You can disable Apple Pay in Settings in under a minute
Apple Pay is turned on by default when you add a card to your iPhone or Apple Watch. If you don't want to use it—whether you prefer other payment methods, have security concerns, or simply don't need it—you can turn it off completely. The process is straightforward and takes place entirely in your device's Settings app.
Disabling Apple Pay does not delete your card information. It only prevents Apple Pay from working as a payment method. Your card stays in your Wallet app, and you can turn Apple Pay back on anytime by reversing these steps.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, and toggle off the switch next to Apple Pay to disable it on your iPhone.
- Disabling Apple Pay on your iPhone does not automatically disable it on your Apple Watch—you must turn it off on the watch separately.
- Your card information remains stored in Wallet even after you disable Apple Pay; you are only turning off the payment feature.
- You can disable Apple Pay for specific cards instead of all cards, which lets you keep some payment methods active and block others.
- If you forget your passcode, you cannot disable Apple Pay without resetting your device or contacting Apple Support.
Disable Apple Pay on your iPhone
Step 1: Open Settings. Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen or in your app library.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Wallet & Apple Pay. You will see this option in the middle section of Settings, below Screen Time and above Siri & Search.
Step 3: Toggle off the switch next to Apple Pay. The switch will turn from green to gray. A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to turn off Apple Pay—tap Confirm or Turn Off to proceed.
Once you complete these steps, Apple Pay will no longer work on your iPhone. You will not be able to pay with your cards at stores, in apps, or online using Face ID or Touch ID. If someone tries to use Apple Pay on your phone, they will see an error message.
Disable Apple Pay on your Apple Watch
If you wear an Apple Watch and have added cards to it, disabling Apple Pay on your iPhone does not turn it off on the watch. You must disable it separately on the watch itself.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Press the Digital Crown (the button on the side) to go to the home screen, then tap the Settings icon (the gear).
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Wallet. This is where your payment cards are stored on the watch.
Step 3: Tap Apple Pay. You will see a toggle switch at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Toggle off Apple Pay. The switch will turn gray. Your watch will no longer accept Apple Pay payments.
Disable Apple Pay for individual cards instead of all cards
If you want to keep Apple Pay active but block specific cards from being used, you can disable individual cards without turning off Apple Pay entirely. This is useful if you have multiple cards and only want to restrict one.
On your iPhone: Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay, tap the card you want to disable, scroll down, and toggle off the switch next to Apple Pay. That card will no longer work with Apple Pay, but your other cards will.
On your Apple Watch: Open Settings > Wallet, tap the card you want to disable, scroll down, and toggle off Apple Pay for that card.
This approach is helpful if you have a card you rarely use or want to prevent accidental charges from a specific payment method while keeping Apple Pay active for your primary card.
What happens when you disable Apple Pay
When Apple Pay is off, you lose the ability to pay with your cards using your face, fingerprint, or watch. In stores, you will need to use a physical card or another payment method. Online and in apps, you will see payment options like credit card entry, PayPal, or other services, but Apple Pay will not appear as a choice.
Your card details remain stored in the Wallet app even after you disable Apple Pay. You can still view your cards, check transaction history, and see card details—you simply cannot use them for contactless or app-based payments. If you change your mind, you can turn Apple Pay back on by following the same steps and toggling the switch back to green.
Disabling Apple Pay does not affect other Apple services like Apple Card, Apple Cash, or transit passes if you use those features. It only affects payment cards you have added to Apple Pay.
Re-enable Apple Pay if you change your mind
Turning Apple Pay back on is as simple as turning it off. Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay and toggle the switch back on. Your cards will be ready to use immediately—you do not need to re-add them or enter any information again.
If you disabled individual cards, you can re-enable them the same way: go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay, tap the card, and toggle Apple Pay back on for that specific card.
Troubleshooting: What to do if you cannot disable Apple Pay
If the toggle switch for Apple Pay is grayed out or will not respond, your device may require a passcode to make changes. Try entering your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode when prompted. If you do not remember your passcode, you will need to reset your device using a computer with iTunes or Finder, or contact Apple Support for help.
In rare cases, parental controls or device management settings (often used by employers or schools) can lock Apple Pay settings. If you see a message saying the setting is restricted, check with whoever set up the device or contact your IT department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling Apple Pay delete my card information?
No. Your card details stay in your Wallet app. Disabling Apple Pay only turns off the payment feature. You can turn it back on anytime and your cards will still be there, ready to use.
If I disable Apple Pay on my iPhone, does it turn off on my Apple Watch too?
No. You must disable Apple Pay on each device separately. Turning it off on your iPhone does not affect your Apple Watch. You will need to go into the Watch's Settings app and disable it there as well.
Can I disable Apple Pay for just one card and keep it on for others?
Yes. Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay, tap the specific card, and toggle off Apple Pay for that card only. Your other cards will continue to work with Apple Pay.
What payment methods can I use if Apple Pay is disabled?
You can use physical cards, cash, or other digital payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Google Pay. In stores, you will need to hand over a physical card or use another contactless payment method. Online, you can enter card details manually or use other payment services.
Can I disable Apple Pay if I forgot my passcode?
No. You will need your passcode to make changes to Apple Pay settings. If you forgot it, you will need to reset your device using a computer or contact Apple Support for assistance.