Reading NFC Tags with an iPhone (iOS) - GoToTags (2024)

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.

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  • How to Read NFC Tags with an iPhone

How to Read NFC Tags with an iPhone

There are two primary ways to read an NFC tag with an iPhone; using native iPhone apps or with 3rd party iPhone apps.

Native iPhone Apps Only

For many simple, yet useful NFC features an app is not required to read NFC tags and perform actions with iPhones that support Background NFC Tag Reading. The native iOS apps such as Safari, Mail, Messaging, Maps and others listen for the appropriately formatted NFC chips and respond with expected actions. The most common being listening for an NDEF website record and opening the URL in the Safari web browser. Not having to download an app broadens the user base that will use the NFC tags as it removes an additional hurdle. As of iOS 15, there is not a dedicated native iPhone app to read NFC tags, and there probably will never be one.

3rd Party iPhone Apps

For more advanced NFC functionality with an iPhone beyond what is provided with native iOS apps a 3rd party app is required. Developers use the iOS Core NFC Framework to add NFC functionality to their apps. Both foreground and Background NFC Tags Reading functionality can be implemented in 3rd party apps.

3rd party apps which use NFC break down into two subcategories:

  • Dedicated iPhone NFC apps whose primary purpose is to read and optional encode NFC tags; these are often used by software developers
  • General iPhone apps which use NFC functionality and NFC tags as features in their app, but whom NFC is not the primary feature; these are used by general users
Reading NFC Tags with an iPhone (iOS) - GoToTags (2024)

FAQs

Reading NFC Tags with an iPhone (iOS) - GoToTags? ›

With the upgrade to iOS 13+, all iPhone 7 and newer can read and write an NFC Tags. The NFC behavior of iPhones updated to iOS 13 (and later) is very similar to that of Android smartphones: for NFC Tag programming, an application is required (as for Android);

Can you read NFC tags with iPhone? ›

With the upgrade to iOS 13+, all iPhone 7 and newer can read and write an NFC Tags. The NFC behavior of iPhones updated to iOS 13 (and later) is very similar to that of Android smartphones: for NFC Tag programming, an application is required (as for Android);

Does the iPhone 14 have an NFC reader? ›

Yes. The iPhone 14 supports native NFC tag scanning. This means that you do not need to download an app to scan the tags. However, the tags must have data (such as a URL/weblink) already encoded on them or the phone will not respond.

Do NFC business cards work with iPhone? ›

Yes. iPhones 6 and above are compatible with NFC technology.

Can I use my iPhone as an external NFC reader? ›

No. iPhone can function only as a NFC reader. It is not possible to use it as a NFC Tag, and read it via some external NFC reader.

Can iPhone connect through NFC? ›

The Apple iPhone supports many different uses for NFC and NFC tags both natively and via 3rd party apps. Apple initially added support for NFC in 2014 with the iPhone 6 to allow for contactless NFC payments via Apple Pay.

Does the iPhone have an RFID reader? ›

Yes, iPhones have NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, allowing them to read NFC tags. However, not all RFID frequencies are compatible with iPhones. With NFC-enabled iPhones, users can manage NFC tags by reading, writing, formatting, locking, password protecting, and modifying them.

What is the difference between NFC and RFID? ›

The main difference lies in the range of communication. While RFID can be used to receive and transmit radio waves over distances of 100 metres or more (for active tags, equipped with their own battery), NFC is limited to no more than 20 cm in the best cases. In reality, NFC's range is more like 0 to 5 cm.

Can I copy an NFC tag to my iPhone? ›

Yes, you can clone an NFC tag by copying its data onto another tag. This can be done using specialized devices or apps on smartphones.

Where is the iPhone 15 NFC located? ›

Typically, Apple places the NFC antenna around the top of the device, and the iPhone 15 Pro follows this design choice. This location is significant as it allows for intuitive and convenient tag scanning. Users can simply bring the top of their iPhone near an NFC tag for quick and effortless reading or writing of data.

How do I get my iPhone to read NFC card? ›

How to Scan an NFC Tag with an iPhone‍
  1. Locate where the NFC tag is located on the object you are scanning.
  2. Tap the top of your iPhone to where the NFC tag is located on the object.
  3. Upon read a notification will appear at the top of your screen. Tap it to launch the experience.
Sep 25, 2023

How do I use my phone as a NFC business card? ›

Go to “Settings” > “Connected devices” > “Connection preferences” > “NFC” and toggle it on. Install an NFC business card app from the Google Play Store and there will be popular options called “NFC Tools” and “NFC Tag Writer.” Open the NFC app and select that option to create a new NFC business card.

Can phones read NFC tags? ›

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.

Why can't my iPhone read NFC? ›

Update iOS

Some versions of iOS caused major issues with NFC, which were then fixed in later updates. If you're not running the latest version of iOS, try updating the operating system on your iPhone. You may find that NFC will work correctly once you've updated.

How do I check my NFC on my iPhone? ›

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.

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