The first time you use your Apple Watch to pay for something feels almost like a practical joke. It’s science fiction: You activate Apple Pay, move your wrist close to a payment terminal, and then…well, that’s it. You’re done. “Frictionless” is a perfect description.
And it’s also extremely safe. Instead of handing a credit card number over to be stored in a merchant’s database, Apple Pay sends a token that matches up with the card you set up; even if the data were to be intercepted, it’s useless to an attacker.
Wallet is a convenient holding area for items that use barcodes for transactions, such as store loyalty cards and tickets for flights, movies, baseball games, and more.
Set Up Cards for Apple Pay
Even if you’ve set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, you need to add cards (you can have up to eight) separately to the watch:
- In the Watch app on the iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap Add Credit or Debit Card.
- Follow the instructions provided, which entail scanning your credit or debit card using the iPhone’s camera—which is incredibly slick—or entering the details manually, and accepting terms of service.
You will also need to complete the verification process, which can be done via email, phone call, or text, depending on the provider.
When you’re done, the cards appear in the Watch app and on the watch: open the Wallet app to view them ①.
If you have more than one card, tap Default Card in the Watch app on your iPhone and pick the one you want to use most.
Use Apple Pay
- Double-press the side button to activate Apple Pay.
- If you’ve set up multiple cards, swipe left or right to choose the one you want to use ②. ② You’re only a couple of seconds from being done at this point.
- Hold the watch screen a few centimeters from the payment reader.
A taptic pulse and a tone indicate when the transaction occurs.
The display reads Done when finished.
Work in Wallet
Wallet items are set up in the Wallet app on the iPhone, either from other apps or from email; for example, the Fandango app includes an Add to PassbookWallet button when you buy tickets.
Those passes transfer automatically to the Apple Watch by default. When it’s time to use one, open the Wallet app on the watch, tap the item you want to use ③, and then scroll to fill the screen with the barcode.
To rearrange the passes, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and drag them into place. The app is also where you can delete used or expired passes.
Copyright © 2016, Jeff Carlson. All rights reserved.
Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Pay Hero (Image credit: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore)
Sometimes we're in a rush and may forget something, like our iPhone 13. But you still need to make a purchase at the store! So what do you do? Well, if you forgot your iPhone and wallet but still have your Apple Watch, you can use Apple Pay to make your purchase. So here's how to use Apple Pay on Apple Watch — easy peasy!
Using Apple Pay on Apple Watch
As long as you have set up and added one or more bank cards, you can make a purchase with Apple Pay from your Apple Watch:
- Double-click the side button and hold your Apple Watch within a few centimeters of the contactless reader to use your default bank card.
- Push the Digital Crown to go back to your watch face after you feel a gentle buzz to confirm your payment.
- Double-click the side button on your Apple Watch if you want to use a different card to make a purchase,
- Swipe left or right and select the card you'd like to use.
- With the new card selected, hold your Apple Watch near the reader to pay.
- Push the Digital Crown to go back to your watch face until you feel a gentle buzz to confirm your payment.
To use Apple Pay on Apple Watch, double (Image credit: iMore)
As you can see, making an Apple Pay purchase is relatively pain-free and works like a charm!
Are you looking for a new Apple Watch?
Be sure to check out the best Apple Watches of the year, including the Apple Watch Series 7. You'll be happy you did.
Updated March 2022: Includes information on the latest versions of iOS and watchOS.
Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.