Is iOS 26.0.1 really the issue with apple pay not working?

I have a iPhone 13 Pro Max with iOS 26.0.1 loaded. I have added two credit cards to my Apple Wallet and have replaced my phone case to one that is clear plastic so there is minimal blockage. Every time I go to make a purchase with my phone, it initially reads it, the double-click message comes up, I do that, then it stalls out and never completes the purchase. I have tried at multiple stores and with each of my cards and it never works. When I go under Settings to Wallet & Apple Pay, at the very top it has Allow Wallet & Apple Pay to Access, but it is ghosted. Does that mean anything? Under Apple Pay Defaults, I have my card info set up.


As an aside, my husband has a iPhone 12 with the 26.0.01 IOS loaded and he has no issues using Apple Pay.


I don't know what else to check. Any helpful suggestions?

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Posted on Oct 23, 2025 10:51 AM

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10 replies

Oct 28, 2025 4:49 PM in response to cedillo

Time to find out if your device has a hardware issue.


You need to 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. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.


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Oct 23, 2025 11:17 AM in response to cedillo

cedillo wrote:

As an aside, my husband has a iPhone 12 with the 26.0.01 IOS loaded and he has no issues using Apple Pay.

That would seem to indicate that the problem is not the current version of iOS. I'm also not having any trouble with it. Just used my phone at the soda machine here at work, possibly the most finicky readers I've ever run into.


Which part of the settings is greyed out? Nothing under "Allow Wallet & Apple Pay to Access" should have much effect on your ability to use Apple Pay, except Cellular Data.


Have you tried removing the cards and adding them back?

Oct 23, 2025 11:29 AM in response to cedillo

Do you use a VPN or ever had VPN software or antivirus software in your device?


You may also have the steps out of order.


First double click side button (power button).


Next verify using biometrics (Face ID). You should get check mark and smiley face verification. If not repeat.


Next select payment method if different from default card.


Next tap transaction terminal where indicated by Tap-To-Pay symbol or ask cashier where to tap.


Payment should complete. If not, what is the error message?

Oct 24, 2025 8:47 AM in response to cedillo

cedillo wrote:

I asked the poster a question about what they meant - verifying a card. Not sure how you do that.

They described the process in the post you responded to:


It may be due to the fact that your cards are not fully verified in the app. Open up Wallet & Apple Pay section in your setting and double check if they are verified. Once you have them verified, double taps will work.



Is iOS 26.0.1 really the issue with apple pay not working?

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