Does Walgreens Take Apple Pay? (2025 Full Guide)

Yes! Walgreens accepts Apple Pay at all of its stores, drive-thru pharmacies, and even through its app and website. Whether you’re picking up prescriptions, restocking vitamins, or grabbing everyday essentials, you can check out quickly and securely anywhere you see the Apple Pay or contactless payment symbol.

This guide covers everything you need to know about using Apple Pay at Walgreens from setup and step-by-step instructions to earning rewards, troubleshooting issues, and alternative payment options.

Quick Answer: Does Walgreens Accept Apple Pay?

Absolutely. Walgreens fully supports Apple Pay across all its U.S. locations. That means iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users can pay instantly no need to pull out a wallet or card. Walgreens has completely integrated contactless payments, making checkout faster, cleaner, and more convenient for everyone.

Which Walgreens Locations Support Apple Pay?

Every Walgreens location in the U.S. accepts Apple Pay, including:

• All in-store checkout counters
• Pharmacy pickup and drive-thru windows
• Photo department kiosks
• The Walgreens mobile app
• The Walgreens.com website

Just look for the contactless payment symbol (four curved lines) or the Apple Pay logo near the card reader that’s your cue that you’re good to go.

What Other Payment Methods Does Walgreens Accept?

Along with Apple Pay, Walgreens also accepts:

• Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Google Pay and Samsung Pay
• Walgreens gift cards and store credit
• Cash (in-store only)
• PayPal (online and in-app)
• FSA/HSA cards for eligible purchases
• Walgreens credit card

How to Use Apple Pay at Walgreens

Using Apple Pay at Walgreens takes only a few seconds. The process varies slightly depending on your device.

iPhone with Face ID

1. Wait for the cashier to ring up your items.
2. Double-click the side button.
3. Authenticate with Face ID.
4. Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader.
5. When you see “Done” and a checkmark, the payment is complete.

iPhone with Touch ID

1. After your items are scanned, hold your iPhone near the reader.
2. Rest your finger on the Touch ID sensor.
3. Wait for the confirmation message.

Apple Watch

1. Double-click the side button.
2. Hold your watch near the reader.
3. You’ll feel a soft tap and hear a beep once payment goes through.

Your default card is charged automatically no app opening needed. Apple Pay activates the moment you double-click.

Using Apple Pay at the Pharmacy or Drive-Thru

As more users manage payments through their Apple devices, keeping cloud data optimized becomes increasingly important. Using reliable iCloud storage management software ensures your payment information, Wallet data, and app backups stay secure and well-organized across all your Apple devices.

Here’s how:

1. Pull up to the window when it’s your turn.
2. The pharmacy staff will prepare your order and activate the terminal.
3. Locate the contactless reader (usually on a movable arm near the window).
4. Activate Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
5. Hold your device near the reader until payment completes.

If the reader is out of reach, staff can easily move it closer.

How to Use Apple Pay Online or in the Walgreens App

In the Walgreens App

1. Add your items to the cart.
2. Proceed to checkout.
3. Select Apple Pay as your payment method.
4. Confirm your order using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

On Walgreens.com (Safari on Mac or iPad)

1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Select Apple Pay.
3. Click the Apple Pay button.
4. Authenticate and complete your order.

Apple Pay automatically fills in your shipping and billing details no need to type them manually.

Can You Earn Rewards or Cashback with Apple Pay at Walgreens?

Yes! You’ll still earn Walgreens rewards and cashback when you pay with Apple Pay.

myWalgreens Rewards

The myWalgreens program works seamlessly with Apple Pay. To earn points:

• Enter your myWalgreens phone number or scan your digital card before paying.
• You can also add your myWalgreens barcode to Apple Wallet for quick scanning.

Earn 1% Walgreens Cash on most items and 5% on Walgreens-branded products. You can redeem Walgreens Cash on future purchases.

Apple Card Daily Cash

If you use an Apple Card with Apple Pay, you’ll earn 2% Daily Cash on all Walgreens purchases made with Apple Pay. The cashback is instantly deposited into your Apple Cash card.

Keep an eye out for occasional Apple promotions that boost your cashback rate at Walgreens. For Apple users who like tracking their purchases and rewards across devices, the Apple iCloud Analyzer can be a helpful tool. It gives insights into how your data, app usage, and backups are stored in iCloud making it easier to manage space and ensure your Wallet and Apple Pay data sync smoothly.

Benefits of Using Apple Pay at Walgreens

Contactless and Secure

• Your actual card number is never shared with Walgreens or stored on your device.
• Every transaction uses a one-time, dynamic security code.
• Face ID or Touch ID ensures only you can authorize payments.
• If your phone is lost, you can disable Apple Pay remotely via Find My iPhone.

That makes Apple Pay one of the safest payment methods available even if a store’s systems are compromised.

Faster Checkout

• No need to dig out cards or enter PINs.
• Transactions finish in seconds.
• Digital receipts and loyalty cards stay neatly stored in your Wallet app.
• It’s a cleaner, contact-free option perfect for quick and hygienic checkouts.

During busy hours, Apple Pay helps speed up lines for everyone.

What to Do If Apple Pay Doesn’t Work at Walgreens

If Apple Pay isn’t responding, try these quick fixes.

Common Issues and Solutions

Apple Pay not showing or activating:

• Ensure you’ve added at least one card to Wallet.
• Update your iOS software.
• Confirm your card hasn’t expired.
• Check Screen Time settings to make sure Apple Pay isn’t restricted.

Reader not responding:

• Hold your device closer within an inch of the reader.
• Move it slightly around the terminal’s contactless area.
• Wait for the cashier to activate the payment terminal.
• Make sure nothing’s blocking your iPhone’s top NFC area.

Transaction declined:

• Verify your card balance or credit limit.
• Contact your bank if it keeps failing.
• Try a different card.
• Confirm your billing address in Wallet settings.

Face ID/Touch ID not working:

• Clean the camera or home button.
• Use your passcode instead.
• Re-enroll Face or Touch ID if problems persist.

If Apple Pay still won’t work, you can always pay with your physical card or another method until the issue’s resolved.

How to Contact Walgreens Support

If you suspect the issue is on Walgreens’ side:

• Speak directly with the store manager.
• Call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733).
• Use the Contact Us option in the Walgreens app.
• Visit walgreens.com/help.

For technical Apple Pay issues, reach Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE or visit apple.com/support.

Alternative Payment Options at Walgreens

If you prefer not to use Apple Pay, Walgreens offers several other modern payment methods.

Google Pay & Samsung Pay

Android users can enjoy the same convenience:

• Google Pay: Works at all NFC-enabled terminals; authenticate with fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN.
• Samsung Pay: Works with both NFC and MST, meaning it’s compatible with older card readers too.

Both options are secure, quick, and easy to use just like Apple Pay.

Credit/Debit Cards & PayPal

• Insert or swipe your card at checkout and enter your PIN when prompted.
• PayPal is available for online and in-app purchases (not in-store).

These are reliable alternatives if contactless payments don’t go through.

Conclusion

Walgreens has fully embraced Apple Pay, both in stores and online. It’s fast, secure, and integrates perfectly with the myWalgreens rewards program.

From prescriptions and snacks to everyday essentials, Apple Pay makes checkout effortless. Just double-click, authenticate, and tap you’re done.

For even smoother transactions, add your myWalgreens card to Apple Wallet for instant rewards every time you shop.

Next time you’re at Walgreens, skip the wallet and pay the smart way with Apple Pay.

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