Yes, you can delete and reinstall the Apple Wallet app on an iPhone running iOS 16.1 or later. Deleting it removes the app and its data (cards, passes) from the device, but your cards remain linked to your Apple ID and will reappear when you log back in after reinstalling from the App Store.
Your cards remain 1-(855)(518)(8609) safe in your Apple Account even if you remove the local app.
Warning: Deleting your wallet will permanently remove it from your device. If you delete your wallet without storing its secret key, you will lose access to its funds. To prevent this, ensure you have backed up your wallet. If you delete your wallet, you do so at your own risk.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay, then tap Apple Pay Defaults.
Then open the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, and tap the More button. Next tap Add Money, enter an amount, tap Add, and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Any money you receive in Messages or Wallet is automatically added to your Apple Cash balance.
Step-by-Step: Fix Apple Wallet Not Working
If you have previously backed up your wallet, you can restore it using the backup file. This is often the quickest and most straightforward method. Example: If you have a backup file on your computer or cloud storage, you can usually restore your wallet by importing this backup into the wallet software.
When you delete a wallet from your list of wallets, it's now moved to the Deleted Wallets area for safekeeping. To see the wallet file, tap on More (3 dots) → Backups & Deleted Wallets, then scroll to the Deleted Wallets section.
Note: If you sign out of iCloud in Settings > [your name], all your credit and debit cards for Apple Pay are removed from iPhone.
Deleting the app just removes the interface from your phone. The account, and all the data it's collected, still exist. Some companies go further, using device fingerprinting which is details like your phone model, IP address, and system settings to recognize you even if you reinstall later.
Instead, grab a delicate, lint-free cloth, soak it in warm water and soap, and gently wash the wallet. Alternatively, you can use a mild cleaner and a dry cloth to clean the wallet and remove excess oil and bacteria.
Reinstall apps or turn apps back on
If you accidentally delete an app, you can usually get it back by re-downloading it from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android) using your account's purchase history without paying again. On Android, check the "Not installed" section in your Play Store library; on iPhone, look in the App Store's "Purchased" tab or the App Library by searching or swiping.
From iOS version 16.1 onwards, it's possible to remove Apple Wallet from your iPhone. If you can't find your Apple Wallet, go to the App Store on your phone and search 'Apple Wallet'. If you have removed it by accident, you will have the option to install it again shown on the screen.
How do I reset my Apple wallet?
Update to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, or visionOS. Confirm that you have Face ID, Touch ID, Optic ID, or a passcode set on your device. Make sure that you are in a supported country or region. Check that your device is compatible with Apple Pay.
13 Steps to Finding Your Missing Wallet
You can back up your wallet by storing your secret key in your iCloud or Google Drive account and protecting it with a passkey. Your secret key is encrypted and stored as a secured file in your cloud storage account.