Want to use your PayPal balance to buy apps or music on your iPhone? While you can't add PayPal to Apple Pay (I tried every possible workaround), you can link it to your Apple ID. I've been using this setup for the past few years to manage my app subscriptions and iTunes purchases, and I'll share everything I've learned.
Understanding PayPal and Apple's Ecosystem
Before diving into the setup process, let's clear up some common confusion:
What's Possible:
Using PayPal to buy apps from the App Store
Purchasing music on iTunes
Paying for Apple TV+ and other Apple subscriptions
Managing recurring payments for apps
What's Not Possible:
Adding PayPal to Apple Pay
Using PayPal for in-store purchases via Apple devices
Sending money through iMessage using PayPal
Setting Up PayPal with Your Apple ID
I've set this up on multiple devices, and here's the clearest way to do it on each:
iPhone or iPad Setup
Open your Settings app
Tap your name at the top
Select "Media & Purchases"
Tap "View Account"
Choose "Payment Methods"
Select "Add Payment Method"
Choose PayPal
Log in to your PayPal account
Pro tip: If you don't see PayPal as an option, try updating your iOS first. I discovered this the hard way after spending an hour troubleshooting.
Mac Setup Through iTunes
Open iTunes
Click "Account" in the menu bar
Select "View My Account"
Enter your Apple ID password
Click "Edit" next to Payment Method
Choose PayPal
Complete PayPal login
Time-saving tip: Make sure you're using the latest version of iTunes. Older versions might not show PayPal as a payment option.
Web Browser Setup
Visit appleid.apple.com
Sign in to your account
Scroll to "Payment Methods"
Click "Edit"
Select "Add Payment Method"
Choose PayPal
Complete the verification process
PC Setup
Open iTunes
Click "Account"
Select "View My Account"
Click "Edit" next to Payment Information
Choose PayPal
Follow the login prompts
Making the Most of Your PayPal Integration
After setting up PayPal with my Apple ID, here are some useful tips I've learned:
Managing Subscriptions
Check which subscriptions are billing through PayPal in Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
Cancel any subscription at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid charges
Keep your PayPal balance topped up for automatic payments
Security Best Practices
Enable two-factor authentication on both PayPal and Apple ID
Regularly check your linked payment methods
Review transaction history monthly
Set up PayPal notifications for Apple purchases
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Based on my experience, here's how to fix the most frequent problems:
PayPal Option Not Showing:
Check your region settings
Update your device's operating system
Verify PayPal account is in good standing
Try logging out and back into your Apple ID
Payment Declined:
Confirm PayPal balance or linked card is valid
Check for any PayPal account restrictions
Verify billing address matches
Try removing and re-adding PayPal
Advanced Tips for Power Users
As someone who frequently uses this setup, here are some lesser-known tips:
Family Sharing: If you're using Family Sharing, the PayPal account can be used for family purchases - just make sure to set spending limits
Multiple Accounts: You can link the same PayPal account to different Apple IDs, but I recommend against it for easier purchase tracking
Purchase History: Access your complete purchase history through Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Purchase History to track PayPal charges
Important Limitations to Remember
While PayPal integration with Apple ID is useful, keep in mind:
It won't work for Apple Pay transactions
You can't use it for person-to-person payments in Messages
Some regions might have limited functionality
Certain Apple services might require a credit card on file
Looking Ahead
The relationship between PayPal and Apple's payment systems continues to evolve. While full Apple Pay integration isn't currently possible, the existing connection through Apple ID provides a solid alternative for digital purchases.
Final Tips from Daily Use
After years of using this setup, here's what I wish I'd known from the start:
Keep a backup payment method on file
Regularly check for system updates that might affect payment processing
Save your PayPal transaction receipts - they're sometimes needed for app refunds
Consider using PayPal Key (where available) for additional payment flexibility
Remember: While you can't use PayPal for physical Apple Pay purchases, this integration still offers a convenient way to manage your digital Apple purchases and subscriptions.
Senior Marketing Consultant
Michael Leander is an experienced digital marketer and an online solopreneur.