Disabling Apple Cash stops new transactions but keeps your existing balance
Apple Cash is turned off through your iPhone's Wallet settings, not through a separate app or website. When you disable it, you cannot send or receive money, but any balance you already have stays in your account — you do not lose the money. You can turn it back on later using the same steps.
The process takes about two minutes. You will need your iPhone passcode or Face ID to complete it, and the change takes effect when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Cash is disabled in the Wallet app under your card settings, not in a separate control panel.
- Turning off Apple Cash does not delete your balance or close your account — the money remains accessible if you turn it back on.
- You can disable Apple Cash for your own account without affecting anyone else's account on a shared device.
- If you want to remove Apple Cash entirely and withdraw your balance, you must transfer the money to your bank account first.
Steps to disable Apple Cash on iPhone
Open the Wallet app on your home screen. Tap the card icon in the upper right corner, then select your Apple Cash card from the list. If you have multiple cards, make sure you are looking at the one labeled "Apple Cash" — it usually shows a green or blue background.
Tap the three dots (more menu) in the upper right corner of the card details screen. Scroll down and look for an option that says "Turn Off Apple Cash" or "Deactivate." Tap it. You will be asked to confirm with your passcode or Face ID. Enter it, and the card is now disabled.
You can verify it worked by going back to your Wallet app — the Apple Cash card should now show as inactive or display a message that it is turned off.
Steps to disable Apple Cash on Mac
Open the Wallet app on your Mac (it may be called Wallet or Passbook depending on your macOS version). Click on your Apple Cash card in the list on the left side of the window. Right-click on the card and look for an option to remove it or turn it off.
If you do not see a right-click menu, click the gear icon or settings option within the Wallet app itself. Look for card management or Apple Cash settings. The exact location varies by macOS version, but the option to disable is always in the Wallet app, not in System Settings.
What happens to your balance when you disable Apple Cash
Your balance does not disappear when you turn off Apple Cash. The money stays in your Apple Cash account and you can see it if you turn the service back on. However, you cannot spend it or send it to anyone while Apple Cash is disabled.
If you want to keep the money but no longer use Apple Cash at all, transfer your balance to your linked bank account before disabling it. Open your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots, and look for "Transfer to Bank" or "Send Money to Bank." This usually takes one to three business days to complete.
Removing Apple Cash entirely from your device
Disabling Apple Cash and removing it are different actions. Disabling turns it off but keeps the card in your Wallet app. Removing it deletes the card from your device entirely.
To remove Apple Cash completely, first transfer any remaining balance to your bank account. Then open Wallet, select your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots, and choose "Remove Card" or "Delete." You will need to confirm with your passcode or Face ID. The card will no longer appear in your Wallet app.
Turning Apple Cash back on after disabling it
If you disabled Apple Cash and want to use it again, you can reactivate it through the same Wallet settings. Open Wallet, tap the plus icon to add a card, and select Apple Cash from the list of available cards. Follow the prompts to set it up again — you do not need to create a new account if you are using the same Apple ID.
Your previous balance will be there if you had one. Reactivation is when ready and does not require waiting for approval.
Why you might want to disable Apple Cash
People disable Apple Cash for several reasons: to prevent accidental payments, to stop a child or family member from using it on a shared device, to reduce the number of payment methods they manage, or to take a break from the service without permanently closing the account.
If you are concerned about security, disabling Apple Cash is less permanent than removing it entirely, and it still prevents anyone from using the card until you turn it back on. You can also set up Face ID or passcode requirements for payments without disabling the whole service — that option is in the Wallet settings under "Transaction Defaults."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling Apple Cash affect my Apple Pay?
No. Apple Cash and Apple Pay are separate. Apple Pay is the system that lets you pay with any card in your Wallet. Disabling Apple Cash only turns off that specific card — your credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods in Wallet continue to work normally.
Can I disable Apple Cash on my iPhone but keep it on my Mac?
Apple Cash is tied to your Apple ID, not your device. If you disable it on one device, it is disabled across all your devices that use the same Apple ID. You cannot have it active on one device and inactive on another.
What if I forgot my passcode and cannot disable Apple Cash?
You will need to unlock your device with your passcode or Face ID to change any Wallet settings. If you have forgotten your passcode, you can reset it through your device settings, but this requires access to your Apple ID or recovery key. Contact Apple Support if you are locked out of your device entirely.
Does disabling Apple Cash stop scheduled or pending payments?
Disabling Apple Cash stops new transactions when ready, but it does not cancel payments you have already sent. If you have a pending transfer to someone else, it will still go through. Check your transaction history before disabling to see if anything is still in progress.
Can someone else disable my Apple Cash if they have my device?
No. Disabling Apple Cash requires your passcode or Face ID, the same security that protects your device. If someone has your unlocked phone, they could disable it, but they cannot do it without that authentication.