GWorld Mobile Card for Apple Phones and Watches

GWorld, your official GW university identification card, is now available on your mobile device.

Store your GWorld Card on your Apple phone, and connect it to your Apple Watch (if applicable). Use your GWorld Mobile Card to access on-campus buildings and make payments at on- and off-campus locations that accept GWorld. Once you install your GWorld Card on your mobile device, tap your device at locations where you would tap or swipe a physical card.

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Note: GWorld Mobile Cards are not an available option for alumni, MFA and UHS employees, contractors and Friends of Foggy Bottom neighbors. These GW affiliate community members will continue to use a physical GWorld Card.

Requirements for GWorld Mobile Cards

To set-up and store your GWorld Mobile card on your Apple device, you must meet all four requirements:

1. Have Access to an Eligible Mobile Device

You will need an eligible mobile device with a passcode, at minimum. Specifically:

• An Apple ID signed into iCloud, AND
• iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus or later running the latest version of iOS.
  • Once installed on your phone, you can also set-up a mobile card for your Apple Watch Series 1, or later running the latest version of watchOS.

2. An Approved Photo

The photo on file with the GWorld Office will transfer to your GWorld Mobile Card during the mobile card set-up process.

3. Use GW Two-Step Authentication

GW’s Two-Step authentication is required to set-up your GWorld Mobile Card. Follow GW Single Sign-on to confirm your GW identity.

4. The GET Mobile App

The GET Mobile app helps you manage your GWorld account and is needed to set-up your GWorld Mobile Card.

Note: You must meet all of the requirements to be a GWorld Mobile Card user. If you do not meet one or more of the requirements, you will continue to use your physical GWorld Card.

Set-up Instructions for GWorld Mobile Cards on Apple Devices

Follow this two-step process to set-up and store your GWorld card on your Apple device.

Step 1: Download or Open the GET Mobile App

1a. If you do not have the GET Mobile app, install the app.

• Select George Washington University as your institution.
  • Note: Do not choose the GW affiliates listing.
• Login with your GW UserID and password. 
• Complete GW Single Sign-on.
• If successful, your name, photo, and George Washington University will appear at the top of the GET screen.
• Next, continue to Step 2: Add to Apple Wallet. 

1b. If you have the GET app already installed on your mobile device:

• If your GET Mobile app says George Washington University at the top, proceed to step 2: Add to Apple Wallet. 
• If your GET Mobile app says George Washington U Affiliates, select “Settings” from the bottom menu.
• Scroll all the way down to “Log Out.” Once logged-out, follow these steps:
  • Select George Washington University as your institution.
  • Login with your GW UserID and password. 
  • Complete GW’s Two-Step Authentication.
  • If successful, George Washington University, your name, and photo will appear  at the top of the GET screen.
  • Next, continue to Step 2: Add to Apple Wallet. 

Step 2: Add to Apple Wallet.

• Tap on the Add to Apple Wallet button. 
• From the Add to Wallet screen, select next. If successful, the next screen will be “Using Cards in Wallet”
• Select Done.
• If successful, “Added to iPhone” will display under your name on the right side of your GET screen. If not successful, view the Apple Troubleshooting section for assistance.
• Your GWorld Mobile Card is now stored in your Apple Wallet. 
• Open your Apple Wallet to view your card.
• To add your GWorld Mobile Card to your Apple Watch, return to the GET Mobile app and again tap the Add to Apple Watch button.

Where Can I Use or Not Use My GWorld Mobile Card on My Apple Device?

Review our general Go Mobile guide for more information on where to use your GWorld Mobile card.

Troubleshooting Apple Technical Issues

Tips for Daily/Everyday Use:

• To use, tap your mobile device at a reader just like you would tap your physical card. Your device does not have to be awake.
• Tap the top of your device toward the reader.
• You do not need to open the GET app to use your mobile card.
• You do not need to click on the Scan Card option in GET. Scan Card is not related to the GWorld Mobile Card.

I am not having success adding my GWorld Card to Apple Wallet. Who can help me?

Contact the GWorld Card Office at 202-994-1795, email the GWorld office or stop by the GWorld Office. The GWorld Office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am - 5 pm, except 10 am - 5 pm on Wednesdays. 

How do I verify my Apple Watch device version?

The Series # for your Apple Watch can be found on the back of the watch. Note: Series 0 Apple Watch is not eligible for this program.  

How do I verify and/or update my Apple Watch software version? 

Instructions to verify and/or update your Apple Watch can be found on the Apple Support website.

On how many devices can I use my GWorld Card in the Apple Wallet?

You can use your GWorld Mobile Card on, at most, one Apple phone and one Watch that are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.  A GWorld Mobile Card is not allowed on more than one phone or more than one watch at the same time. 

Where do I go for questions about my Apple ID and/ or iCloud? 

Visit the Apple Support website to learn more about Apple ID and iCloud. 

How do I change or recover my Apple ID password?

Visit the Apple Support website to learn how to change your Apple ID password. 

What happens if I lose my iPhone or Apple Watch? If I find it afterwards? 

You should use Find My iPhone to suspend or deactivate your GWorld Card in Apple Wallet. Visit the Apple Support website to view instructions for Lost/Found Apple devices and Find My iPhone.

Contact the GWorld Card Office at 202-994-1795 to notify the office to deactivate the card in the Apple Wallet for that device. You can also flag the iPhone lost via the GET website and login using your GW UserID/email.

You can reactivate a found device that was suspended via iCloud.com or contact the GWorld Card Office. 

What happens if I get a new iPhone or Apple Watch? 

You should first remove your GWorld Mobile Card from your old device in the Apple Wallet app. Once your mobile card is removed from your old device, you can add your card to the new device by using the GET Mobile app. 

If you forget to remove your GWorld mobile card from your old device, you can deprovision your mobile card on your new phone via the GET Mobile app. Wait approximately one minute, and then you can add your card to your new device. 

You can also call the GWorld Card Office at 202-994-1795 or visit the office for assistance.

If I have a passcode on my phone, 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 GWorld Mobile Card on my iPhone if my iPhone has a dead battery? 

On iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and more recent devices, Express Mode with power reserve is available for up to five hours after the device’s battery needs to be charged. 

Can I use my GWorld Mobile Card in Apple Wallet without cellular signal?   

Yes! Your GWorld Mobile Card in Apple Wallet can be used even if the iPhone or Apple Watch does not have network connectivity, as the GWorld Card is stored on your device. If you are having any difficulty using your GWorld Mobile Card to complete a transaction, contact the GWorld Office. 

Can I delete my GWorld Mobile Card from Apple Wallet through the GET Mobile app?

Yes, but we recommend using the Remove Card option directly from Apple Wallet.

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 on iCloud until it is found. You can also contact the GWorld Card Office for assistance.

General FAQs: Using a GWorld Mobile Card on Apple

Do I have to pay a fee to add my GWorld Mobile Card onto my mobile device?   

There is no cost to use your GWorld Card on your mobile device. 

Do I have to have a photo?

Yes, an approved photo by the GWorld Office is required for eligibility. If you have an approved photo on file with the GWorld Office you will not need to take a new one. If you do not have an approved photo on file with the GWorld Office you will need to submit your photo. It may take up to two business days for approval. Once approved, continue with the set-up process.

Is the GWorld Mobile Card just for students?   

Currently employed faculty, staff, as well as currently enrolled students are eligible to store their GWorld Card on their mobile device as long as they meet all device and software requirements.  

GW alumni, MFA and US employees, visitors, contractors and Friends of GW are currently not eligible to receive a GWorld Mobile Card and will continue to use a physical GWorld Card. 

How do I use my GWorld Mobile Card to access my GW Meal Plan, Dining Dollars or Campus Cash?   

Instead of using your physical GWorld Card to ‘swipe’ for your meal at on-campus GW Dining locations, tap your mobile device with your GWorld Mobile Card at the reader. Off-campus dining partners also now have tap readers to accept the GWorld Mobile Card.

Do I need to reactivate my devices each semester?

No. As long as your enrollment status meets our eligibility requirements, devices you have enrolled will remain current. 

My mobile screen reader or other digital accessibility app or program is not able to identify or read my GWorld Mobile Card content to me, including my Meal Plan balance and other personal information. What can I do?

GW is committed to digital accessibility. If you experience a barrier that affects your ability to access content, let us know by reporting a barrier to accessibility.

Will my GWorld Mobile Card work with off-campus merchants?   

Yes, you can use your GWorld mobile card in Apple Wallet at off-campus merchants where GWorld is accepted.

What if I have a question that isn’t here in this FAQs? 

Check out the GWorld Office’s general FAQs.

Contact the GWorld Office at 202-994-1795 or [email protected]. Or stop by the GWorld Office to ask your question in-person.