Enhance user engagement with your mobile wallet passes by enabling location-based lock screen messages.
Location-based lock screen messages appear on a user's lock screen when they enter a defined area near a location you've set. Using geofencing technology built into Apple and Google Wallet, these notifications are triggered automatically, no app required.
When a user adds your pass to their wallet, location permissions are enabled by default. No additional setup is needed on the user's end.
Example: At HOKA run events, participants can receive location-based lock screen messages through their mobile wallet passes. When attendees arrive near the event venue, a HOKA-branded notification automatically appears on their lock screen—welcoming them, sharing event updates, or providing further details—creating a seamless and engaging on-site experience.
Benefits of Location-Based Messaging
Drive in-the-moment action: Reach users when they're close enough to act, whether that's walking into your store, redeeming an offer, or checking in to an event.
Increase foot traffic and conversions: Contextual reminders at the right place and time outperform generic push campaigns.
Competitive intercept: Trigger messages near competitor locations with a compelling reason to choose you instead.
Personalized at scale: Deliver messages tailored to a user's location, with optional per-user customization via the Badge API.
How It Works
Each pass can have up to 10 configured locations. When a user enters the geofence radius around a location, a short message appears on their lock screen.
Geofence radius by pass type:
Pass Type | Radius |
Loyalty, Gift Card, Membership, Offer | 100 meters |
Event | 1,000 meters |
Setup
Open the Pass Editor and go to the Features tab.
Click "Add Location" and enter an address, or drag the map pin to fine-tune the exact point.
Write your message. Keep it short, clear, and action-oriented. See tips below.
Save your changes. The location will activate for all users of that pass template.
Writing Effective Messages
Good lock screen messages are short, specific, and give the user a reason to act.
Lead with the value: "10% off today, in-store only" beats "Welcome to our store!"
Use action verbs: Visit, Redeem, Check in, Claim
Keep it under 50 characters where possible, lock screens truncate long messages
Match the context: event passes should feel different from a coupon reminder
Example (Offer Pass): "You're nearby, flash this for 15% off today."
Example (Event Pass): "Welcome! Doors open at 6pm, tap for your ticket."
Configuration Options:
Admin level: Up to 10 geo-location messages can be configured per pass template in the Pass Editor. These apply to all users of that pass.
Per-user via Badge API: Developers can override locations on a per-user basis by setting a specific User Location via the UserUpsert API. This allows each pass to have its own unique set of up to 10 location triggers and enables personalized, behavior-based messaging at the individual level.