Apple’s Wallet app is handy, offering quick access to digital versions of payment cards, tickets, and so on. But it has limitations – not all cards are compatible, and this means it can never fully replace your physical wallet. Local libraries, gyms, and zoos often stick with old-school barcode membership cards, while supermarkets might insist you open their bespoke shopping apps just to scan a QR code for loyalty points.
If you’ve ever wished for a single, digital solution that genuinely replaces all those physical cards cluttering your wallet, Barcodes might be just the app you need. Essentially, it’s a souped-up, customizable version of Apple Wallet. Here’s how it works.
First, you’ll want to download the Barcodes app. You can store three for free, but a one-time fee ($15/£15) or a monthly subscription ($1/£1) unlocks unlimited cards, iCloud sync, and more.
There are three straightforward ways to add cards: scan a physical card with your camera, import an image or screenshot from another app or website, or manually type in the details. Simply tap the + button at the top right to get started.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll need a card with some form of scannable code. Barcodes supports 13 different formats, including common barcodes and QR codes. Once you’ve added your card, name it, and customize it by choosing a color, symbol, or even a brand logo provided within the app.
Cards you’ve added appear clearly on the main screen, and you can rearrange them with the sort button at the top. Tap any card to instantly display an enlarged barcode, brightening your screen automatically for easy scanning. In testing, we found this typically made scanning even smoother than using physical cards!
For frequently-used cards, Barcodes provides convenient Home Screen widgets. Just press and hold anywhere on your Home Screen to enter ‘wiggle mode,’ hit the + button at the top-left, select Barcodes, and pick your favorite cards for quick access.
On top of all that, Barcodes emphasizes your privacy – none of your card information or activity is tracked or shared. Barcodes solves a common everyday hassle beautifully.