As our technology integrates directly with the patrol officers handheld devices, the meter will not update with your parking session information, this is completely normal. The only exception to this rule are IPS meters in San Francisco.
PayByPhone acts as the transacting technology between your PayByPhone account and the parking operator.
Once your parking session has started, the transaction detail (plate #, duration and location info) is sent directly to the handheld units the Parking Enforcement Officers patrol with and not the meters.
The app will provide a confirmation screen indicating that the session has started.
Special Note for SFMTA Customers:
There are some IPS meters that do update.
To PREPAY (before enforcement hours) Enter the total amount of time you wish to park for stating from the beginning of operating hours (e.g., at 9 a.m.). Your selected time begins once paid parking is in effect.
Example: If you arrive at the location at 6 a.m., and wish to park until 12 p.m., enter 3 hours. Please check posted signage for the operating schedule of the location. The meter will continue to show as expired.