Express Mode allows users to tap their phone against a reader without unlocking, opening Wallet or selecting a card. This guide covers common Express Mode issues.
Key facts
Express Mode is always a user-side or reader-side setting. There is no server-side toggle.
Multiple Express Mode cards can be active simultaneously (e.g. access card + transit card).
Works on an empty battery for up to 5 hours (Apple's power reserve feature).
Aperio readers do NOT support Express Mode. Users with Aperio readers must manually open Wallet and select the card.
Symptom: Three beeps, door does not open
The reader sees the phone but rejects the credential. The user must open Wallet manually for it to work.
Step 1: Check that Express Mode is enabled
Open the Wallet app
Find the Welcome card (Welcome logo in the top left)
Tap the ⓘ icon
Scroll down to Express Mode / Active Access
Check that it is on
Express Mode can be disabled after iOS updates or a phone restart.
Step 2: Check for car keys in Wallet
Known issue: Users with car keys (BMW, Audi confirmed) in Apple Wallet experience Express Mode failures. The phone presents the wrong card to the reader.
Affected readers: Wavelynx and STid. Not observed with HID/ASSA readers.
Solutions that have worked:
Set a payment card as the Express Transit/Payment card in Wallet settings
Try temporarily removing the car key from Wallet to isolate the problem
Other apps (e.g. Vipps) or NFC cards may also interfere
Step 3: Check reader configuration
If Express Mode is on and there are no car keys, the issue may be on the reader side:
Does Express Mode work for SOME users in the building?
No, none: Likely a reader configuration issue. Escalate to operations/building manager.
Yes, some: Likely a phone issue (car keys, iOS version, Wallet conflicts).
Step 4: General phone troubleshooting
Force restart the phone (turn completely off, wait 10 seconds, turn on)
Check for pending iOS updates
Verify that iCloud Drive is enabled
Last resort: Remove the Welcome card from Wallet, restart the phone, regenerate the card from the app
Reader compatibility
Reader Type | Express Mode | Note |
HID/ASSA | Yes | No known Express Mode issues |
Wavelynx | Yes | Car key conflict reported. Firmware dependent |
STid | Yes | Car key conflict reported. Firmware dependent |
Panda | Yes | Firmware upgrade awaiting Apple certification |
Aperio | No | Not supported. Manual card selection required |
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