How to use nfc on phone, A Beginner’s Guide

NFC on iPhone is easy to use. This feature comes handy when you pay with Apple Pay, tap an NFC tag, access a smart menu, or scan a product label.

In this article, you will find out what NFC on iPhone is, how to turn on NFC on iPhone, use NFC on iPhone, and which NFC tags are suitable for your smartphone.

What Is NFC on iPhone?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication.

In other words, NFC allows your iPhone to communicate with another device or tag when they are extremely close to each other. No additional connection is required. Simply put your iPhone next to an NFC reader or tag.

If you pay with Apple Pay, you use NFC automatically. You bring your iPhone closer to the payment terminal, and NFC helps to send the payment request.

NFC tags are tiny chips embedded into stickers, cards, labels, posters, products, and even signs. Tapping your iPhone to one of those tags may open a website, launch an app action, show you a contact card, present a coupon, or access a menu or shortcut.

Does iPhone Have NFC?

Apple devices usually have NFC. How this feature works depends on the model.

Older devices have limited NFC features, while newer models can easily read data from NFC chips.

Here’s the list of iPhones and their NFC usage:

How to Turn On NFC on iPhone

There is a part that confuses most users.

For most newer iPhone models, you don’t need to turn on NFC. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, there is no option to switch NFC on or off.

If you have iPhone XS, XR, or later, NFC tag reading can work without waking up the screen. Just hold the top half of your iPhone close to the tag.

Thus, if you look for instructions on how to enable NFC on iPhone, you usually receive the following answer:

You don’t need to turn it on. Your iPhone takes care of it.

For older iPhone models, you may need to use the NFC Tag Reader.

Here is how to add or use NFC Tag Reader:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Control Center
3. Find NFC Tag Reader
4. Tap the plus (+) icon
5. Open Control Center
6. Tap the NFC Tag Reader icon
7. Hold your iPhone near the NFC tag

As for how to turn off NFC on iPhone, there is no need to turn off NFC on an iPhone. Apple restricts NFC functionality, and it only activates when required, such as for Apple Pay or scanning.

How to Use NFC on iPhone

There are several ways of using NFC on iPhone.

Use NFC for Apple Pay

It’s the most popular use of NFC on iPhone.

To use Apple Pay:

1. Open the Wallet app
2. Add your card
3. Double-click the side button
4. Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
5. Hold your iPhone near the payment reader

You don’t need to enable NFC manually. Your iPhone activates it automatically.

Scan an NFC tag

You can see NFC tags on products, posters, access cards, business cards, shop signs, or packaging.

To scan one:

1. Wake your iPhone
2. Hold the top part of your iPhone near the tag
3. Wait for a pop-up
4. Tap the pop-up to open the content

Usually, an NFC tag opens a website. Some tags can open an app, map, message, product page, or loyalty page.

However, do not assume your iPhone is not functioning properly. Your NFC tag might be blank, not encoded, located at a distance, or not compatible with iPhone.

Use NFC with apps

Some NFC tags require a specific app.

For example, some stores use an app to offer discounts or loyalty points. In these cases, open the app, select ‘scan,’ and then hold your iPhone near the tag.

This is normal. Some NFC tags activate automatically, while others require an app.

How to Create NFC Automations with Shortcuts

You can use NFC tags to program your iPhone.

You can achieve it via the Shortcuts app.

For instance, you can place an NFC sticker close to your bed. Then, tapping it, your iPhone turns on Do Not Disturb mode, sets the alarm, or plays music.

Here is how you create an NFC automation:

1. Open the Shortcutsapp
2. Tap Automation
3. Tap Create Personal Automationor New Automation
4. Choose NFC
5. Tap Scan
6. Hold your iPhone near the NFC tag
7. Name the tag
8. Tap Add Action
9. Choose what your iPhone should do
10. Save the automation

Automations can help you perform simple tasks every day.

Examples:

• Tap the NFC tag in your car to open Maps
• Tap the tag on your desk to open work-related apps
• Tap the NFC tag in your kitchen to launch a timer
• Tap the tag in your bedroom to activate Focus mode
• Tap the NFC tag at home to play music

This is one of the most useful features of NFC on iPhone.

Which NFC Tags Work with iPhone?

iPhone is compatible with many NFC tags, however, you need to configure your tag properly.

Popular NFC chip brands include:

• NTAG
• ICODE
• FeliCa
• MIFARE, such as DESFire, Plus, and Ultralight

When it comes to typical use on iPhones, most users apply NTAG tags. They can be NFC stickers, cards, labels, or small tags.

The important thing to consider:

The NFC tag needs to contain data.

Blank NFC tags may not trigger any actions. They should contain a link, text, contact card, phone number, or an app action.

For iPhone users, it might be safer to use NDEF-formatted tags. This works better with basic tasks like opening a website.

However, if you intend to use NFC tags in business, always test them on your iPhone first. Otherwise, you risk offering a bad user experience to your customers.

Why NFC May Not Work on Your iPhone

Check the most common causes first.

Your iPhone model may not support that action

Some older models are compatible with NFC only for Apple Pay. Others might require NFC Tag Reader or an app.

Your screen may not be awake

NFC tag reading usually works when your iPhone screen is active. Thus, you need to wake it up first and scan again.

You may hold the wrong part of the phone

The NFC antenna is located close to the top of the iPhone. Tap the top of your device close to the tag and keep it there for 1-2 seconds.

Your NFC tag might be blank

Blank NFC tags will not work. They need to contain some information.

Your tag might not be configured correctly

There are some NFC tags which work poorly with iPhone. Use NFC tags supporting NDEF data.

Your app might need to be opened

There are some systems that need an app for coupon, loyalty, access, or business purposes. Open the app first and scan the tag again.

Almost all NFC problems relate to the tag itself, iPhone model, scanning location, or missing app. Check these points first.

Conclusion

NFC on iPhone is easy when you know how it works.

For new iPhone models, NFC works without your interference. Old iPhone models require activating NFC Tag Reader or downloading a dedicated app. NFC on iPhone can be used for Apple Pay, tag scanning, smart menus, product labels, or Shortcuts.

Just wake up your iPhone, tap the top part close to the tag, and ensure the tag contains some data.