In the TAP app, sign in or create a TAP account. In the Cards section, press the add card icon at the top left. Press “Add a TAP Card on Your Phone.” Follow the prompts to add a “virtual” TAP card to your phone to use it to tap and pay.

To use your TAP card on your phone in Los Angeles, you can integrate it into your digital wallet or use the official TAP LA app. For iPhone users, open the Apple Wallet app, tap the plus (+) icon, select "Transit Card," and choose "TAP - Greater Los Angeles." You can then either add funds to a new digital card or transfer the balance from an existing plastic card by following the prompts. Android users can follow a similar process using Google Wallet. Once added, you do not need to wake or unlock your phone; simply hold the back of your device near the circular TAP target on bus validators or train station turnstiles. If you prefer using the TAP app, you can register your card there to manage passes and set up "Autoload." It is important to note that once you transfer a physical card to your phone, the plastic version becomes permanently deactivated. Always ensure your phone is sufficiently charged, as you will need it to "tap" both in and, for certain rail lines, out to validate your fare correctly.