Tech tip: How to use your phone to pay for everything
Get ready to ditch your old wallet for a faster, safer option. Instead of swiping your card at checkout, you only have to hold up your phone. Apple and Android smartphones allow you to pay for everything from your next latte to your new favorite sweater using built-in apps.
You can even use voice commands to send money to friends and family. Saying something like, “Hey Siri, send mom $100,” works as long as you have mom set up in your contacts. Tap or click here for five safe ways to pay online.
You can use Apple Wallet and Google Pay to buy things in stores, online or in apps. It’s easy to set up, too. We’ll walk you through the process. Pro tip: I always keep a $20 bill tucked inside my phone case. That way, if a retailer doesn’t accept digital payments, I always have another way to pay.
How to set up Apple Pay on iPhone
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to add a card to Apple Wallet. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap Add Card.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- If you have the physical card, position it within the frame on the screen. The iPhone’s camera will attempt to scan the card details automatically. Alternatively, you can choose the option to Enter Card Details Manually.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to provide the necessary information, such as card number, expiration date and cardholder name. You may also need to verify your identity through additional security measures, such as entering a verification code sent by your card issuer.
- Once you’ve entered all the required information, tap Next or Add Card to proceed.
- Your card issuer will verify the details and may require additional authentication steps, such as providing a one-time password or confirming your identity through their app or website. Follow the instructions provided by your card issuer to complete the verification process.
- Once the verification is successful, your card will be added to Apple Wallet and you can start using it for contactless payments and other supported features.
NOTE: The card you enter will become your default payment method for new charges.
Here’s how to make purchases using Apple Pay:
- To use your default card:
- If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button. If prompted, authenticate with Face ID or enter your passcode to open Apple Wallet.
- If your iPhone has Touch ID, double-click the Home button.
- To use a different card, tap your default card to see your other cards. Tap a new card and authenticate.
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until Done and a checkmark appears on the display.
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Pro tip: If you’re on the go and want to use Apple Pay quickly, there’s a way to bypass your lock screen and go straight to your Wallet.
- If you have a FaceID-enabled iPhone, double-click the side button.
- If you have a Home button model, double-click Home instead.
- Your wallet will pop up and you can pay quickly. Then, verify the purchase with your fingerprint or FaceID.
How to set up Google Pay on an Android phone
Google Pay offers similar mobile wallet options via the free Google Pay app. Here’s how to set up Google Pay:
- Download the Google Pay app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the Google Pay app on your Android phone and sign in with your Google account. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Google account you want to associate with Google Pay.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Google Pay. This usually includes agreeing to the terms and conditions and granting necessary permissions to the app.
- If your device has a screen lock enabled (such as a PIN, pattern or fingerprint), you may be prompted to set it up or use your existing screen lock for added security.
- Next, you’ll need to add a payment method to Google Pay. You have a few options:
- Add a debit or credit card: You can use the camera on your phone to scan your card information or manually enter the card details.
- Add a bank account: If your bank supports it, you can link your bank account to Google Pay for direct debit payments.
- Add a supported mobile payment service: Some countries and regions support payments from PayPal, Venmo or others. If available, you can link your account with these services.
- Follow the prompts to provide the necessary information for your chosen payment method. This may include card details, bank account information or account credentials for the mobile payment service.
- Once you’ve added your payment method, Google Pay will attempt to verify it. This verification process may differ depending on the payment method. You may need to confirm with your bank or complete additional steps for verification.
- After your payment method is successfully added and verified, you can use Google Pay for various transactions, such as in-store payments at NFC-enabled terminals, online purchases and peer-to-peer payments.
NOTE: The specific steps and options may vary depending on your device, Android version and location.
Google Pay offers incredible conveniences and rewards when you use it for purchases. This becomes doubly effective if you tie the app to a cash-back or rewards payment method. Check out 10 amazing things you can do with Google Pay.
Steps to use Google Pay:
- To make in-store purchases at NFC-enabled terminals:
- a. Wake up your phone’s screen and ensure that it’s unlocked. If you have a screen lock set up, you may need to unlock it using your PIN, pattern, fingerprint or face recognition.
- b. Hold the back of your phone near the contactless payment terminal or the NFC reader. Ensure that the NFC area of your phone is near the terminal.
- c. Google Pay should automatically open on your phone. If it doesn’t, you may need to open the Google Pay app manually.
- d. Follow the on-screen instructions and Google Pay will communicate with the terminal to complete the payment transaction.
- To make online or in-app purchases:
- a. Look for the Google Pay or G Pay button at checkout on the merchant’s website or app.
- b. Tap on the Google Pay or G Pay button, and it will initiate the payment process.
- c. Verify the payment details and confirm the purchase using the authentication method set up for your Google Pay account. This may include fingerprint, PIN or other security measures.
- d. Once the transaction is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation within the merchant’s website or app.
- Send money to friends or family:
- a. Open the Google Pay app on your phone.
- b. Look for the Send or Pay button within the app’s interface.
- c. Enter the recipient’s phone number, email address or select them from your contacts.
- d. Enter the payment amount and any additional details requested by Google Pay.
- e. Review the payment details and proceed with the payment once confirmed.
- f. The recipient will receive a notification or email regarding the payment and the funds will be transferred from your linked payment method.
Is it safe to pay with Apple Wallet and Google Pay?
Apple and Google take fraud prevention very seriously. They both have many cutting-edge security measures in place. These services work as a go-between to provide protection between your personal banking information and any would-be thieves.
You don’t have to worry about card skimmers when everything is digital, and it’s hard to fool facial recognition and fingerprint technology. With these services, your actual card number isn’t even given to the merchant when you make a purchase. Instead of your bank card number, they receive a secure payment token tied to the verified card.
These precautions make using your digital wallet even safer than your actual credit card. It’s also one of the most secure ways to help someone under 18 make online purchases. To enable this for your kids, set up a Family Sharing Group via Apple or Family Link in Google.
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Tags: accounts, Android, Apple, Apple Pay, Apple Wallet, authentication, cash-back, contactless payment, contactless payments, digital payments, digital wallet, Face ID, fingerprint, Google Pay, Google Play Store, NFC, online purchases, screen lock, security, security measures, technology, Touch ID, transactions, verification