Apple Wallet is a convenient way to store digital versions of things like boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and more. But sometimes you may run into issues trying to add a new pass to your Wallet. Here are some common reasons why Apple Wallet won’t let you add a pass and what you can try to resolve the problem.
The pass file is invalid or corrupted
For Apple Wallet to successfully add a pass, the pass file needs to be properly formatted and signed. If the pass file is invalid, corrupted, or improperly signed, Apple Wallet will reject it. Here are some things to check if you think the pass file itself is the issue:
- Try downloading the pass again in case the file was corrupted during download.
- Make sure the pass is in .pkpass format – Apple Wallet only supports this file type.
- If the pass requires authentication, make sure you are logged into the associated app or account before attempting to add it.
- Check that the pass is properly signed by the issuing organization – unsigned passes will be rejected.
If attempting to add the pass again still fails, reach out to the organization that issued the pass to get a new properly formatted copy.
Your device OS or Wallet app is out of date
Apple Wallet requires iOS 12.1 or later to add passes. If your device has an earlier OS version, you’ll need to update it before new passes can be added. Make sure you have installed the latest iOS updates on your device.
In addition to your device OS, make sure the Wallet app itself is also up to date. Open the App Store app on your device, go to the Updates tab, and install any available Wallet app updates.
Your pass requires authentication
Some types of passes in Wallet, like travel tickets or loyalty cards, require you to authenticate with the issuing app or account before the pass can be added. For example, an airline boarding pass may require you to be logged into the airline’s app in order to add it to Wallet.
If you are trying to add a pass and getting an authentication error, open the related app or make sure you are logged into the related account. In most cases, this authentication is required as a one-time step before the pass can be successfully saved to your Wallet.
Your Apple ID country does not match the pass issuer country
Apple Wallet passes can sometimes only be issued and added in specific countries. For example, a rewards pass from a retailer may only be available in certain regions or countries.
Check that the country selected in your Apple ID account matches an eligible country for the type of pass you are trying to add. You may need to create an additional Apple ID registered in the appropriate country to successfully add region-restricted passes.
Your pass exceeds the maximum number allowed
Apple Wallet has a limit on the number of active passes that can be stored at one time. The exact limit varies by pass type, but is typically around 10-20 passes.
If you are getting an error about exceeding the maximum number of passes, you will need to delete old or unused passes from your Wallet to make room for new ones. Open the Wallet app, tap on a pass, and choose ‘Delete’ to remove old passes as needed.
There is a temporary technical issue
Occasionally there may be temporary technical problems on Apple’s side that prevent adding passes, even when all other conditions are met. Some examples include:
- Wallet or App Store service outages
- Issues with Apple services like iCloud or authentication
- Bugs in the latest iOS update affecting Wallet
Check for any notifications about service issues from Apple. You can also try basic troubleshooting steps like force quitting the Wallet app, rebooting your device, or temporarily disabling WiFi/Bluetooth. Otherwise, you will need to wait for Apple to resolve any temporary technical problems on their end.
Your device lacks required hardware
Certain passes require specific hardware to work, like NFC for passes that need to be tapped or scanned. For example, adding a building access pass may require an iPhone model with Apple’s NFC chip.
Check that your device has all the proper hardware to support the type of pass you want to add. You may need to upgrade to a newer iPhone model to gain support for special pass functionality.
You have restrictions enabled that block adding passes
If your device is managed or has parental controls enabled, there may be restrictions set that prevent adding new passes to Wallet. Check for any managed device policies, activation lock, or screen time controls that could block pass installation.
To resolve this, you will need to check with your organization’s IT administrators or parents to adjust restrictions as needed to allow pass installation. For personal devices, make sure any Screen Time controls are not blocking Wallet specifically.
Your Apple ID is not fully set up
Your Apple ID account needs to be in good standing to add passes. Make sure your Apple ID meets these requirements:
- Verified primary email address
- Valid payment method added
- Two-factor authentication enabled
- Terms and Conditions accepted
Check your Apple ID account page to see if any of these items need to be set up. You may also need to contact Apple Support to resolve any unknown issues with your account.
iCloud sync is disabled
Passes require iCloud to sync between devices. If you have iCloud sync disabled, passes will fail to properly install in Wallet.
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure you are signed in to iCloud and that ‘Wallet’ sync is toggled on. This will allow passes to be added across any of your linked devices.
You need to restart your device
As a last resort, try fully powering down your device and restarting it. This will clear any temporary glitches and ensure Wallet is working properly. After restarting, try to add the pass again. In many cases, a simple restart can resolve inexplicable issues with adding passes.
Conclusion
Apple Wallet can be finicky at times when you are trying to add new passes. Issues like outdated software, device restrictions, iCloud problems, and technical glitches can prevent passes from installing properly. Carefully check each of the above reasons to determine what might be causing problems adding passes to your Wallet.
In most cases, common fixes like updating your iOS software, downloading a fresh copy of the pass, ensuring your Apple ID meets requirements, and restarting your device should help successfully add the new pass. Contact Apple Support if you still can’t determine the cause or resolve ongoing pass installation issues.
With some troubleshooting and patience, you should be able to sort out why Apple Wallet won’t accept that new digital pass. Having the convenience of boarding passes, tickets, cards, and more right on your iPhone makes it worth the effort to get Wallet working properly again.
Reason | Solution |
---|---|
Invalid or corrupted pass file | Re-download pass file, ensure proper format and signature |
Outdated device OS or Wallet app | Update to latest iOS and Wallet app version |
Pass requires authentication | Log into related app or account |
Apple ID country mismatch | Change Apple ID country or create new ID in correct region |
Exceeded maximum passes | Delete old passes to free up space |
Temporary technical issues | Wait for Apple to resolve service problems |
Device missing required hardware | Upgrade iPhone model as needed for pass functionality |
Restrictions blocking Wallet | Adjust managed device policies or parental controls |
Apple ID not fully set up | Verify email, add payment, enable two-factor, accept Terms |
iCloud sync disabled | Enable iCloud and Wallet syncing |
Temporary glitch | Restart device fully |