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iPhone

How to Set Up Apple Pay and Google Wallet for Contactless Payments

On iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap +, choose Debit or Credit Card and scan your card. On Android, open Google Wallet, tap Add to Wallet > Payment card. After your bank verifies the card, hold your phone near a contactless card reader to pay.

Updated
Time
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Applies to
iPhone, Android

By Published Oct 6, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 iPhone: Wallet app > + > Debit or Credit Card > Continue, then scan or enter your card.
  2. 2 Android: Google Wallet > Add to Wallet > Payment card > New credit or debit card.
  3. 3 Accept the bank’s terms and verify by SMS or the bank app.
  4. 4 To pay, unlock or authenticate and hold the phone near the reader.
On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Set up Apple Pay on iPhone
  3. Set up Google Wallet on Android
  4. Troubleshooting
  5. Frequently asked questions

Before you start

  • A card from a bank that supports Apple Pay or Google Wallet in your country
  • A phone with NFC and a screen lock
  • Your Apple Account or Google Account

Method 1 Set up Apple Pay on iPhone

To use Apple Pay on an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay and add the card there too.

  1. Step 1: Open Wallet

    Open the Wallet app and tap the + (Add) button.

  2. Step 2: Add your card

    Tap Debit or Credit Card, then Continue. Hold your card near the iPhone, use the camera, or tap Enter Card Details Manually.

  3. Step 3: Verify

    Your bank may ask you to verify by SMS, email, a call or its app. Once approved, the card appears in Wallet.

  4. Step 4: Pay

    On iPhone with Face ID, double-click the side button and look at the phone; with Touch ID, rest your finger on the Home button. Hold the top of the iPhone near the reader.

Method 2 Set up Google Wallet on Android

Samsung phones can also use Samsung Wallet with a similar setup.

  1. Step 1: Open Google Wallet

    Install or open Google Wallet and tap Add to Wallet.

  2. Step 2: Add a payment card

    Tap Payment card > New credit or debit card, scan the card with your camera or tap Enter details manually, then Save and continue.

  3. Step 3: Accept and verify

    Accept the issuer’s terms and choose a verification method, such as an SMS code.

  4. Step 4: Make it the default

    Turn on NFC and make sure Google Wallet is your default payment app (search Settings for Contactless payments).

  5. Step 5: Pay

    Unlock the phone and hold the back of it near the reader until you see a tick.

Troubleshooting

My card can’t be added

Your bank or card type may not support Apple Pay or Google Wallet in your country. Check the bank’s website or call them. Also check the phone’s region and that your account is in good standing.

The reader doesn’t respond

Hold the phone flat and still for a moment near the contactless symbol. On Android, check NFC is on and the phone is unlocked. Try removing a thick case.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a limit on phone payments?

Phone payments are verified with your face, fingerprint or PIN, so they usually allow higher amounts than tapping a card. Limits depend on the shop and your bank.

Can I use it online?

Yes. Many apps and websites offer an Apple Pay or Google Pay button at checkout.

Summary

On iPhone, add your card in Wallet > + > Debit or Credit Card; on Android, use Google Wallet > Add to Wallet > Payment card. Verify with your bank, then hold your unlocked phone near the reader to pay.

Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.