we mentioned the one-click root tool that came available for Verizon GALAXY S 4 users. You should make sure you are comfortable with messing with your phone, but the process doesn’t seem all that involved or difficult. In fact, aside from downloading (and unzipping) the zip file, there are only five other steps. The one catch with the one-click Verizon GALAXY S 4 root tool — it requires the use of Windows PC.

Bottom line here, as long as you are ok with rooting your phone and running a modified version of Google Wallet, you can now swipe your smartphone instead of your credit card. That all being said, the xda forums have a nice set of directions that are broken down into simple steps but remember that you should still read, re-read and make sure you do not skip any steps in the process.

SOURCE: xda developers, Droid-Life