Use the NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone

How to Use the NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone 2023

One feature of the iPhone that most users may not notice is the NFC Tag Reader. NFC Tag Reader is enabled by an NFC chip NFC stands for Near Field Communication, and allows your iPhone to communicate with nearby devices for data exchange, such as instant wireless connection, payment services, and more.

However, the NFC tag reader feature is not part of every iPhone model. Apple introduced the NFC Tag Reader with the iPhone 6 in 2014. Subsequent iPhone models come with the expansion of the NFC Tag Reader. Here's how you can access and use NFC Tag Reader:

How to Use the NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone
How to Use the NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone


How to use NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone

The following iPhone models include NFC tag readers: iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS and XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, And iPhone 11 Pro Max., iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Mini.


iPhone models released in 2018 come with a background tag reading feature to work with NFC tags. With this feature, you don't have to tap the NFC Tag Reader option before starting your iPhone data search. Instead, all you have to do is turn on the iPhone screen, and it automatically searches for NFC tag data.


Although the Apple iPhone 6 has an NFC chip, its functionality is limited. IPhone 6 users will not be able to use the NFC feature for scanning or encoding tags. However, the NFC feature on the iPhone 6 only allows payments.


For iPhone X models up to iPhone 7, the NFC tag reader should be in your iPhone's Control Center by default. If not, take the following steps to add an NFC tag reader to your iPhone's Control Center:


Step 1: Tap the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll to Settings menu and tap Control Center.

Step 3: Scroll to the more control group and tap green + on the left side of the NFC tag reader.

Step 4: Swipe your screen to launch Control Center.

Step 5: Tap the NFC Tag Reader icon, which looks like a live wave.

Step 6: Place your device near a tag and read the data in it.


To use NFC Tag Reader for data transmission, the distance between iPhone and NFC tag must be 1.5 inches or 4 centimeters.


How to create a shortcut automation through NFC Tag Reader

If you use an iPhone model XR with iOS 13 and above, you can create shortcut automation using NFC Tag Reader. This means you can automate certain actions on your iPhone by linking to a tag and then triggering the action using the NFC Tag Reader. The process is quite simple, see the steps below:


Step 1: Tap the shortcut app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Automation at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Tap Create Personal Automation.

Step 4: Scroll to the options that appear and tap NFC to trigger your new automation.

Step 5: Tap Scan, then hold your device on an NFC tag / sticker.

Step 6: Name the tag, then tap Next next to the top-right of the screen.

Step 7: Tap Add Action to assign an action to the scanned sticker.

Step 8: Choose any job from any of the available tips or sections.

Step 9: Tap Done to confirm your selection.


After setting up automation, you can place the NFC sticker where you use your device frequently. Perform tasks by holding your iPhone close to the tag.


In addition to the native NFC tag reader option, you can also try several third party NFC tag readers from the Apple App Store. However, we cannot guarantee a seamless experience with such apps.


Final Words

Using the steps above, you can use NFC Tag Reader for data exchange, payment, and automate simple tasks on your iPhone with an NFC tag. Also, once the NFC Tag Reader is set up on your device, you may want to consider using Apple AirTags. These Apple AirTags can act as trackers for items such as your wallet, pet, car key, device, and more.

Previous
Next Post »