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How to Use Samsung Pay on Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung Pay on the Galaxy Watch 4 enables contactless payments using both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology. The Watch 4 is the last Samsung smartwatch with MST, making it compatible with more payment terminals than newer models.

Setting Up Samsung Pay​

Add your cards through the Samsung Pay app on the watch.

  1. Open Samsung Pay on your watch
  2. Sign in to your Samsung Account if prompted
  3. Tap + Add card
  4. Scan the card with your phone's camera or enter details manually
  5. Accept the terms and conditions
  6. Verify the card with your bank via SMS, email, or phone call
  7. Your card is ready to use

You can add up to 10 cards on the watch. Cards added to Samsung Pay on your phone can also sync to the watch automatically.

Making Payments​

Pay at terminals in just a few seconds.

  1. Double-press the Home button to launch Samsung Pay instantly
  2. Authenticate with your PIN (the watch must be unlocked)
  3. Your default card appears—swipe left or right to select a different card
  4. Hold the watch near the payment terminal
  5. The watch vibrates when the payment is complete

For NFC terminals: Hold the back of the watch near the contactless symbol.

For MST terminals: Hold the watch near the magnetic card swipe slot. MST emits a magnetic signal that the terminal reads as a card swipe.

MST Advantage​

MST technology sets the Galaxy Watch 4 apart from other smartwatches and newer Samsung models.

  • Wider Compatibility: MST works at approximately 90% of payment terminals, including older systems without contactless support

  • How It Works: The watch emits a magnetic signal that mimics swiping a physical card

  • Automatic Selection: The watch automatically uses the appropriate method based on the terminal type

  • Last Samsung Watch with MST: Samsung removed MST from the Galaxy Watch 5 and all newer models, making the Watch 4 uniquely valuable for payment flexibility

Security Features​

Multiple layers protect your payment information.

  • Tokenization: Your real card number is never stored on the watch or transmitted during payments

  • Samsung Knox: Hardware-level security protects card data

  • Auto-Lock: The watch locks automatically when removed from your wrist, preventing unauthorized payments

  • Remote Wipe: Use SmartThings Find to lock or erase your watch if lost

Where Samsung Pay Works​

The combination of NFC and MST provides broad acceptance.

  • Works At: Contactless terminals (tap to pay symbol), traditional magnetic stripe readers (MST), most retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and some vending machines.

  • Doesn't Work: Most ATMs, chip-and-PIN only terminals (common in Europe), terminals requiring physical card insertion, and gas pumps requiring zip code entry.

See Also: Does Galaxy Watch 4 Support NFC|Does Galaxy Watch 4 Support MST

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