NFC Tools for iOS and Android (2024)

FAQs

Do NFC tags work with iPhone and Android? ›

What's an NFC Tag? NFC stands for Near Field Communication and is very common among iPhones, Samsung phone and Google phones today. It lets your phone 'speak' to other devices just by tapping or being near an NFC enabled IoT device. NFC tags can trigger your DIY home automation by just tapping your phone.

NFC Tools is a mobile application for iOS and Android.

Apple initially added support for NFC in 2014 with the iPhone 6 to allow for contactless NFC payments via Apple Pay. Since then, Apple has continually added additional functionality for NFC and NFC tags to subsequent iOS releases and iPhone models.

You might think that the Apple AirTag is only compatible with Apple-made devices. Well, that is not entirely correct. You can use and find an AirTag with your Android phone if the AirTag is in Lost Mode or not connected to its owner's device.

RFID works at distances of hundreds of feet. Communication – RFID is typically only capable of one-way communication (from the tag to the reader), NFC is capable of two-way communication. Data Storage – NFC can store more complex data than simple identifying information. NFC tags can store up to 4KB of data.

Step 4: If you don't see the NFC Tag Reader icon in Control Center on iPhone 7, 8, or X, you'll need to add it to your Control Center through Settings. Step 5: Open the Settings app. Step 6: Tap Control Center. Step 7: Scroll down to the More Controls section and tap the Plus (+) icon next to NFC Tag Reader.

Download and install the “NFC Easy Connect” app on your Android smartphone. Search for “NFC Easy Connect” at Google Play™ Store. The app may not be downloadable in some countries/regions. Install the “NFC Easy Connect” app on the smartphone by following the on-screen instructions.

Setup Assistant allows you to transfer your personal data to a new device from another iOS device, from a backup, or from an Android device. Setup Assistant allows users to configure certain features before the device is in use, including: Apple ID. iMessage.

Make sure that NFC is turned on: Go to the "Settings" app and tap on "Wallet & Apple Pay" to check that NFC scanning is enabled. Check that your iPhone is within range: NFC only works over short distances, so ensure your iPhone is close enough to the other device or NFC tag you're trying to interact with.

Does Apple Pay use NFC? ›

When you use Apple Pay in stores that accept contactless payments, Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology between your device and the payment terminal. NFC is an industry-standard, contactless technology that's designed to work only across short distances.

Most Android phones natively have NFC capabilities. Check our Android NFC capability article to be sure yours does. Depending on your phone manufacturer, NFC may be switched off by default. If your phone supports NFC but still doesn't interact with NFC objects, see our Android NFC Guide for more information.

All iPhones since the iPhone 7 can read NFC tags in some way; earlier models of iPhone lack the appropriate NFC controller to do so and more modern iPhones have additional methods to read NFC tags.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less to initiate a connection. NFC lets you share small payloads of data between an NFC tag and an Android-powered device, or between two Android-powered devices. Tags can range in complexity.

The easiest way to write data to an NFC tag or card is by using your smartphone. First, make sure NFC is enabled. On Android, go to 'Settings' and look for the 'Connected devices' section to turn on NFC.