Wondering why the Apple Pay sent but not received? Well, multiple possible solutions exist!
If you’re failing a transaction or there was no sign of Apple payment on the recipient’s end, the issue is possibly related to a “Wallet” app or payment details.
This guide will help you uncover what exactly fails the transaction and what are the possible solutions and quick steps to apply.
When Apple Pay is sent but not received, check the payment information and offload the “Wallet” app. If the issue persists, associate your card with a PayPal account, check for a transaction SMS, and use an alternative payment method.
There is much more, so let’s get started!
Why Was Apple Pay Money Sent But Not Received?
If you’ve sent or received funds via Apple Money, but they haven’t been received, there could be an issue with the payment details or the “Wallet” app.
Here’s why the Apple Pay transaction has not been received:
Note: Remember that the transaction may take up to 2 hours to reach the recipient and show up in their Apple May money wallet.
Apple Pay Sent But Not Received – Quick & Easy Solutions
Tip: Follow the steps in chronological order!
1. Accept the Apple Pay Transaction
More significant transactions may require additional identity verification to be added to your Apple Pay balance.
If you send funds, the recipient may have to verify the transaction through the received Apple SMS message to top up their Apple Pay balance.
How to Verify Apple Pay Transaction (Recipient)?
- Open the “Messages” app on your iPhone or Android device.
- Locate the conversation that starts with “Apple” in the listings.
- Tap the link included in the latest message you’ve received.
- When taken to confirm your payment, follow the instructions.
- Check whether the Apple Pay funds are added to the balance.
How to Verify Apple Pay Transaction (Sender)?
- Open the “Wallet” app on your iOS mobile device.
- Select the card you’ve used for the transaction.
- Tap “Complete Verification” and follow the steps.
Additional verification may be required through the sender’s “Wallet” app to complete a transaction transferring a larger amount of funds.
So, the transaction might have to be verified on both ends to be delivered to the recipient’s wallet as quickly as possible.
2. Cancel & Re-Send the Payment
If the transaction takes too long to arrive in the recipient’s wallet, you must check whether the payment can still be canceled.
If you can cancel the payment through the “Wallet” app, it means the funds have not yet reached the wallet destination of the recipient.
Here’s how to cancel an Apple Pay transaction:
- Open the “Messages” app on an iOS mobile unit.
- Next, access the conversation with the recipient.
- Tap “Cancel Payment” when the button appears.
Pro Tip: You can cancel a pending transaction through the “Wallet” app by accessing “Apple Cash Card” and choosing the “Cancel Payment” button.
How to Dispute Apple Pay Transactions?
In case the transaction was already sent and received on the other end, you can dispute the funds to acquire them back.
If you cannot locate the “Cancel Payment” button within the transaction list, ask the recipient to return the money you’ve addressed to his wallet.
Note: It might take up to 3 business days until the funds are re-added into your account.
3. Check the Internet Connection
An unstable or fluctuating internet connection will prevent your iOS mobile from sending online transactions through Apple Pay.
The next step is to check your device’s internet and verify that the cellular or Wi-Fi condition allows for managing online payments and transactions.
How to Check Wi-Fi Connection On Mobile?
- Open the “Settings” app on your mobile device.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi” and check all discovered networks.
- Tap your home Wi-Fi network from the options.
- Insert the SSID key to connect with the network.
How to Check Cellular Connection On Mobile?
- Open the “Settings” app on your mobile device.
- Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” from the tab.
- Verify that the “Mobile Data” feature is activated.
- Check the cellular reception of the mobile device.
Tip: Improper cellular reception can be caused by nearby signal obstructions!
4. Use Alternative Payment Method
Setting up an alternative payment method is another way to send or receive an Apple Pay transaction successfully.
So, open the “Wallet” app, press the “Home” button, and choose one of the possible payment providers to add your debit or credit card and set up a method.
If you wish to manage your existing payment method, verify that the personal and payment information is correct and attempt to send the transaction again.
Bonus Tip: Associate your Card with PayPal!
Adding your credit or debit card to a PayPal account and attempting to send the transaction from there is another reliable solution.
Simply open the Wallet app on your iOS device, tap the “Home” button, and choose “Set up with PayPal” from the available options.
Note: You will be prompted to log in with your existing PayPal or create a new one!
5. Check the Sender’s Funds
Even if Apple Pay says the payment has been sent successfully, the transaction could be delayed because of insufficient funds.
The transaction recipe should contain information about the sent payment, and if the “Total Price” says “$0,” your bank’s funds might be insufficient.
This issue must be addressed with your bank instead of Apple Pay or the Wallet app.
Ensure the associated payment methods have enough funds to cover the transfer, and then try again.
Note: If possible, use an alternative payment method!
6. Update the iOS/Android Version
A potentially outdated firmware of the recipient or sender’s mobile device could prevent the transaction from undergoing proper verification.
If the transaction still does not appear on the recipient’s end, you should update the firmware of your mobile device to the latest version.
How to Update System Firmware On Android?
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android mobile.
- After that, go to the “System” or “Firmware” tab
- Tap on “Check for Updates” and wait 5 seconds.
- If an update is found, press the “Update” button.
How to Update System Firmware On iOS?
- Open the “Settings” app on your iOS mobile.
- Go to the “General” tab from the tabs below.
- After that, tap on “Software Update” and wait.
- If an update is found, it should start installing.
Alert: Updating your mobile device's software requires a stable internet connection!
7. Offload the “Wallet” App (iOS)
If the transaction says “Received,” but the recipient has neither received funds nor an SMS message, the issue is likely caused by the “Wallet” app.
Offloading is the only possibility to resolve issues with the “Wallet” application, as default iOS platforms cannot be uninstalled.
Here’s how to offload the “Wallet” app on your iOS mobile:
- Open the “Settings” app on your mobile device.
- Head to “General” and enter “iPhone Storage.”
- Select the “Wallet” app that will appear in the list.
- Press “Offload App” and tap “Offload App” again.
- Next, wait for 15 seconds and tap on “Load App.”
- Wait until the app’s status changes back to normal.
- Test the Wallet app by launching it on your device.
Tip: The app will be inaccessible while offloaded on your iOS device!
8. Reset the Device’s Network Settings
The reason why the transaction keeps failing or says “Online,” but no money has arrived is potentially due to an issue with the network settings.
The network reset will erase the configuration of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular settings on your mobile iOS or Android, so back up any critical data.
How to Start Network Reset On an Android Device?
- First, access the “Settings” app and launch the “System” tab.
- Select “Reset Options” → “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”
- Tap “Reset Settings” and confirm the process on the Android.
- Wait 30-45 seconds while the network reset has been finalized.
How to Start Network Reset On Apple Device?
- Open the “Settings” app on your Apple iOS mobile device.
- Access “General” and scroll to the tab’s bottom.
- Choose “Transfer or Reset [Device]” from the options below.
- Select “Network Reset” and follow the provided instructions.
Alert: Avoid interacting with the device during the network reset.
Quick Recap:
Whenever Apple Pay is sent but not received, offload the “Wallet” app, correct the payment details, and confirm through the recipient’s SMS.
If the issue persists, check the device’s internet, re-send the payment, and reset the network settings.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.