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10 Tech How-To

Set Up Apple Pay in India: iPhone, iPad & Watch

Guide 10-33341 · Updated · Step by step

Apple Pay lets you make contactless payments with your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch at stores, in apps, and on the web. In India, it works with eligible credit and debit cards from participating banks. Before you start, make sure your device is updated to a recent iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS version, you have a supported card from a participating Indian bank, and you are signed in to iCloud on the device.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone (6s or later), iPad (5th generation or later), or Apple Watch (Series 1 or later) that supports Apple Pay.
  • A supported credit or debit card from a participating Indian bank (e.g., HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI, etc.).
  • Your device must be signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
  • For Apple Watch, it must be paired with your iPhone.
  • An active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) during setup.

Step-by-Step

On iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the + icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap Debit or Credit Card.
  4. If prompted, allow the camera to scan your card. Alternatively, tap Enter Card Details Manually.
  5. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. The cardholder name may be auto-filled from your Apple ID, but you can edit it if needed.
  6. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions from your bank.
  7. Your bank will verify the card. This may require an OTP (one-time password) sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP when prompted.
  8. Once verified, your card will appear in the Wallet app. You may need to tap Activate if your bank requires it.

On Apple Watch

  1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  2. Tap the Wallet & Apple Pay tab.
  3. Tap Add Card.
  4. Choose Debit or Credit Card and follow the same steps as above (scan or enter card details, verify with OTP).
  5. Once added, the card will be available on your Apple Watch. You may need to enter the card’s CVV again when first using it on the watch.

Common Mistakes

  • Not having a supported card: Not all Indian banks issue cards that work with Apple Pay. Check with your bank before attempting setup.
  • Skipping the OTP: The verification OTP is mandatory. If you don’t receive it, check your mobile network and that your number is correct.
  • Using an old iOS version: Apple Pay requires a recent iOS version. Update your device to the latest software if you encounter issues.
  • Adding the same card twice: You can add the same card to multiple devices, but each device needs its own verification. Avoid duplicating on the same device.
  • Forgetting to set a passcode: Apple Pay requires a device passcode (or Face ID/Touch ID) to work. If you don’t have one, you’ll be prompted to set it up.

Tips

  • Use the camera to scan your card—it’s faster and reduces typos.
  • Set a default card in Wallet for quicker payments: Wallet & Apple Pay → Default Card.
  • For Apple Watch, double-click the side button to bring up your default card quickly.
  • If you have multiple cards, you can choose which one to use by tapping the card in Wallet before holding near the terminal.
  • Check with your bank for any rewards or cashback offers on Apple Pay transactions.

Troubleshooting

If your card is not being accepted or you see an error during setup:

  • Card not supported: Contact your bank to confirm they support Apple Pay. If they do, ask them to enable it on your account.
  • OTP not received: Ensure your mobile number is updated with the bank. Try again after a few minutes, or request a new OTP.
  • Verification fails repeatedly: Double-check the card details. If the issue persists, call your bank’s customer service.
  • Wallet app stuck on “Adding Card”: Force-quit the Wallet app (swipe up from the app switcher) and try again. If that fails, restart your device.
  • Apple Watch not showing the card: Make sure your watch is paired and the Watch app is updated. Remove the card from the iPhone and re-add it via the Watch app.
  • Transaction not working at a store: Ensure the terminal supports contactless payments. Hold your device near the reader until you feel a vibration (on watch) or see a checkmark on the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which banks in India support Apple Pay?

Major banks like HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI, and American Express support Apple Pay. The list changes, so check with your bank or Apple’s official list.

Can I use Apple Pay for online purchases in India?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay in apps and on websites that accept it, as long as your card is added to Wallet.

Is there a fee for using Apple Pay?

Apple does not charge a fee. Your bank may have standard transaction charges, but typically there are no extra fees for using Apple Pay.

What if I lose my iPhone or Apple Watch?

Use Find My to put the device in Lost Mode, which suspends Apple Pay. You can also remotely erase the device, which removes all cards.

Can I add the same card to both my iPhone and Apple Watch?

Yes, you can add the same card to multiple devices. Each device will have its own unique Device Account Number for security.

Does Apple Pay work with RuPay cards?

RuPay cards are not currently supported. Only Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards from participating banks work.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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