Can’t set up Apple Cash on child’s Apple Watch

Since Apple Cash is already showing correctly for your son on the iPad, I wouldn’t keep trying Add Card on the Watch. With a Watch set up for a family member, regular credit/debit cards can’t be added that way. Apple Cash Family should appear automatically once the Watch is set up for your son. (Apple Support¹)

I’d check that the Watch is listed in the Watch app on your iPhone as a watch for your son, using the same Apple Account that’s on his iPad. Also make sure the Watch is on the latest watchOS and its region is set to the United States. (Apple Support²)

Since you’ve already erased and set it up as new, if all of that matches and Apple Cash still doesn’t appear, this sounds more like an Apple Cash provisioning issue than something another reset will fix.

[1]: Set up Apple Watch for a family member – Apple Support (UK)

[2]: Set up and use Apple Cash Family - Apple Support (CA)

You’re welcome. Here are the requirements.

Requirements for the organizer and members of the family group

• Own a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watchwith the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS.
• Sign in to iCloud on each family member's device using their Apple Account.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for each Apple Account.
• Make sure that each device region is set to the United States.

All devices must be using latest versions of iPhone iOS and Watch OS. You and the child must be signed into your respective Apple Accounts. Please verify the birthdays are accurate. If the child’s birthdate needs changing you’ll need to contact Apple Support. They’ll want an adult to verify the birthdate. Passcodes and Two Factor Authentication (2FA) must be on all devices.

Restart both devices and follow follow the steps below exactly. Please note any errors and report exactly what the notification states.

Set up Apple Cash for a child or teen

1. On the family organizer's iPhone, open the Settings app.
2. Tap [your name], then tap Family Sharing.
3. Tap the child or teen that you want to set up Apple Cash for.
4. Tap Apple Cash, then follow the instructions on your screen to set up their account. You might need to verify your identity. If you see Pending, make sure that your child meets the requirements.

I have the same issue except it said to delete and re-add the card. I deleted it using my phone watch app but now I can’t add anything back. It only gives me the option for a transit card. My child doesn’t have a phone so his watch is attached to mine. I did all the software updates, checked screen time settings and hard restarted the watch and nothing.

Maggie2637 wrote:

Thanks, Jeff. The watch is SE (GPS + Cellular) (2nd Gen), watchOS version 26.6. Child is under 13.

Let me know what other info you need.

What device and iOS version are you using on your device?

Hi, have you been able to resolve this issue yet?

If you still need assistance with this issue I’ll need to know a little more about each device and your child’s age.

Please explain in detail how it’s not working on the Apple Watch? Some uses are restricted when the child is under 13.