Some users have complained that they get the error messages “Apple Cash Unavailable” or “Apple Pay services are currently unavailable” when they try to set up or use the Apple Cash to make a payment. This error can be a result of several issues; from a poor internet connection to poor device configuration or even VPN interference. Today, we will see how to fix the Apple Cash unavailable error in this article.
What is Apple Cash?
Apple Cash is a digital card from Apple that exist in a wallet. It is a payment system that can be used to make purchases from stores, and send or receive payment in messages and in the Wallet app. Apple Cash can be used everywhere that accepts Apple Pay.
How to Fix Apple Cash Unavailable Error
If you are unable to use the Apple Cash because of this error, there are several things you can do to fix it, let’s see some of them.
1. Restart your iPhone
Sometimes, a simple restart is all it takes. It might be the Apple Cash is just suffering from a glitch and restarting the phone in this scenario can go a long way. Power off your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button, then swipe the slider to the right when it shows. Once it is completely off, turn it on again by holding the power button till the Apple logo is displayed. Now check the Apple Cash again after your device completely boots up.
2. Check your regional settings
As Apple Cash is only available in the US, it won’t work if it has been configured to a different region. Check that the regional setting is correct, and if it is not, adjust it. To do this,
- Open the phone Settings and select General.
- Open Language & Region.
- Select Region.
- Select your correct Region
- Tap Done.
- Check Apple Cash.
3. Check your internet connection
If your device isn’t connected to the internet, Apple Cash won’t work. So make sure you are connected to the internet via cellular, or Wi-Fi.
4. Check Apple Cash System Status
Sometimes this issue can arise because of a service failure from Apple’s end. Visit the Apple System Status page and check if the service is up and running. If it is not, then there’s nothing you can do than just wait till it’s restored.
5. Check your Apple ID
If the info submitted to the Apple website and the one on your iPhone do not correspond, Apple Cash won’t work.
- Open the Apple ID website on a browser
- Click on the Personal Information tab and check the information on it. Do the same for the Payment Methods tab.
- Then open the iPhone Settings and tap on your name.
- Compare your information on the iPhone to the one on the website. Make sure they all correspond.
- When done, check if Apple Cash is now working.
Update: February 09, 2025.
Account Limit
Of course, your App cash will be unavailable when you go above your account limit. There are limits to how much money you can send, receive, and hold with App cash. We recommend you check you have not gone above that, as it could be the reason your Apple Cash is not working.
Meanwhile, below are limits for verified users and Apple Cash Family users.
- Maximum balance for verified users: $20,000 and $2,000 for Family users.
- Adding money minimum: $10 for both verified and Family users
- Adding money maximum: $10,000 for verified users and $2,000 for Family users.
- It is for both the single-transaction maximum and the weekly maximum.
- Sending and receiving minimum: $1, Family and Verified users
- Sending and receiving maximum: $10,000 for verified users and $2,000 for Family users
- It is for both the single-transaction maximum and the weekly maximum
- Bank Transfer minimum: $1 ( verified and Family)
- You can transfer the balance to your account if it’s under $1
- Bank Transfer maximum: $10,000 for verified and $2,000 for Family users
- The weekly bank transfer maximum is $20,000 for verified and $4,000 for Family
- These limits do not include fees for Instant Transfers
Family Settings
Your Apple Cash will stop working if your account is locked. That’s for the Apple Cash Family. The only way to unlock your account is to talk with the Family organizer to unlock your account and probably ask why it was locked.
Enable Apple Cash
Apple Cash needs to be enabled before you can use it. Luckily, you can do it in three Steps from your iPhone or iPad.
- Head to Settings
- Scroll down and tap Wallet & Apple Pay
- Click the toggle at the top of the screen to turn on Apple Cash
- Once the toggle goes green, Apple Cash is enabled
Identity verification
At some point, Apple Cash will require identity verification to keep your account working. If your Apple Cash is not working, you might need to submit your identity for verification.
- On the iPhone: Go to the Wallet app, select your Apple Cash card, tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right, then tap Card Details>>Verify Identity.
- On the iPad: Settings>>Wallet & Apple Pay>>Apple Cash card.
- On Apple Watch: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap on Wallet & Apple Pay>>Apple Cash card.
You might need to provide a full name, SSN, date of birth, address, personal history questions, and/or an image of your driver’s license or state ID card. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the ID verification.
Accept payment manually
If you are getting paid with Apple Cash for the first time, you might need to accept the payment manually. Just tap the accept button. Also, the automatic option might be turned off, and you need to enable it.
- Head to Wallet App>>Apple Cash card.
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Card Details>>Automatically Accept Payments.
Wait for the funds to be credited
If you had transferred funds between your name and Apple Cash, it might take some time for the transfer to go through. Especially on weekends, bank transfers can take a bit longer to complete.
Contact Apple Support
After trying everything on this page and your Apple Cash still does not work, you need to contact Apple Support. They will help troubleshoot your problem to find out what’s happening. Head to the Apple Support website and use the search bar under Tell Us What’s Happening.
