Apple Pay setup fails on iPhone 18 Pro with 'Could Not Set Up Apple Pay' error

Guys, I need help with Apple Pay on my new iPhone 18 Pro.

I am currently in Russia, but I am using a VPN with a U.S. IP address.

When I tap the “+” button in the Wallet app to add a card, the error “Could Not Set Up Apple Pay” appears immediately.

The region on my iPhone is set to the United States. Previously, my bank card worked with Apple Pay on my old iPhone, and while in Russia, I was able to add cards to the old device without any issues. However, I can no longer add a card to my new iPhone.

Could you please advise what might be causing this error and what I should check, including my device settings, Apple Account, Wallet activation, or the availability of Apple Pay services?

I would appreciate step-by-step recommendations for troubleshooting the issue.

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 3:53 AM

3 replies

Jeff Donald

Level 9 (64,078 points)

Oct 12, 2026 5:47 AM in response to yahud

You cannot use a VPN. Please delete all VPN software and any management profiles. Then reset network settings, followed by a restart. Resetting network settings will delete all WiFi passwords.

Some banks and financial institutions use Location Services to help determine the fraud risk associated with provisioning their credit and debit cards.

Jeff Donald

Level 9 (64,078 points)

Oct 12, 2026 8:40 AM in response to yahud

Banking services may be restricted due to international embargo’s currently in place. You can try contacting Apple Support and inquiring about card provisioning. You may have to wait until you’re in a country not under financial services embargo.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

yahud Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 12, 2026 6:27 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I did everything you suggested, but it didn’t help. As soon as I tap the “+” button in Wallet, it immediately shows this error.

My iPhone’s region is set to the United States.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256374704