Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How to set up Apple Pay on the Apple Watch

Apple Pay is a very handy service, allowing you to make contactless payments with your phone without the need for a separate card. Apple’s payment service can also be used on an Apple Watch, and here’s how to get it set up.

In the UK, Apple Pay works wherever contactless payments are taken and on other services too, like the London Underground. While other countries have slightly different compatibility, it remains pretty handy. The handiness is taken to the next level when the Apple Watch is added to the equation, as it means you can pay for your morning coffee with a tap of the wrist.

Before you get started on the below, you’ll want to already have your desired card added to your Apple Wallet on your iPhone. Our how to use Apple Pay is a great starting point for that.

What you’ll need:

  • An iPhone
  • An Apple Watch with a passcode enabled
  • A debit/credit card already added to your iPhone’s Wallet

The Short Version 

  • Unlock iPhone
  • Open the Watch app
  • Tap Wallet and Apple Pay
  • Choose a card
  • Set up Passcode (if required)
  • Add in security code
  • Agree to the T&Cs
  • Make a payment
  1. Step
    1

    Unlock your iPhone

    Start off by unlocking your iPhone and navigating to the homescreen.homescreen

  2. Step
    2

    Open the Watch app

    Next up, find the Watch app. If you don’t have the icon on your home screen, swipe down to use Spotlight and search for the Watch app here.open watch

  3. Step
    3

    Tap Wallet and Apple Pay

    Once in the Watch app, scroll down until you spot the Wallet and Apple Pay option. Tap it.wallet and apple pay

  4. Step
    4

    Choose from the cards

    You’ll now see all the cards loaded into your Apple Pay Wallet. Find the one you want and tap ADD. If you want to add a new card, select the Add Card option at the top.add card

  5. Step
    5

    Set up Passcode if required

    If you don’t have a passcode set up on your Apple Watch, a prompt will appear when you tap Add. You need a passcode enabled to use Apple Pay on your watch. If you already have a passcode set, you’ll be able to skip this step.set up passcode

  6. Step
    6

    Type in your security code

    Type in the CVC number from your card and then tap Next.Add card

  7. Step
    7

    Agree to the Terms and Conditions

    Next you’ll have to agree with your bank’s T&Cs. If you’re happy, press Agree. You might also have to authorise your card through either a text message, phone call or through a dedicated app. This will all vary depending on your bank and card.Agree to TandCs

  8. Step
    8

    Make a payment

    Once the card has been added, move over to the Apple Watch and double-tap the oblong button on the side to bring up your newly added card. You’re now ready to make a payment by tapping your watch on a supported terminal.double tap button

Troubleshooting

Can you add a new card on the Apple Watch?

Nope, you’ll need the connected iPhone to add the card as most of the steps are done there.

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

author icon

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Trusted Reviews Logo

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

This is a test error message with some extra words