Set Up Apple Pay with Apple Watch on macOS 13

This guide explains how to configure and use your Apple Watch to authorize Apple Pay purchases on a Mac running macOS 13 Ventura. By connecting your Apple Watch to your Mac, you can securely confirm online purchases in Safari without needing built-in Touch ID on your computer.

Prerequisites

Before setting up the connection, make sure your devices meet the following requirements:

Your Mac is running macOS 13 (Ventura).
Both your Mac and Apple Watch are signed in to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on for both devices.
Your Apple Watch has a passcode enabled and Wrist Detection turned on.
At least one payment card is set up in the Wallet app on your Apple Watch or paired iPhone.

Step 1: Enable Apple Watch on macOS 13

To allow your Apple Watch to authorize Apple Pay requests on your Mac, you must enable it in your system settings:

Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
Select System Settings.
In the sidebar, scroll down and click Touch ID & Password (or Login Password if your Mac does not support Touch ID).
Locate the Apple Watch section on the right.
Toggle the switch On next to your Apple Watch’s name.
Enter your Mac administrator password when prompted to confirm.

Step 2: Enable Payments on Mac (iPhone Settings)

Ensure your iOS device permits payments across your connected devices:

Open the Settings app on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
Scroll down to find Allow Payments on Mac.
Toggle the switch to the On position.

How to Complete a Purchase Using Apple Watch

Once configured, authorizing a purchase is automatic:

Open Safari on your Mac and proceed to checkout on any website supporting Apple Pay.
Select Apple Pay as your payment method.
A prompt will appear on your Apple Watch screen displaying the payment amount.
Double-click the side button on your Apple Watch to confirm and complete the transaction.