How to set up Apple Pay and make payments with your iPhone

How to use Apple Pay on iPhone, Macbook and iPad
You can use Apple Pay across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch

Apple Pay has been around for a few years now, but for those just getting into the system it is a great way to easily make contactless payments on public transport, in hundreds of shops, and even send money to friends instantly.

With more banks now supporting the service and changes expected to come on Apple's latest iOS operating system, there has never been a better time to start making use of Apple Pay.

Most people use Apple's payment system on their iPhone, but you can also set up Apple Pay for your iPad, Macbook Pro and Apple Watch, while users of Android smartphones can set up Android Pay to make instant payments.

What is Apple Pay?

Launched in 2014, Apple Pay allows users to pay at contactless card readers using the near-field communication (NFC) chips embedded in the iPhone and Apple Watch. You can also make purchases within apps using Touch ID, and will soon be able to send peer-to-peer payments in Apple's messaging app, so you can instantly send payments to friends.

How do I use Apple Pay?

If you have Apple Pay set up, using it to pay contactless is as simple getting out your credit card. Just hold your iPhone near any contactless card reader to wake up Apple Pay, the hold your finger to the fingerprint scanner to verify the purchase.

 Man uses iPhone 7 smartphone to demonstrate mobile payment 
Credit: Reuters

With Apple Watch, double click the side button to activate your stored cards, then hold the watch up to the card reader. In both cases your phone will vibrate and beep to confirm the payment.

Apple Pay using Face ID

Since the release of the iPhone X, users of Apple's latest smartphones can use facial identification instead of Touch ID to make payments using Apple Pay. To do this, hold the device close to a payment terminal, which will launch Apple Pay Face ID, then look at the device to unlock it using facial recognition and confirm the payment. 

iPhone X
iPhone X with Apple Pay Credit: AP

How to set up Apple Pay on iPhone

To start setting up Apple Pay you will need a compatible iPhone. Currently, Apple Pay is available on the following devices, which will all receive the latest iOS updates:

  • iPhone XR / XS / XS Max
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
  • iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
  • iPhone SE

If you have a compatible device, go to the Wallet app and click add credit or debit card. You can then tap add credit or debit card, either scanning a card or entering your security information to set up the new card.

Apple Pay will then prompt you to say your bank may need to verify some information, so you may have to call your bank. Once your bank has verified your card, tap next and you are ready to use Apple Pay.

In brief: Go to Wallet > tap Add Credit or Debit Card > tap Next > scan your card or enter its code > agree to terms and conditions > verify your card with your bank.

Open the Wallet app

The home screen of Wallet
The home screen of Wallet, where you can add a card

Add your card details

Enter card details Apple Pay
Enter your card details from iTunes, or add a new card by scanning it

How to set up Apple Pay on Apple Watch

To set up Apple Pay on an Apple Watch, simply go to the My Watch tab > tap Wallet & Apple Pay > follow the steps to add a card by scanning or entering the card details > tap next to verify your information with your bank > finally, tap next to start using Apple Pay.

Apple Pay
Setting up mirroring for Apple Pay Credit: Apple

How to set up Apple Pay on iPad and Macbook Pro

Setting up Apple Pay on iPad is very similar to setting it up on an iPhone. Simply go to Wallet, select Add Credit or Debit card and follow the instructions.

On some Macbook Pro versions you can set up Apple Pay to use the laptop's Touch ID function. Head to Wallet, add card and follow the steps to enter your card details as above. Then you can pay using Apple Pay in Safari, using Touch ID to check your payments.

Apple Mac Touch ID Pay
Credit: Apple

Peer-to-peer Apple Pay

Messages users will soon be able to make and receive payments with friends and family instantly. With iOS 11.2 or later, you can now use credit and debit cards already in Wallet to pay instantly with money in a new feature, Apple Pay Cash. With this you can pay people instantly, or even tell Siri to make a payment.

Apple Pay in Messages
Apple Pay in Messages Credit: Apple

Which banks use Apple Pay?

The following banks in the UK will allow you to set up an Apple Pay account attached to your credit or debit card.

Where can I use Apple Pay in the UK?

Apple Pay can be used anywhere that has contactless payment, including on public transport and the London Underground.

What is the limit for Apple Pay?

The majority of Apple Pay tills in the UK can now accept mobile payments above £30, bringing Apple's vision of replacing the wallet a step closer. Some are still tied to the £30 contactless limit.

How safe is Apple Pay?

Very. Apple Pay requires you to enter your card details but also verify payments with your fingerprint ID, which is almost impossible to forge or copy.

However, while it would be hard to steal an iPhone and then pay using it and almost impossible to hack the payment itself, it is possible for someone who has already stolen a credit card to set up a fraudulent Apple Pay account.

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