Adding tickets to Google Wallet in three steps

Google Wallet stores tickets the same way it stores payment cards — by reading a barcode or QR code from your email or a ticketing app, then saving a digital copy you can show at entry. The process takes about two minutes and works for concert tickets, airline boarding passes, event admissions, and movie tickets from most major vendors.

The simplest path is to open the email confirmation from your ticket seller, tap the ticket image or a button that says "Add to Google Wallet" or "Add to Wallet", and confirm. Google Wallet then creates a card you can pull up when ready without searching your email again. If your ticket email does not have that button, you can take a screenshot of the barcode and manually add it — though this requires a few extra steps and does not update automatically if the ticket changes.

You need an Android phone or a Chromebook to use Google Wallet for tickets. iPhone users have Apple Wallet instead, which works the same way but is a separate app. Both require the device to have internet access when you first add the ticket, though you can show the ticket offline after that.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest method is tapping "Add to Google Wallet" directly from your ticket confirmation email, which takes about 30 seconds.
  • Google Wallet stores the barcode or QR code so you do not have to dig through email at the venue entrance.
  • If your ticket seller does not offer a direct add button, you can screenshot the barcode and add it manually, though it will not update if details change.
  • Your phone needs internet when you first add the ticket, but you can display it offline afterward.
  • Google Wallet works only on Android devices and Chromebooks — iPhone users use Apple Wallet instead.

Finding the "Add to Wallet" button in your email

Most major ticket sellers — including Ticketmaster, StubHub, Eventbrite, and airline booking sites — include an "Add to Google Wallet" button or link in their confirmation emails. Open the email on your Android phone, scroll to the ticket image or details section, and look for a button labeled "Add to Google Wallet", "Add to Wallet", or sometimes just a wallet icon.

Tap that button once. Google Wallet will open automatically and show you a preview of the ticket — the event name, date, time, barcode, and any seat or confirmation numbers. Review it to make sure it matches your actual ticket, then tap "Add" or "Save" at the bottom of the screen. The ticket now appears in your Google Wallet main screen, usually grouped with other event tickets or under a "Tickets" section.

If you do not see an "Add to Wallet" button in the email, check whether the email contains a link that says "View ticket" or "Open ticket". Some sellers hide the wallet button behind that link — clicking it opens a webpage where the wallet button appears. If neither exists, you will need to add the ticket manually using a screenshot instead.

Adding a ticket manually when there is no direct button

If your ticket seller does not offer an "Add to Wallet" button, you can create a ticket card manually by taking a screenshot of the barcode. Open the ticket email or webpage on your Android phone and take a screenshot of the barcode or QR code — make sure the entire barcode is visible and in focus. The screenshot saves to your phone's photo gallery automatically.

Open Google Wallet and tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen. Select "Event ticket" from the menu. Google Wallet will ask you to choose a photo from your gallery — select the screenshot you just took. The app will scan the barcode and try to read the ticket information automatically. If it recognizes the barcode format, it will fill in details like the event name and date. If it does not recognize it, you can type in the information manually.

Manually added tickets do not update if the seller changes the ticket details or cancels the event. You will need to delete the old ticket and add a new screenshot if anything changes. For this reason, using the direct "Add to Wallet" button is better whenever it is available — those tickets update automatically and you do not have to manage screenshots.

What to do if the ticket does not scan or add

If tapping "Add to Wallet" does nothing, the most common cause is that you are using an iPhone or a computer instead of an Android phone. Google Wallet only works on Android devices and Chromebooks. If you have an iPhone, use Apple Wallet instead — the process is nearly identical, and most ticket sellers support both.

If you are on Android and the button still does not work, try closing Google Wallet completely and opening the email again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh. If the button appears but tapping it shows an error message, check that your phone has an internet connection — Google Wallet needs to connect to the seller's server to pull the ticket information.

If the barcode will not scan when you add it manually, make sure the screenshot is clear and the entire barcode is visible in the frame. Barcodes with shadows, glare, or parts cut off often fail to scan. Take another screenshot in better lighting, or try opening the ticket on a larger screen (like a tablet or computer) before screenshotting. If the barcode still will not scan, you can type the ticket details in manually — look for a confirmation number or order number in the email and enter that instead.

Showing your ticket at the venue

When you arrive at the event, open Google Wallet on your Android phone. Tap the ticket card to expand it to full screen. The barcode or QR code will appear large and centered — this is what the venue staff will scan. Hold your phone steady and let them scan it with their handheld device. Do not take a screenshot of the expanded ticket; the barcode in Google Wallet itself is what they need.

If your phone battery is very low, the venue staff may ask to see a paper ticket or a backup confirmation email instead. For this reason, it is wise to keep the original confirmation email or a paper printout as a backup, especially for high-value tickets or events where you cannot easily get a replacement. Google Wallet is convenient, but it is not a substitute for having proof of purchase.

Some venues scan the barcode and then ask you to confirm your name or show an ID. This is normal — they are matching the ticket to the person holding the phone. Have your ID ready if you are picking up tickets for someone else.

Managing multiple tickets in Google Wallet

Google Wallet groups tickets by event type and date, so if you have multiple tickets for the same show or different shows, they all appear in one place. Tap any ticket to expand it and show the barcode. If you have tickets for the same event but different dates (like a multi-day festival), each date appears as a separate card.

To remove a ticket after the event is over, open it and look for a trash icon or "Delete" option, usually at the bottom of the expanded ticket. Deleted tickets are gone permanently, so only delete them once you are certain you no longer need them. If you need to keep a record, take a screenshot of the ticket before deleting it.

If you transfer a ticket to someone else, you cannot straightforward hand them your phone — the ticket is tied to your Google account. Instead, ask the ticket seller whether they support ticket transfers. Most modern sellers allow you to transfer a ticket to another person's email address through their website or app, and that person can then add it to their own Google Wallet. Check your original confirmation email for a "Transfer ticket" link or button.

Tickets that do not work with Google Wallet

Some smaller venues and independent ticket sellers do not support Google Wallet integration. If the seller does not offer an "Add to Wallet" button and the barcode will not scan when you add it manually, the ticket may use a format that Google Wallet does not recognize. In that case, you will need to show a paper ticket or open the confirmation email on your phone at the venue.

Tickets purchased through third-party resellers (like StubHub or Vivid Seats) sometimes have different barcode formats than the original seller's tickets. These usually still work with Google Wallet, but occasionally they do not. If you bought a resold ticket and cannot add it to Google Wallet, contact the reseller's customer service — they can tell you whether the ticket supports wallet integration or whether you need a paper or email backup.

International events and tickets purchased outside the United States may not work with Google Wallet, depending on the seller and the country. If you are traveling and bought tickets abroad, check with the venue or seller before your trip to confirm they support digital wallets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone else's ticket to my Google Wallet?

Not directly — Google Wallet ties the ticket to the email address that purchased it. If you bought a ticket for someone else, ask the seller whether they support ticket transfers. Most major sellers let you transfer the ticket to the other person's email address through their website, and they can then add it to their own Google Wallet.

What happens if my phone dies at the venue?

You will not be able to show the barcode from Google Wallet. This is why keeping a paper backup or having the confirmation email open on a friend's phone is a good idea for important tickets. Some venues accept a photo of the barcode if you took one beforehand, but this varies by venue.

Can I add a ticket that someone forwarded to me?

Yes, if they forward you the original confirmation email from the ticket seller. Open that email on your Android phone and tap "Add to Wallet" if the button is there. If you only have a screenshot or a photo of the ticket, you can add it manually, but it will not update if the seller changes anything.

Does Google Wallet work offline?

Yes, once you add the ticket. You need internet when you first add it to Google Wallet, but after that you can display the barcode without a connection. However, if the seller updates the ticket details (like a time change), you will need internet to refresh it.

What is the difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay?

Google Pay is the older payment app for credit cards and contactless payments. Google Wallet is the newer app that handles both payments and tickets, passes, and IDs. On newer Android phones, Google Wallet has replaced Google Pay. If you have an older phone, you may still see Google Pay — the ticket process is similar in both.