How to use Apple Pay for contactless payments on your iPhone

You're at the supermarket checkout, ready to pay for a week's worth of groceries. You reach for your wallet, but it's not there. Instead of holding up the line as you jog out to your car to get it, you can use Apple Pay® on your iPhone® to securely pay in store.

Apple Pay is a secure payment app for making contactless purchases. It transfers your pre-saved debit or credit card details to facilitate the buying process. Apple Pay works even if you don't have your cards with you.

If you haven't yet set up Apple Pay, you're missing out on a very useful feature. At Asurion, we love all things tech, and our experts are here to explain how to use Apple Pay with your iPhone. Use our tips to get started, or reach out for tech support if you need it.

Set up Apple Pay on your iPhone

Before using Apple Pay, you must add a credit or debit card to the Apple Wallet® app. Follow these steps to save your payment details in the app.

1. Open Apple Wallet.
2. Tap + button > Debit or Credit Card.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Position your card close to the iPhone to add it contactlessly. If you prefer to enter the card details yourself, tap Enter Card Details Manually. 
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to save the card information. 

Some banks may require you to complete an authentication process before you can use Apple Pay in store. The procedure can involve downloading another app or providing the bank with additional information. 

Set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch

You can also use Apple Pay to send money via your Apple Watch®. To use this option, make sure you've paired your Apple Watch with your iPhone.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
3. Tap Add Card > Debit or Credit Card.
4. Tap Continue.
5. Position your card close to the iPhone to add it. If you prefer to enter the card details yourself, tap Enter Card Details Manually. 
6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

You may need to complete a bank authentication process before you can begin using Apple Pay.

Make in-store purchases with Apple Pay

To pay at a participating store using your iPhone, follow these steps.

1. Open Apple Wallet.
2. Verify that the card you want to pay with is visible. If it's not the right one, tap the card image to view the alternative options. Tap the card you want to use.
3. Authenticate using Face ID®, Touch ID®, or your passcode.
4. Hold the top of the iPhone close to the contactless symbol on the card reader.
5. Wait for the iPhone to display a checkmark. It indicates a completed payment. 

Using Apple Watch for in-store purchases

To pay using your Apple Watch at participating retailers, take these steps.

1. Double-click the side button on your watch.
2. Verify that the card displayed is the one you want to use, or scroll down to select another card.
3. Hold the Apple Watch display next to the contactless symbol on the card reader. 
4. Listen for a beep. You may also feel a light tap from the device. 

Use Apple Pay for online or in-app purchases

Many e-commerce stores and online retailers accept Apple Pay. Check the store's website to view its payment options and confirm Apple Pay is on the list. Here's how to use Apple Pay on Amazon and other sites:

1. Select Apple Pay from the payment method options.
2. Apple Pay automatically pays using your default card. If you want to switch cards, open Apple Wallet and tap Other Cards & Pay Later Options. Tap your preferred card.
3. Complete any remaining steps on the seller's website, such as entering your shipping or billing address. Submit the payment.
4. Authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode on your iPhone, Mac®, or MacBook®.
5. Wait for a checkmark to appear on the iPhone screen display. 

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FAQ

Where is Apple Pay accepted for in-person and online purchases?

Most retailers, gas stations, grocery stores, and other sellers accept Apple Pay. Look for the Apple Pay logo or contactless payment symbol in the payment options. The contactless symbol resembles five right-facing curved arcs. 

Is Apple Pay secure and private to use?

Apple Pay's safety is top-notch. The company encrypts all card data and doesn't store any personalized transactional details. Payments made in-store use near-field communication (NFC) technology with special security codes to transfer your payment information. 

What should I do if Apple Pay isn't working at checkout?

To fix Apple Pay, confirm you completed all steps to add your card details. Remember to authenticate the card with your bank if required. Also, verify the vendor accepts Apple Pay. Sellers who don't accept contactless payments won't be able to process your transaction.