Google pay wont work unless phone is unlocked even for small payments I have a Samsung Note 9 (Android version 9) and Google Pay installed and configured. It works on stores like Costa for payments under £35 only when phone is unlocked

As per https://support.google.com/pay/answer/7644132?hl=en "No unlock needed for smaller payments"

Does anyone know why this is the case? I'd like that no unlocking is required for small payments.
It turns out this may be a problem with the official Samsung phone clear view folding cover explained in https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-note9/accessories/

When the fold is closed I cannot use it. If I open the fold then even if the phone is locked I can use Google Pay. Removing the foldable cover altogether also works!