Adding tickets to Google Wallet takes three to five minutes and works with most event, airline, and transit passes

Google Wallet stores your tickets in one place on your phone so you can show them at entry without hunting through email or a separate app. You can add concert tickets, flight boarding passes, movie tickets, sports event passes, train tickets, and bus passes. The process is straightforward: you either scan a barcode or QR code from your confirmation email, or you tap a link the venue or airline sends you. Your phone's screen becomes your ticket.

Not every venue uses Google Wallet yet. Some still require their own app or a printed ticket. But the major airlines, movie chains, sports leagues, and transit systems have integrated with Google Wallet, so your ticket will work there in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You add tickets by scanning a barcode from your confirmation email, tapping a link the venue sends, or searching for the event in Google Wallet directly.
  • Google Wallet works on Android phones and iPhones, though the iPhone version has fewer ticket types available.
  • Once added, your ticket lives on your phone's lock screen or in the Wallet app and works offline — you do not need internet at the venue.
  • If a venue does not support Google Wallet, you can still take a screenshot of your ticket confirmation and show that at entry.
  • Your tickets sync across your devices if you use the same Google account, so you can access them from your phone or tablet.

Adding a ticket by scanning the barcode from your email

This is the most common way to add a ticket. Open the confirmation email from the venue or airline and look for a barcode or QR code. On an Android phone, open Google Wallet, tap the plus sign at the bottom, and choose "Event ticket" or the ticket type that matches what you have. Point your phone's camera at the barcode in your email and hold it steady for two seconds. Google Wallet will read the code and pull in your ticket details automatically.

On an iPhone, the process is similar but slightly different. Open Google Wallet, tap the plus sign, select the ticket type, and scan the barcode the same way. Once scanned, the ticket appears in your Wallet and also shows up in Apple Wallet if the venue supports it — you will see a prompt asking if you want to add it there too.

If the barcode is hard to scan because the email is on the same phone you are using, take a screenshot of the barcode first, then open that screenshot and scan it. Or open the email on a computer or tablet and scan from there.

Adding a ticket by tapping a link from the venue

Many airlines and venues send a direct link in their confirmation email that says "Add to Google Wallet" or "Add to Wallet." Tap that link and your ticket will open in Google Wallet automatically. You do not need to scan anything — the system recognizes you as the ticket holder and adds it to your account.

This method works best when you are on your phone and have the email open. If you are on a computer, the link may open a mobile version of the page or ask you to open it on your phone instead. Some venues let you add the ticket from a computer and it will sync to your phone within a few minutes if you are signed into the same Google account.

Searching for your event directly in Google Wallet

If you have lost the confirmation email or the barcode link does not work, you can search for your event in Google Wallet itself. Open the app, tap the search icon at the top, and type the event name, venue name, or your confirmation number. Google Wallet will show you matching events and let you add your ticket if it finds it in the system.

This method works most reliably with major events like concerts at large venues, flights on major airlines, or sports games at professional stadiums. Smaller local events may not show up in the search. If your event does not appear, go back to the barcode scanning method or contact the venue to ask if they support Google Wallet.

What to do if the venue does not support Google Wallet

Not every venue has integrated with Google Wallet yet. If you cannot add your ticket through any of the methods above, take a screenshot of your confirmation email or ticket confirmation page and save it to your phone. At entry, show the screenshot to the staff member scanning tickets — most venues accept this as proof you have a valid ticket.

Some venues require their own app instead. Check your confirmation email for instructions or a link to download their app. If the venue has an app, you will usually add your ticket there and show it from that app at entry. This is less convenient than Google Wallet, but it works the same way.

Accessing your tickets on your phone and at the venue

Once your ticket is in Google Wallet, it appears as a card in the app. On Android, you can also set it to show on your lock screen automatically when you are near the venue — Google uses your location to figure out when to display it. Tap the ticket card to open it and see the full barcode or QR code that the venue will scan.

At the venue, unlock your phone and open Google Wallet or tap the ticket on your lock screen. Hold your phone steady while the staff member scans the barcode. The scan usually takes one to two seconds. Your phone does not need internet for this to work — the barcode is stored on your device.

If your phone dies before you enter, you have a problem. Take a screenshot of your ticket barcode before you go to the event and save it in your photos. That way, even if your phone is off, you can still show the screenshot to prove you have a ticket.

Managing multiple tickets and sharing them with others

If you bought tickets for multiple people, you can add each ticket to Google Wallet separately by scanning each barcode or tapping each link. Each ticket will appear as its own card in your Wallet. You can also share a ticket with someone else by opening the ticket in Google Wallet, tapping the three dots at the top right, and selecting "Share." This sends them a link they can tap to add the ticket to their own Wallet.

Sharing works best when the other person has a Google account and a compatible phone. If they do not, you can take a screenshot of the barcode and text it to them, and they can show that screenshot at entry. Some venues allow one person to bring all the tickets and show them one at a time, but check your confirmation email to see if there are restrictions on who can enter with each ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google Wallet tickets on an iPhone?

Yes, but with limits. iPhones can use Google Wallet for some event tickets, airline boarding passes, and transit passes, but not all ticket types work on iOS. Apple Wallet is the primary ticket app on iPhone, and many venues prioritize that instead. Check your confirmation email to see which apps the venue supports, or try adding your ticket to Google Wallet on your iPhone and see if it works.

What happens if my phone battery dies before I enter the venue?

Take a screenshot of your ticket barcode before the event and save it to your phone's photos. Even if your phone is powered off, you can still show the screenshot to staff at entry. Some venues also email you a backup barcode you can print or screenshot as a backup.

Can I add a ticket someone else bought for me?

Yes, if they share the ticket link or barcode with you. Ask them to send you the confirmation email or use the share feature in their Google Wallet to send you a link. Tap the link on your phone and the ticket will add to your Wallet. Some venues tie tickets to the buyer's name, so check your confirmation to see if there are name restrictions.

Do I need internet at the venue to use my Google Wallet ticket?

No. Your ticket barcode is stored on your phone, so it works offline. You only need internet to add the ticket to Google Wallet in the first place. Once it is added, you can show it at entry without any connection.

Can I add a ticket to Google Wallet after the event has started?

Yes, you can add it anytime. But if you are already at the venue, the staff member at entry will scan your ticket before you get inside, so adding it after you have entered does not help. Add your ticket before you leave home or arrive at the venue.