Take a moment to check your wallet. There’s a fair chance you’ll find a card or two that mostly just showcases a barcode. It might be a library card, a gym membership, or perhaps a grocery rewards card—something you don’t use every day. Up until recently, if you wanted to get those cards onto your iPhone, it really depended on whether the organization in question had a digital pass option. But that’s about to change with the introduction of iOS 27 from Apple.
The new iPhone software allows users to create their own passes in Apple Wallet using a physical card, a photo, or even a screenshot. This is similar to options available to users of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, meaning you could leave a few more plastic cards at home. So, how do you turn that membership card into a digital pass on all three phone types? Let’s explore.
What’s new with Apple Wallet in iOS 27?
With iOS 27, Apple has made it possible to generate your own passes in Wallet. This is particularly useful for those membership or loyalty cards that have a barcode or QR code but lack the “Add to Apple Wallet” feature. Apple highlights library cards and gym memberships as prime examples.
If you own an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence, you’re able to create a pass from a well-taken photo or screenshot of the barcode or QR code. This feature recognizes the code and guides you on adding it to Wallet. However, ensure you’re using a supported device—which includes the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone 16 and later. Availability might vary by language and region too, but there’s also a way to manually create a pass directly in Wallet.
How to create an Apple Wallet pass from a photo or screenshot
To kick things off, make sure the barcode or QR code is nice and clear. A blurry picture may confuse your iPhone or might be hard to scan later on. If you have a compatible iPhone, Apple Intelligence can recognize the code in your photo or screenshot and suggest creating a Wallet pass.
Here’s how to do it on an iPhone with iOS 27 or later:
- Take a clear photo or screenshot of the barcode or QR code.
- When the option appears, tap Add Pass to Wallet. If you’re looking at a photo in the Photos app, tap the Info button or swipe up to find this option.
- Follow any on-screen instructions.
Pro tip: After creating the pass, you can tap View Original Photo to see the image you used.
How to manually create a pass in Apple Wallet
You can also manually create a pass in iOS 27 if you prefer adding details yourself. Here’s how:
- Open the Wallet app.
- Tap the + button, then select Create a Pass.
- Choose Create Pass Manually and pick a template.
- Enter or edit the information in any fields needed.
- Finally, hit Done when you’re finished.
How to edit a pass you created in Apple Wallet
After you’ve made a pass, you can tweak its layout and change the information it includes. You can add or remove fields, depending on what details you want visible.
- Open the Wallet app.
- Tap the pass you wish to modify.
- Tap the More button, then select Edit Pass.
- Change the background or color by tapping the paint palette button.
- To adjust visible fields, tap Edit > Add or Remove Fields, then choose accordingly.
- Edit existing information by tapping the respective field.
- Tap Done when you’re through.
How to add a membership card to Samsung Wallet
Samsung Galaxy users have a similar option available through Samsung Wallet. Samsung indicates that almost any membership card with a barcode can find a home in the app.
If you have a Galaxy phone equipped with the latest software, here’s what to do:
- Open Samsung Wallet.
- Tap All.
- Choose Memberships.
- Decide how you want to add the card.
- Select Import from Gallery if you’ve taken a photo, or opt for Take a picture to scan the barcode or QR code.
- You also have the option to input membership info manually.
- Follow the prompts to save the card.
Samsung Wallet also accommodates memberships that are already set up within the app. When you need the card, simply navigate to Samsung Wallet and select the membership, making the barcode available for scanning.
How to turn a membership card into a Google Wallet pass on Pixel
Google Wallet can also store passes from photos that feature a barcode or QR code. It explicitly mentions library cards, gym memberships, and parking passes as examples.
Here’s how to do it on a Google Pixel:
- Snap a clear picture of your card, ensuring the barcode or QR code is well visible.
- Open Google Wallet.
- Tap Add to Wallet.
- Choose Photo.
- Select Manual.
- Tap the photo library icon.
- Choose your card’s photo.
- Add a name and description for the pass.
- Finally, tap Add.
When you need the card later, just access Google Wallet and select your pass to scan the barcode or QR code.
Tip: Google also allows you to go back to the original image used for the pass. Open the pass and tap the More button in the upper corner to find the original photo.
Everything else may also appear under Add to Wallet, which Google uses for various types of passes. You can choose it, agree to any consent terms if needed, and take or select a photo from your device, previewing and editing the information before you add it.
What kinds of cards should you try?
Consider starting with cards primarily intended for scanning like barcodes or QR codes. A library card is a straightforward choice. Also, those gym and store loyalty cards might work well too. Parking passes and other simple credentials can be potential candidates, depending on how they are verified.
To test if a card can be successfully digitized, look at it. If a clerk usually scans a static barcode or QR code on it, there’s a reasonable chance the digital copy will work. It’s wise to keep the physical card until the digital one has been tested successfully. Some scanners might have difficulty reading a phone’s display, and certain organizations may insist on the original card.
What these homemade digital passes cannot replace
It’s worth noting some limitations. Just because you can take a photo of a card to create a digital version doesn’t mean all cards in your wallet can be converted into official digital credentials. You shouldn’t assume you can photograph sensitive cards like a driver’s license, credit card, or workplace ID and use that image as a valid substitute.
Some digital credentials require validation from the issuing organization. Meanwhile, payment cards come with their own security features. For event tickets, caution is essential; many ticketing services now use dynamic barcodes that refresh to combat fraud. A screenshot of those may not work at the event venue. If an issuer provides an official “Add to Apple Wallet,” “Add to Google Wallet,” or Samsung Wallet option, always opt for that instead.
Kurt’s key takeaways
I’m really appreciating this addition with iOS 27, as it addresses a frustrating gap. I’ve faced plenty of situations with barcodes that would have been practical in Apple Wallet, yet didn’t make it due to lacking a digital pass from the organization.
Now, with this, iPhone users gain more control over what they can store. Samsung and Google offer similar options, which is nice—it’s one of those rare features that can benefit you no matter which phone you use from the big three.
I think starting with low-risk items is wise. Try putting your library card or gym membership on your phone and see how it works out. If it means not having to carry around one more card daily, that’s a win. Just remember, a photo-based pass doesn’t hold the same weight as an official digital credential. Your phone can take over more of your wallet than it used to, but I’d hold off on emptying the entire thing just yet.
If you could replace every card in your wallet today, which one would you be most hesitant to let go of? Feel free to share your thoughts!
