Apple Wallet tickets move to another person through a link you send them, not by handing over your phone or sharing your account password
Apple Wallet stores event tickets, boarding passes, and gift cards on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When someone else needs the ticket, you generate a unique transfer link through the Wallet app and send it to them via text, email, or any messaging service. The recipient taps the link, and the ticket appears in their own Wallet — it leaves yours at the same moment. You cannot transfer a ticket to yourself on a different device, and you cannot split one ticket between two people.
The transfer process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether the ticket is for a concert, flight, or sports event. The person receiving it needs an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch) and an Apple ID, but they do not need to be in the same location as you.
Key Takeaways
- Open the ticket in Wallet, tap the share icon, and select "Transfer" to create a one-time link you can send to the other person.
- The recipient must have an Apple device and an active Apple ID to receive and store the transferred ticket.
- Once the other person accepts the transfer, the ticket disappears from your Wallet permanently.
- Some tickets from certain vendors cannot be transferred, so check your ticket details before you attempt the transfer.
- The transfer link expires after a set time if not used, and you can cancel a pending transfer before the recipient accepts it.
Step-by-step process for transferring a ticket
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and find the ticket you want to transfer. Tap it to open the full ticket view. Look for the share icon — usually three dots or lines in the upper right corner — and tap it.
A menu appears with several options. Select "Transfer" from the list. The app generates a unique link and shows you options for how to send it: Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or any other app on your phone. Choose the method that works best for the person receiving the ticket. Tap "Send" or the equivalent button in whichever app you choose.
The recipient receives the link and taps it on their Apple device. They are taken to a screen that shows the ticket details and asks them to confirm they want to add it to their Wallet. Once they tap "Add," the ticket moves to their Wallet and is removed from yours. You will see a notification that the transfer was successful.
What happens if the ticket cannot be transferred
Not all tickets support transfers. Some event organizers, airlines, and venues restrict transfers for security reasons or to prevent resale. If a ticket cannot be transferred, the "Transfer" option will not appear in the share menu, or you will see a message saying the ticket is not may be able to access for transfer.
If you encounter this restriction, contact the venue or event organizer directly — they may have their own process for changing the ticket holder's name or issuing a new ticket. Some venues require you to call customer service or log into their website to make changes.
Transfer links and expiration
When you create a transfer link, it remains active for a limited time. The exact window varies by ticket type and vendor, but most links stay valid for several days to a week. If the recipient does not tap the link and accept the transfer within that window, the link expires and the ticket remains in your Wallet.
You can send the link again by repeating the transfer process. You can also cancel a pending transfer before the recipient accepts it — open the ticket in Wallet, and you should see an option to cancel the transfer or revoke the link. Once the recipient taps the link and confirms the transfer, you cannot undo it.
Device and account requirements for the recipient
The person receiving the ticket must have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch running a current version of iOS or watchOS. They also need an active Apple ID — the same account they use to sign into their device. They do not need to be in your contacts, and they do not need to share any passwords or account information with you.
If the recipient does not have an Apple device or Apple ID, they cannot receive a Wallet transfer. In that case, you may be able to forward the original ticket confirmation email from the event organizer to them, or contact the organizer to have the ticket reissued in their name.
Transferring tickets between your own devices
You cannot transfer a ticket from one of your own devices to another. If you own both an iPhone and an iPad, for example, the ticket will sync automatically to both devices through iCloud if you are signed into the same Apple ID on both. You do not need to do anything — the ticket appears on both devices at the same time.
If the ticket does not appear on your second device, check that you are signed into the same Apple ID and that both devices have an active internet connection. Open Wallet on the second device and wait a few moments for it to sync. If it still does not appear, sign out of iCloud on one device and sign back in.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
If you send a transfer link but the recipient reports that the link does not work, ask them to check that they are using an Apple device and that they are signed into their Apple ID. The link only works on Apple devices — if they try to open it on an Android phone or computer, it will not function.
If the recipient taps the link but the ticket does not appear in their Wallet, have them close and reopen the Wallet app, or restart their device. Sometimes the ticket takes a moment to sync. If the problem persists, the recipient should check their iCloud settings to make sure Wallet is enabled for syncing.
If you cannot create a transfer link at all, make sure you are using the latest version of iOS. Open the App Store, go to Updates, and check whether a Wallet or system update is available. Restart your iPhone and try again. If the transfer option still does not appear, the ticket may not support transfers, or there may be a temporary issue with the vendor's system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a ticket to someone who does not have an Apple device?
No. Wallet transfers only work between Apple devices. If the recipient uses Android or does not have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, you will need to contact the event organizer or venue to have the ticket reissued in their name or transferred through their own ticketing system.
What if I accidentally transfer a ticket to the wrong person?
If you have not sent the link yet, you can cancel it and create a new one. If you have already sent the link and the wrong person accepted the transfer, contact the event organizer or venue when ready. They may be able to reissue the ticket in your name or the correct person's name, depending on their policies.
Does the person I transfer to need my Apple ID password?
No. They only need their own Apple ID and an Apple device. You never share your password or account information. The transfer link is all they need to receive the ticket.
Can I transfer a partial ticket if I have multiple tickets for the same event?
Each ticket transfers individually. If you have two tickets to a concert and want to give one to a friend, open the first ticket, create a transfer link, and send it. The second ticket stays in your Wallet. You cannot split one ticket between two people.
How long does a transfer link stay active?
Most transfer links remain valid for several days to a week, though the exact time depends on the ticket vendor and event type. If the recipient does not accept within that window, the link expires and you can create a new one by repeating the transfer process.