With the advancement in technology, all the latest gadgets, ranging from portable speakers to payment systems, use NFC (Near Field Communication).
NFC is best for transferring files at amazing speeds without the need for Bluetooth, pairing your smartphone with the car, etc.
But, have you ever wondered if the iPhone has NFC? Do you know how to use iPhone NFC? If not, this article will help you out in using the iPhone’s NFC.
How to Turn ON NFC on an iPhone?
Unlike Android phones, one cannot turn on or off NFC in iPhone. This is because NFC is enabled or disabled based on the requirements of the applications running on an iPhone. On the other hand, Android smartphones have an option to enable and disable NFC from the OS itself.
Does iPhone have NFC? What Models Support NFC?
Every iPhone released in recent times supports the NFC feature. Right from iPhone 6, every phone has NFC enabled. Here is the list of iPhones that support the NFC feature:
- iPhone 6 (Basic, Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE)
- iPhone 7 (Basic, Plus)
- iPhone 8 (Basic, Plus)
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS (Basic, XS Max)
- iPhone 11 (Basic, Pro, Pro Max, SE(2nd Gen))
- iPhone 12 (Basic, Mini, Pro, Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 (All Variants)
However, the iPhone 6 has only a basic NFC feature that supports payments via Apple Pay. iPhone 7 and other versions support all other features like reading NFC tags via third-party apps.
How to Use NFC on iPhone?
The NFC functionality varies based on the iPhone model you have. In the case of iOS 14, the “NFC Tag Reader” function is available on the phone by default. iPhone users need not install any third-party app to use the NFC. This option is available for all the iPhones above iPhone 7 version.
Simply, you can enable the NFC on your iPhone by tapping on the NFC button. This option can be found in the control center.
In case you cannot find the NFC button on your control center, follow the steps as mentioned below:
- Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Now, select the “Control Center” option.
- You can find a green-colored button to add the “NFC Tag Reader” to add it to the control center. Tap on it.
iPhone models like iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE second generation, and newer iPhones have the “Background Tag Reading” option enabled by default.
As soon as you turn on the iPhone screen, you will be able to read the NFC tags. Whenever the iPhone detects the tags, you will get a notification on your display, along with an app suggestion to use for NFC.
To read the NFC, all you need to do is to tap the iPhone on a device that is NFC enabled or hold the back of your iPhone near the NFC tag. Whenever the iPhone reads the tag, you will receive a notification.
How to use iPhone’s NFC for payments?
Apple Pay is by default enabled in all NFC-supported phones. When you go to a restaurant, grocery store, taxi, etc., all you need to do is unlock the iPhone with Touch ID and place the iPhone near the contactless reader.
In case you have an iPhone 12 or above version, double tap on the side button and hold it near the Pay Terminal. Now, approve the transaction with a face scan (Face ID) on your iPhone.
How to Create Shortcuts Automation via NFC?
With iOS 13 and above versions, you can use the Shortcut app on your iPhone to create so-called “automation,” which can then be triggered using an NFC tag.
In other words, you can now associate NFC tags with your own actions, such as starting HomeKit scenes or playing music, and then perform those actions whenever you hold your iPhone near the tag. This is a game-changing development.
Despite the fact that it may appear difficult at first, this is a simple concept.
- Go to the “Automation” tab at the bottom of the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Go to “Create Personal Automation” in the upper right corner by pressing the plus button.
- Now, select NFC as the trigger, press the Scan button, and hold it near the NFC sticker.
- Now, name the NFC tag and click on “Next” on the upper right corner.
- Assign an action to the NFC sticker by clicking on “Add Action”.
- Once you select the action, tap on “Done”.
Conclusion
In recent years, Near Field Communication (NFC) has become increasingly popular. It can be used for various purposes, from Bluetooth associations to showing business cards to making payments.
NFC on iPhones isn’t just used for payments. Do you use it for anything else? Do let us know how you use your iPhone’s NFC in your daily activities.
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