How to clear your locked-down Google Wallet settings on the HTC EVO 4G LTE
John reported earlier that Google Wallet has been locked down on the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Google probably blocked access to Wallet due to people getting frustrated and calling in non-stop for support, but for the few who got Wallet activated on their EVOs either by root methods or by sheer luck, a larger majority are now unable to get into the Wallet app at all. This means flashing any other ROMs might brick the secure element, since you now have no ability to enter Wallet and clear Wallet settings.
There is a work-around, but here’s one word of warning before you proceed: I have no idea what happens to any funds you may have loaded onto a Google prepaid card after you go through and reset your Wallet settings. The only reason to clear your Wallet settings if you have previously set it up is to prevent the secure element from bricking, either by flashing a new ROM or resetting the phone. A bricked secure element could render Google Wallet useless on your phone for all time.
To clear the settings, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops. Here’s the short version:
- change build.prop to think your phone is a GT-I9300
- reboot
- open Wallet, clear settings
After this, you can just flash any other ROM you want. One thing to note is that the GT-I9300 settings allow you full Wallet access, so if you’re just wanting access to your funds and functionality again, that may be all you need.
The long version of the process is this, and requires a rooted phone and a computer with ADB:
- adb shell
- cd /sdcard/
- su
- cp /system/build.prop /sdcard/build.wallet
- cp /system/build.prop /sdcard/build.good
- exit
- exit
On your phone, mount it as a drive/Media Sync. Edit the build.wallet file that appears in the root of the drive using notepad++. Change ro.product.model= and ro.product.device= to have GT-I9300 after the equal sign. If you don’t see a build.wallet file, reboot your phone and it should appear.
- adb shell
- su
- busybox mount -o remount,rw /system
- cd /system
- mv build.prop build.good
- cp /sdcard/build.wallet /system/build.prop
- chmod 644 build.prop
- exit
- exit
- adb reboot
You should now be able to get into Google Wallet to either use it, or clear the settings allowing you to safely flash another ROM. One thing people have reported issues with is while the phone thinks it’s a GT-I9300, there may be a reddish hue to the camera. I didn’t notice that when my phone thought it was a GT-I9300, but then again I’m a bit colorblind.
