How to Use Apple Pay on iPhone: A Complete Guide

Apple Pay is a convenient way to buy things with payment methods stored on compatible devices. It makes transactions easy, eliminating the need to carry physical cards. Then, there’s no risk of losing them. Ready to learn how to use Apple Pay on your iPhone?

Setting Up and Apple Pay

If you don’t have an Apple ID, set one up before going further. Then, sign into it on your device before proceeding. Begin by downloading and launching the Wallet app. Then press the Add button, which looks like a + symbol. Next, tap the Credit or Debit Card button. Although this explainer focuses on using Apple Pay to buy things, notice the other buttons that allow adding transit passes or state-issued IDs. 

Scan your card by moving your Apple device so it appears in the on-screen rectangle. Since some providers require additional verifications, more steps may appear on the screen. Once you successfully add a card, a check appears on the screen, and you’ll hear a chime.

Managing Apple Pay

Apple Wallet section also contains a section for previous cards. It has payment methods used on other devices or ones you used to store in the Wallet app. Need to delete something from there? Tap the Edit option, then choose the Delete icon, which looks like a minus sign inside a red circle. 

Adding more than one card to use with Apple Pay allows you to choose a default payment option. You can do it on an iPhone by long-pressing the desired card and then using your finger to move it to the top of all other listed methods. 

Need to delete a card? No problem. Launch the Wallet app, then find which one to remove. Tap the More button, which looks like three horizontal dots. Next, choose the Card details icon, which looks like an information symbol. Scroll down until you see the option to remove the card. 

Many people understandably wonder how to use Apple Pay after their bank or other financial institution issues them new cards. Some providers support automatic updates, so the up-to-date details will appear in the app without you needing to make manual changes. However, if you notice the old information remains after you receive the new card, that means the issuer does not support automatic updates. In that case, you must remove the card and add it again.

Using Apple Pay

Apple products exist within a seamless ecosystem built for user-friendliness. One way example of how that affects Apple Pay relates to how you can apply for the Apple Card via the Apple Wallet. One advantage of applying and getting approved for that payment method is that it works with the Face ID and Touch ID security methods. Apple Card holders can also buy products from the App Store, in the brand’s stores or at its website and pay for them in installments.

However, you don’t need that payment method to use Apple Pay’s features. 

How to Use Apple Pay at Participating Physical Stores 

You can use Apple Pay at any physical store or service provider bearing the logo. The steps differ depending on if you use Touch ID or Face ID as the authentication method. In the former case, click your phone’s home button twice. Otherwise, double-click its side button. 

Those actions open Apple Wallet, and you’ll see your default card on the screen. If you’d rather pay using a different method, touch the default card’s image to see other cards. You’ll need to go through the authentication process again with an alternative payment method. 

Once you see your chosen card on the Apple Wallet screen, hold your phone near the merchant’s contactless card reader. When the transaction completes, a checkmark and the word “Done” will appear on the phone screen.

How to Use Apple Pay While Shopping Online

Many online stores have Apple Pay buttons built into the checkout process. Click one, or choose Apple Pay as your desired payment option. Use the on-screen arrow keys to scroll through your Wallet’s cards and select which one to use. Next, enter your shipping and billing details.  Finally, authenticate yourself using the same buttons as in the above method. Alternatively, you can enter your Apple ID password. Wait to see the checkmark and “Done” message. They indicate the transaction has finished. 

Checking Your Apple Pay Transactions

Depending on your card issuer’s policies, you can see a record of all transactions made with Apple Pay, or only those associated with your current device. Start by launching the Apple Wallet app, then tap a desired card. Doing that pulls up a list of your latest transactions. You can also tap an entry to get more details or report issues. 

Staying Safe With Apple Pay

Apple Pay’s built-in protections make it difficult for unauthorized users to make purchases. However, if you lose your phone or someone steals it, act quickly by going to iCloud.com/find. It allows you to mark the device as missing. That action automatically suspends all cards linked to Apple Pay. 

Once you select Mark As Lost, Apple also allows you to enter a message and contact details for strangers to see. However, your phone has password protection enabled by that point. You can either lock it with the existing password or set up a new one. Once you tap Activate in iCloud, the lost iPhone has the password enabled, and people will see the on-screen message. 

Some iPhones have available Stolen Device Protection features. They use location-awareness settings to recognize when your phone is away from familiar places, such as where you live or work. When activated, these optional safeguards require going through additional measures if your phone is in an unusual location. 

Despite these safeguards, some scammers have learned how to use Apple Pay to target unsuspecting victims. Law enforcement officials have warned of a tactic where people receive messages demanding they pay fines for recent traffic accidents. The content requires using Apple Pay or other electronic payment platforms. However, law enforcement officials never rely on those mechanisms when asking residents to pay fines. 

This approach is like countless other scams before it because it demands people take urgent action to avoid undesired consequences. However, one of the most practical ways to use Apple Pay safely is to think before using it for unexpected transactions. 

Apple Pay Makes Life Simpler

You now know how to set up and use Apple Pay. Try applying these tips today and getting acquainted with a seamless, easy way to buy the things you need and want.