To use Apple Pay at a store, you just need a card added to Apple Wallet, a store that accepts contactless payments, and then you hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader after authenticating.

Quick Scoop

  • Make sure the store accepts Apple Pay or contactless cards (look for the contactless wave symbol or the Apple Pay logo at the checkout).
  • You do not need Wi‑Fi or mobile data at the register; it works over NFC like a tap‑to‑pay card.

Before You Go

  • Add a debit or credit card to the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch and make sure it’s verified.
  • Set a default card in Wallet so payments are quick and you are not fumbling at the terminal.

At The Store (iPhone)

  1. Check out as usual and choose credit/debit on the payment terminal if asked. There usually is no separate “Apple Pay” button on the register.
  1. On iPhone with Face ID : double‑click the side button, then look at your phone or enter your passcode to authenticate.
  1. On iPhone with Touch ID : rest your finger on the Home button to authenticate.
  1. Hold the top of your iPhone a few centimeters from the contactless symbol on the reader.
  1. Wait for a vibration and a checkmark or “Done” on screen—then you’re all set.

Using Apple Watch

  • Double‑click the side button on your Apple Watch to bring up your default card.
  • Hold the watch face near the terminal until you feel a gentle tap and see confirmation on the watch screen.

Tips, Forum‑Style

“There’s no separate ‘Apple Pay’ option on most registers; just pick credit and tap your phone when it beeps.”

  • If the cashier seems unsure, just say you’re “paying with contactless / tap.” The process is the same on their side.
  • If it fails the first time, pull the phone back, wake Wallet again, and hold it a bit closer and more still to the symbol.

Meta description (SEO):
Learn how to use Apple Pay at a store step‑by‑step: set up Apple Wallet, check if a shop accepts contactless payments, and pay quickly with your iPhone or Apple Watch at the terminal.

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