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Passbook & PKPass Support

OSS CardWallet fully supports Apple Passbook (PKPass) files, allowing you to import, view, and manage digital passes like boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and coupons.

What is PKPass?

PKPass is the file format used by Apple Wallet (formerly Passbook). These digital passes are commonly used for:

  • ✈️ Boarding passes - Airline and train tickets
  • 🎫 Event tickets - Concerts, movies, sports events
  • 🏪 Loyalty cards - Store reward programs
  • 🎁 Coupons - Digital discount vouchers
  • 🎟️ Gift cards - Prepaid cards

Importing Passes

From Files

  1. Tap the + button in CardWallet
  2. Select Import from a file
  3. Browse to your .pkpass file(s)
  4. The pass will be imported and displayed

From Email or Web

When you receive a PKPass file via email or download one from a website:

  1. Tap on the .pkpass file
  2. Select Open with OSS CardWallet
  3. The pass will be automatically imported

From QR Code

Some services provide passes via QR codes:

  1. Tap Scan in CardWallet
  2. Scan the QR code
  3. If it links to a PKPass file, it will be downloaded and imported

Viewing Passes

Once imported, your passes display all relevant information:

  • Pass header with logo and organization name
  • Primary information (flight number, event name, etc.)
  • Secondary fields (date, time, seat, etc.)
  • Barcode/QR code for scanning at venues
  • Back of pass with additional details

Pass Types Display

Each pass type has a unique visual style:

Pass TypeDisplay Style
Boarding PassHorizontal strip layout
Event TicketTicket-style with perforations
Store CardCard layout with logo
CouponCoupon-style design
GenericStandard card layout

Exporting Passes

Share as PKPass

Export passes to share or backup:

  1. Open the pass
  2. Tap Share
  3. Select Export as PKPass
  4. Choose destination (email, cloud storage, etc.)

Add to Apple Wallet

If you also use an iPhone:

  1. Export the pass as PKPass
  2. Send it to your iPhone
  3. Open the file to add to Apple Wallet

Barcode Support

CardWallet supports all barcode formats used in PKPass files:

  • QR Code - Most common format
  • PDF417 - Used for boarding passes
  • Aztec - Compact 2D barcode
  • Code 128 - Linear barcode

Displaying Barcodes

For easy scanning at venues:

  1. Open the pass
  2. Tap on the barcode to enlarge
  3. Adjust screen brightness if needed
  4. Present to scanner

Troubleshooting

Pass Won't Import

  • Ensure the file has a .pkpass extension
  • Check that the file isn't corrupted
  • Try downloading the pass again from the source

Barcode Won't Scan

  • Increase screen brightness to maximum
  • Clean your screen
  • Try zooming in on the barcode
  • Ensure you're holding the phone steady

Pass Information Not Displaying

  • Some passes may have limited information
  • Check the back of the pass for additional details
  • Contact the pass issuer if information is missing

Privacy & Security

  • Passes are stored locally on your device
  • No data is sent to external servers
  • Sensitive information in passes is encrypted
  • You control which passes to keep or delete