Apple Pay can make it more convenient to buy things while protecting your credit card information. Launched in 2014, the payment service supports contactless payment in physical retail stores, online apps and websites, as well as person-to-person payments with Apple Cash. Here's step-by-step how to use Apple Pay.
How to use Apple Pay on an iPhone or Apple Watch
Before using Apple Pay, you will need to add at least one credit or debit card to Apple Wallet. You can visit Engadget's guide to setting up Apple Pay for detailed instructions.
The first thing to know about using Apple Pay in physical retail stores is that only certain providers support it. For example, Walmart has long I was a resistance fighterchoosing instead to push its (based on the QR code) Walmart Pay. Home Depot doesn't support it either, although competitor Lowe's finally started accepting Apple Pay (in stores and its app) in late 2023.
If you're not sure if a store supports it, you can look for a Tap-to-Pay logo (radiant waves with a hand tapping a card on it) or the Apple Pay icon. You can also ask Siri to show you nearby locations that accept the service.
Once you are on an Apple Pay compatible terminal, follow these steps on your iPhone:
Double-click the side button on the right side of your iPhone.
Look at your iPhone to authenticate with Face ID (or place your finger on the Touch ID sensor if it's an older model).
Press the top of your phone onto the card reader, usually near where you see a Tap-to-pay logo. You will see a checkmark and hear a ding when the payment is successfully read.
Follow these instructions if you pay with an Apple Watch:
Double-click the side button (bottom right) on your watch.
Tap the Apple Watch on the payment terminal next to its Tap-to-Pay logo. You will hear a ding and see a checkmark when the transaction is complete.
If that doesn't work, make sure the location accepts Apple Pay and its systems are working. If so, ask someone who works there where the best place to use their payment terminal is.
If you want to use Apple Pay with a non-default card, tap the card on the screen after double-clicking the side button on the device (but before paying). You can browse your added cards and choose the one you want before tapping to confirm.
How to shop online with Apple Pay
Many third-party websites and apps accept Apple Pay. This not only saves you from having to enter your credit card information, but it also adds extra security. Apple Pay uses a unique, encrypted “virtual token” instead of your actual credit card information. So, if hackers penetrated the provider's systems, they would only see the encrypted token linked to your Apple Pay, which they would not be able to use for additional transactions.
You can use Apple Pay for online transactions (web and in-app) on iPhone, iPad, Mac and VisionPro:
When paying, look for Apple Pay on a website or app. Choose it as your payment option during checkout.
When it asks for verification, use Face ID (newer iPhones and iPads), Touch ID (Macs and older iPhones and iPads), or Optic ID (Vision Pro) to approve the secure transaction. You will hear a ding and see an approval animation when he accepts it.
Note that if you are using a MacBook (with its lid closed) connected to an external monitor, you can use Apple's Magic Keyboard with Touch ID rather than opening the laptop's lid to access its sensor.
How to use Apple Pay to send money
Apple Cash allows you to send, receive and request money through the Messages app. It is designed as an alternative to services like Venmo And Cash Appallowing you to exchange funds with people you know and trust.
First, make sure you have Apple Cash set up. On iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap the Apple Cash card. If prompted, tap “Set Up Apple Cash.” On iPad, Apple Watch or Vision Pro, you will rather go to Settings > Wallet and Apple Paythen choose the Apple Cash card and follow the instructions to set it up.
Once you've activated Apple Cash, here's how to send money:
Open the Messages app and select the message thread of the person you want to send money to.
Tap the plus button to the left of the text entry box.
Select Apple Cash from the fan menu on the left.
Enter the amount you want to send.
Tap Send.
The Apple Cash symbol will appear in a written message. Tap the up arrow when you're ready to send.
Follow the security prompt to complete the transaction. This will mean Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode on iPhone or iPad. On the Apple Watch, you'll press the side button twice. On Vision Pro it will use Optic ID.
How to use Apple Pay on Amazon
Unfortunately, you currently cannot use Apple Pay on Amazon's website or mobile app. The closest you'll get is from vendors using Amazon Payment Services in their storefronts outside of Amazon. The online retailer offers these sellers the option to accept Apple Pay.
If you encounter a third-party site or app that uses Amazon Payment Services, the steps are the same as the “How to use Apple Pay online” steps above. Add the desired items to your cart, choose Apple Pay as your payment option, and complete the security steps to verify and complete the transaction.