A small revolution is underway. Since the beginning of the year, it is possible to recharge your Navigo Pass or to buy dematerialized tickets directly from your iPhone without queuing at the terminals. Here’s how it works.
The list of iPhones compatible with the reloading of the Navigo Pass
The news was expected for several months, it is now official. Ile de France Mobilités (the Paris region transport union) has just announced the possibility to recharge your Navigo Pass directly from the Ile de France Mobilités application for iOS.
But that’s not all. In addition to the subscription, Ile de France residents using public transport will also be able to buy a ticket via their smartphone. This is very good news for iPhone owners, even if some people will tell you that these features have already been available for several months on Android smartphones.
For the moment, only recent Apple phones with at least iOS 13 are compatible with the remote reloading system for the Navigo Pass. You will find the complete list below.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020)
As you may have noticed, the iPhone XR, XS and XS max (although recent) are not included in this list. According to the Ile-de-France Mobilités union, the application will be updated very soon to offer this functionality to these terminals.
How to recharge your Navigo Pass with an iPhone
Before starting, you should know that this new functionality allows you to buy tickets or renew your Navigo Pass subscription but that’s it. Unlike some Android devices, you won’t be able to use your iPhone to open the metro turnstile or validate your ticket at the entrance of buses and streetcars.
So don’t put your iPhone back on the contactless reading target of the validator, it won’t work. You will have to bring your Navigo card when you travel in the Paris area.
- Launch the Ile de France Mobilités application
- If you have not yet installed it, you can download it from the App Store by clicking on this link
- Click on the purchase tab
- Follow the instructions displayed on the screen
- You will be asked, for example, to put your Navigo card on the back of your iPhone
- As soon as the pass is detected you will feel a small vibration
- You will then be able to renew your Navigo subscription or purchase your ticket
Important detail, this remote ticket purchase function works with the Navigo card but also with the Navigo Easy card. As a reminder, this card allows occasional travelers to load several dematerialized tickets (T+ tickets, Navigo day tickets, OrlyBus or RoissyBus tickets, young people’s weekend pass).
FAQ
Which iPhones are compatible with recharging the Navigo Pass?
The iPhones compatible with recharging the Navigo Pass include iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2020). Note that the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are not currently compatible, but an update is expected soon to add this functionality to these models.
Can I recharge my Navigo Pass and buy tickets via my iPhone?
Yes, you can recharge your Navigo Pass and buy tickets directly from your iPhone using the Ile de France Mobilités application for iOS. This functionality is available for recent Apple phones with at least iOS 13.
Can I use my iPhone to open the metro turnstile or validate my ticket?
No, you cannot use your iPhone to open the metro turnstile or validate your ticket at the entrance of buses and streetcars. You will still need to carry your physical Navigo card when traveling in the Paris area.
Does the remote ticket purchase function work with Navigo Easy cards?
Yes, the remote ticket purchase function works with both Navigo cards and Navigo Easy cards. The Navigo Easy card allows occasional travelers to load several dematerialized tickets (T+ tickets, Navigo day tickets, OrlyBus or RoissyBus tickets, young people’s weekend pass).
