How To Add Gift Cards to Apple Wallet: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever found yourself fumbling through emails or apps at the checkout line, trying to track down a gift card you swear you had? Yeah, same here. That’s exactly why I started using Apple Wallet to organize my gift cards, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to add gift cards to your Apple Wallet, step by step. No tech jargon, just simple, clear instructions you can follow in minutes. Whether you’re using an iPhone for the first time or you’ve had one glued to your hand for years, you’ll feel confident getting your gift cards loaded and ready to use whenever you need them.

What is an Apple Wallet?

Apple Wallet is a built-in app on iPhones that lets you store digital versions of things you’d normally carry in your physical wallet. That includes credit and debit cards, boarding passes, event tickets, student IDs, and gift cards. Once something is added to Apple Wallet, it’s easy to use. Instead of digging through your bag or pockets, you can access everything with just a tap on your phone.

You can make contactless payments with Apple Pay, scan tickets at events, or redeem gift cards at checkout, all directly from your lock screen. Popular retailers supporting Apple Wallet integration include: 

• Starbucks
• Target
• Best Buy
• Nike
• Walgreens

Before you start adding gift cards to Apple Wallet, it’s important to make sure both your device and the specific gift card are compatible. In the next section, I’ll explain to you how to do that. 

How to Check if Your Gift Card and Device are Compatible with Apple Wallet 

Not all gift cards work with Apple Wallet, and some older Apple devices might not support the feature fully. Here’s how you can check:

1. First, check your device. Apple Wallet works on iPhones running iOS 6 or later, but for full functionality, including Apple Pay, you’ll want iOS 11 or newer. You can confirm this by going to Settings > General > About and looking at your iOS version. 
2. Next, check the gift card itself or its packaging for any mention of Apple Wallet compatibility. If there’s no information on that, visit the retailer’s website or contact their customer support to see if they support Apple Wallet integration. 

As of now, Apple allows gift cards from major card providers like Visa, MasterCard and American Express to be added to Wallet directly. Retailers like Starbucks, Target, and Best Buy also allow you to add their cards directly to Apple Wallet, either through their app or via a link in an email.

How to Add a Gift Card to Apple Wallet

There are different ways to add a gift card to an Apple wallet. They are:

1. Using the Apple Wallet directly
2. Through the gift card provider

Follow these simple steps to keep your gift cards organized and ready to use directly from your iPhone.

Method 1: Adding Directly Through Apple Wallet 

If your gift card comes with a barcode or QR code, you might be able to add it directly through the Wallet app. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Apple Wallet App
On your iPhone or iPad, locate and open the Apple Wallet app. It’s a pre-installed app that comes with all iPhones, so you won’t need to download anything.

Step 2: Tap the “+” Icon
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the plus (+) icon. This will bring up a menu where you can add different types of passes and cards.

Step 3: Select “Add a Debit Card”
Choose the option labeled “Debit or Credit Card”.

Step 4: Scan the Barcode
Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the gift card’s barcode or QR code. If the Wallet app recognizes the format and the card is compatible, it will prompt you to add it. 

Alternatively, you can tap “Enter Code Manually” to input the card number and any required info.

Step 5: Tap “Add” to Confirm

After scanning or entering the gift card details, tap “Add” in the top right corner. Your Apple Wallet gift card will now be saved and ready to use.

Method 2: Using the Gift Card Provider’s App or Website

Many gift cards can be added to Apple Wallet through the retailer’s official app or website. 

Step 1: Open the Retailer’s App or Website

Open the app or website and log in to your account. 

Step 2: Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”

Look for an option like “Add to Apple Wallet” or “Save to Wallet” and click it   

Step 3: Verify your Apple ID

You may be prompted to verify details like your Apple ID or passcode

Step 4: Confirm and Add the Card

After verifying, your iPhone will preview the card details before finalizing. Tap “Add” in the top-right corner to confirm. 

A digital version of the gift card will be created in your Apple Wallet app.

How to Manage and Use Gift Cards in Apple Wallet

Once you’ve added a gift card to Apple Wallet, using and keeping track of it is simple. Everything you need is built right into your iPhone, so your gift cards are always just a tap away.

To Access and Use a Gift Card

You can quickly find any card by typing the card’s name in the search bar. Once you find the gift card you want to use, click it, and present the QR code at checkout. If the store accepts Apple Wallet gift cards, the cashier can scan it right from your screen.

For online purchases, select Apple Pay from the checkout options. 

To Check Gift Card Details

Most digital gift cards in Apple Wallet will display useful info like your remaining balance or transaction history, depending on the card provider. Just tap the three-dot icon (•••) on the card to see more details.

To Remove or Reorganize Cards

You can manage your cards by scrolling to the bottom of the Wallet app and tapping “Edit Passes,” or holding your finger on a card to drag it into a different order. To delete a gift card, tap the three-dot icon on the card and select “Remove Pass.”

Benefits of Adding Gift Cards to Apple Wallet

Adding your gift cards to Apple Wallet isn’t just about convenience, it actually makes your life a lot easier in more ways than one.

1. Convenient access: With Apple Wallet, all your digital passes are in one place. You don’t need multiple apps to manage different cards or tickets. Just open the app, and you’ll have everything at your fingertips.
2. Reduced Clutter: Going digital means you don’t have to carry around a stack of physical gift cards or worry about losing them. Everything is stored safely in one organized place.
3. Easy to Track: Many Apple Wallet gift cards show real-time balance updates, past transactions, and expiry dates, so you’re never caught off guard when you go to use them.
4. Seamless Checkout: Checking out with a gift card from Apple Wallet is quick and secure. Just scan your phone at the register or checkout screen, 
5. Safe and Secure: Apple Wallet uses the same security features as Apple Pay, including Face ID, Touch ID, and encryption. This means Your gift cards are protected, even if your phone is lost or stolen.
6. No charges: Unlike some other apps that charge subscription fees for certain features, Apple Wallet is free to use. You get all the benefits of a digital wallet without any hidden costs.

Common Issues When Adding Gift Cards to Apple Wallet

Even though adding a gift card to Apple Wallet is usually straightforward, you might run into a hiccup or two. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:

1. Card not scanning?

Make sure you’re in a well-lit area and the barcode or QR code on the gift card is clean and undamaged. Try tilting your phone slightly or adjusting the distance from the scanner.

2. Store app not showing “Add to Apple Wallet” option?

Check that you’re using the most recent version of the app by going to the App Store and updating it, if needed. Also remember, not all gift card providers support Apple Wallet, so it’s worth checking their support page too.

3. Gift card not showing up in Wallet after adding?

Restart your iPhone and check again. Also, confirm that you’re signed in to the correct Apple ID and that the Wallet app has access in your settings.

4. iPhone says the pass isn’t supported?

Some gift cards just aren’t Apple Wallet-compatible. In that case, you can still save the card info or screenshot in the Notes app, or use the retailer’s own app for storage and redemption.

5. Gift card balance not updating?

Not all gift cards update balances automatically in Apple Wallet. For real-time updates, you may need to use the retailer’s app or website to check your remaining amount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Gift Cards to Apple Wallet

1. Can I put gift cards in my Apple Wallet?

Yes, you can add compatible gift cards to your Wallet for easy access and use.

2. Can I add any gift card to Apple Wallet?

Not all gift cards are compatible with Apple Wallet. It depends on whether the retailer supports Apple Wallet integration. Popular stores like Starbucks, Target, and Nike often do, but some smaller or local businesses may not.

3. Can I add an Apple gift card to Apple Wallet?

No, you cannot directly add an Apple gift card to your Wallet, however, you can redeem the Apple gift card on your Apple account. 

4. How do I redeem a gift card from Apple Wallet?

Open the Wallet app, select the gift card you want to redeem, and let the store attendant scan the barcode, or manually enter the card details.

5. How can I remove a gift card from Apple Wallet?

Open your Wallet, tap the gift card you want to remove and select the option to remove the card. 

6. What happens if I lose my phone with gift cards in Apple Wallet?

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, your gift cards are still safe. Apple Wallet is protected by Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. And once you sign in to your Apple ID on a new device, all gift cards in your wallet will reappear automatically.

Conclusion

Adding gift cards to Apple Wallet is a simple way to keep your gift cards organized, alongside other digital passes like credit cards, tickets, and boarding passes. The app is fast, secure, and easy to use. 

Now that you know how to add, manage, and use gift cards in Apple Wallet, you’re all set to make the most of your digital wallet. So, go ahead and start loading up your cards.