There are several reasons why Apple Pay might not be working on your iPhone, including a lack of cell or WiFi service or outdated iOS. You should always start with easy fixes before attempting anything drastic to fix this issue.
This post will explore several potential fixes for Apple Pay not working on an iPhone. I’ll walk you through all the steps of each fix to help you get the payment app working as quickly as possible. I’ll also provide some other important and related information.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are several different reasons why Apple Pay might not be working on an iPhone, leading to several possible fixes.
- This problem can potentially be fixed easily by restarting your iPhone, updating iOS, or getting better cellular or WiFI service.
- More complicated problems, such as an issue with your payment card, might require you to contact your bank or Apple directly.
How to Fix Apple Pay Not Working on iPhone
Here are a few potential fixes to try when Apple Pay is not working on your iPhone. Start with the simplest fixes and work your way up from there to help save you time on the problem.
Fix #1 – Check for Cell or WiFi Service
If you don’t have cellular or WiFi service, you won’t be able to use Apple Pay. This applies when you are trying to use the app at a store or when trying to send money via Apple Cash. It can also happen if you have very limited service.
You won’t be able to use Apple Pay until you get service, so you might have to physically move to a location with better cellular service or connect to a nearby WiFi network to complete a transaction.
Fix #2 – Check Apple’s System Status
If you have cellular or WiFi service and Apple Pay is still not working, you can check Apple’s System Status to ensure the service is up. This will give you a quick look to see if Apple Pay is actually functional at all currently.
If the system is down, there isn’t anything you can do but wait until it’s back up again. But when you know that, it will prevent you from trying a bunch of other fixes that won’t work either while the system is down.
Fix #3- Check the Location Accepts Apple Pay
If you are trying to use Apple Pay at a location that doesn’t accept Apple Pay, it’s not going to work. You can look into this before entering the store and getting to the register. You can also ask someone at the location if it’s accepted before attempting and getting denied.
There isn’t a way to use Apple Pay at a location that doesn’t accept it. But at least you know it’s an issue with the location, not your iPhone.
Fix #4 – Restart your iPhone
Sometimes you won’t be able to use Apple Pay on your iPhone because of a random bug or glitch. This can happen occasionally and not be caused by anything in particular. A restart of the phone will typically iron this problem out.
You just need to turn your iPhone off and back on again to restart it. Once it’s back up and running, attempt to use Apple Pay again to see if this problem is fixed. A hard restart can be more effective than simply turning it off and on again.
Fix #5 – Update iOS
If you are running an older version of iOS than what is currently available, you can run into many different issues, such as Apple Pay not working. Updating the software on your iPhone is the only way to fix this problem.
Updating iOS is easy, and you can start the process with a few taps. Remember that the entire update can take a while to download and install. You also might need to have your phone plugged in and connected to WiFi.
Follow these steps to update iOS on your iPhone:
- 1. Tap the Settings app
- 2. Tap General
- 3. Tap Software Update
- 4. Tap Install Now if there is an update available.
Fix #6 – Close Wallet App and Reopen
Like restarting your iPhone, you might also need to close out of the Wallet app and reopen it to get Apple Pay to work. This problem can be caused by random glitches and is easy to deal with.
To close out of the Wallet app, swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to display all currently running apps. Locate the Wallet app and swipe up on it to close it. Then tap the Wallet app again to open it back up.
Fix #7 – Remove and Add Card to Apple Pay
Another reason why Apple Pay might not work on your iPhone is an issue with the card you have connected to your account. If the card is expired, it obviously won’t work, and more Apple Pay attempts might get declined.
But if you have a valid card and are sure it works with Apple Pay, you should remove that card and add it back into your wallet. You can take care of this right in the Wallet app on your iPhone.
To remove a card from the Wallet app, follow these steps:
- 1. Tap the Wallet app
- 2. Tap the card you want to remove
- 3. Tap Remove Card
To add a card back to the Wallet app, follow these steps:
- 1. Tap the Wallet app
- 2. Tap the + icon on the top right of the screen
- 3. Tap Debit or Credit Card
- 4. Tap Continue
- 5. Scan the card or tap Enter Card Details Manually
- 6. Follow any remaining instructions on your iPhone
Fix #8 – Contact Your Bank or Apple Customer Support
If you run through all of the fixes here and Apple Pay is still not working, you should contact your bank or Apple Customer Support for more assistance. There might be an issue with your card, such as a restriction, that you don’t know about.
Apple has excellent customer service and should be able to help you problem solve the issue quickly. But they might tell you to get a hold of your bank because there is an issue that needs to be resolved with the bank rather than with Apple.
Apple Pay Not Working in Messages
If Apple Pay works in most situations but not in your Messages app, the same fixes shown above should be followed. This problem is likely related to a bug or software issue, and a restart or update can fix it quickly.
Proceed down the list to attempt all the potential fixes to get Apple Pay up and running in your messages app again. It’s probably not that big of a deal and can be resolved with easy fixes.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to Apple Pay not working on an iPhone and how to fix it.
How do I fix Apple Pay not working?
To fix Apple Pay not working, you should first check to see that you have cellular or WiFi service. You need to service to use the app. You can also restart your phone and update its software to get things working again.
Why is my Wallet Apple Pay not working?
Your Apple Pay app in your Wallet might not be working because of a software or service issue, or you might be trying to use it at a location that does not accept Apple Pay. If this happens, you can try to restart your iPhone or make purchases elsewhere.
How do you reset Apple Pay on iPhone?
To reset Apple Pay on an iPhone, you can log out of your Apple ID on the phone and then log back in. You can also simply restart the phone. And another option is to remove your card associated with Apple Pay and then add it back.
Does resetting iPhone delete Apple Pay?
If you choose a factory reset of your iPhone and delete all of the stored content and information, this will delete your Apple Pay account. You’ll need to set Apple Pay back up when you turn the phone back on afterward.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay not working correctly on your iPhone can be frustrating, but this problem can typically be fixed pretty quickly. All of the fixes shown here should help you resolve the issue in a matter of minutes.
If you can’t figure out the problem, contacting your bank or Apple directly is a good solution. The support reps should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and work toward a resolution quickly.
Have you ever dealt with Apple Pay not working on your iPhone? How did you fix the problem? Let me know in the comments below.
