When mobile payments stop working on your Realme 16, simple tasks like paying in stores or verifying online purchases can suddenly fail. You may see errors, declined payments, or the phone may not respond at all when placed near a terminal. In most cases, this issue is caused by NFC settings, app permissions, or security requirements that are not fully met.
Why Your Realme 16 Cannot Make Mobile Payments
- NFC is turned off or not functioning properly.
- The payment app is not set as the default tap and pay service.
- The phone does not meet security requirements like screen lock or certification.
- Cached data in the payment app is corrupted.
- Software glitches after a system or app update.
1. Make Sure NFC Is Enabled
Mobile payments rely entirely on NFC to communicate with payment terminals. If NFC is turned off, your Realme 16 will not be able to complete tap to pay transactions.
Open Settings, and then tap Connection and sharing.
Tap NFC, and then toggle it on.
2. Set Your Payment App as Default
If no default payment app is selected, the phone does not know which service to use during a transaction. This often causes payment attempts to fail without clear error messages.
Open Settings, and then tap Connection and sharing.
Tap Tap and pay, and then select your preferred payment app.
3. Check Screen Lock and Security Settings
Most mobile payment services require a secure screen lock to protect your data. Without a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint, payments may be blocked automatically.
Open Settings, and then tap Password and security.
Set up a screen lock, and then enable fingerprint or face authentication if available.
4. Clear Cache of the Payment App
Corrupted cache files can interfere with payment verification. Clearing the cache refreshes the app without deleting your account or cards.
Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
Find your payment app, tap Storage usage, and then clear cache.
5. Confirm Device Certification
Some payment apps will not work if the device is not certified or if system integrity checks fail. This is common after major updates or system modifications.
Open Settings, and then tap About device.
Tap Certification status, and make sure the device is marked as certified.
6. Restart Your Phone
A restart reloads NFC services and background processes that mobile payments depend on. It is a simple step that often resolves temporary glitches.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart.
Mobile payments on the Realme 16 usually start working again once NFC is enabled, security requirements are met, and the payment app is properly configured. After these fixes, your phone should be ready for fast and secure tap to pay transactions.
FAQs
Why does my Realme 16 say payment declined even though NFC is on?
This usually happens when the payment app is not set as the default tap and pay service or when security requirements like screen lock are missing.
Do mobile payments work without internet on the Realme 16?
Some payments may work offline for small amounts, but most services still require occasional internet access to verify transactions and sync data.
Can software updates affect mobile payments?
Yes. Updates can temporarily break NFC services or app compatibility. Restarting the phone and updating the payment app often resolves this issue.
