Apple Tap-To-Pay Does Nothing

Hey!


I've been searching around Apple Community for people with the same issue as me and I can't find any. Ever since I did some update in mid 2024 on my Iphone 11 and it got sucked on the Hello screen, it has a lot of issues. The biggest issue I face is with Apple Pay and the NFC-Sensor in general.


In short, sometimes my tap-to-pay works fine for a while, then it just doesn't work? The double click works, but when I tap, it's like there is no card at all. It does not pay nor refuse to pay, it just does nothing. Same for my Chrono app (an app for buses and metros in Quebec), it won't let me scan my card. Both of those functions use the NFC-Sensor and work (or not) simultaneously.


For example, my phone had the issue until it automatically downloaded the ios update (i didn't do it, it just downloaded). I don't know if there's a link honestly (maybe it has to do with my storage space?). Until this week, it worked normally. But a few days, I got the Updating Cards message, so I tried what other people said and forced closed Wallet and shut down my phone. When I turned it back on, Wallet was opening on a black screen and crashing, I also couldn't open it in Settings. This is not the first time it happened to me, so I just let it be. A few minutes ago, it let me open the app again and double tap the button (which was not working this morning), I was like "Great it's back", only when I decided to test it with my Chrono app, it didn't let me scan my card, which means it is NOT back. This stage is the same it was before my phone downloaded the update.


This issue has been coming back and leaving as it pleases, whatever I try, it comes back and goes whenever without any signs of causation (when my apple card doesn't work, I don't try anything anymore and just hope and try once in a while to see if it fixed itself, because it does but it takes time). I do not understand. My Iphone is an 11 with IOS 18.3.1, I do not want to do an update because I can't update my phone with it crashing (another side effect of that Hello screen).


Thank you so so much for reading, I hope someone can help me or that this thread will at least show someone that their issue is not isolated. (Sorry, English is not my first language)

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 20, 2025 8:36 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 21, 2025 9:12 AM

No change? Have you had Apple do remote diagnostics on your iPhone?


How long ago did you use VPN? Did you remove the profile at iPhone > Settings > General > scroll down > VPN & Device Management > delete profile(s)


If a profile was there, you need to reset your network settings too.

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14 replies

Apr 21, 2025 11:06 AM in response to Huard_Vert

If there’s no profile, it’s unlikely you have a VPN installed. Without diagnostics, it’s hard to go much further. I suspect the NFC module has an intermittent connection issue. It could also be the antenna, but less likely.


Please have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.


If you’re in the US please call  1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support articles below.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Explore Service Locations


Official Apple Support

Apr 21, 2025 12:55 PM in response to Huard_Vert

If Apple Tap-to-Pay on your iPhone isn't working, several factors could be at play. It's essential to confirm that the merchant's terminal is compatible with Apple Pay, and that your iPhone is enabled for Tap to Pay. Check your card in Apple Wallet is valid and not blocked by your bank, and that the phone is properly positioned with the NFC antenna close to the reader. If the issue persists, consider restarting your iPhone, updating to the latest iOS, and contacting Apple Support for further assistance. 


Here's a more detailed breakdown of potential problems and solutions:


1. Merchant Terminal Compatibility:

  • Ensure the merchant's point-of-sale (POS) terminal supports Apple Pay and contactless payments. Some older or non-compatible terminals may not recognize the tap-to-pay request, says Apple Support. 
  • If the merchant uses a specific payment service provider (PSP), verify that their system is configured to accept Tap to Pay. 

2. Card and Apple Wallet:

  • Card Validity:
  • Confirm that your card in Apple Wallet is valid, not expired, and has sufficient funds. 
  • Card Blocked:
  • Contact your bank to ensure your card hasn't been temporarily blocked or has security restrictions that prevent contactless transactions. 
  • Remove and Readd:
  • If you suspect a problem with a specific card, try removing it from Apple Wallet, restarting your iPhone, and readding it. 

3. iPhone Configuration:

  • Tap to Pay Enabled:
  • Ensure Tap to Pay on iPhone is enabled in your payment app settings (e.g., Square or another PSP app). 
  • Latest iOS:
  • Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as software updates often include fixes for compatibility issues. 
  • Proper Positioning:
  • When tapping, hold your iPhone with the camera side closer to the reader, ensuring the NFC antenna (around the camera lenses) is in contact with the reader. 
  • NFC Antenna:
  • If you suspect a hardware issue with the NFC antenna, Apple Support suggests contacting Apple Support for remote diagnostics. 
  • Restart:
  • Restart your iPhone to resolve temporary software glitches. 

4. Specific Issues and Solutions:

  • Apple Card:
  • If you are experiencing issues with Apple Card specifically, some users have found success by removing the card from Apple Wallet and Apple ID, restarting the phone, and readding it, notes a user on Apple Communities
  • "Unable to Set Up Tap to Pay" Error:
  • If you encounter this error, it might mean you have too many cards in Apple Wallet. Remove one or more cards and try again, according to Apple Support

5. Seeking Further Help:

  • Apple Support: If you've tried the above troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, contact Apple Support directly. They can offer more specific guidance and remote diagnostics. 
  • Merchant Support: If the problem is with the merchant's system, reach out to their support for assistance. 
  • Bank Support: If you suspect an issue with your card, contact your bank for help. 


Apr 22, 2025 4:44 AM in response to Huard_Vert

You’re not bothering people. 😀😀


My comment was directed at the other member that commented with a long, Artificial Intelligence generated comment. Most of what was posted was useless in resolving the issue. I didn’t want to see you going down a rabbit hole pursuing the wrong information.


A new iPhone should resolve the issue. I’m thinking it’s an antenna issue. You can have Apple do remote diagnostics, but visiting a store is fun.

Apr 21, 2025 9:40 AM in response to Jeff Donald

The case does not change anything and I have not made Apple do a remote diagnostic, I wanted to once, but it resolved itself before I went. I think I used the VPN last year, in 2023-2024. I do not have the delete profile(s) option and there's not much in that section, so I assume I don't have any profiles?


Also, this week, I went on vacation and added an E-Sim card to my phone, maybe it has a link. It was working fine before that, but I don't know if that E-Sim caused anything.

Apr 21, 2025 6:49 PM in response to Butterfly_Kite_And_Bee_Kite

Butterfly_Kite_And_Bee_Kite wrote:

It is generally expected that the OP's question is read to have an understanding of the issue they are experiencing and then provide relevant feedback that in most cases is best done with a user experienced in the matter. It is clear that has not been done from your post. The AI responses provided doesn't even take into account what has been tried by the OP.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple Tap-To-Pay Does Nothing

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