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Introducing Stanford Unlock: Get Access To Buildings and Resources From Your Mobile Wallet

Updated Oct. 5, 2026

University IT is launching Stanford Unlock—a digital access card stored in your mobile wallet.

Stanford Unlock lets you access buildings and services with the Stanford Unlock pass in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app.

Access to campus facilities and services

In addition to door access, Stanford faculty, staff, and students can use their Stanford Unlock pass to access:

  • Libraries and gym facilities on campus
  • Cardinal Print stations
  • Cardinal Dollars and other meal plan payment methods

Stanford Unlock does not serve as a digital university identification card. The Mobile ID within the Stanford Mobile application will remain the only approved digital university ID.

Ready to get started with Stanford Unlock? Follow these instructions on How to Add Stanford Unlock to Your Phone. It may take up to 24 hours for your Stanford Unlock access to take effect after activation.

Note: Stanford Unlock does not support Samsung Wallet.

Looking ahead

Student residences

Stanford Unlock can be used to access exterior residence hall entrances. Students have two options for residence hall access: their physical student ID card or Stanford Unlock. For security reasons, students must choose one access method. If they choose to use Stanford Unlock, their physical card will no longer work at exterior residence hall entrances.

Replacing Mobile Key

Mobile Key, which enables open-door access across campus from the Stanford Mobile application, will transition to Stanford Unlock by December 2026. This update ensures continued secure, digital access to buildings and services across campus. You can continue using your existing Mobile Key until the transition is complete. Activating Stanford Unlock will remove Mobile Key from your device without the option to reactivate it.

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