All your questions about Apple Pay on iPhone answered

Not all of us are early adopters of the latest tech. Heck, some of us only just figured out a bunch of iOS hacks for Apple iPhones that took us WAY too long to notice. Apple Pay is much the same – it’s something we’ve all heard of at the water cooler, but not everyone has actually got around to using it.

The truth is, Apple Pay is a wonderful feature – if you aren’t using it, you aren’t really getting the most out of your iPhone. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to use Apple Pay, what it is and why it’s so handy.

WHAT IS APPLE PAY?

Apple Pay is a feature of the Wallet app that lets you use your iPhone as your credit card. The Wallet app, if you’ve never used it, is basically a digital version of your physical wallet. You can store credit cards, gift cards and even movie, event and flight tickets in one convenient place, accessible in just a tap or two.

Apple Pay is what lets you actually use your phone for contactless payments and online purchases, rather than just storing the details. Instead of taking your wallet, purse or bag everywhere you go, you can just take your iPhone and use it to shop in-store or online. Even if you’re still attached to your normal card, it’s super convenient for quick outings or any other time you want to travel light.

HOW TO SET UP APPLE PAY

As long as you have the Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus or any newer model, you can set up Apple Pay in a pinch. First, open the Wallet app and hit the plus symbol. You’ll be given the option to add a card either by scanning it with the camera or punching it in manually. When the required info is captured, your bank will need to verify it (this process varies depending on who you bank with, but it’s usually pretty easy). When the card is verified, tap Next, and you’re done. That wasn’t so bad, was it?

Once a valid card is saved to your Wallet, it’s ready for Apple Pay. Most (if not all) banks in Singapore support Apple Pay on Mastercard and Visa debit and credit cards, though you can do a quick online check of cooperating banks via the Apple website.

HOW TO USE APPLE PAY

Using Apple Pay is a piece of cake, which is why it’s such a great feature. You don’t even need to open an app or wake your iPhone, let alone fumble around in your wallet for your credit card. Apple Pay works in any physical store where contactless payments are accepted. Hundreds of thousands of businesses also accept it online (just look for the Apple Pay option at the checkout).

For in-store contactless payments

iPhones with Face ID: Double press the unlock button on the right side of your phone to bring up Apple Pay. Once you’ve authenticated with Face ID or a passcode, hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless card reader until you hear and feel a ping.

iPhones with Touch ID: Hold your finger on Touch ID, then put the top of your iPhone near the contactless card reader until you hear and feel a ping. You can use a passcode if your fingerprint isn’t recognized.

For online shopping

Hundreds of thousands of businesses accept Apple Pay in Singapore, which you can take advantage of when shopping in apps or when browsing with Safari. Simply look for the Apple Pay option at checkout and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or passcode as instructed and you’re done.

For both in-store and online purchases, you can see past transactions by opening Wallet and tapping the relevant card. It’s also possible to set the default card in Settings, though you can switch between them when making a transaction when it’s just a once-off. You don’t even need to worry about spending limits like you would with normal contactless payments. Sweet!

How secure is Apple Pay?

You might be wondering how safe it is to use your iPhone as a credit card – we don’t blame you, because it’s the right question to ask. Thankfully, Apple Pay is as secure as your usual credit or debit card, if not more so.

For starters, your card details are turned into a Device Account Number that is hidden, encrypted and stored in a dedicated chip on your iPhone – not on Apple servers. Phone thieves can’t see your card number and, according to Apple, neither can the retailers you shop with.

If you lose your phone, Apple Pay is still protected behind Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode – unlike your physical card, which anyone can use for contactless payments up to the daily limit. You can also open the Find My app on another Apple device or via iCloud to activate Lost Mode and lock your iPhone.

The best precaution you can take if you lose your phone is to sign in here with your Apple ID, scroll down to Devices, choose the lost device and cancel Apple Pay for any linked cards. This won’t cancel the card itself, just what’s stored on your iPhone