NFC on your iPhone: much more than just paying
Your iPhone has had an NFC chip for years. You probably use it daily for contactless payments. Yet, almost no one knows what else it can do. Most people think NFC is only for Apple Pay. That's it. But here's the thing: your iPhone can do so much more than just pay at the register.
With NFC, you can program your own smart tags, quickly pair AirPods , or share files without hassle. The funny thing is, Apple barely promotes these features. Yet, with just a few simple steps, you can automate your entire home. Or make your accessories much smarter.
That chip has been integrated since the iPhone 6. And the latest models can even write your own NFC tags. How exactly does that work? We'll explain it step by step.
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What exactly is NFC?
Near Field Communication, or NFC for short, is a short-range wireless technology. It works up to about 4 centimeters. Your smartphone uses it to exchange data with other devices, payment terminals, or programmable tags. The chip is standard in every iPhone from model 6 onwards. How does it differ from Bluetooth? NFC works instantly, without pairing or passwords.
The technology uses 13.56 MHz radio frequencies. This makes it secure for contactless payments. The short distance prevents others from watching. With Apple Pay, the system also encrypts your payment information. Your actual card number remains hidden.
Set up Apple Pay via NFC
Activating contactless payments takes just a few steps. First, open the Wallet app on your device. This app is installed by default. Tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Select "Payment Card" and scan your debit card with the camera. Or enter the information manually.
Your bank will send you a verification code via text message. Enter this code. Accept the terms and conditions. Done. From now on, you can pay by holding your phone near the terminal. Face ID or Touch ID automatically confirms the payment. For amounts under €50, you often don't even need to unlock the terminal.
Add multiple cards
Wallet lets you store various payment cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. Store loyalty cards also fit. Set a default card in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay. You can quickly switch between cards during checkouts by tapping the screen.
Programming NFC tags with Commands
Starting with iOS 13, you can program your own NFC stickers. These round or square tags are available for just a few euros each. Stick them anywhere you like: next to your bed, on your dashboard, or by the front door. Use the Shortcuts app to assign actions to each tag.
Open the Shortcuts app and go to "Automations." Choose "Create Custom Automation" and select NFC. Scan the tag by holding your phone over it. Give it a recognizable name like "Bedroom" or "Car." Now add actions: turn on Wi-Fi, start a playlist, send a message.
Practical examples for home use
- Tag at the bedside: set alarm clock, dim lights, activate do not disturb
- Tag in the kitchen: start timer, open recipe app, play podcast
- Tag at the door: share location, turn off alarm, turn on lights
- Tag on desk: open work documents, turn on focus mode, start time tracking
- Tag in the car: open navigation, start music, send arrival time
Share files between iPhones
Since iOS 17, you can share files between two devices via NFC. Hold the phones face-to-face. A vibration confirms the connection. Select the file you want to send. The transfer starts automatically. This works with photos, videos, contacts, and documents.
The speed is faster than AirDrop over Bluetooth. You'll especially notice the difference with large files. Both devices must be running iOS 17 or later. Android phones unfortunately don't support this feature.
Connect accessories without hassle
Modern Apple accessories use NFC for quick setup. Simply hold AirPods near your phone, and the pairing screen appears instantly. No need to navigate through Bluetooth menus. The HomePod mini and AirTag also work this way. The chip recognizes the accessory and initiates the correct configuration.
Some sports equipment supports NFC pairing. Fitness equipment at the gym, for example. Tap your phone against the logo. Your training app opens and syncs instantly. After your workout, your results are already available in the app.
Which iPhone models have NFC?
All devices from the iPhone 6 onwards have an NFC chip. Older models (6 through X) only use NFC for Apple Pay. From the XS and XR onwards, you can also read tags without special apps. The latest generations even write their own tags.
It doesn't matter whether you have a standard, Pro, or Max model. The NFC functionality remains the same. Even refurbished models retain all their features. The chip is permanently integrated and won't break during normal use.
Differences between iPhone generations
- iPhone 6 to 8: Apple Pay only
- iPhone X: Apple Pay plus limited tag reading
- iPhone XS/XR and later: Full tag reading without apps
- iPhone 11 and later: Background tag reading active
- iPhone 12 and later: Improved reading distance up to 4 cm
Security and privacy at NFC
Apple secures NFC communication in several ways. The Secure Element chip stores sensitive data separately from the operating system. Hackers can't easily access your payment information. Each transaction is assigned a unique code that only works once.
Reading tags requires an unlocked phone. This prevents others from secretly using your device. In the privacy settings, you can control which apps can use NFC. Disable features you don't need.
Troubleshooting
Is NFC not working as expected? First, check if your phone is compatible. Remove any cases with metal parts, as these will block the signal. Restart your device if the tags don't respond. If you're having issues with Apple Pay, remove the card and add it again.
Sometimes cleaning the NFC antenna, located near the rear camera, helps. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth. Update to the latest iOS version for optimal performance. If problems persist, Apple Support can help.
NFC offers many more possibilities than you think
NFC in your iPhone turns out to be much more than just a payment chip. From programming smart tags to quickly pairing accessories , the possibilities are endless. The beauty is that everything is already built into your device .
Just buy some NFC stickers and open the Shortcuts app. You can automate your entire home in an afternoon. And thanks to Apple's security measures, everything stays safe. Even refurbished iPhones from model XS onwards have all the features on board.
