The Requirements

Before we get started, it’s essential to check the official requirements. Here’s what you need to use Apple Pay. 

You need to be in a region (country) where Apple Pay is supported. For more information, go to this Apple support page, where you’ll see the list of countries and territories where Apple Pay is available.  You also need to be a customer of a bank that supports Apple Pay. Once again, turn to Apple’s official website for the list of participating banks.Make sure your device has the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, or macOS.And lastly, you need an Apple ID that’s signed in to iCloud. 

Note: we highly recommend activating Apple Pay on your iPhone first. This makes the process of setting up Apple Pay on other devices much more straightforward, as your information is synced via iCloud.

How to Set Up Apple Pay on an iPhone

Finally, it’s time to start adding your payment cards to Apple Pay on your iPhone.

  1. Open the Wallet app, and you should see a card saying: “Get Started With Apple Pay.” Start by tapping on the “Add” button or tap on “+” in the top-right corner. Then, tap on “Continue” once you see the introduction screen.
  2. The Wallet app will ask you to position your payment card in front of your iPhone’s camera viewfinder (just like when taking a photo). If that method doesn’t work, you can always add your payment card manually by tapping the bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap Next once you double-check your payment information. At this point, you may also be asked for your card’s security code. 
  4. Your bank or card issuer will now verify the information required to activate Apple Pay. This happens automatically, so sit back and wait.
  5. Tap on “Next” once you see the confirmation screen. Your payment card is now in the Wallet app, and you’re ready to start using Apple Pay.

How to Set Up Apple Pay on an iPad

iPad doesn’t have a dedicated Wallet app. However, you can still set up and use Apple Pay on your iPad.

  1. Navigate to “Settings -> Wallet & Apple Pay.” Tap on “Add Card” and then tap on “Continue” once you see the introduction screen.
  2. Follow the prompts on the screen. If there’s a payment card already associated with your Apple ID, you can decide to connect that card automatically. You will only need to enter your card’s security code to confirm your decision. Then, tap “Next.”
  3. Before you can use Apple Pay, your bank or card issuer will check your payment information. This process may take a couple of minutes, and it’s automatic for the most part. Once done, you will see a confirmation message.
  4. Lastly, make sure to go to “Settings -> Wallet & Apple Pay” and check whether your payment card is active. You can now use Apple Pay on your iPad.

How to Set Up Apple Pay on an Apple Watch

No matter which Apple Watch generation you own, you’ll need to use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to activate Apple Pay.

  1. Launch the (Apple) Watch app on your iPhone. Then, select the “My Watch” tab.
  2. Scroll down and select “Wallet & Apple Pay.”
  3. To begin, you need to tap on “Add Card.” This will check whether you have any payment cards in your iCloud account. If you do, you’ll be asked to confirm that payment card by providing a security code.
  4. The app will now contact your bank or card issuer to verify your payment information. This is an automatic process and can take a couple of minutes. There’s nothing you need to do, but still, pay attention to whether any additional confirmation is required.
  5. Once you see a confirmation that Apple Pay is active, you should see your payment card in the “Payment Cards on Your Watch” group of settings. That’s it!

How to Set Up Apple Pay on a Mac

And lastly, let’s not forget that Apple Pay is present on macOS. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a Mac with Touch ID to add a card to Apple Pay. If you don’t have one, macOS can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to verify your payments.

  1. If you don’t have a Mac with Touch ID, first go to “Settings -> Wallet & Apple Pay” on your iPhone. Then, enable the “Allow Payments on Mac” option.
  2. On your Mac (with Touch ID), navigate to “System Preferences -> Wallet & Apple Pay.” Click on “Add Card,” and macOS will check for any available payment cards in your iCloud account. Once it finds one, enter its security code and confirm your decision. Click on “Next” to proceed. 
  3. At this moment, your bank or card issuer will need to verify your payment information and activate Apple Pay on its end. This process takes a few minutes, and you’ll see a confirmation once done. 
  4. To finalize this procedure, click on “Next,” and you should see your payment card in the “Wallet & Apple Pay” section of System Preferences. Now that you know how to set up Apple Pay on all your devices, the next thing to do is to find the places that accept Apple Pay. And in case of any issues, you’ll want to check our guide to resolving problems with Apple Pay. Lastly, feel free to explore other payment options that Apple offers – such as Apple’s credit card.