MIT Mobile ID Frequently Asked Questions

MIT has launched a digital version of the MIT ID card for use on iOS and Android devices. Your mobile MIT ID can be carried in the Apple Wallet for iPhone and Apple Watch or in the MIT Atlas mobile app on Android phones.

On this page:

Getting started

What is the MIT Mobile ID?
The MIT Mobile ID is an Institute initiative to enable your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone to take on the functionality of your physical MIT ID Card. You will be able to use your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone where you would swipe your card.

Community members can use an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone to access campus buildings and parking locations, use Pharos printers, and make payments anywhere TechCASH is accepted. Simply tap your phone or Apple Watch at the same reader where you use your physical MIT ID card.

MBTA riders: Note that the MBTA does not yet accept the MIT Mobile ID credential. If you use your MIT ID card as your T-pass, you will need to tap your physical card, not your phone, at MBTA readers.

What do I need to get started?
Apple:

  • Recent iPhone (SE, 6s, 6s Plus or later) with the latest version of iOS
  • Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with the latest version of watchOS
  • Apple ID signed into iCloud
  • The latest MIT Atlas mobile app from the Apple app store

Android:

  • NFC-capable Android device running Android 7 or higher
  • Ensure that your device has NFC enabled for use
  • The latest MIT Atlas mobile app from the Google Play store

How do I add my MIT Mobile ID to my device?
Apple: Download the MIT Atlas mobile app from the Apple app store.
Android: Download the MIT Atlas mobile app from the Google Play store.

  • Install the app.
  • Log in using Touchstone.
  • Select the Mobile ID feature, and follow the guided steps.
  • Once you have the ID enabled, allow 45 minutes before using it at a card reader on campus.

Apple Watch Users: You need to "swipe up" on the watch in the Atlas App on your phone to get the ID to add to the wallet on your Apple Watch. Then complete the registration. The last four digits of your ID will be displayed for verification.

Using the MIT Mobile ID

Does it cost anything to have an MIT Mobile ID?
There is no cost to use your MIT Mobile ID on your device.

Do I have to have a photo?
Yes, a photo is required. The photo from your physical ID card will be used for your Mobile ID.

Who can use the MIT Mobile ID?
Faculty, staff, and students are eligible as long as they meet all device and software requirements. 

How do I use the MIT Mobile ID once it is on my phone?
The same way you have always used your plastic card – simply tap the reader with your phone instead of your card.

Can I use MIT Mobile ID in Apple Wallet or on my Android phone without cellular signal?
Your MIT Mobile ID can be used even if the phone or Apple Watch does not have network connectivity, as the MIT Mobile ID is stored on your device. If you are having any difficulty using your MIT Mobile ID to complete a transaction, contact the IS&T service desk via email at servicedesk@mit.edu or by phone at 617-253-1101. The IS&T service desk offers 24/7 support.

Will it work with off-campus merchants?
Yes, you can use your eligible iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone at off-campus merchants where TechCASH is accepted.

Will my plastic card still work if I choose to use the MIT Mobile ID?
Yes, your card will continue to function as it always has.

Device questions

On how many devices can I use my MIT Mobile ID?
You cannot use the MIT Mobile ID on both iOS and Android devices at the same time. 

  • Apple iOS and watchOS: You can use your MIT Mobile ID on up to two devices that are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID. This would include an iPhone and Apple Watch.
  • Android: You can use your MIT Mobile ID on one Android device. Android wearables are not supported at this time.

Can I use my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can use your phone and/or your Apple Watch if desired.  Your Apple Watch must be Series 3 or greater and on the latest update of iOS to add and use your MIT Mobile ID. Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 will be supported soon.

How do I verify my Apple Watch device version?
The series number for your Apple Watch can be found on the back of the watch. Note: Series 0 Apple Watch is not eligible for this program; Series 1 and 2 will be supported soon. Instructions to verify and/or update your Apple Watch can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204641.

Where do I go for questions about my Apple ID and/or iCloud?
Information can be found at https://support.apple.com/apple-id or https://support.apple.com/icloud

How do I change or recover my Apple ID password?
Instructions can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201355

If I have a passcode on my iPhone, will I have to enter it every time?
If you are using express mode, you do not have to do anything. If you are not using express mode, you will have to authenticate each time you access your phone. This is a user security preference. Note: express mode is turned on by default.

Can I use my MIT Mobile ID if my iPhone has a dead battery?
On iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and more recent models, Express Mode with power reserve is available for up to five hours after the device’s battery needs to be charged.

What happens if I lose the device that has my MIT Mobile ID?

  • Apple: Use Find My iPhone to suspend or deactivate your MIT Mobile ID in Apple Wallet. Instructions for Lost/Found Apple devices and Find My iPhone are located at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201472
  • Android: Log into your Google account and under Security you will see your devices. You can remove the device you lost.
  • Flag the device as lost at mycard.mit.edu.
  • If you need assistance, contact the IS&T service desk via email at servicedesk@mit.edu or by phone at 617-253-1101.  The IS&T service desk offers 24/7 support.  

I have my iPhone and Apple Watch set up. What if I lose one of them?
Your other device will continue to work; however, you should mark the missing device as lost until your second device is found.

What happens if I get a new Android device?
You should first remove your device from your Google account or from your previous device. Once your old device is removed, you can add your new device using the MIT Atlas mobile app. 

Support

I am having trouble adding my MIT Mobile ID to my Apple Wallet or my Android device. Who can help me?
Contact the IS&T service desk via email at servicedesk@mit.edu or by phone at 617-253-1101. The IS&T service desk offers 24/7 support.

I have feedback about my experience using the MIT Mobile ID. Who should I contact?
Contact the IS&T service desk via email at servicedesk@mit.edu or by phone at 617-253-1101. The IS&T service desk offers 24/7 support.

What if I have a question that isn’t here in the FAQs?
Contact the IS&T service desk via email at servicedesk@mit.edu or by phone at 617-253-1101. The IS&T service desk offers 24/7 support.