To unrestrict Apple Pay, you have to fix whatever triggered the restriction (ID or account issues, security flags, or device settings), then let Apple re- enable it after verification.

First, confirm what is restricted

“Apple Pay restricted” can mean different things.

  • Apple Cash / Apple Pay balance restricted (often shows “Account Restricted” or “In Review”).
  • Apple Pay not available on device because of Screen Time / region / age / settings.
  • Apple Pay or card declined due to bank or security flags.

Check:

  • Open Wallet → tap your Apple Cash card (if available) and read any banner or warning text.
  • Try adding/using a card in Wallet and see the exact error message (e.g., “Account Restricted”, “Could Not Add Card”, “Apple Pay unavailable”).

If Apple Cash is “restricted” or “locked”

When Apple Cash is restricted/locked, you must clear identity or compliance checks before you can use it again.

  1. Go to your Apple Cash card :
    • On iPhone: open Wallet → tap Apple Cash.
 * On iPad: **Settings** → **Wallet & Apple Pay** → **Apple Cash**.

 * On Apple Watch: **Watch app** on iPhone → **Wallet & Apple Pay** → **Apple Cash**.
  1. Look for these options :
    • “Verify Identity” (or “Complete verification”).
 * Or a prompt to **Contact Support** / **Contact Apple Support**.
  1. If you see “Verify Identity” :
    • Follow the on‑screen steps: usually confirming full name , date of birth , address , and sometimes last 4 of SSN or similar data depending on country.
 * Submit any requested documents (ID, etc.). Review can take some time; during this, you may still see a restriction.
  1. If you see “Contact Support” or verification fails:
    • Use the link or button in Wallet to reach Apple’s support flow for Apple Cash.
 * Explain you need your **Apple Cash / Apple Pay unrestricted** ; they can check for fraud flags, failed ID checks, or other compliance issues.

Apple’s official help page titled “If your Apple Cash account is restricted or locked” explains what each status (in review, restricted, locked) means and what you can do.

If Apple Pay is blocked by device settings

Sometimes the issue isn’t your account but your iPhone settings (Screen Time, Face ID, Wallet & Apple Pay toggles, VPN/location).

1. Check Screen Time & content restrictions

Parental controls and content restrictions can stop Wallet & Apple Pay from working.

  • Go to Settings → Screen Time.
  • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  • Ensure it’s off , or:
    • In iTunes & App Store Purchases, set Installing Apps , Deleting Apps , and In‑app Purchases to Allow.

2. Check Wallet & Apple Pay toggles

  • Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
  • Ensure Wallet & Apple Pay and iTunes & App Store are enabled under “Use Face ID/Touch ID for”.
  • Scroll down in Settings and open Wallet & Apple Pay. Make sure Apple Pay is enabled and your cards are not removed or disabled.

3. Check VPN and location

VPNs or disabled location services can sometimes cause payment/security issues.

  • Temporarily turn off VPN : Settings → VPN & Device Management or VPN app.
  • Turn on Location Services :
    • Settings → Privacy → Location Services → make sure it’s on.
* Find **Wallet** in the list and set it to **“While Using the App”** or **“Always”**.

If your bank/card is the issue

Even if Apple Pay itself is fine, a restricted card or bank security hold can look like Apple Pay is restricted.

  • Open Wallet → tap the card that fails.
  • Read any message under the card (e.g., “Contact your card issuer”, “Card not available”).
  • If told to contact your bank, call the number on the back of the card and ask them to:
    • Remove fraud/security holds.
    • Confirm Apple Pay / tokenization is allowed on your account and region.

Banks sometimes auto‑block Apple Pay after unusual activity; once verified, they can re‑enable it.

Forum & “latest news” flavor

Recent guides and forum threads show a few recurring real‑world causes of restricted Apple Pay:

  • Users hitting an ID‑verification wall on Apple Cash and ignoring prompts, which eventually restricts the balance until KYC is completed.
  • Teens or younger users running into age or parental‑control limits on Apple Pay features.
  • VPN/region mismatches , especially when trying to use U.S. Apple Pay accounts from another country with a VPN enabled.
  • People thinking it’s a “bug,” but the fix ends up being as simple as finishing the identity check or turning off Screen Time restrictions.

A number of 2024–2025 video walkthroughs echo the same steps:

  • Open Settings → Apple ID → Personal Information and make sure birthday, name, and address are correct.
  • Reopen Wallet, re‑add cards if needed, then, if still restricted, go through the Apple Support flow from Safari or the Support app.

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TL;DR:

  • Check if it’s Apple Cash , device restrictions , or your bank/card.
  • On Apple Cash, tap Verify Identity in Wallet or contact support via the Apple Cash help flow.
  • On device issues, fix Screen Time , Face ID/Wallet toggles , VPN , and location.
  • If the card is blocked, call your bank and ask them to clear Apple Pay restrictions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.