How to use Apple Pay

Apple Pay It can make buying things more convenient while protecting your credit card information. It was launched in 2014, the payment service supports tap-to-pay in physical retail stores, online apps and websites, and person-to-person payments with Apple Cash. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Apple Pay.

How to use Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch

Before you can use Apple Pay, you must 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 merchants support it. For example, Walmart has been around for a long time has been a stopping placeopt for its (QR-code based) push instead Pay Walmart. Home Depot doesn’t support it either, even though rival Lowe’s finally started accepting Apple Pay (in stores and on its app) in late 2023.

If you’re not sure if the store supports it, you can look for the tap-to-pay logo (hand tapping on the card emits waves) or the Apple Pay icon. You can also ask Siri to show you nearby places that accept the service.

Once you’re at an Apple Pay-compatible terminal, do the following on your iPhone:

1. Double-click the side button on the right side of your iPhone.

2. Look at your iPhone to authenticate with Face ID (or place your finger on the Touch ID sensor if it’s an older model).

3. Tap the top of your phone on the card reader, usually near where you see the tap to pay logo. After the payment has been successfully read, you will see a check mark and hear a sound.

If you’re paying with Apple Watch, follow these instructions:

1. Double-click the side (lower right) button of your watch.

2. Tap your Apple Watch on the payment terminal next to its tap-to-pay logo. You’ll hear a ding and see an icon when the transaction goes through.

If that doesn’t work, make sure the location accepts Apple Pay and that their systems are working. If so, ask someone working there about the best place to touch the payment terminal.

If you want to use Apple Pay with a card other than your default card, tap the display card after double-clicking the device’s side button (but before paying). You can swipe through the cards you’ve added and select the one you want before tapping to confirm.

How to shop online with Apple Pay

Many websites and third-party apps accept Apple Pay. This not only prevents you from entering your credit card information, but also provides additional security. Apple Pay uses an encrypted one-time “virtual token” instead of your actual credit card information. That way, if hackers ever break into a merchant’s systems, they’ll only see an encrypted token tied to Apple Pay that they can’t use for further transactions.

You can use Apple Pay for online (web and in-app) transactions on iPhone, iPad, Mac and other devices Vision Pro:

1. When checking out, look for Apple Pay on the website or app. Select this as your payment option at checkout.

2. Use Face ID (newer iPhones and iPads), Touch ID (Mac and older iPhones and iPads), or Optic ID (Vision Pro) to confirm a secure transaction when you’re prompted for verification. You’ll hear a ding and see a confirmation animation when you accept it.

Note that if you’re using a MacBook connected to an external monitor (lid closed), you can use it. Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Touch ID instead of opening the laptop lid to access the sensor.

How to use Apple Pay to send money

Apple Cash Allows you to send, receive and request money through the Messages app. as an alternative to such services Venmo and Cash programallows you to exchange money with people you know and trust.

Make sure you have Apple Cash installed first. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the Apple Cash card. Tap “Set up Apple Cash” if prompted. On your iPad, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro, you’ll visit instead Parameters > Wallet and Apple Paythen select the Apple Cash card and follow the instructions to set it up.

Here are the ways to send money after activating Apple Cash:

1. Open the Messages app and select the conversation thread for the person you want to send money to.

2. Tap the plus button to the left of the text input box.

3. Select Apple Cash from the fan menu on the left.

4. Enter the amount you want to send.

5. Click send.

6. An Apple Cash icon will appear in the generated message. When you’re ready to send, tap the up arrow.

7. Follow the security prompt to complete the transaction. This means Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode on your iPhone or iPad. On your Apple Watch, you’ll double-tap the side button. In Vision Pro it will use Optic ID.

How to use Apple Pay on Amazon

Unfortunately, you can’t currently use Apple Pay on the Amazon website or mobile app. The ones closest to you are sellers outside of Amazon who use Amazon Pay Services on their storefronts. The online retailer allows those merchants to accept Apple Pay.

If you come across a third-party site or app that uses Amazon Pay Services, the steps are the same as the “How to use Apple Pay online” steps above. Add the desired items to your cart, select Apple Pay as your payment option, and follow the security steps to verify and complete the transaction.