San Francisco Public Library cards don’t live in Apple Wallet by default – but with a small workaround, you can get them there. Here’s what’s actually going on and the two ways to fix it.
The Problem: Code 39
SFPL barcodes use the Code 39 format. Most iOS pass readers, including the new “make your own pass” feature in the iOS 27 beta Wallet app, only support Code 128 and QR codes. Scan your card the obvious way and you’ll hit a dead end.
The Fix: Grab a Code 128 Screenshot from the SFPL App
The SFPL app quietly solves this for you. Inside the app, pull up your library card and you’ll find the barcode displayed in Code 128 format instead. Screenshot that barcode. Now the iOS 27 Wallet “make your own pass” feature can read and import it correctly, and you’ll have a native Wallet pass that works at the library’s self-checkout kiosks.
Steps:
- Open the SFPL app and go to your card/account section
- View your barcode — it renders as Code 128 here
- Screenshot it
- In Wallet (iOS 27 beta), use “Make Your Own Pass” and import the screenshot
The Better Fix: Pass2U Wallet ($3.99)
If you want more flexibility — or you’re managing cards for a whole family — Pass2U Wallet is worth the $4. It reads Code 128 screenshots just like the Wallet method, but also lets you:
- Store multiple library cards together (useful for households / kids)
- Customize the pass appearance and label
- Keep everything organized in one place
For a single card and no frills, the free screenshot-to-Wallet route is fine. For a family, Pass2U pays for itself in convenience immediately.
Tested with the SFPL app and iOS 27 beta. The Code 128 display in the SFPL app is under the card details screen linked from the top right corner.
Leave a Reply