How to Use Apple Pay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Apple Pay allows you to make purchases in stores, apps, and on the web using your Apple devices like iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. It’s a mobile payment system that is secure, fast, and convenient. This detailed guide will walk you through setting up Apple Pay and using it for all your transactions.
Setting Up Apple Pay
To start using Apple Pay, you first need to set it up on your compatible Apple device:
On Your iPhone or iPad
- Open the Wallet app.
- Tap the “+” icon in the top-right.
- Choose “Add Credit or Debit Card”.
- Use your device camera to scan your card or enter details manually.
- Follow prompts to enter security code and agree to terms.
- Your card is now activated for Apple Pay.
On Your Apple Watch
- Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone.
- Go to Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap “Add Credit or Debit Card”.
- Follow the steps to add your card to Apple Pay.
On Your Mac
- Click the Apple logo in the top left and choose “System Preferences”.
- Select Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Click the “+” under the Credit Cards panel.
- Enter your card details and follow the verification steps.
You can add multiple credit, debit, gift and store cards to Apple Pay for easy access. Your actual card details are never shared, only a unique digital token.
Using Apple Pay In Stores
Using Apple Pay at retail stores and other brick-and-mortar locations is simple. Just follow these steps:
- When you’re ready to pay, double-click the side button on iPhone X or later models (single click on earlier iPhones).
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode if prompted.
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless payment terminal until it beeps.
- The transaction is completed using your default card.
On Apple Watch, double-click the side button and hold the display up to the payment terminal. Authenticate with passcode or double-click when your face is detected.
Apple Pay works on contactless payment systems like Visa payWave, Mastercard Contactless, American Express Expresspay, Discover ZIP, and Japanโs QUICPay. Look for the universal contactless symbol at checkout.
Using Apple Pay Within Apps and Websites
Many apps and websites support Apple Pay for in-app purchases and online orders:
- Apps: Select Apple Pay at checkout in supported apps like Uber, Instacart, Airbnb, etc. Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID.
- Websites: Click “Pay with Apple Pay” and authenticate with face/touch ID to pay on sites like Etsy, StubHub, Groupon, etc.
- Safari: Apple Pay works automatically on supported websites. Click “Pay with Apple Pay” if the option doesn’t appear.
On Mac, double-click the side button on your Apple Watch or iPhone paired to the Mac to authenticate and complete web Apple Pay transactions.
Apple Pay Settings and Security
In the Wallet app, you can manage your cards, adjust settings, view recent transactions, and more. Key settings include:
- Default Card – Choose your primary payment card.
- Express Transit Card – Select a default for faster transit payments.
- Transactions – View your recent Apple Pay purchases.
- Payment Preferences – Toggle location-based settings.
Apple Pay uses end-to-end encryption and unique one-time codes to keep your card details secure. All your transactions are also verified with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. Only the payment terminal will receive basic encrypted data like device ID and transaction amount.
Tips for Using Apple Pay
- Arrange cards in Wallet for easy access to your most-used cards.
- Add loyalty/rewards cards to Wallet to collect points and perks at checkout.
- Use Apple Cash to send funds to friends and family via iMessage.
- Double-click the side button to quickly bring your default card.
- Enable Express Transit to pay faster on public transportation.
- Manage all your Apple Pay cards and settings from your Apple Watch.
Following this guide, you can now easily set up Apple Pay across your Apple devices. Simply add your cards, authenticate with Face/Touch ID when prompted, and breeze through quick, secure contactless payments in stores, apps, and on websites that accept Apple Pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Pay:
Q: Can I use Apple Pay without an internet connection?
A: Yes, you can make in-store payments using Apple Pay without an internet connection.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay internationally?
A: Yes, Apple Pay is accepted in numerous countries worldwide, provided your card issuer supports international transactions.
Q: Can I add multiple cards to Apple Pay?
A: Yes, you can add multiple credit, debit, or prepaid cards to Apple Pay and choose which one to use for each transaction.
Q: Is Apple Pay safe to use?
A: Yes, Apple Pay prioritizes security and privacy, utilizing encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication to protect your information.
Q: What happens if I lose my device with Apple Pay?
A: Your card information remains secure, as it is stored within the Secure Element on your device. You can also remotely disable Apple Pay through Find My iPhone.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay with my Apple ID balance?
A: No, Apple Pay does not currently support using your Apple ID balance for transactions. You’ll need to link a valid credit, debit, or prepaid card.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay on my Mac for online purchases?
A: Yes, if your Mac has Touch ID or is paired with an Apple Pay-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch, you can use Apple Pay for online transactions in Safari.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay for public transportation?
A: In some cities, Apple Pay can be used for contactless payments on public transportation systems. Check with your local transportation authority for availability.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay to withdraw cash from ATMs?
A: No, Apple Pay cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. It is primarily designed for making purchases at merchants that support contactless payments.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay to send money to friends or family?
A: While Apple Pay Cash allows you to send and receive money through Messages, it is currently available only in the United States.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay for recurring subscriptions or memberships?
A: Yes, many apps and services support Apple Pay for recurring payments, making it convenient for managing subscriptions or memberships.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay in apps that are not developed by Apple?
A: Yes, many third-party apps integrate Apple Pay as a payment option, allowing you to make purchases securely within those apps.
Q: Can I add loyalty cards or rewards cards to Apple Pay?
A: Yes, Apple Pay supports the addition of loyalty and rewards cards from participating merchants. Simply add them to the Wallet app.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay with older iPhone models?
A: Apple Pay is supported on iPhone 6 or later models, as long as they have the necessary hardware, including NFC capabilities.
Q: Can I view my transaction history with Apple Pay?
A: Yes, you can view your transaction history in the Wallet app, providing a record of your Apple Pay transactions.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay with contactless terminals outside of my country?
A: Yes, Apple Pay can be used with contactless terminals internationally, provided your card issuer supports international transactions.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay for online purchases on my iPad?
A: Yes, Apple Pay can be used for online purchases on supported websites and in Safari on your iPad.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay without adding my actual card details?
A: Yes, Apple Pay assigns a unique Device Account Number (DAN) to your card, eliminating the need to share your actual card number during transactions.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay for peer-to-peer payments like Venmo or PayPal?
A: While Apple Pay does not directly support peer-to-peer payments, you can use Apple Pay Cash to send and receive money with individuals.
Q: Can I disable Apple Pay if my device is lost or stolen?
A: Yes, you can remotely disable Apple Pay on your device through the Find My app or by logging into your Apple ID account online.