How to Add iTunes Pass to Passbook on your iPhone

Apple's new iTunes Pass lets you use your iPhone as a sort of digital wallet in Apple retail stores, but setting it up isn't quite as straight forward as it could be. Read on to learn just how to get iTunes Pass up and running.

iTunes Pass works something like a reloadable gift card in that you pay up front a set amount of money and then spend against that until it's gone. When your card is empty, you can reload it again and keep spending.

Here's how to set up iTunes Pass on your iPhone:

  • Launch the App Store app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Redeem button. You'll need to scroll down to see it.

Tap Redeem to add iTunes Pass to PassbookTap Redeem to add iTunes Pass to Passbook

  • iTunes Pass should show up at the bottom of the Redeem screen. Tap Get Started.

Get Started is hiding at the bottom of the Redeem screenGet Started is hiding at the bottom of the Redeem screen

  • Tap Add iTunes Pass to Passbook.
  • You'll see your iTunes Pass Store Card. Be sure to tap Add, otherwise it won't show up in Passbook.
  • Tap Done.

iTunes Pass gets its own card in PassbookiTunes Pass gets its own card in Passbook

Once iTunes Pass is set up you'll need to pay a visit to your local Apple Store to load it up with money because that's all it's designed to let you do. This is just another way to add money to your iTunes account. Hopefully Apple will make that process easier because it feels like you're just adding extra steps by adding money to iTunes Pass first instead of simply paying with your credit card. That said, for some people, adding money to their iTunes account this way may be exactly what they're looking for.

With money on iTunes Pass you can make purchases in Apple retail stores against your iTunes account just as you already do through the Apple Store app. I'm seeing this as a cool way to give kids a budget to work with when they go shopping for Apple gear, and maybe some day it'll expand to other retailers, too.