The basic steps to start using Apple Pay

To use Apple Pay, you need to add a card to your phone or watch, then hold your device near a payment reader at checkout. The process takes about five minutes the first time. Your phone or watch does the talking to the payment reader — you do not hand over your card or type a number.

You will need a compatible device (an iPhone 6 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 1 or newer), a valid debit or credit card, and an Apple ID. If you already use an iPhone or Apple Watch, you likely have all three.

Key Takeaways

  • You add your card through the Wallet app on your phone or the Watch app on your paired iPhone, and Apple stores an encrypted version, not your actual card number.
  • At checkout, you hold your phone or watch near the contactless reader, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your watch passcode, and the payment goes through in seconds.
  • Apple Pay works at most major retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations that have contactless readers, though some smaller businesses may not accept it yet.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, you can remove it from Apple Pay when ready through the Wallet app without waiting for a replacement card to arrive.
  • You can add multiple cards to Apple Pay and choose which one to use at each transaction.

Adding your first card to the Wallet app

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone (the icon looks like a wallet). Tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Choose "Credit or Debit Card" and select whether you want to add a new card or use one your bank already has on file.

If you are adding a new card, you can photograph the front of the card and let your phone read the numbers, or type them in by hand. You will also enter the expiration date and the three-digit security code on the back. Your bank may ask you to verify your identity — this usually happens through a text message or a call to a number on the back of your card.

Once your bank approves the card, it appears in your Wallet. You can add as many cards as you want, and you can set one as your default so it is the first one to appear when you pay.

Adding Apple Pay to your Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, you can add cards directly to the watch. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, and tap the plus sign. You can add the same cards you have on your phone, or different ones.

To pay with your watch, you do not need to unlock it first. Just double-click the side button (on most models) or the digital crown, hold the watch near the reader, and the payment goes through. This is faster than using your phone because you do not need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.

How to pay at a store or restaurant

When you are ready to check out, tell the cashier you are paying with Apple Pay or look for the contactless symbol (a curved wave) on the payment reader. Hold your phone or watch about an inch away from the reader.

On your phone, Face ID or Touch ID will set up automatically. Look at your phone or press your finger on the home button, depending on your model. On your watch, double-click the side button or digital crown. Within a second or two, you will see a checkmark or feel a vibration, which means the payment went through.

You do not need to sign anything or enter a PIN for most purchases under a certain amount (this limit varies by bank and by state). For larger purchases, the reader may ask for a signature or PIN, just as it would with a physical card.

What happens to your card information

When you add a card to Apple Pay, Apple does not store your actual card number. Instead, your phone creates an encrypted code that is unique to your device. Your bank and the payment network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) see this code, not your real card details.

This means that even if someone steals your phone, they cannot use Apple Pay without your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. The store where you pay never sees your name, card number, or address — only a code that works one time and cannot be reused.

Removing a card or managing your Wallet

If your card is lost, stolen, or you straightforward want to stop using it, open the Wallet app, press and hold the card, and tap "Remove." The card stops working in Apple Pay when ready. You do not have to wait for your bank to issue a new card or for the old one to expire.

You can also set a default card so it appears first when you pay, or change the order of your cards by pressing and holding a card and dragging it up or down. If you want to see your transaction history, tap the card and scroll through the list of recent payments.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the payment reader does not recognize your phone or watch, move it closer or try a different angle. Some older readers are not set up for contactless payments yet, so you may need to use your physical card instead. If the reader is broken, ask the cashier if there is another one you can use.

If you see an error message on your phone, it usually means your bank needs to verify the card again. Check your email or text messages for a message from your bank, or call the number on the back of your card. If you forgot your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's website before you can add new cards.

If Apple Pay is not working on your watch, make sure it is paired to your iPhone and that both devices are up to date. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, and check the software version. If an update is available, connect your watch to power and update it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay if my bank is not a big national bank?

Most banks and credit unions support Apple Pay, including many smaller regional ones. Open the Wallet app and try to add your card — if your bank is supported, the app will recognize it. If not, you can still add the card manually by typing in the number, though your bank may not be able to verify it automatically.

What if I do not have Face ID or Touch ID on my phone?

Older iPhones without Face ID or Touch ID cannot use Apple Pay. You need at least an iPhone 6s with Touch ID, or an iPhone X or newer with Face ID. If you have an Apple Watch, you can still pay with the watch even if your phone does not support Apple Pay.

Do I have to use the same card every time I pay?

No. You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use at each transaction. When you hold your phone or watch near the reader, your default card appears first, but you can swipe to a different card before you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.

Is Apple Pay safe if I lose my phone?

Yes. Without your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, no one can use Apple Pay on your phone. You can also remove cards from Apple Pay through iCloud.com even if you do not have your phone, and the cards stop working when ready.

Can I use Apple Pay online or just in stores?

You can use Apple Pay both in stores and online. In stores, you hold your phone or watch near the reader. Online, you look for the Apple Pay button at checkout on websites and apps, tap it, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. The process is the same — your card details stay private.