Ever tried renewing your Apple Music or subscribing to iCloud+ in Nigeria, only to have your Naira card declined? Yeah, it’s a common issue many Nigerians face when paying for Apple services.
This happens because Apple’s payment system automatically rejects Naira cards due to transaction limits and CBN restrictions. Fortunately, Swyftpay has a solution.
So in this guide, we’ll show you how to use Swyftpay’s virtual USD cards to pay for your Apple services and subscriptions in Nigeria without any declines.
What Do You Need To Pay For Apple Subscriptions In Nigeria?
Before we get into the how-to, there are a few things you have to get ready:
- A Verified Swyftpay Account
The signup process is quick and easy. Just download the app on Android or iOS and complete the verification process. You can also sign up on the web.
- A Swyftpay USD Card
Swyftpay offers two USD cards — a Permanent USD card and a Flashcard.
The Swyftpay Permanent USD Card is the best choice for Apple subscriptions in Nigeria. It costs $3 to create and is perfect for recurring payments, so your Apple subscriptions will renew automatically each month.
However, if you’re testing out Apple Music or a random feature, you should use the Flashcard instead. It can only be funded once and expires after a month, so it is perfect for exploring without committing to monthly charges.
- A Funded Swyftpay Wallet
Start by topping up your wallet with Naira (NGN), then convert it to USD. Once the funds are in USD, create your preferred virtual card and fund it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Purchases and Subscriptions In Nigeria
Once you have your account and USD virtual card ready, it’s time to set up payments. Here’s how to do it:
A. How to Pay for iCloud+ on Your iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your Apple ID at the top, then go to “Payment & Shipping.”
- Select “Add Payment Method.”
Screenshot from an iPhone
- Open your Swyftpay app, go to Virtual Cards, and choose your card type (Flashcard or permanent USD Card).
- Copy your Swyftpay USD virtual card details.
- Paste the card information into Apple’s payment method form (Name, Card Number, Expiry, CVV) and save.
- You will need to change your country/region to the United States and add a valid US number. Here’s a US Number you can use (415) 789-0123.
Voilà! You’ve just paid for iCloud+ using Swyftpay.
B. How to Subscribe to Apple Music on Android
Apple Music is available on all platforms, including Android. And with Swyftpay, subscribing on your Android device is easy.
Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Apple Music App
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, search for ‘Apple Music,‘ then proceed to install the official Apple Music app.
- Create an Apple ID (If You Don’t Have One)
Open the Apple Music app, tap on “Get one Month Free from Apple,” follow the steps, and choose a preferred subscription plan.
Then click on “Start Trial” and proceed to use your existing Apple ID or create a new Apple ID and verify your email address.
Screenshot from Apple Music
- Set Up Payment with Your Swyftpay Virtual Card
After verification, you’ll be prompted to log in. You’ll then be directed to the payment method page to add your payment details.
Go back to your Swyftpay app, copy your card details, and paste them on the payment page.
Screenshot from Apple Music
Once your payment is processed, you’ll have immediate access to Apple Music’s full catalog of over 90 million songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content, available on your Android device.
⚡️Pro Tip: If you’d like to use Apple Music monthly without interruptions, we recommend using Swyftpay’s Permanent USD Card rather than a Flashcard.
C. How to Pay for an Apple Music Subscription (MTN Users Only)
When it comes to Apple Music subscription, MTN users have a special advantage. They can subscribe directly through USSD codes or SMS without a USD card.
Option 1: Pay via USSD
- Recharge airtime of at least ₦2000
- On your device, dial the USSD code *447*2*4# on your MTN SIM
- You can select “1” for a 6-month free trial and “2” for the paid subscription
- Confirm your mobile number and accept the subscription charge (usually N1000–N1800/month).
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS from 8000 once payment is successful.
Option 2: Pay via SMS
- To pay via SMS, simply send “MUSIC” as an SMS to 8000 (For MTN SIMs).
- Follow the steps and confirm the subscription.
- Your mobile airtime will be charged.
P.S.: While SMS and USSD payments are convenient, you cannot use them for bigger plans like the family or annual plans.
Option 3: Pay Online
- You can pay online by simply going to MTN Play and selecting the bundle of your choice.
A screenshot from MTN’s website
P.S.S.: Remember that everyone (regardless of network provider) can still subscribe to Apple Music using Swyftpay’s virtual USD cards.
Paying for Apple Services in Nigeria Just Got Easier
With Swyftpay, making Apple subscriptions and purchases from Nigeria is no longer complicated. Whether you choose a Flashcard or the Permanent USD Card, you’ll enjoy fast transactions without any payment headaches.
Visit Swyftpay today and join thousands of Nigerians who are already enjoying stress-free Apple payments. Your favorite apps, music, and services are just a few clicks away.
Read More
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- Your Quick Guide to Paying For Domains on Namecheap
- How to Shop on SHEIN from Nigeria with Swyftpay
For any more questions, reach out to our customer care via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Card Works For Apple Pay In Nigeria?
Virtual USD cards from Swyftpay work for Apple payments and subscriptions. Just ensure to change your “Country/Region” to the United States when using the virtual USD card. For more information on setting up your virtual USD card for Apple payments, follow the guide above.
2. How To Pay For Apple Music In Nigeria With MTN?
On your device, dial the USSD code *447*2*4# on your MTN SIM. Select “1” for a 6-month free trial and “2” for the paid subscription. You can also subscribe via SMS by sending “MUSIC” as an SMS to 8000. Then follow the steps and confirm the subscription.
3. Why Is My Nigerian Card Not Working For Apple Music?
Your Nigerian card is likely being rejected by Apple Music due to federal government restrictions on international transactions and card USD spending limits. Using a virtual USD card like the SwyftPay Virtual USD card, specifically designed to work with international subscription platforms, makes it easy and efficient to make international payments like Apple Music.