How to use Apple Pay

Apple Pay is the easiest way to start using it. The digital wallet service is free to use, but it is also built into your phone.

You can add a digital version of a card to the Wallet app with Apple Pay. You can use Apple Pay to buy things online, in apps, and in person without having to carry your credit cards, cash, or a separate wallet once you're set up. You can use Apple Pay to send money to friends and family. Apple Pay can be used to replace a transit pass in some cities.

When you first install a new device, Apple will walk you through setting up Apple Pay. If for some reason you didn't know what to do, here is everything you need to know to get started.

Setting up Apple Pay

The first thing to do when setting up a device is to make sure it is compatible. The only model with Touch ID or Face ID that is not included is the iPhone 5S. You can also use Apple Pay on Apple Watches since the Series 1. Apple Pay may be supported by Mac models with Touch ID. You can check if your device is eligible here.

You will need a supported credit or debit card and an Apple ID to use. If you aren't signed into your Apple ID, you may be asked to sign in during the setup process.

On an iPhone

You can add a card to your phone.

• Open the Wallet app.
• Tap the + button.
• Under Available Cards, select Debit or Credit Card.
• Tap Continue.
• From here, you can either snap a picture of your physical card or enter your card details manually.
• Verify your card details.
• Tap Agree on the Terms and Conditions.
• Select whether you want the added card to be your default card.
• If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll now be prompted to add your card to the device. You can also do this later.

It is much easier to add the same cards across your Apple devices once you have done this on the iPhone. We recommend adding your cards to the phone first.

On an Apple Watch

If you want to use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, you must have a password. You won't be able to use Apple Pay on the Watch if you don't have this requirement.

You can add a card to the Apple Watch.

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Hit the My Watch tab.
• Scroll down to Wallet & Apple Pay.
• From here, you can follow the same steps as above.
• If you’ve previously added any cards on your iPhone, you should see them listed under Other cards on your iPhone. Tap the Add button next to each card to add it to your Watch.
• Verify your card details and you’re done!

On an iPad or Mac

On the iPad and Mac, you can use Apple Pay to buy things online and in apps, as well as send money via the Messages app.

Apple Pay can be set up on an iPad or Mac.

• Go to Settings (iPad) or System Preferences (Mac).
• Select Wallet & Apple Pay.
• Select Add Card.
• From here, any Previous Cards will be listed under Available Cards.
• Select which cards you want to add.
• Tap Continue.
• Verify your card details and you’re done!

Using Apple Pay

You should take some time to get your settings set up. If you have more than one card in the wallet app, you should designate which one is your default card. If you want to send and receive money in the Messages app, you have to use the Apple Cash card.

If you have a device that supports Touch or Face ID, you can use Apple Pay, but you have to have a password on your watch. You can designate an Express Transit Card if you want to skip that.

To access these options, head on over to the settings section. Go to System Preferences on the Mac.

Most people will most likely use Apple Pay on their phone or watch. If you see the symbols where you want to use Apple Pay, you're good to go.

Pay using an iPhone or Apple Watch

Double-click the side button if you want to pay with an iPhone with Face ID. You will see the default card when the phone tries to use Face ID. You may be asked to enter your password if it can. The process is the same with Touch ID phones, but you have to put your finger on the Touch ID button.

You can double-click the side button on the Apple Watch to bring up your card. You can hover your phone or watch over the reader once that is done.

All you have to do is click on the Apple Pay button to make a purchase in an app or website. Touch ID or Face ID will be used to verify your identity, depending on the device. You should verify which card you want to use and your payment information after that.

Send money with Messages

To send money via the Messages app, you need to be in the US and have an Apple Cash card. You can do this on your phone by going to settings. You can link your bank account to fund the card once that is done. If you have a balance on the card, you can transfer it to your bank.

Once Apple Cash is set up, you just have to use the Apple Pay or Apple Cash icon on your phone. You will be prompted to enter an amount and can then request or send payment.

That's all there is to it. Happy shopping.

Victoria Song is a photographer.