1 What Is an Apple Wallet Pass?
An Apple Wallet pass is a digital version of a physical card — think loyalty cards, membership cards, event tickets, boarding passes, or coupons. These passes live in Apple's Wallet app (previously called Passbook) and can:
- Display on your lock screen based on time or location
- Show barcodes that can be scanned at checkout
- Update automatically if the issuer pushes changes
- Sync across devices via iCloud
Technically, a pass is a .pkpass file — a signed ZIP archive containing JSON data, images, and a cryptographic signature. Apple requires all passes to be signed with a valid Apple Developer certificate to prevent tampering.
2 Why Can't You Just Add Any Card to Apple Wallet?
Unlike Google Wallet, which allows you to manually add loyalty cards by scanning barcodes, Apple Wallet has no built-in way to create custom passes.
To add a pass to Apple Wallet, you need one of these:
- An "Add to Apple Wallet" button from a business (requires their integration)
- A compatible app that generates passes
- A third-party tool that creates and signs passes for you
This is why your local gym, library, or small retailer can't offer Apple Wallet integration — they'd need to pay $99/year for a developer account and build the technical infrastructure to generate signed passes.
The workaround: Free tools that use their own Apple Developer certificates to sign passes on your behalf.
3 Best Free Tools to Create Apple Wallet Passes
1. WalletWallet (Browser-Based)
RECOMMENDEDWebsite: walletwallet.alen.ro
A completely free, browser-based tool that converts any barcode or QR code into an Apple Wallet pass. No app install required.
Best for: Quick one-off passes, privacy-conscious users (no data stored)
Pros:
- 100% free, no limits
- Works entirely in browser
- No account required
- No data stored on servers
- Supports QR, Aztec, PDF417, Code 128
Cons:
- No push updates (passes are static)
- No batch creation for businesses
- Web-only (no dedicated app)
2. Pass2U Wallet (iOS App)
App Store: Pass2U Wallet
A feature-rich iOS app for creating and managing Apple Wallet passes. Free with optional Pro upgrade ($2.99).
Best for: Power users who want extensive customization and template options
Pros:
- Huge template library
- Scan barcodes with camera
- Customize colors, images, labels
- iCloud backup
Cons:
- Limited passes on free tier
- Pro version for unlimited
- Can be buggy with complex layouts
3. MakePass (Mac/iOS App)
App Store: MakePass (Mac and iOS versions)
A native Apple app for creating passes from QR codes, barcodes, or manual entry.
Best for: Mac users who receive tickets/codes via email
Pros:
- Native Mac Catalyst app
- Import from files, photos, camera
- Clean interface
- Syncs via iCloud
Cons:
- Limited barcode format guidance
- No batch processing
- Less customization than Pass2U
4. AddToWallet.co (Web-Based)
Website: addtowallet.co
A web-based pass creator with templates for business cards, membership passes, and lead generation.
Best for: Digital business cards, simple passes
Pros:
- Free tier available
- API access for developers
- Apple & Google Wallet support
Cons:
- More business-focused
- Some features require paid plans
4 Tool Comparison Chart
| Tool | Price | Platform | Barcode Scan | Custom Design | No Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WalletWallet | Free | Web | Basic | ||
| Pass2U Wallet | Free/$2.99 | iOS | Advanced | ||
| MakePass | Free | Mac/iOS | Moderate | ||
| AddToWallet | Free/Paid | Web | Template |
Recommendation:
- Quickest option: WalletWallet (browser, no install)
- Most features: Pass2U Wallet (iOS app)
- Mac users: MakePass
5 Step-by-Step: Create Your First Pass
Here's how to create an Apple Wallet pass using WalletWallet (the fastest method):
1 Get Your Barcode Ready
Find the barcode or QR code you want to add. This could be a screenshot from an app, a photo of a physical card, a QR code from an email, or a barcode number you can type manually.
2 Go to WalletWallet
Open walletwallet.alen.ro on any device (works on iPhone, Mac, PC).
3 Upload or Enter Your Code
Upload image: Click "Upload" and select your barcode image
Manual entry: Enter the barcode number and select the format (QR, Code 128, etc.)
4 Customize Your Pass
Add a title (e.g., "Planet Fitness"), optional description, choose colors for background and text, and select pass type.
5 Generate and Download
Click "Create Pass" to generate your .pkpass file.
6 Add to Apple Wallet
On iPhone: Open the downloaded file — it will prompt you to add to Wallet
On Mac: AirDrop to your iPhone, or email the file to yourself and open on iPhone
7 Verify
Open the Wallet app and confirm your pass appears. Test the barcode by displaying it and checking that it scans correctly.
6 Supported Barcode Types
Apple Wallet natively supports these barcode formats:
| Format | Type | Common Uses | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR Code | 2D | Tickets, URLs, general | |
| Aztec | 2D | Airline boarding passes | |
| PDF417 | 2D | Driver's licenses, IDs | |
| Code 128 | 1D | Retail, inventory |
What About Other Barcodes?
Apple Wallet does not natively support:
- Code 39
- EAN-8 / EAN-13
- UPC-A / UPC-E
- Codabar (used by libraries, FedEx, blood banks)
- ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Workaround: Some tools (like Pass2U) convert unsupported barcodes into strip images that display on the pass. The barcode appears as an image rather than a native scannable element.
7 Pass Types Explained
Apple Wallet supports five pass layouts, each optimized for different use cases:
1. Generic Pass
Use for: Membership cards, ID cards, gym passes, library cards
Layout: Logo at top, primary field prominent, secondary fields below
2. Store Card
Use for: Loyalty cards, gift cards, rewards programs
Layout: Optimized for retail with balance fields and reward tracking
3. Coupon
Use for: Discounts, promotional offers, vouchers
Layout: Prominent offer display with expiration handling
4. Event Ticket
Use for: Concerts, movies, sports events, conferences
Layout: Event name, date/time, venue, seat information
5. Boarding Pass
Use for: Airline tickets, train passes, transit cards
Layout: Origin/destination, gate, departure time, transit icon
8 Common Use Cases
Gym Membership Cards
Many gyms (Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, local gyms) don't offer Apple Wallet integration. Create a pass with your membership barcode for quick check-in. No more waiting for the gym's slow app to load — double-tap your iPhone's side button and you're ready to scan.
Library Cards
Most libraries use Codabar barcodes, which Apple Wallet doesn't support natively. Use a tool that converts the barcode to an image strip. Works for checking out books, accessing digital resources, and reserving meeting rooms.
Loyalty Cards
Coffee shops, grocery stores, and retail chains that don't have "Add to Wallet" buttons can be digitized. Think local coffee shops, independent bookstores, car washes, frozen yogurt places — any business that gave you a plastic card or paper punch card.
Gift Cards
Most gift cards don't support Apple Wallet, even from major retailers. Store gift cards from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, restaurant chains, and smaller retailers. Never forget your balance — add it to the pass label. Stop carrying plastic — digitize those gift cards sitting in your drawer.
Event Tickets
Tickets from smaller venues or platforms that don't offer Wallet integration can be converted to passes. Local theater productions, comedy shows, club events, conferences, and festivals often email PDF tickets or QR codes that can be converted.
Student IDs
University ID cards with barcodes can be added for campus access, library entry, meal plans, and student discounts at local businesses.
Insurance Cards
Health insurance, auto insurance, and pet insurance cards with barcodes can be digitized for quick access at the doctor's office or after a fender bender.
9 Creative Use Cases
Beyond replacing physical cards, you can create Apple Wallet passes for things that never had a "card" in the first place:
LinkedIn QR Code
Create a pass with your LinkedIn profile URL as the QR code. At networking events, just pull up the pass instead of fumbling with the app.
Instagram Handle
Perfect for content creators meeting fans, small business owners at markets, or anyone who'd rather gain a follower than exchange phone numbers.
Digital Business Card
QR code linking to your vCard or Linktree, your name and title as labels, your brand colors. When scanned, contacts are added automatically.
Wi-Fi Credentials
Create a QR code for your home or office Wi-Fi. When guests ask for the password, just show them the pass. Great for Airbnb hosts.
Emergency Contact Info
A QR code containing your emergency contact, medical conditions, or allergies. Accessible from lock screen without unlocking.
Tip/Payment Link
Freelancers and service workers can create a pass with a QR code linking to Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. Faster than spelling out your $cashtag.
Spotify/Apple Music Share
Musicians, DJs, and playlist curators can create a pass with the share QR code to use at shows.
Locker Combinations
Gym locker, school locker, storage unit — create a pass with the combination. Add the location so it pops up when you arrive.
10 Troubleshooting
"Pass could not be added"
- • The pass may have an invalid signature. Try a different tool.
- • The barcode format may not be supported.
- • Try re-generating the pass.
Barcode won't scan
- • Increase screen brightness (Apple Wallet does this automatically for native barcodes)
- • Check if the barcode format is correct
- • For image-based barcodes, ensure the image quality is high
Pass doesn't appear on lock screen
- • Go to pass settings (tap the "..." on the pass) and enable "Automatic Selection"
- • Add location or time relevance if supported
Pass disappeared after phone restart
- • Re-download and add the pass
- • Check if iCloud Wallet sync is enabled
Can't find my pass in Wallet
- • Passes are stacked by type — tap and hold to see all passes in a stack
- • Check the "Expired Passes" section
- • Search for the pass name
11 Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to create my own Apple Wallet passes?
Yes. You're creating passes for your own personal use. The tools use legitimate Apple Developer certificates to sign passes.
Will my passes work forever?
Passes created with valid signatures will work as long as the signing certificate remains valid. Most tools maintain their certificates, but free services could theoretically disappear.
Can businesses scan these passes?
Yes, if the barcode contains the same data as your original card. The scanner reads the barcode content, not the Apple Wallet infrastructure.
Do these passes update automatically?
Most free tools create static passes. If a business changes your loyalty points or a ticket time changes, you'd need to create a new pass. Business-tier tools (PassKit, Passcreator) support push updates.
What's the difference between Apple Wallet and Apple Pay?
Apple Wallet stores passes (tickets, cards, IDs). Apple Pay handles payments with linked credit/debit cards. Both live in the same app, but serve different purposes.
Can I create passes on Android?
You can use web-based tools (WalletWallet, PassSource, AddToWallet) on Android, but the resulting .pkpass files only work on iPhones. For Android, you'd need Google Wallet passes.
Do I need an Apple Developer account?
No. The free tools use their own developer certificates to sign passes on your behalf.
Is my data safe?
Varies by tool. WalletWallet: No data stored, processes in browser. Pass2U: Stores passes locally on device + optional iCloud backup. Always check each tool's privacy policy.
Can I create passes for my business?
For personal use, free tools work fine. For business distribution at scale, consider PassKit (enterprise, API-first), Passcreator (EU-based, ISO 27001 certified), or Pass2U Business (pass2u.net).
Summary
Creating free Apple Wallet passes is straightforward once you know the right tools:
- 1. Fastest method: WalletWallet — browser-based, no install, no account
- 2. Most customization: Pass2U Wallet app — templates, camera scanning, advanced options
- 3. Proven reliability: PassSource — oldest tool, large template library
The key insight is that Apple's restriction on manual pass creation isn't a technical limitation — it's a design choice. These free tools bridge the gap, letting you digitize any card with a barcode into a proper Apple Wallet pass.
Stop juggling screenshots and bloated apps. Add your cards to Apple Wallet where they belong.