How to Fix “Apple Pay Services are Currently Unavailable”
We are well acquainted with the importance of digital payments in our everyday lives. Online payment services can be utilized in various ways, and one of the leading technology companies, Apple, provides a digital payment service. Apple Pay, available on iOS devices and integrated into watches, allows you to conveniently send and receive money using your iPhone. However, occasionally users encounter an error message stating, “Apple Pay Services are currently unavailable,” when attempting to access Apple Pay.
What triggers the display of this message, and what steps can be taken to resolve it? Let’s investigate.
Apple Pay is a convenient service that facilitates digital transactions, eliminating the need to carry physical currency. It simplifies online purchases. I understand that a number of users are encountering difficulties while utilizing Apple Pay for transactions. Let’s delve into the possible causes for the unavailability of Apple Pay services and explore potential solutions.
Contents
- 1 What Exactly is the error message “Apple Pay Services are Currently Unavailable”?
- 2 Why is there a Service Error with Apple Pay?
- 3 Fix Apple Pay Services are Currently Unavailable Error 2023
- 4 1. Add a Fresh Email Address to Apple Pay.
- 5 2. Restart your Device
- 6 3. Change the Region
- 7 4. Disable VPN
- 8 5. Log out and Log in With Apple ID
- 9 6. Reset Your iPhone Device
- 10 7. Update iOS
- 11 8. Verify your Identity
- 12 You might be asked to provide the following personal data to confirm your Apple ID:
- 13 9. Use the Cellular Data for Apple Wallet
- 14 10. Check the Servers’ Status
- 15 Conclusion
Before we proceed to explore the solutions, it would be beneficial to gain a quick understanding of the error message.
This notification appears when attempting to use Apple Pay for making payments. It indicates that Apple Pay services are currently inaccessible due to factors that may vary on your end. As an Apple customer experiencing difficulties with Apple Pay Services, it is important to be aware of the following potential issues:
- Apple Pay services may be temporarily unavailable during the launch of Apple ID.
- Apple Pay services may not be accessible while searching for an Apple Card.
These instances can be frustrating, as Apple Pay services are temporarily halted, and numerous customers have reported encountering this issue.
Why is there a Service Error with Apple Pay?
The message “Apple Pay services are currently unavailable” can occur due to various reasons, and here are some of the most common ones:
- Network or regional restrictions.
- Outdated iOS version.
- VPN interference.
- Low battery on your iPhone.
- Issues with Apple Pay servers.
- Faulty digital payment terminals.
- Phone network not configured with Apple Wallet.
- Incorrect Apple ID information.
- Glitches with Apple Pay.
These factors can contribute to the appearance of the error message, indicating the unavailability of Apple Pay services.
You can attempt the below 10 methods for resolving the “Apple Pay services are currently unavailable” problem.
1. Add a Fresh Email Address to Apple Pay.
To resolve the unavailability of Apple Pay services, follow these steps:
- Open the app’s settings.
- Tap on “Options.”
- Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and choose “Email.”
- Select the email address associated with your account.
- To change your email address, you can either select “Enter New Email Address” or “Add from Existing Contact.”
- Once you have made your selection, click on “Done” to save the changes.
2. Restart your Device
Many minor issues with your device can often be resolved by performing a simple restart, which may also help in resolving this error. To restart your device, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the power button for a few seconds.
- A slider will appear on the screen.
- Slide the slider from left to right to turn off your device.
- To turn it back on, press and hold the power button again.
- Release the button when the Apple logo appears on your screen.
3. Change the Region
Apple Pay is not yet available in certain countries worldwide. However, changing the region settings on your iPhone can help resolve the “service unavailable” error when using Apple Pay. Follow these steps:
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app and select “General.”
- Tap on “Language & Region.”
- Choose a region where Apple Pay is available, such as the US or the UK.
- After selecting the desired region, click on “Done.”
- Restart your iPhone to apply the changes.
- After restarting, Apple Pay should function properly.
4. Disable VPN
The issue may arise if you are using a VPN while attempting to use Apple Pay. To troubleshoot, disable your VPN and check if you can successfully send money. If you can, the VPN is likely the main cause. If not, try alternative methods. Follow these steps:
- Open the iPhone settings menu and select “General.”
- Scroll down and tap on “VPN and Device Management.”
- Turn off the Status slider to disable the VPN.
- Now, attempt to use Apple Pay again and see if the issue persists.
5. Log out and Log in With Apple ID
If you are still uncertain about the reason behind the unavailability of Apple Pay services, you can try logging out and then logging back in using your Apple ID. Follow these simple steps to learn how:
- Open the iPhone settings and go to “iCloud.”
- Tap on “Sign out.”
- If you want to retain your notes, Safari history, and other data on your phone, iCloud will prompt you. Choose “Delete from my iPhone.”
- Wait for a few moments before restarting your iPhone.
- Once the restart is complete, try accessing Apple Pay by logging back into iCloud.
6. Reset Your iPhone Device
If you suspect that accidental changes to your device’s settings may have caused the issue, you can try restoring the settings to their default state. Follow these steps:
- Open the settings menu and select “General.”
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap on “Reset.”
- On the next page, select “Erase All Content and Settings,” which is the second option from the top.
Please note that performing this action will erase all the data and settings on your device, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.
7. Update iOS
In most instances, iOS updates provide significant benefits by enhancing the overall stability and security of your iPhone, introducing new features, and more. However, there are instances where certain changes can be more problematic than helpful. While the majority of iOS updates are trouble-free, some may contain bugs that can cause inconvenience. The issue with Apple Pay could potentially be associated with the latest iOS version installed on your iPhone.
If this is the case and you are unable to find an immediate solution, your only recourse is to wait for Apple to address the issue in one of the upcoming versions. It is advisable to keep an eye out for future iOS updates that may include fixes for the problem you are experiencing.
8. Verify your Identity
In order to send money using Apple Cash, it is necessary to verify your identity. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps to verify your Apple ID:
- Open the Wallet app on your device.
- Tap the three-dotted menu icon.
- Select your Apple Cash card.
- Choose the option “Verify Identity.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process.
You might be asked to provide the following personal data to confirm your Apple ID:
- Full name Social Security number Date of birth Residential address Responses to inquiries regarding personal history A photograph of your valid state identification card or active driver’s license
Remember that Apple typically won’t accept passports for verification; therefore, you’ll have to provide an additional document.
9. Use the Cellular Data for Apple Wallet
In most cases, if you haven’t linked your Apple Wallet to cellular data, you may face challenges when using Apple Pay services. To utilize Apple Wallet with cellular data, follow the steps outlined below:
- Tap on Settings.
- Select Cellular.
- Open the Apple Wallet app.
- Enable it and allow the use of cellular data.
10. Check the Servers’ Status
It is possible that server failure is the cause for the temporary unavailability of Apple Pay services. While such situations are rare, they can occur occasionally. If the Apple Pay servers are offline, there is nothing you can do except wait for Apple to address and resolve the issue. Fortunately, Apple typically responds promptly to any potential problems, ensuring that server issues are resolved swiftly.
Conclusion
I hope you were able to resolve the issue of “Apple Pay services are currently unavailable” while making payments. If you are still encountering difficulties, it is advisable to contact Apple Support for assistance. Also, please remember to share in the comments which solution worked for you if the problem no longer persists.