Cougar Card
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Cougar Card Services

 

CONTACT US

Location:
Welcome Center Parking Garage
4434 University Drive, Suite 151
Houston, TX 77204-3033
Call: 832-842-2273

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central
∗Closed on weekends and University holidays.

Virtual Queue Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Central
∗Closed on weekends and University holidays.

Mobile Cougar Card

mobile cougar card

The University of Houston's mobile Cougar Card is one of the University's official IDs. It's a secure and convenient way for students, faculty, and staff to access campus using an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device. Store your Cougar Card in your Apple Wallet or access it on your Android device through the Atrium Campus Connect app. Simply tap your device to access buildings, parking garages and lots, campus services, and payment systems.

The Path to Mobile Cougar Card 

Pilot Testing Participants
If you've been selected for the pilot group and need assistance check out our mobile Cougar Card FAQs.

New Students (Summer 2026 NSO Attendees)
Students attending New Student Orientation in Summer 2026 will be the first group to able to obtain their mobile Cougar Card.

New Faculty & Staff (Summer 2026)
Eligible employees hired late summer will be able to obtain their mobile Cougar Card beginning on their start date.

Current Students, Faculty & Staff (Fall 2026)
All current campus community members will be able to transition from a physical Cougar Card to a mobile Cougar Card starting Fall 2026.

Device Compatibility

  • iPhone — iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, or later running the latest version of iOS 12 or above.
  • Apple Watch — Apple Watch Series 1 or later running the latest version of watchOS.
  • Android — Version 6.0 or later.
  • Apple Wallet and Google Wallet must be set up and Express Mode be enabled on the device.
  • Screen lock must be enabled on your device with a PIN, pattern or biometrics established.
  • Device must have built-in and enabled NFC connection.
  • Device Region must be set to United States.

Device not compatible? Contact Cougar Card Services for assistance. 

CONTACT US

Getting Started

Step 1: New students, faculty and staff - Upload your Cougar Card photo 📸     

If you haven't already submitted your photo:

      1. Log in to AccessUH
      2. Select the Cougar Card Connect 
      3. Select Upload Your Photo and follow the instructions

Before submitting, review the Photo Requirements page for requirements, examples, and tips to ensure your photo gets approved. 

Once submitted, a photo review may take 1-2 business days (Monday-Friday). 

Step 2:  Activate your mobile Cougar Card 

Once your photo has been approved, please allow 15 minutes before completing the following steps:

    1. Download and open the UH Go app on your phone.
    2. Select uhgo mobile button on the home screen. 
    3. Follow the instructions to add the mobile Cougar Card to your device. Activation steps vary between Apple and Android devices.

Exclamation markAndroid users will need to select the Credential button in the Atrium Campus Connect app to complete the activation.

If you receive an error message in the UH Go app, please try logging out and then back into the app.

Current students, faculty and staff: Only one Cougar Card - mobile or physical (paired with the digital QR code) - can be active at a time. Once you activate the mobile Cougar Card, any physical and digital Cougar Card previously issued will be deactivated.

Benefits of a Mobile Cougar Card

 

Use your mobile device for
Building Access Icon ShastaBUCKS icon Meal plans and Cougar Dining Dollars Printing and Copying Parking garage and gated lot access MD Anderson Library
And more to come as the program expands
  • No physical card required.
  • Your Cougar Card lives in your Apple Wallet or on your Android device through the Atrium Connect app.
  • Account balances available.
  • Always with you — Most people never forget their phone.
  • Quick, tap-and-go entry at residence halls, academic buildings, and facilities.
  • Streamlined experience for busy days, events, and peak campus hours.
  • Protected by your device.
  • Mobile credentials use built-in security features.
  • Instant deactivation — If your phone is lost, your credential can be suspended immediately without needing to replace a physical card.
  • Reduced risk — Eliminates concerns about lost, stolen, or shared cards.
  • No replacement fees for mobile Cougar Cards — If your phone is lost or you get a new one, you can easily activate it in a new phone or device with no fees. 
  • Same access, modern delivery.
  • Mobile credentials work anywhere your Cougar Card is accepted.
  • Easy setup — Add your mobile Cougar Card in just a few steps. 
  • Supports modern lifestyles — Designed for how students, faculty, and staff already move through campus.
  • Less plastic — Reduces the need for replacement cards.
  • Eco-friendly choice — Supports UH’s sustainability efforts by minimizing physical materials.