iPhone 15 Pro: Apple Pay setup fails, NFC issue

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPhone 15 Pro: Apple Pay setup fails, NFC issue

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone has seen this specific issue before.

I haven't been able to use Apple since upgrading to my new iPhone 15 Pro from an iPhone XS, and I'm stuck between an expensive repair and a hopeful software fix.

The Main Problem:

Whenever I try to add a new card to Apple Pay, I get the immediate error: "Could not set up Apple Pay."

It fails instantly, before the card entry screen even appears.

For Context (NFC Failure):

I think the root cause is a bad NFC connection. My general NFC scanning functionality is also broken:

* Apps freeze completely after I try scanning an NFC tag.

* The NFC only worked briefly one time before failing permanently again.

The Big Conflict:

I ran a remote diagnostic with Apple Support, and they flagged a "Sensor Issue," suggesting I need a hardware replacement.

However, since the NFC actually worked that one time and the apps are freezing (which feels like a software process getting stuck), I suspect this could be a firmware or driver crash that’s making the diagnostic tool think the sensor is physically dead.

Device Info:

* iPhone Model: iPhone 15 Pro

* iOS Version: 26.1

Before I commit to an expensive out-of-warranty repair, has anyone successfully fixed this specific "instant setup failure" (that was diagnosed as hardware) with a software solution? Does this maybe have something to do with the general instability of iOS 26?

Thanks for any help!

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 6:59 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,484 points

Nov 30, 2025 9:10 AM in response to thatmaxx

Please follow this path,

iPhone > Settings > General > About > SEID > do you see a blank field, string of zeros or a long alphanumeric string of characters?

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

58,892 points

Nov 30, 2025 8:42 AM in response to thatmaxx

Then it would appear you have ruled out any software issue and with the diagnosis of a sensor failure, it would indicate a hardware failure is the likely problem.

You can further test the NFC reader on the iPhone if you have a NFC tag to check and that can also be confirmed at an Apple Store.

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Answer 3

thatmaxx Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2025 7:35 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Hey, thanks for the reply!

Sorry I forgot to mention, but I did just that. I reinstalled the OS clean using my Macbook. That didnt fix it..

I also am in a supported region, as I said, it was working fine on my old iPhone XS. I'm not using a VPN, and I do have a passcode set up.

It also can't be a problem with the bank since it was working fine on my old phone, plus the error popup comes before I can type in any card details. It's literally the first thing I see after pressing the plus button on the wallet app to add a new card.

That's it. Hope you can help me further :)

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Answer 4

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

58,892 points

Nov 30, 2025 7:09 AM in response to thatmaxx

Any software solution would come from a Factory Reset of the phone, and would recommend using a computer to perform an archived backup first. Using a computer is the only way to reload the OS. If you do not have a computer, you can borrow one or use one at an Apple Store where they will assist.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings using a computer - Apple Support

Other reasons why you would see the Could Not Setup Apple Pay error are:

Not is a supported region? Are you using a VPN?
Not having a Passcode set up on your device.
Bank does not support Apple Pay.

Apple Pay participating banks in Canada, Latin America, and the United States - Apple Support

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