You probably already use your Android phone for almost everything—shopping, banking, booking flights, and even paying for coffee. But now there’s good news for travellers like you. You can actually store a digital version of your U.S. passport right on your Android device, which can make your trips through the airport faster, smoother, and more secure. Let us break down exactly how this works, what you need, and how you can set it up for yourself.
Where can you use your digital passport?
Your digital passport is mainly designed to be used at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports. This means you can show it to prove your identity and board domestic flights. However, there are some important things you should keep in mind:
- You cannot use a digital passport for international travel.
- Right now, some airports in the U.S. is not accepting it. A full rollout is expected by the end of 2025.
- Some apps or businesses may also accept it for age verification, but do not assume it will always be accepted.
So while this technology is a big step forward, you still need to keep your physical passport with you whenever you travel.
Requirements for adding your passport to Google Wallet
Before you try to add your passport to your phone, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You will need:
- A valid U.S. passport.
- An Android device running version 9 or newer.
- Bluetooth and nearby device settings turned on.
- A screen lock on your phone (this could be a pin, pattern, password, or fingerprint).
One important note—your passport can only be linked to one device at a time. If you switch to a new phone, you will need to remove it from your old device first.
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How to add your passport to google wallet
Adding your passport to Google Wallet is pretty simple once you know the steps. Here is what you need to do:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone.
- Tap the “+” button.
- Choose “ID” and then select “ID pass.”
- Pick the United States as your country.
- Tap “Get started,” then agree to the terms.
- Scan the information page of your passport (the page with your photo).
- Scan the electronic chip inside the back cover of your passport.
- Record a quick video of your face to confirm your identity.
- Follow the final prompts until you see the notification that your passport has been added.
If everything goes smoothly, your passport will now show up in your Google Wallet app.
How to use your digital passport at TSA checkpoints
When you are ready to travel, here is how you can use your digital passport at a TSA checkpoint:
- Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.
- Open your Google Wallet app.
- Hold your phone over the TSA reader.
- Wait for the kiosk to take your photo.
- Approve the sharing of your information by entering your pin, password, or fingerprint.
- Look for the blue checkmark to confirm you are all set.
In some cases, you may also be asked to scan a QR code instead of holding your device over the reader.
How to remove your passport from Google Wallet
If you ever want to remove your passport, you can do it directly from the Google Wallet app or through your online Google account. Once you find your passport in the app, the process is very straightforward. Google also provides a step-by-step guide if you get stuck.
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