Why is My Apple Pay Not Working?: 10 Ways to Fix

The most widely used mobile payment service in the United States is Apple Pay, with 43.9 million people having used it at least once. However, despite its numerous advantages, this instrument is not without flaws. Users sometimes encounter bugs and other issues.

If you frequently experience problems and wonder, “Why is my Apple Pay not working?” this article will provide the clarity you need.

Why is Apple Pay Not Working?

The most common issue with paying with an iPhone is choosing a card that is incompatible with the system and does not support Apple Pay. So, first of all, make sure your card supports Apple Pay.

However, some other issues can also cause malfunctions:

1. There’s not enough memory on the device. You need at least 8 megabytes of free space to make payments;
2. The card has expired. This can be the case if you used to pay bills easily and everything worked;
3. A phone case blocks the signal. Some cases are too big for an iPhone. In this situation, just remove it, and the service will work again;
4. A terminal (POS) doesn’t support Apple Pay. Ask a store assistant about it.

10 Ways To Fix When Apple Pay Not Working Online

1. Check Your Device Compatibility

Apple Pay works only on Apple devices, including iPhones, Apple watches, iPads, and MacBooks. A gadget must also support Touch ID or Face ID. You'll need a device with at least iOS 11. Some of the oldest devices that support Apple Pay are the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 3.

2. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Is Apple Pay not working on iPhone? One reason can be an outdated iOS version or a bug. In this case, you just need to install the latest updates. To do this, you need to go to Settings, click General, and choose Software Update. After you pick Download and Install, your mobile device will restart when the update is completed.

3. Verify Your Card Information

You can pay only with a valid card via Apple Pay, so check your financial data. This includes your card number, CVV code, and the expiration date. Open the Wallet app, tap the card, and click on three dots to view the information. By the way, if your card has expired, you need to use a different one or wait for a new card from your bank.

4. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, your gadget just requires a reboot to get all systems working again. Once restarted, you can allow the update or just do a general reload. This will likely work if your device has been turned on for a long time. So, when once again you ask, “Why isn’t my Apple Pay working?” try this easy fix.

5. Contact Your Bank

Maybe your card is not enabled to be used with Apple Pay. To know for sure, check the details in the banking app or just call the bank or card issuer’s customer service. Usually, their contact information is available on their official website or your banking app.

6. Reset Your Network Settings

Sometimes, resetting network settings can fix a not working Apple Wallet. Unlike restoring a phone to factory settings, it won’t delete your data. It will only remove recently used networks as well as cellular and VPN settings.

• Open Settings;
• Pick General;
• Tap Reset;
• Choose Reset Network Settings.

7. Remove and Re-add Your Card.

If you just got a new credit or debit card, it may cause an issue in Apple Pay because the changed data is not immediately refreshed. Then, you should delete and re-add the card from the Wallet app. 

When the app is open, tap on the card, then click on the three-dot symbol in the upper-right corner and choose Card Details. After scrolling to the bottom, pick Remove Card. This action needs to be confirmed. Finally, go back to the main Apple Wallet page, click +, select the card’s type, and follow the on-screen steps to re-add your card to Apple Wallet.

8. Check for Regional Restrictions

In some countries, Apple Pay is not available. You can use Apple Pay in the USA, Canada, and most European countries. In Africa, the service is available in Morocco and RSA. So, check this before you travel abroad. Besides, you could also accidentally switch locations in your phone settings. This can be easily fixed by opening General settings, tapping Language & Region, and choosing the correct country.

9. Replace the card you’re using

Make sure your default wallet card for Apple Pay has enough funds and hasn’t expired. You can store information for multiple debit or credit cards, so make sure you use the correct one when you purchase something with Apple Pay.

To remove a card from Apple Wallet, open the app, tap the needed card, select Card Details, and confirm. Then, return to the main Apple Wallet screen and follow the on-screen instructions.

10. Visit an Apple Store

If you have tried everything but have had no success, you need professional help. Visit the nearest Apple store for a personal consultation or call Apple support. To avoid wasting time standing in line, book an appointment at an Apple Genius Bar for tech assistance.

Conclusion

In the end, Apple Pay is a seamless and convenient way of payment. To troubleshoot malfunctions, try some of the tips mentioned above. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll see a green circle, which is a sign of a successful transaction status.