I don't know if this has been asked before but I just got an Apple watch and used it for the first time to pay for a drink at Starbucks. It was convenient to use the watch since I didn't have to take the phone out of my pocket but I looked awkward trying to scan the bar code on the watch. I finally gave up and picked up the scanner off the counter and pointed it at the bar code on my watch. Is this what everyone else is doing or it just takes practice to not lift the scanner off the counter? Or maybe my arm isn't flexible enough? Or it is easier to just use your phone?
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Paying with Watch vs Phone
- Thread starter mmwada
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In Tokyo the JR Rail gates have a reader on the right side (about hip height) but I’m a left wrist user. Using the watch would require one to contort and twist not to mention rotating ones wrist so the watch face is near the reader....
It’s simpler to just just use the phone because angle is unimportant and it just feels more natural to use the right hand
I have used the scanner a few times at McDonald’s and I got tired of the angle game and decided to just pick up the scanner.
FYI my watch has never worked well when traveling.. the TSA scanners require the code to be face down and glad on the glass. The scanners at the gate sometimes have a bar above it making it impossible to fit the watch with wrist inside for proper scanning. Always end up having to use my phone.
It’s simpler to just just use the phone because angle is unimportant and it just feels more natural to use the right hand
I have used the scanner a few times at McDonald’s and I got tired of the angle game and decided to just pick up the scanner.
FYI my watch has never worked well when traveling.. the TSA scanners require the code to be face down and glad on the glass. The scanners at the gate sometimes have a bar above it making it impossible to fit the watch with wrist inside for proper scanning. Always end up having to use my phone.
I’ve gotten used to twisting my hand so the face is close to the reader. Sometimes I wave my hand around until it is read. Was a leafs at first but you get used to it.
I hate this type of scanner. They work fine for phones but I can’t fit my watch and wrist in to scan a QR code. I have encountered them mostly at airports but a few other events and venues have also used them. When I see them I know I need to use my phone.
When your watch's QR code or barcode is onscreen (at least when you're using Wallet), when you turn your wrist away from you, the screen doesn't turn off.
I've been twisting my wrist so the watch face is down. Works well.
Although there has been the odd time where it wasn't working and I have to say those moments are stressful. I'm waving my wrist back and forth, everybody in line is wondering what the hell is going on, and panic starts to set in. Finally the cashier offers to do a reset and the 2nd time it works.
Although there has been the odd time where it wasn't working and I have to say those moments are stressful. I'm waving my wrist back and forth, everybody in line is wondering what the hell is going on, and panic starts to set in. Finally the cashier offers to do a reset and the 2nd time it works.
I haven’t been to Starbucks for a long time so I can’t remember how their terminals are but I always use my Apple Watch. It’s much more convenient than rooting around in my bag for my phone. I’ve gotten used to the wrist movement so it’s pretty straight forward for me.
I prefer to pay with my watch, but it seems like the watch is more finicky in making contact with the payment terminal. The phone works better for me but I still generally try my Watch first. If I can’t get it to work, then I won’t try again but will just pull out my phone.
FWIW, it does seem like the way ch needs to be held much closer to the terminal than the phone does.
FWIW, it does seem like the way ch needs to be held much closer to the terminal than the phone does.
If you use Apple Pay, there's no barcode to scan. You just put your watch near the terminal. Worked fine for me the last time I was at Starbucks. Is the barcode something to do with using a Starbucks card?
Yup, and barcodes/QR codes are also for airline passes, event tickets (EventBrite can use the AW’s Wallet app), frequent buyer cards, etc.
For Apple Pay I find its easier and quicker to use my watch.
I really don’t use barcode scanner or at payment apps, except for my bus pass that uses a QR code but they don’t have a Watch app
. But if they did the way the scanner is placed doesn’t look like it would be very hard to pay with a Watch app
I really don’t use barcode scanner or at payment apps, except for my bus pass that uses a QR code but they don’t have a Watch app
. But if they did the way the scanner is placed doesn’t look like it would be very hard to pay with a Watch appI stopped using barcodes from the Wallet.app on my Apple Watch because it can be awkward to contort your arm. Even more of a pain if the cashier isn't familiar with the process.
I'll use it for NFC wherever possible though since orientation doesn't matter and the scanner is generally much more accessible.
I know I shouldn't care but in the rare event either fail I feel like tool and immediately resort to my actually wallet for a CC or cash. Something about paying with my watch feels pretentious to me so when it fails it just seems awkward af.
I'll use it for NFC wherever possible though since orientation doesn't matter and the scanner is generally much more accessible.
I know I shouldn't care but in the rare event either fail I feel like tool and immediately resort to my actually wallet for a CC or cash. Something about paying with my watch feels pretentious to me so when it fails it just seems awkward af.
I feel the same way, I try and use my phone or watch whenever possible but when it seems to be a no go I feel like an idiot
It can go the opposite way as well I suppose. At my grocery store (wegmans) I'll pay prior to all my groceries being rung up. Since I try not to draw attention to myself using NFC from my watch the cashier didn't notice once and said "This is when you pay...." (with a 'duuhhh' attitude) as the receipt was printing out. Hollow victory but I'm sure it made them feel silly about needlessly being a jerk.
Subway on the other hand, they always stare at me as I'm staring at the machine to be ready to accept payment. I haven't really found a smooth and seamless way of making that 5-10 seconds less awkward.
Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. At least I know I am not the only one afraid of looking like an idiot when trying to adapt to the changing technology. I know I will try and be more observant in the future and watch others who succeed or fail in scanning with a watch.