Apple Pay is a way to pay for things using your phone or watch instead of a physical card

Apple Pay stores your credit card or debit card information on your device and lets you pay at checkout by holding your phone or watch near a card reader. You don't hand over your card or type in numbers — the transaction happens wirelessly. The store sees only a temporary code, not your actual card details, which is why it's considered safer than swiping a physical card.

You can use Apple Pay at most stores that have contactless payment readers (the ones that accept tap-to-pay), online at websites and apps that support it, and for sending money to other people through the Messages app. Some transit systems also accept it for bus and train fares.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pay requires an iPhone 6s or newer, an Apple Watch Series 1 or newer, or an iPad Pro, Air, or Mini — older devices cannot use it.
  • You add a credit or debit card by opening the Wallet app, tapping the plus sign, and scanning or typing in your card number; your bank may send a verification code.
  • At a store, you hold your phone near the card reader or double-click the side button and hold your phone to the reader; with a watch, you double-click the side button and hold your wrist to the reader.
  • Apple Pay works without an internet connection as long as your device has been unlocked recently, so it functions even if your phone is in airplane mode.

Which devices can use Apple Pay

Apple Pay works on iPhone 6s and newer, Apple Watch Series 1 and newer, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and newer, and iPad mini 3 and newer. If your device is older than these, it cannot use Apple Pay, and there is no way to add the feature through an update.

Your device also needs to be set up with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Apple Pay uses these to verify that you're the person authorizing the payment, so a device without any of these security features cannot complete a transaction.

How to add a card to Apple Pay

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad (it's usually on your home screen). Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. You can either hold your card up to the camera and let your device scan it, or tap "Enter Card Details Manually" and type in the number, expiration date, and security code yourself.

After you enter the card information, your bank may send you a verification code by text message or email. Enter that code into the Wallet app to confirm the card. Some banks verify when ready without sending a code. Once verification is complete, the card appears in your Wallet and is ready to use.

If you're adding a card to an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, and tap the plus sign. You'll add the same card information, and your watch will receive it wirelessly from your phone.

How to pay with Apple Pay at a store

When you're ready to check out, tell the cashier you're paying with Apple Pay or look for the contactless payment symbol (a curved wave) on the card reader. On an iPhone, hold your phone near the reader. You don't need to open an app — just hold it there. Your phone may vibrate or chime when the payment goes through.

If your iPhone requires Face ID or Touch ID, you'll see a prompt on the screen. Look at the phone (for Face ID) or place your finger on the home button (for Touch ID) before holding it to the reader. If your iPhone has a passcode but no biometric security, you'll need to enter the passcode first.

On an Apple Watch, double-click the side button (the one below the digital crown), then hold your wrist near the reader. The watch will vibrate when the payment is complete. You don't need to unlock the watch first — the double-click is enough.

Using Apple Pay online and in apps

When you're shopping on a website or inside an app that supports Apple Pay, look for the Apple Pay button at checkout (it shows an Apple logo). Tap it, and your phone or watch will prompt you to verify the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The transaction completes without you typing in card numbers or addresses.

Some websites and apps let you save your billing and shipping address in Apple Pay so you don't have to enter them each time. You can manage these saved addresses in the Wallet app settings.

Sending money to other people through Apple Pay

You can send money to another iPhone user through the Messages app using Apple Pay. Open a conversation with the person, tap the Apple Pay button (or the plus sign, depending on your iOS version), enter the amount, and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. The money goes to their Apple Cash account, and they can transfer it to their bank account or use it to pay elsewhere.

This feature requires both people to have an Apple device and to be in the United States. The person receiving money must be at least 18 years old (or have a parent or guardian set up their account).

What to do if a payment doesn't go through

If your Apple Pay payment is declined, the most common reason is that your card information is outdated or your bank flagged the transaction as unusual. Check the Wallet app to make sure your card hasn't expired. If it has, delete it and add the new card.

If the card is current, contact your bank directly. They may have blocked the transaction for security reasons, or there may not be enough money in the account. Some banks also require you to confirm the first Apple Pay transaction before they'll allow future ones.

Make sure the store's card reader actually supports contactless payment. Older readers that only accept swiped or inserted cards won't work with Apple Pay. If you're unsure, ask the cashier or look for the contactless symbol on the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay if I don't have a credit card?

Yes. You can add a debit card to Apple Pay the same way you add a credit card. You can also use Apple Cash, which is a digital wallet that holds money you transfer from your bank account. Apple Cash works with Apple Pay at stores and online.

Is Apple Pay safe to use?

Apple Pay is generally considered safer than handing over a physical card because the store never sees your actual card number. Each transaction uses a temporary code that works only once. Your card information is encrypted on your device and protected by Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

What happens if my phone is stolen?

You can remove your cards from a stolen phone by signing into iCloud.com on another device and using Find My iPhone to erase it remotely. You can also contact your bank directly to cancel the cards. Apple Pay requires biometric verification or a passcode for each transaction, so a thief cannot use it without unlocking your phone first.

Do I need an internet connection to use Apple Pay?

No. Apple Pay works offline as long as your device has been unlocked within the last 24 hours. This means you can pay even if your phone is in airplane mode or has no cell service. However, the store's card reader must have internet to process the transaction.

Can I use Apple Pay internationally?

Yes, Apple Pay works in many countries outside the United States, but support varies by region and bank. Check with your bank to confirm they support Apple Pay in the country you're visiting. Some banks may charge foreign transaction fees for Apple Pay purchases just as they would for physical card use.