The NFC tag reader on iPhone is a built-in hardware feature that lets your phone read and interact with nearby NFC tags using short-range, contactless communication. To use it, you simply wake your iPhone's screen and hold the top of the device near an NFC tag to trigger a notification or action.
What is the NFC tag reader on iPhone?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that enables data transmission between devices when they are within about 4 inches of each other. On iPhone, the NFC tag reader is the built-in capability to read NFC tags, small, passive chips that store data, and trigger actions like opening a website, making a payment, or starting a shortcut. This is distinct from RFID technology, which typically requires a dedicated reader and has a longer range. For a full breakdown of how the technology works, NFC tags and readers explained in detail show that NFC is more flexible than RFID because any NFC-enabled device can both read and write tags, making it ideal for interactive, user-controlled tasks.
Which iPhones have a built-in NFC tag reader?
All iPhone models from iPhone 7 onwards include NFC hardware capable of reading tags. However, a crucial distinction exists: iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus have NFC hardware limited exclusively to Apple Pay transactions and cannot read general NFC tags. The full list of compatible models includes iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, and both the first and second-generation iPhone SE.
How to use the NFC tag reader on iPhone XS and newer
For iPhone XS, XR, and all later models, NFC tag reading works automatically in the background. You do not need to open an app or toggle any setting. Simply wake your iPhone’s screen and hold the top of the device within about 4 inches of an NFC tag that is encoded with data, such as an NDEF message containing a web address, plain text, or a vCard. When the tag is detected, a pop-up notification appears on the screen. Tap that notification to perform the associated action, such as opening a website or launching an app.
How to use the NFC tag reader on iPhone 7 to X
For iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X, you must manually activate the NFC reader. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Control Center.
- Scroll down and tap the plus (+) icon next to NFC Tag Reader to add it to your Control Center.
- Return to the home screen, then swipe down from the upper-right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap the NFC Tag Reader shortcut (the sideways wave icon).
- Hold your iPhone near an NFC tag to read it.
When background tag reading won't work
Background tag reading on iPhone XS and newer is disabled under several specific conditions. It will not work if the device has never been unlocked since a restart, a Core NFC reader session or Apple Pay transaction is in progress, the camera is in use, or Airplane Mode is enabled. Once the NFC scanning sheet is open, the iPhone won't scan for more NFC tags. In these cases, you must resolve the blocking condition before scanning a tag.
How to write and automate your own NFC tags
Starting with iOS 13, you can write and automate NFC tags using the Shortcuts app. This requires at least an iPhone XS, XR, or later model. You will also need blank NFC stickers or tags from a third-party supplier. To create a personal automation:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the plus (+) icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Create Personal Automation.
- Choose NFC as the trigger.
- Tap Scan and hold your iPhone near the blank NFC sticker.
- Name the NFC tag.
- Tap Next in the top-right corner.
- Tap Add Action and choose the action you want the tag to trigger.
- Tap Done.
After completing these steps, you can place the NFC sticker anywhere, on a desk, bedside table, car dashboard, or front door, and scanning it will run your chosen automation, such as controlling HomeKit scenes or playing a specific song.
Can you automate NFC tags on iPhone 7 to X?
Yes, but the Shortcuts app does not support NFC automation on iPhone 7 through iPhone X. The iPhone 6 line does not support reading or labeling NFC tags even with the third-party app NFC - QR Code Document Scanner. As a workaround, you can use a third-party app like NFC - QR Code Document Scanner. With iOS 13 installed, this app allows you to program and trigger custom actions. However, the app may need to be open for the scan to work, unlike the background automation available on newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an internet connection to read an NFC tag?
No. Reading an NFC tag itself does not require an internet connection. However, if the tag contains a web address or triggers an action that needs data, such as opening a webpage, your iPhone will need an active internet connection to complete that action.
Can I use the same NFC tag with multiple iPhones?
Yes. NFC tags are passive and can be read by any compatible device. Once a tag is written with data, any iPhone with an NFC tag reader can scan it, regardless of which device originally programmed it.
Will scanning an NFC tag drain my iPhone battery?
No. NFC consumes very little power, and background tag reading is designed to be energy-efficient. It has no noticeable impact on battery life during normal use.
What types of data can I store on an NFC tag?
Common data types include web URLs, plain text, vCards (contact information), and commands that trigger Shortcuts automations. The tag must be encoded with an NDEF message for the iPhone to recognize and respond to it.
Can I rewrite an NFC tag after I have programmed it?
It depends on the tag type. Many blank NFC stickers are rewritable, allowing you to overwrite the data with new information. Some tags are read-only once written, so check the specifications of the tags you purchase.
Can NFC be used when the iPhone battery is dead?
Yes. NFC can be used on an iPhone even when it is out of juice thanks to power reserve, which allows Apple Pay transactions and NFC tag reading for a limited time after the battery is depleted.
For the wider topic, see NFC tags and readers explained.
