How to open .PKPASS files on iOS
To open .PKPASS files on iOS, tap the file and add it directly to Apple Wallet.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tap the .pkpass file (from Mail, Messages, Safari download, or the Files app), then tap “Add” to add it to Apple Wallet and review the pass details.
Recommended software
- Apple Wallet
- Mail/Files for quick import
Common issues
The pass won’t add to Apple Wallet (or shows “Invalid Pass”)
Wallet may reject a pass if its signature is invalid, the package is corrupted, or the pass is expired/revoked by the issuer.
- Re-download the .pkpass from the original issuer source (avoid re-sent or modified files).
- Check that your iOS/iPadOS is up to date, then try adding again from the Files or Mail app.
- If it still fails, request a newly issued pass from the provider (the signature and validity are controlled by the issuer).
It opens as a ZIP archive or random files on my computer
.pkpass is a ZIP-based bundle; desktop apps may treat it like a normal archive instead of a Wallet pass.
- Don’t extract it if your goal is to use it—transfer the original .pkpass file to an iPhone/iPad and open it there to add to Wallet.
- If you need to confirm what it is, you can inspect pass.json after extracting, but use only the original .pkpass for importing.
Android app can’t import the .pkpass
Not all Android wallet apps support the full PKPASS feature set, and some passes are designed primarily for Apple Wallet workflows.
- Try a different wallet app that explicitly states PKPASS import support.
- Ask the issuer for an alternative delivery method (for example, a QR code or the issuer’s own app-based ticket).
Tapping the file doesn’t show an “Add to Wallet” option on iPhone/iPad
This can happen if the file extension is changed, the download is incomplete, or it’s being opened in a context that doesn’t hand off to Wallet properly.
- Confirm the file ends with .pkpass and re-download it from the issuer link if unsure.
- Open it from the Files app (not inside a compressed archive viewer), then try again.
Security note
.pkpass files are signed; if a pass has been altered or is from an untrusted source, Wallet may reject it—only add passes you received directly from the official issuer (airline/venue/retailer).