Set up NFC and contactless payments on Galaxy S25

Contactless payments on the Galaxy S25 work through NFC, plus a wallet app like Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet. Once setup is complete, you can tap your phone at supported payment terminals, transit readers, and some access points.

Use the steps below to turn on NFC, set your wallet, and test a payment the right way.

Set up NFC on Galaxy S25

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Turn on NFC and contactless payments.
4. Tap the NFC section to open its options, then make sure contactless payments are allowed.

If you don’t see the toggle right away, use Settings search and type NFC.

Choose your default wallet app

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Choose default apps.
3. Open Wallet app (or tap payment-related defaults if your build labels it differently).
4. Select Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet as default.

This avoids conflicts where taps open the wrong app or fail at checkout.

Add a card for tap-to-pay

Samsung Wallet

1. Open Samsung Wallet.
2. Sign in to your Samsung account if prompted.
3. Tap Add card and scan or enter your card.
4. Complete bank verification (SMS, app approval, or call verification depending on your issuer).

Google Wallet

1. Open Google Wallet.
2. Tap Add to Wallet then Payment card.
3. Add your card details.
4. Finish issuer verification.

Some banks support one wallet but not the other, so use whichever app your card issuer supports best.

Set your screen lock (required for secure payments)

1. Open Settings > Lock screen and AOD.
2. Tap Screen lock type.
3. Set a PIN, pattern, or password.
4. Register fingerprint/face unlock if you want faster authentication.

Without a secure lock method, most cards will not activate for contactless payments.

Test contactless payments

1. At a payment terminal, wake and unlock your phone.
2. Open your wallet app (or use quick access if configured).
3. Hold the back of the phone near the NFC reader for 1 to 2 seconds.
4. Wait for vibration, beep, or onscreen confirmation.

If your first tap fails, slightly move the phone position over the terminal’s NFC spot and try again.

If tap-to-pay is not working

• Confirm NFC is still enabled.
• Make sure one wallet app is set as default.
• Check that your card status in the wallet app is Ready (not pending verification).
• Remove thick metal phone accessories or magnetic cases that may block NFC.
• Restart the phone, then test at another terminal to rule out store reader issues.
• Update One UI, Samsung Wallet/Google Wallet, and Google Play services.

When everything is configured correctly, Galaxy S25 contactless payments are usually instant and consistent.