How to set up tap-to-pay on your phone
Set up tap-to-pay by opening Google Wallet or Samsung Pay, tapping Add to Wallet, choosing a credit or debit card, and taking a photo of the front and back of the card. Once it's in your phone, hold it up to the payment reader at checkout with the screen on. It takes about 3 seconds. Your phone's NFC radio is turned on by default.
Tap-to-pay lets you pay for things by holding your phone near a contactless payment reader instead of using a physical card. Your bank card information is stored in Google Wallet (on all Android phones) or Samsung Pay (on Samsung phones). These apps encrypt your card details so they're safer than using a plastic card. Your actual card number never touches the reader. Most stores now have contactless payment readers at checkout.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Holding the phone too close to the reader or moving it around. Keep it still about 1 inch away
- Assuming the phone screen needs to be unlocked. It works with the screen on or off, but tapping the screen first wakes it up
- Trying to use it at a reader that doesn't support contactless payments. Not all stores have them yet
Signs you need professional help
- Your card won't check with your bank and you keep getting an error. You've set up tap-to-pay but the payment reader at stores doesn't recognize it. Your phone has NFC but it's not showing up in Settings.
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