Can you use Apple Pay without opening the app?

Asked by: Mrs. Arlene VonRueden I  |  Last update: August 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (52 votes)

To make contactless transactions with Apple Pay If you want Apple Pay and the Wallet app to launch automatically when you double-click the side button or hold your iPhone near a contactless reader, you'll need to select Apple Wallet as your default contactless app in Settings.

Do I need to open the Wallet app to pay?

Pay in a store

Consider adding an instruction to open the Wallet app first before the payment. Tips: You don't need to open the Google Wallet app.

Do you need an app for Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is built into iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. To get started on iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap the plus symbol. Then add a credit or debit card by tapping the back of your iPhone with your eligible card. You'll have the option to add your card to your other devices at the same time.

Can you use Apple Pay without unlocking your phone?

With Express Mode, you can use some of your cards, keys, and passes in Apple Wallet without waking or unlocking your device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. You might even be able to use your card, pass, or key when your device needs to be charged.

Does Apple Pay open automatically?

Making Apple Pay transactions

When you double-click the side button or hold your iPhone near a contactless reader in-store, your selected app will launch automatically after you have unlocked your iPhone.

How to use Apple Pay | Apple Support

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How do I make Apple Pay automatic?

Set up automatic payments for Apple Card

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap Apple Card. , then tap Autopay . Tap Continue.

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Wallet?

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Wallet? Apple Pay is a safe way to pay and make secure purchases in stores, in apps, and on the web. Apple Wallet is the place where you store your credit or debit cards so you can use them with Apple Pay.

How to use Apple Pay with passcode only?

If you would like to turn off Touch ID and pay with your passcode instead:
  1. Open your iPhone settings.
  2. Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Enter your Passcode.
  4. Under the header Use Touch ID For toggle off Apple Pay.

How do I tap to pay on my iPhone screen lock?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your payment app], then turn on Tap to Pay on iPhone Screen Lock.

What are the pros and cons of Apple Pay?

Pros and cons of Apple Pay
  • Advantages: Convenience of quick payments. Higher contactless limits than traditional cards. Enhanced security features.
  • Disadvantages: Not accepted by all retailers. Potential for overspending due to ease of use. Dependence on device battery life.

How do I use my Apple Pay at a checkout?

Pay with your iPhone
  1. To use your default card: If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button. ...
  2. To use a different card, tap your default card to see your other cards. Tap a new card and authenticate.
  3. Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until Done and a checkmark appear on the display.

Does your phone have to be on to use Apple Pay?

Apple Pay allows you to make payments in offline mode (when you're unable to use your data or Wi-Fi), or during a call. Just make sure that you complete the required steps to make an Apple Pay payment.

Can I use Apple Pay without opening the app?

If you want Apple Pay and the Wallet app to launch automatically when you double-click the side button or hold your iPhone near a contactless reader, you'll need to select Apple Wallet as your default contactless app in Settings.

Is it safe to use Apple Pay with a debit card?

Apple doesn't store or have access to the original credit, debit, or prepaid card numbers that you use with Apple Pay. And when you use Apple Pay with credit, debit, or prepaid cards, Apple doesn't retain any transaction information that can be tied back to you.

How to use Apple Pay on iPhone?

Pay with your default card on an iPhone with Face ID
  1. Double-click the side button.
  2. When your default card appears, authenticate with Face ID or your passcode.
  3. Hold the top of your iPhone near the card reader until you see Done or a checkmark on the screen.

Does Apple use pay per click?

What Are Apple Search Ads? Launched in 2016, Apple Search Ads (ASA) are sponsored ads that can appear at the top of the search results page of the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads. Initially, ASAs worked like most pay-per-click (PPC) networks.

Can you use Apple Pay without signing in?

To use Apple Pay, you need: A compatible device1 with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, or visionOS. A supported card from a participating card issuer. An Apple Account signed in to your Apple device.

Is Apple Pay the same as Apple Wallet?

Apple Pay and Apple Wallet are related parts of the same system–the one that lets you pay for items both in person and online with your iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch. But while Apple Pay is the name of the whole digital payment option, Wallet is the app on your phone that stores the cards you use there.

Can you turn off passcode and still use Apple Pay?

In addition, to use Apple Pay, you must have a passcode set on your device and, optionally, Face ID, Touch ID, or Optic ID.

Does Apple Pay show your name when sending money?

Since Apple Pay doesn't store your credit or debit card number on the device, you never reveal your name, card number or security code to merchants.

What is the cons of Apple Pay?

Cons of Apple Pay

Apple Pay is not accepted at all retailers and not compatible with all banks or card issuers. Backup may be required, just in case. Apple Pay only works if your phone does. You may still need to carry a physical credit card as a backup in case your battery dies or you misplace your phone.

Does Apple Pay charge a fee?

Apple Pay transactions incur no more charges for customers or businesses than traditional credit card transactions do. While there might be some setup costs, purchases such as NFC-enabled payment terminals can be a good investment to keep the organization up to date and provide a smoother checkout process.

How to use Apple Pay at the store?

Use Apple Pay at a store

To do this, follow these steps: Double-click the lock button on the right side of your iPhone. Use Face ID or Touch ID to verify your identity. Hold your phone up to the contactless reader.