How do I tag my Clipper card on my iPhone?

Using Clipper
  1. To add a card to your iPhone or Apple Watch, open the Apple Wallet app and click the plus “+” icon. ...
  2. To use your plastic card, locate the Clipper reader and tag it by holding it flat against the Clipper logo. ...
  3. Some transit agencies charge fares based on distance or zones.




To tag your Clipper card using an iPhone in 2026, you simply need to use the Express Mode feature within Apple Wallet. Once you have added your Clipper card to your phone, you do not need to wake or unlock your device, nor do you need to open an app. Simply hold the top of your iPhone near the circular Clipper reader located at station gates, on bus boarding decks, or on ferry platforms. A successful "tag" will be confirmed by a haptic vibration (buzz) and a "Done" checkmark on your screen. If you are using a system with "distance-based" fares, like BART or Caltrain, remember to tap off at your destination station so the system calculates the correct fare; otherwise, you may be charged the maximum possible route fee. If your phone battery is extremely low, most modern iPhones (iPhone 11 or later) have a "Power Reserve" feature that allows you to continue tagging for up to five hours after the phone turns off.

Great question! Tagging your Clipper card on an iPhone is done through Apple Wallet using NFC technology. Here’s how to set it up and use it:

To Add Clipper to Apple Wallet:

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
  2. Tap the ”+” button in the top right corner
  3. Select “Transit Card”
  4. Choose “Clipper” from the list
  5. Follow the prompts to: - Add a new card (with payment) - Or transfer an existing physical card (balances transfer in 1-2 days)

To Tag (Tap to Pay):

  1. Wake your iPhone (tap screen or press side button)
  2. Hold the top of your iPhone near the Clipper reader
  3. Don’t open any app - just bring iPhone close to reader
  4. You’ll feel a haptic tap and see a checkmark when successful

Important Notes:

  • iPhone models: Requires iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 13.4 or later
  • Express Mode: You can enable this in Wallet settings so you don’t need to wake your phone or use Face ID/Touch ID
  • Battery: Works even if your battery is dead for several hours (using Power Reserve)
  • Multiple cards: If you have multiple cards in Wallet, default card will be used

To Check Balance/Add Value:

  • Open Wallet app → tap your Clipper card
  • Or use the official Clipper app

The process is the same for Bay Area transit systems (BART, Muni, Caltrain, buses, fer

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