Samsung has announced that it is now offering new digital student ID support in its Wallet app. This feature allows Galaxy users, specifically those who have recent A, S, or Z series devices, to access campus facilities and food at a tap, just as easily as using Samsung Pay.
Gone are the days when students had to carry around bulky plastic student ID cards. Thanks to advancements in technology, some students have gone through school and earned a four-year degree without ever needing to carry a physical card. Companies like Transact have helped universities integrate their ID card systems into digital wallets like Google Wallet. Now, Samsung Wallet is joining the club by allowing students to add their NFC-tappable campus ID to the app.
In the past, Apple has been a pioneer in contactless student ID support. Schools like Johns Hopkins in Baltimore started enabling electronic IDs in 2019, seamlessly integrating them into Apple’s Wallet app alongside students’ credit cards and concert tickets.
To add a supported school ID to Samsung Wallet, users need to download the Transact eAccounts Mobile app from the Google Play Store. Once set up, the ID can be added to the wallet. The best part is that student IDs on Samsung Wallet will work even when users’ Galaxy devices are on Power Reserve mode, ensuring that a dead battery won’t leave them stuck outside their dorm at 3 AM.
However, not all Samsung devices are compatible with this feature. Users will need a US-model Galaxy phone with Samsung’s embedded secure element (eSE) and Android 12 or higher.
Apart from smartphones, Samsung also plans to release support for student IDs on Galaxy Watches this fall. Although the company hasn’t provided a specific list of compatible wearables, it is safe to assume that at least one of its models will support this feature.
Samsung has already partnered with several higher-education institutions in the US to support student IDs on its Wallet app. Some of the first schools to offer this feature include Penn State, the University of Florida, Central Michigan University, the University of North Alabama, and the Stevens Institute of Technology. In total, Samsung currently has support from 68 higher-education institutions in the US.
With this new feature, Samsung is making student life easier by eliminating the need for physical student ID cards. By integrating student IDs into its Wallet app, Samsung is streamlining access to campus facilities and making transactions at supported institutions more convenient. Students can now leave their wallets at home and simply use their Samsung Galaxy devices to access everything they need on campus.
Overall, Samsung’s inclusion of digital student ID support in its Wallet app is a significant step toward a more seamless and technology-driven student experience. As more universities and colleges embrace digital solutions, the days of carrying physical ID cards may soon be a thing of the past. The convenience and security that digital student IDs offer will likely continue to attract both students and educational institutions looking to enhance campus life and improve efficiency.
