We've all been there before, desperately searching for the right documentation or gift card, as the rest of the line becomes more and more impatient. However, a recent update for Google Wallet could help to make this experience a little less stressful.
The new features announced by Google as part of the update include allowing users to add a nickname to their digital passes, with a limit of 25 characters. All users need to do is tap the three-dot button in the top right corner of the screen, then select the "Add a nickname" option on the subsequent page.
Once added, the nickname will appear as part of the smaller text on the digital pass. While it is a shame it isn't more front and center, it will still be a help when trying to organize numerous passes on one device.
What else has been added to Google Wallet?
Google's update also highlights the Nearby Passes feature that was revealed during the 2025 Google I/O. This feature will allow loyalty cards, event tickets and boarding passes to alert you when you are near specific locations. This makes it much easier to obtain the relevant digital pass in seconds and reminds you of any you might have forgotten.
This feature is currently only available in the U.S., but we hope to see increased availability soon.
The new update also offers some new additions for developers, including the ability to take advantage of Wallet's email ingestion integration. This feature allows your digital passes to be automatically added to your Google Wallet app from your Gmail, so long as you have Gmail's Smart features enabled.
It will also be possible to add multiple access cards with the same application ID to a single Google Wallet. When multiple cards exist on the wallet, the app will prioritize the most recent when presenting them to the user.
While these new features are certainly appreciated, we have also seen some big changes for Apple Wallet recently. This includes the recent announcement that iOS 26 enhanced boarding passes had started to roll out. The new update offers users more support while traveling, including quick access to AirTag-tracked luggage and Airport maps.
Let us know if you've been making use of Google Wallet or if you're still a fan of physical passes at this point.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom's Guide
- This upcoming 'Robot Phone' with a fold-out gimbal is an absurd look at what's next for smartphones
- Samsung reportedly canceling Galaxy S26 Edge — poor sales of S25 Edge lead to last-minute change
- Here's the one big mistake I've seen dozens of Samsung Galaxy users make with their cameras — and how to fix it
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
