To enable contactless payments, turn on NFC in your phone's settings (Settings > Connections/Connected Devices > NFC), set up a digital wallet app like Google Wallet or Apple Pay, add your debit/credit card to it, and ensure the app is set as the default for contactless payments in your phone's settings. Always verify your card's contactless feature in your bank's app as well.
Open Settings. In the “Search settings” bar, type NFC. Ensure NFC is turned on. Ensure that you enable contactless payments for the linked card.
Set up tap to pay
If the card still doesn't read, ask the customer to slide the card to center the chip directly over the notch on the device. If the contactless card remains unread without any feedback from the interface, the card might have a damaged antenna or might not work with contactless payments.
Does my Google Android phone have NFC? You can check whether your Google phone is enabled for NFC by opening your settings. In the search settings bar, type “NFC” and tap to turn it on. If you cannot find it following these steps, your phone cannot make contactless payments.
If your device allows NFC payments and your card is supported but you can't set up contactless payments, contact your bank. Check if your software is Play Protect certified. If you could previously make contactless payments with Google Wallet but no longer can, contact your device manufacturer.
Check balance and transaction limits
Many cards have a maximum limit for contactless payments, and if you've reached that, the card won't process any more tap payments until the limit resets or you use a chip and PIN. To avoid this, regularly check your balance and transaction limits through your banking app.
Step-by-step instructions for activating tap to pay
How do I know if my card or device can make contactless payments? You'll see the Contactless Indicator on your card.
Activate your contactless card
When you get your new contactless card, you must use it for a Chip and PIN transaction or an ATM cash withdrawal before making a contactless purchase (so we know you've received your card). Once you've done that, you're ready to make contactless payments.
You have two ways to pay contactless in a shop: Unlock your phone and hold it near the reader: You can tap the terminal when your phone is unlocked, even when the Google Wallet app is not open. If prompted, use your Android screen lock to verify the payment.
Contactless payments
Android NFC failures are often caused by a settings issue, with approximately 30% of problems resulting from the NFC toggle being off. Therefore, verifying the Quick Settings tile and default tap app should be the mandatory first troubleshooting step.
Any Android device on version 9.0 or higher, that has near field communication or 'NFC' technology, is compatible with Google Pay. By choosing 'Settings' then 'Connections' on your Android device, you can check if you have an 'NFC and contactless payments' option.
Look for the symbol with four curved lines that get larger from left to right. This symbol, found on the front or back of your card, resembles the Wi-Fi icon. Our cards now come with contactless functionality as standard.
Pay with your default card on an iPhone with Touch ID
Tap the card again when you're ready to pay. Hold the top of your iPhone near the card reader until you see Done or a checkmark on the screen.
To enable NFC, go to your phone's Settings, search for "NFC," and toggle the switch on in Connections or Wireless & Networks, with slight variations for Android (search for 'NFC' or 'Contactless Payments') and iPhone (use the Shortcuts app for automation or check Wallet settings). On Android, it's usually under Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > NFC, while newer iPhones often have it active by default for payments, but you use the Shortcuts app to set up NFC tag reading.