Take a moment to check your wallet. It’s quite possible that you have at least one card that doesn’t do much beyond showing a barcode. This could be a library card, a gym membership, a grocery rewards card, or something similar that you use occasionally. Until recently, adding some of those cards to an iPhone depended on whether the organization provided a digital version. However, Apple is making this easier with the introduction of iOS 27.
The new iPhone software allows users to create digital passes in Apple Wallet from physical cards, photos, or screenshots. Owners of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices are offered similar capabilities, which means you can leave some more plastic cards at home. Here’s a quick guide on how to transform a membership card into a digital pass across all three phone brands.
What’s changed in Apple Wallet with iOS 27?
The capability to create personalized passes in Wallet has been added with iOS 27. This feature is particularly useful for membership or loyalty cards that include a barcode or QR code, especially if the organization hasn’t provided an “Add to Apple Wallet” option. Apple highlights library cards and gym memberships as notable examples.
If your iPhone is compatible with Apple Intelligence, you can easily make a pass from a photo or screenshot showing the barcode or QR code. This software recognizes the code and prompts you to add it to your Wallet. However, this feature only works on supported devices, like the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone 16 and later models. Availability may vary by region or language, but there’s a manual method to create a pass directly in Wallet as well.
Creating an Apple Wallet pass from a photo or screenshot
To get started, ensure that the barcode or QR code is clear and visible because a blurry image might confuse your iPhone or a scanner later. On a compatible device, take a photo or screenshot of the barcode or QR code, and if Apple Intelligence recognizes it, you will see an option to add it to Wallet.
- Snap a photo or screenshot that shows the barcode or QR code clearly.
- When prompted, tap “Add Pass to Wallet”. If you’re within the Photos app, tap the Info button or swipe up to find this option.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Pro tip: Once you’ve created the pass, you can press “View Original Photo” to revisit the image you used.
Manually creating a pass in Apple Wallet
You can also manually enter details to craft a pass in iOS 27, which provides another avenue if you prefer manual input.
- Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + button, then select “Create a Pass”.
- Choose the “Create Pass Manually” option and pick a template.
- Fill in or edit the information in each field.
- Tap Done when you’re finished.
Editing a pass created in Apple Wallet
Once you’ve crafted a pass, you can personalize its look or update the information it displays. You also have the option to add or remove details as necessary.
- Open the Wallet app and select the pass you’d like to adjust.
- Tap “More,” then select “Edit Pass”.
- To modify the appearance or color, tap the paint palette icon.
- If you want to change which fields are displayed, tap “Edit” > “Add or Remove Fields” and choose the necessary fields.
- To modify existing information, simply tap the field you wish to edit.
- And, of course, don’t forget to tap Done when you’re finished!
Adding Membership Cards to Samsung Wallet
Samsung Galaxy users have a comparable feature with Samsung Wallet, which supports almost any membership card that has a barcode.
For Galaxy owners with the latest software:
- Open Samsung Wallet.
- Select All.
- Choose Memberships.
- Decide on how to add the card.
- If you already have a photo of it, select “Import from Gallery,” or you can take a picture to capture its barcode or QR code directly.
- You can also enter the membership details manually.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to save the card.
Samsung Wallet also accommodates pre-existing memberships built into the app. When you need it, open Samsung Wallet and select the relevant membership; the barcode will then be available for scanning.
Turning a Membership Card into a Google Wallet Pass on Pixel
Google Wallet can similarly save passes from images containing a barcode or QR code, listing library cards, gym passes, and parking passes among the examples.
For Google Pixel users with the latest software:
- Take a clear and visible photo of the card.
- Open Google Wallet.
- Tap “Add to Wallet”.
- Select “Photo”.
- Tap “Manual”.
- Choose the photo library icon to select your card’s image.
- Add a name and description for your pass.
- Finally, tap Add.
After that, when you need your card, simply access Google Wallet to select and scan its barcode at the payment reader.
Tip: Google Wallet also lets you return to the original image used to create the pass. You can find the original photo by opening the pass and tapping the More button in the corner.
Which types of cards should you try using this feature?
The best initial candidates are cards designed primarily for scanning, such as library cards, gym memberships, and loyalty cards. Parking passes that involve simple barcode scanning may also work, depending on the organization’s verification process.
A good rule of thumb is to check the physical card. If it has a static barcode or QR code usually scanned at checkout, you stand a decent chance that a digital version will suffice. Keep the original card until you confirm that the digital version works, as some scanners may struggle with reading phone displays, and some organizations may require the physical card.
What these homemade digital passes cannot substitute
It’s important to note that while you can create digital passes from photos, not all cards can be turned into official digital credentials this way. Be cautious about thinking you can just photograph sensitive items like a driver’s license, credit card, or workplace badge for official purposes.
Some digital credentials need verification from the issuing organization, and payment cards have distinct security and setup requirements. Also, be careful with event tickets; a screenshot of a barcode that refreshes can lead to issues at the gate. Always opt for the official “Add to Wallet” feature provided by the issuing organization when available.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this enhancement in iOS 27 is fantastic as it allows users to address a common frustration. I’ve often faced the issue of carrying cards that are perfectly usable but lack a digital pass option.
Now, iPhone users have more freedom in managing that situation. Since Samsung and Google also provide similar functionalities, this is one of those features that genuinely benefits users across different platforms.
I’d recommend starting with low-risk cards—like your library card or gym membership. If it helps lighten your wallet, that’s a win. Just keep in mind that a photo-based pass differs significantly from an official digital credential. Your phone can replace various items in your wallet, but I wouldn’t recommend ditching everything just yet.
If you could rely solely on your phone for all your wallet needs, which physical card would make you feel the most uneasy about giving up? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
