You can't transfer tickets directly from Apple Wallet to someone else's phone

Apple Wallet stores event tickets, boarding passes, and gift cards, but the app does not include a built-in transfer or sharing feature. If you need to give your ticket to another person, you have to remove it from Wallet first, then send it through a different method — usually email, text, or the original ticketing service's own app.

The reason is security. Apple Wallet ties tickets to your Apple ID and device. Tickets often contain barcodes or QR codes that work only once, so Apple's design prevents accidental duplication or fraud. Moving a ticket out of Wallet and into someone else's hands requires going back to the source.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Wallet has no direct transfer feature; you must remove the ticket and resend it through email, text, or the ticketing service's app.
  • The fastest method is usually to forward the original confirmation email from the ticketing service to the other person, who can then add it to their own Wallet.
  • Some ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, StubHub, Eventbrite) let you transfer ownership within their own app before the ticket ever reaches Wallet.
  • Once a ticket is scanned at an event, it cannot be used again, so transferring after entry is not possible.

Remove the ticket from Apple Wallet

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Find the event ticket you want to transfer. Press and hold the ticket, then tap the three dots (more options) in the corner. Scroll down and select "Remove" or "Delete." The ticket disappears from your Wallet immediately.

Removing it from Wallet does not delete the ticket itself — it only removes your local copy. The ticket still exists in your email, in the ticketing service's system, or in your account with the original seller. You can always add it back to Wallet later if needed.

Send the ticket through the original ticketing service

The easiest path is to go back to where you bought the ticket. Log into your account on Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, StubHub, or whatever platform you used. Look for an option to transfer, share, or send the ticket. Most services let you enter the recipient's email address and send it directly from there.

When you transfer through the ticketing service, the other person receives a link or a file they can open on their own phone. They can then add it to their Apple Wallet, or keep it in the service's app and scan it at the gate. This method is more reliable than forwarding emails because the ticketing service controls the barcode and ensures only one person can use it.

Check the service's rules first — some platforms charge a small fee to transfer, and some have deadlines (for example, no transfers within 24 hours of the event). A few services do not allow transfers at all once you have purchased.

Forward the original confirmation email

If the ticketing service does not offer a transfer feature, find the original confirmation email you received when you bought the ticket. Forward that email to the other person. They can open the attachment or click the link in the email to download or add the ticket to their own Wallet.

This method works because most ticketing services embed the actual ticket file or a download link in the confirmation email. The recipient gets the same file you received, and they can add it to Wallet just as you did. However, this approach carries more risk — if both of you try to use the same barcode, one of you will be turned away at the gate.

Use text or AirDrop for quick handoffs

If you are transferring a ticket to someone in person or nearby, you can use AirDrop to send the ticket file directly from your phone to theirs. Open Wallet, press and hold the ticket, tap "Share," and select AirDrop. Choose the recipient's device from the list. They receive the file and can add it to their own Wallet immediately.

AirDrop works only between Apple devices and requires both phones to be close together and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. For distance transfers, text the recipient a link to the ticket file or ask them to log into the ticketing service's account themselves if they have access.

What happens after the ticket is transferred

Once the other person has the ticket on their phone, they can add it to their Apple Wallet by opening the file or link and tapping "Add to Wallet." At the event, they scan their barcode or QR code at the gate. The barcode works only once — after it is scanned, that ticket is used up and cannot be scanned again, even if someone else has a copy.

If you both show up with the same ticket barcode, the gate staff will scan the first one and reject the second. This is why transferring through the ticketing service (rather than just forwarding an email) is safer — the service deactivates your copy once the transfer is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a ticket if I already added it to Apple Wallet?

Yes. Remove it from Wallet first, then send it through the ticketing service, forward the original email, or use AirDrop. Removing it from Wallet does not destroy the ticket — it just removes your local copy. You can still access the ticket through the ticketing service's website or app.

What if the ticketing service doesn't let me transfer?

Some services do not offer transfers, or they may have already closed the transfer window. In that case, contact the service's customer support and explain the situation. A few will manually transfer ownership if you provide the recipient's email and a reason. Otherwise, you may need to resell through a secondary market like StubHub or Ticketmaster's resale platform.

Can I transfer a ticket after the event has started?

No. Once a ticket barcode is scanned at the gate, it is used and cannot be scanned again. If you want to give your ticket to someone else, they must receive it and add it to their phone before the event starts and before your barcode is scanned.

Will the recipient see my personal information?

It depends on the method. If you transfer through the ticketing service's official transfer feature, the recipient usually sees only the ticket details and barcode. If you forward the original confirmation email, they may see your name and email address on the receipt. Check the email before forwarding if privacy is a concern.

What if I lose the ticket after removing it from Wallet?

Log into your account on the ticketing service's website and download or view the ticket again. You can add it back to Wallet, forward the confirmation email, or transfer it through the service. The ticket file is stored in your account as long as the event has not passed.