Does Apple Pay Work without Internet?

What to Know

  • Apple Pay uses NFC technology, so there's no need for Wi-Fi to complete a transaction.
  • You won't be able to review your Apple Pay purchases until you have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

Can you use Apple Pay without Wi-Fi? You can! Here's what you need to know about using Apple Pay to make purchases when you don't have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. You can even use it in Airplane Mode!

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Can I Use Apple Pay without Internet?

Apple Pay without Wi-Fi

Does Apple Pay work without Wi-Fi? It does! Apple Pay uses NFC (near-field communication) technology to allow your iPhone or Apple Watch to communicate with the nearby card reader, much like when you tap a credit card. Since your card information is stored on in your Wallet app, your iPhone doesn't need to access to the internet to complete a transaction. This is good news for when you want to shop in a store that has neither Wi-Fi nor good cellular service. You can even use Apple Pay when your iPhone is in Airplane Mode. However, you will not be able to see an updated list of your transactions until you have an internet connection again.

FAQ

  • Can you use Apple Pay on a watch without cellular? As long as you've already added your card to your Apple Watch when you have an internet connection, then yes. But again, you won't be able to see an updated transaction list until you regain internet connection.
  • Does Apple Pay work in Airplane Mode? It does! Since the information is already stored on your phone, you don't need an internet or cellular connection.
  • Can I use Apple Pay on a plane? Theoretically, yes, and in practice, very often, the answer is also yes. However, it depends on the airline and the card readers' capabilities.
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Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden Both's picture

Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden Both

Amy Spitzfaden-Both is the Managing Editor for iPhone Life magazine and an award-winning novelist, with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. She specializes in Apple news and rumors, health and fitness tech, and parenting in the digital age. She graduated from MIU with a BA in Literature and Writing.
Amy lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter. When she’s not writing or glued to her iPhone, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and creating her own tea blends.