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Does Apple Pay work without internet?

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  • 3 min read

Apple Pay is extensively used around the world as a digital payment wallet and it has contributed to shifting user preference to e-wallets instead of cash. With Apple Pay, you can be assured of a secure and encrypted payment process without any hassle. However, since it is a form of digital payment method, then is being connected to the internet a necessity while using Apple Pay?

In this article, we will be figuring out whether Apple Pay can be used without the Internet or if it requires an Internet connection to work.

Also read: Does Starbucks take Apple Pay?


Network-less Apple

While credit cards have a magnetic strip that a card reader scans, e-wallet apps like Apple Pay send a magnetic signal to an NFC or Near Field Communications reader that receives this signal and processes the payment. For this, a token or identification number is assigned to your payment process in place of account information.

Yes, Apple Pay will work without internet

Now, a new identification number is required for every purchase, but some tokens can be saved offline if you regularly connect to the internet. If currently, you are in an area that is unable to receive a strong internet connection and are wondering if Apple Pay will work without internet, then yes, it will work.


How does Apple Pay work without internet?

If you have the functional Apple Pay app on any of your Apple devices, be it Apple Watch, iPad, or iPhone, Apple Pay will work without an internet connection, that is, without mobile data, or Wi-Fi. So if you are in a store and are unable to get any network, then you can breathe a sigh of relief as your Apple device has an NFC chip installed. This chip sends signals that include your payment information to an NFC reader at that store.

Apple Pay can work without:

  • An internet connection
  • A SIM card

It can work on old iPhones as long as you have an active debit or a credit card added to your Apple Pay. All Apple Pay requires in return is for you to authenticate your purchase by either of the following:

  • Touch ID
  • Face ID
  • Passcode

Apple Pay uses NFC technology to send and receive payments without any internet connection. However, to view any recent transactions or your payment history, you will have to connect to the internet.

You can use Apple Pay even when it is on Airplane Mode as all your account information required to make any purchase is stored on your Apple device.

Also read: Does Harris Teeter take Apple Pay?

Sania Usmani

Sania Usmani

Always curious, calm, and a little crazy, you can find me daydreaming or studying. An avid reader, traveler, and graduate of Aviation Science, I love gaining new experiences in life and star gazing. You can contact her here: sania_5008@proton.me

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