Google Wallet Unveils 'Linked Passes': Discover and Learn How to Harness This New Feature

Google Wallet Enhances Experience with 'Automatically Add Linked Passes' Feature, Seamlessly Integrating Boarding Passes, Event Tickets, Loyalty Cards, and More.

Availability and Functionality

Although the Google Linked Passes feature is in beta and not universally available for all passes, it provides a convenient method to organize and manage digital passes. However, pass issuers must enable the linking feature. If your passes aren't linked, you'll need to reach out to the issuer or merchant to activate this functionality, as reported by 9to5google.

Pass Types and Limitations

However, certain pass types such as credit/debit cards, private documents like driver's licenses and health insurance cards, and physical access passes like corporate badges and hotel keys cannot be linked using this feature.

The 'Automatically add linked passes' setting is located in the new 'Passes' subsection within Google Wallet settings on Android devices. It is enabled by default, allowing pass providers to automatically include related event tickets, promotions, offers, and more with your existing passes.

Google offers developer documentation on Auto Linked Passes, enabling providers to send additional passes to users who already have their existing pass in Google Wallet. This facilitates linking offers to loyalty cards, meal vouchers to boarding passes, or parking passes to event tickets.

Concerns and Control

While this feature adds convenience, there is a concern about potential clutter from unwanted promotions and offers. Fortunately, Google offers an option to disable this automatic behavior, giving users control over the content in their digital wallet.

The introduction of 'Linked Passes' builds upon Google's recent addition of transit payment verification settings, enhancing user experience and functionality. This feature is available in version 24.10.x of Google Wallet and appears to have a wider rollout compared to the verification settings. As Google continues to innovate and enhance its Wallet app, users can anticipate the addition of more useful features in the future, further streamlining digital transactions and management.

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