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RettGrandpa
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple pay not working at all

All of a sudden Apple Pay isn’t working. It’s like the terminal isn’t detecting my phone. Had this happen at multiple vendor locations and multiple cards today. Tried restarting my phone. Nothing.

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 8:18 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 12, 2026 8:23 AM in response to RettGrandpa

Hi there

Please try this

  • Remove your phone case: Thick, rugged, or metal cases can block the NFC signal. Try taking the case off and holding the top of your iPhone (near the camera) within 2 inches (5 cm) of the terminal reader.
  • Manually select your card: Instead of letting the phone auto-launch, open the wallet app tap the specific card you want to use, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and then bring it to the terminal
  • Check your region settings: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure your region matches your actual location. A mismatch can disable contactless payments. 
  • Update your iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install any pending bug fixes for the NFC chip or Wallet app. 
  • Remove and re-add a card: Open Apple Wallet, tap a card, select Card Details (or tap the three dots), choose Remove This Card, restart your phone, and add it back. 
  • Sign out of iCloud: If Wallet services are stuck, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, restart your iPhone, and sign back in.
  • Remove your phone case: Thick, rugged, or metal cases can block the NFC signal. Try taking the case off and holding the top of your iPhone (near the camera) within 2 inches (5 cm) of the terminal reader. 
  • Manually select your card: Instead of letting the phone auto-launch, open the wallet app , tap the specific card you want to use, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and then bring it to the terminal.
  • Check your region settings: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure your region matches your actual location. A mismatch can disable contactless payments. 
  • Update your iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install any pending bug fixes for the NFC chip or Wallet app. 
  • Remove and re-add a card: Open Apple Wallet, tap a card, select Card Details (or tap the three dots), choose Remove This Card, restart your phone, and add it back. 
  • Sign out of iCloud: If Wallet services are stuck, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, restart your iPhone, and sign back in. 
Jeff Donald
User level: Level 9 (64,078 points)

Oct 12, 2026 8:31 AM in response to RettGrandpa

This sounds like an issue with the NFC module or perhaps a broken NFC antenna.


Please have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.


If you’re in the US, please call  1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256374860