Apple Wallet Disabled - how to resolve ?

Question

Level 1

14 points

Apple Wallet Disabled - how to resolve ?

I had a debit card that was breached - let's call it Card A. I asked by Bank to block this card -job done

I received a new card, let's all it Card B.

Apple wallet will not let me add card B to my wallet, I get the message Add Card Later.

I removed another card ( valid ) from my Wallet and then tried to add it back into the Wallet, no success - same message as above.

The Apple Wallet on my iPad works as it should - adding, deleting cards - no problem.

It seems that when Card A was blocked, instead of just blocking Card A the complete Apple Wallet on the iphone was blocked.

And this is where I get very ANGRY/FRUSTRATED. I have spoken many times and at length with Visa , my bank, Apple and Sky ( my network provider)

The issue it seems is a KNOWN issue.

Data sent between Apple and my bank has resulted in BOTH my card and the complete Apple Wallet being blocked - on my phone.

Naively I assume if it was a 'simple' process to block Card B and access to Apple Wallet on my phone, it is equally as simple to unblock it - Apparently not.

I'm tired of calling Apple, Sky, my bank and Apple with each telling me nothing to do with me mate - it's the other guy.

I've narrowed it down to either Apple or the Bank who 'own' the issue and either can provide the other with SEID , IMIE, EID or IMEI number or whatever is necessary to re-active my Apple Wallet on my iPhone.

Not a major issue - it's the way I'm being fobbed off from one organisation to the other that is tee'ing me off

Apparently there are 'several thousand' folk with the same issue.

Apple and the bank seem to be collating the details of the devices impacted and then putting the updated data in a draw, marked as 'too hard/much effort to fix' for safe keeping until the next update of card numbers is received and the master list updated.

iPhone 16e

Posted on Sep 14, 2025 05:37 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,508 points

Sep 14, 2025 08:22 AM in response to Rkmssj1

I’ve posted on this issue multiple times in the communities here and on Reddit. You may want to search to read about the issue in more detail.

The issue boils down to your device contains information that you reported as fraud. When you attempt to add a card to the device, your iPhone sends information on your iPhone to the Payment Network Operator (PNO) Visa and if they approve then information is forwarded to your bank.

Both the PNO and your bank employ algorithms to evaluate the risk potential. Adding the card, is not something Apple participates in beyond the pure mechanics of once the bank approves, Apple adds the encrypted token representing your card, to your device.

Information Apple provides to the PNO and the bank are disclosed in several support documents Apple publishes. I’ve linked them below. The entire process is anonymous to Apple as part of their privacy and security protocols.

Bottom line is either the PNO or bank aren’t able or willing to modify their security procedures. The information on your device is the information and Apple can’t change it.

In regard to it being a known issue, it may happen to account owners from any bank when suspicious information is presented to the PNO and/or bank.

The fixes seems to be time upwards of 12 months but is generally reported to be in the 30 to 60 day range. The other fix is a direct involvement between the PNO and the bank. Several community members both here and on Reddit have reported that getting bank personnel involved resolved the issue in a few days. For example it was reported here that the community member contacted his personal investment adviser at the bank and his cards were added in a few days. Others choose the waiting game and reported success after 30 days or longer.

I’m happy to answer any additional questions you have.

Apple Pay security and privacy overview - Apple Support

Card provisioning security overview - Apple Support

Apple Pay component security - Apple Support

Apple Pay Wallet Terms and Conditions

Adding credit or debit cards to Apple Pay - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

Rkmssj1 Author

Level 1

14 points

Sep 14, 2025 10:01 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Jeff, thank you for your sensible, informative reply.

My conclusions were already leaning to it being a Bank/PNO owned issue as I see, rightly so it seems, the Wallet s/w simply being a conduit to get the card info to the bank which then completes it's own internal validation processes.

I'll chase my bank tomorrow and update here

Txs

Reply

Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 8

41,508 points

Sep 14, 2025 10:08 AM in response to Rkmssj1

You’re welcome!

Some of the Reddit posts go into the more technical aspects. Some contributors are employees or former employees for banks, PNO’s and basically substantiate what I’ve written. I too worked in the financial industry.

Reply