Apple’s contactless payment system makes everyday purchases using your iPhone or Apple Watch a breeze. Below, we’ll show you how to set up and use Apple Pay on supported devices so that you can use it for in-store and online purchases.

What Is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is essentially a digital wallet and contactless payment service. That means instead of having to carry a collection of credit cards, your payment information exists securely on your Apple device. And thanks to near-field communication (NFC), you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to send payments to a cashier’s terminal.

There are plenty of reasons to use Apple Pay, including the fact that you can use the efficient payment system in stores and online.

How to Set Up Apple Pay

Before adding your card information to Apple Pay, check if your bank or card issuer supports the contactless payment feature. You can see if your card is compatible by reviewing the complete list on Apple’s website. The number of supported card issuers varies widely depending on your country.

Setting Up Apple Pay on an iPhone

Once you’ve confirmed that your card is supported, you can add the card to Apple Pay. An easy way to do this is by using the Wallet app on your iPhone. Make sure you’ve signed in with an Apple ID. Then follow these steps:

1. Tap the plus (+) icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Choose the type of card to add to Apple Pay. Besides credit and debit cards, you can also add some transit cards.
3. Place the card on a flat surface and use your iPhone’s camera to scan and import the information. Alternatively, you can add the card details manually.
4. Once your card issuer verifies the card information, it will be added to the Wallet app.

Alternatively, you can add a card to Apple Pay from Settings. This will work on an iPad in addition to an iPhone. Just open the Settings app and scroll down to Wallet & Apple Pay. Lastly, select Add Card and go through the proper steps.

Even after adding this card information to your iPhone, you’ll have to enter it again for use with an Apple Watch for additional security. To do that, launch the companion Watch app and locate Wallet & Apple Pay in the My Watch tab. Then select Add Card.

Setting Up Apple Pay on a Mac

Since macOS doesn’t have a Wallet app, you need to head to System Settings to set up Apple Pay on your Mac. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu in the menu bar and go to System Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.
2. Select Add Card. Your device might show a card that has already been. If you want to use it, click Next. Otherwise, select Add a Different Card. Your Mac will ask you to verify your identity with Touch ID or a password.
3. On the next dialogue, select Add Card and take a picture of the card with your Mac’s webcam. Alternatively, select Enter Card Details Manually and click Next.

And with that, you’re all set up with a credit or debit card to use on your Mac for online payment through Apple Pay.

How to Use Apple Pay in Stores

With your payment card information added to the Wallet app, it’s time to start using Apple Pay. To use Apple Pay at a physical store, you need an iPhone or Apple Watch because they have NFC support. Be prepared for the Wallet app to ask you to authenticate yourself with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Here are the steps once you’re at a payment terminal:

1. On iPhones with Face ID, you can access Wallet by double-pressing the Side button, even if the handset is locked. If you have an iPhone with Touch ID, double-press the Home button instead.
2. You’ll see the default payment card, or you can select what card you’d like to use.
3. Use Face ID or Touch ID or enter the phone passcode to authenticate the payment.
4. Hold your iPhone near the payment terminal until you see Done and a checkmark on your iPhone’s screen.

If you want to pay with your Apple Watch, double-press the Side button and select the card you want to use. Then, place the Apple Watch display near the reader until you feel a gentle tap. The watch’s connection with your phone serves as its authentication. After a confirmation, encrypted data is sent between the device and the payment terminal to complete the transaction.

How to Use Apple Pay for Online Payments

You can use Apple Pay to shop online on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. When making purchases on an app or website compatible with Apple Pay, you don’t need to create an account or enter your payment details from scratch. Simply choose the Apple Pay logo at checkout and select your default or alternative card. How you confirm your payment will depend on your device.

When using an iPhone or iPad, here is how to confirm an Apple Pay order:

• On devices with Face ID, double-press the Side button and use Face ID or your passcode when prompted.
• On devices without Face ID, use Touch ID or enter the device’s passcode.

Here’s how to complete a payment on a Mac:

• On a Mac with Touch ID, just place your finger on the Touch ID sensor to confirm a purchase. You can also use the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to use Apple Pay.
• If your Mac doesn’t have Touch ID, you may still be able to approve Apple Pay purchases through your iPhone. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Allow Payments on Mac. This will let you use Touch ID on your iPhone to confirm payments on your Mac.

Finding Sellers That Accept Apple Pay

An easy way to find a store that accepts Apple Pay is to use Apple Maps. After selecting a store name, you’ll see its relevant information like hours and address. Scroll down to the Good to Know section. If Apple Pay is accepted, you’ll see the Apple Pay logo. You can also typically find the Apple Pay logo posted near the entrance to a store when you are out and about.

Hopefully, you’re now ready to take on the world with Apple’s contactless payment system. But if the feature ever gives you trouble, feel free to refer to our guide on fixing common Apple Pay problems.