Paying with MB WAY without an internet connection is possible in store when payment is made by contact, using NFC technology. The distinction is relevant because, in practice, MB WAY also allows payments by QR Code, a method that tends to depend on connection to the network at the time of the operation. The possibility of paying “offline”, in this case, refers to the instant you touch your cell phone to the terminal.
What is NFC and why you can do without internet
NFC is the acronym for Near Field Communication, a contactless technology that allows the exchange of information over a very short distance between compatible devices. In MB WAY’s explanations, this communication takes place through proximity and does not, in itself, require that the cell phone be connected to the internet at the time of payment, as long as the equipment is configured for NFC payments. DECO PROteste makes the same distinction: payments by NFC, as a rule, do not require internet, while payments by reading a QR Code require a connection at the time of purchase.
What does “pay without internet” mean on MB WAY
MB WAY information is straightforward: it is possible to make MB WAY NFC purchases without internet access. This does not eliminate the need for connection at earlier stages, such as downloading the application, linking cards, completing activations and updates, or adjusting operating system settings. The essential point, for the purposes of in-store use, is that contactless payment can proceed even when mobile data fails, when Wi-Fi is turned off or when coverage is poor.
How to activate and use MB WAY NFC on Android
On Android, the process involves ensuring that the cell phone has an NFC sensor, turning this functionality on in the settings and setting MB WAY as the default application for contactless payments, when the system allows it. Once configured, payment is made by bringing the smartphone to the terminal.
In the frequently asked questions, MB WAY indicates that purchases below 50 euros can be made without entering a PIN, while higher amounts can request the MB WAY PIN, with a new approach to the terminal to complete the operation. The same information highlights that availability may depend on the bank, particularly when the associated card is not originally contactless, but can now be used via NFC through MB WAY with authorization from the issuer.
How to activate and use MB WAY NFC on iPhone
On the iPhone, MB WAY states that the NFC functionality is available from iOS 17.4 and that it is necessary to have the Apple account configured for countries in the European Economic Area. Activation involves authorizing access to Contactless and NFC in the settings and choosing MB WAY as the default contactless application, then allowing the use of the double-click shortcut to initiate payment.
There is also a difference in operation highlighted by the service itself: on iOS, due to system security requirements, NFC operations imply authentication. In practice, this means that the user may have to confirm the operation with biometrics or equipment code, depending on the phone’s settings.
Because it may fail when you touch the terminal
When the terminal does not react to the approach, MB WAY provides a set of simple checks. On Android, the focus is on NFC being turned on and the application being set as the default for contactless payments. On iOS, the focus is on permissions for Contactless and NFC and setting MB WAY as the default contactless application, when applicable. Configuration problems tend to be the most frequent cause, especially on devices where several digital wallets coexist.
Limits and rules that may depend on the bank
The indicates maximum reference limits for in-store purchases with NFC and QR Code, with a daily and weekly ceiling per card, but emphasizes that issuers can manage their own limits and apply additional restrictions. In everyday use, this means that two users with the same application may have different experiences, depending on the bank and the rules associated with the card.
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