How to Unlock a Vélib’ Bike with Your Smartphone

Vélib’ digitalizes the card that unlocks its free-floating bikes.

Vélib’ users can now unlock the bikes with their smartphones. Bikes are even more “self-service” since there’s no longer a need to obtain a Vélib’ card or a Navigo card. This is, among other things, a very convenient solution for tourists passing through Paris.

Initially, this feature is only available for Android smartphone users equipped with NFC (from Android 6.0, which covers nearly all smartphones released since 2015). Vélib’ Métropole asks for “a little patience” from iPhone users, but assures that the functionality will be available “later.”

NFC technology (Near-Field Communication), literally communication in close proximity, is the wireless technology used for mobile payments, contactless payments, and various authentication badges.

How to link your smartphone to your Vélib’ subscription

Firstly, note that a Vélib’ subscription can only be linked to a single device. If you link your smartphone to your subscription, you will no longer be able to use your Vélib’ or Navigo card. However, you can transfer the subscription freely from your “dashboard”.

Here are the 4 steps to use your smartphone as your Vélib’ subscription device:

1. Install the Vélib’ app on your smartphone
2. Log into your Vélib’ account
3. In the “Dashboard” section, click “Link my smartphone”
4. If needed, follow the instructions to install the contactless Ticket app and activate NFC
5. Done!

New users can directly choose to use their smartphone during the subscription process.

How to take a Vélib’ with your smartphone

To unlock a Vélib’ with your smartphone, simply turn on the bike’s screen by pressing the ✓ button, turn on your smartphone’s screen, then bring your smartphone close to the bike’s NFC reader. The NFC antenna is generally located on the upper edge of smartphones.