Tap to Pay on iPhone lets you accept contactless tip payments directly on your iPhone - no external card reader required. Guests hold their card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay near your iPhone to pay.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| iPhone model | iPhone XS or newer |
| iOS version | iOS 15.4 or later |
| Stripe account | Must be onboarded (Wallet tab → Set Up Payouts) |
| Internet | Active connection required to process payments |
| App version | Latest version of the Aplauso app |
Tap to Pay on iPhone is powered by Apple's native Tap to Pay framework and Stripe Terminal. Apple reviews the feature and requires the hardware minimum above.
How to Accept a Tip via Tap to Pay
- Open the Reward tab (center button with the star icon in the bottom nav).
- Tap the Device sub-tab (next to QR Code).
- The app discovers your iPhone as the payment terminal automatically.
- Hand your phone to the guest or hold it toward them.
- The guest sees two steps on screen:
- Rating - tap 1–5 stars (optional)
- Tip Amount - preset options or custom amount, or No Tip
- After selecting a tip, the guest is prompted: "Hold card near iPhone."
- The guest holds their contactless card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay near the top of your iPhone.
- A green checkmark and confirmation sound indicate a successful payment.
Lock Screen Mode
While in the Device tab, tap the lock icon to lock the screen in tap-to-pay mode. This prevents accidental navigation while the guest is interacting. Double-tap the screen within 0.5 seconds to unlock.
What Guests Can Pay With
- Apple Pay / Google Pay (from any compatible phone or watch)
- Contactless credit / debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- Samsung Pay and other NFC wallets
Cash cannot be accepted via Tap to Pay.
After Payment
- The tip is added to your Aplauso Wallet balance immediately.
- An in-app notification appears on your Alerts tab.
- The guest receives a receipt via Stripe (email or SMS, if they provide contact details).
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Tap to Pay not available" message | Confirm you have iPhone XS+ and iOS 15.4+. Update iOS if needed. |
| Reader discovery takes too long | Ensure you have an active internet connection. Move to an area with better signal. |
| Payment declined | The guest's card may require chip/PIN. Ask them to pay via the kiosk or QR code instead. |
| Green checkmark but tip not in wallet | Allow a few seconds. Pull down to refresh on the Wallet tab. |
| App crashes on Device tab | Update the app to the latest version and restart. |
Privacy & Security
- Aplauso never stores raw card numbers. Payment data is processed entirely by Stripe Terminal and Apple's Tap to Pay framework.
- Every transaction is encrypted end-to-end.
- Guests do not need to install any app.