Why Can't I Accept Apple Pay Payments?

If you're having problems using Apple Pay to accept a payment, you should ensure that your app is set up correctly. You'll need to manually accept the first payment that you receive and have seven days to do so. You can then set your account up so that future payments are automatically accepted.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 7, 2022

Why Can't I accept Apple Pay Payments?

Apple pay allows you to send and receive payments from people using your i-phone, i-pad, or Apple watch. There are several reasons you may not accept Apple Pay payments, which is usually because the app hasn't been correctly set up.

To send and receive payments on Apple pay, there are a few criteria that you'll need to meet. You'll need to download the Apple Pay Cash app on a compatible iOS device or WatchOS. You'll also need to have a device that's running iOS 11.2 or later, to be able to accept payments.

You'll also need to use two-factor authenticity and sign in to iCloud and iMessage using your Apple ID, allowing you to receive payments.

If you're sending a payment request to someone, they will need to have Apple Pay set up on their device. If you send a payment request to someone who doesn't, you'll receive an error message that says 'cannot receive payments sent with Apple Pay at this time.'

Accepting a Payment with Apple Pay

If someone sends you a payment, it's kept securely in Apple Cash. You'll then be able to decide what you want to do with the money. You can spend it, send a payment to someone else or transfer the money directly to your bank account or debit card.

The first time you use Apple Cash, you'll need to accept the payment that you've been sent. You have seven days to do this and will also be prompted to read and accept some terms and conditions. Once you've done this, future payments will be automatically accepted. They will then be added to your Apple Cash card. When accepting payment for the first time, you may also be asked to provide proof of your identity and verify your account.

How to Accept a payment

Here are the steps that you'll need to follow to accept an Apple Pay payment. The process will vary slightly depending on whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Apple watch.

Accept payment with your i-phone

1. Go to the Wallet app and then open your Apple Cash card.

2. Click on the More button that has three dots in a row.

3. You'll then see that there are two buttons, ‘Automatically Accept Payments' and ‘Manually Accept Payments'. You can choose whichever method is right for you. If this is the first time you're using the app, you'll need to accept your payment manually and will have seven days to do so.

4. You'll then see an ‘Accept' button and can click on this.

Accept a payment with your iPad

1. Open up the app.

2. Scroll down and click on ‘Wallet & Apple Pay,' then choose ‘Apple Cash card.'

3. You can then click on either ‘Automatically Accept Payments' or ‘Manually Accept Payments.'

Accept a payment with your Apple Watch

1. Use your i-phone to open the Apple Watch app.

2. Click on ‘Wallet & Apple Pay,' then select your Apple Cash card.

3. Choose to either Automatically or manually accept the payment.

Contact Customer Service

If you're still having problems accepting your payments with Apple Pay you can contact Apple's customer service team. They will be able to give you advice and help you ensure your Apple Pay is working correctly.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
Why Can't I Accept Apple Pay Payments?

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