How to turn on NFC on iPhone: Complete Guide

The iPhone, with its multiple features, continues to evolve to offer an enriching user experience. Among these, the NFC (near field communication) function has gained popularity. It allows you to make contactless payments, read NFC tags or interact with compatible accessories. In this article, we will show you how to activate NFC on iPhone to take full advantage of this technology. Follow our step-by-step guide for quick and efficient activation.

What is NFC on iPhone?

NFC, for near field communication, is a technology that allows two compatible devices to communicate with each other when they are close to each other (usually less than 10 cm). iPhones, since the iPhone 6, are equipped with this feature. NFC is mainly used for:

• contactless payments via Apple Pay.
• reading NFC tags.
• interaction with accessories or connected objects.

Why enable NFC on iPhone?

Enabling NFC on iPhone has many benefits, especially for those who want to:

• make secure and fast payments with Apple Pay, in stores equipped with compatible terminals.
• read NFC tags to quickly access information or services.
• automate certain actions with the shortcuts application.

Is NFC enabled by default on iPhone?

On compatible iPhones, the NFC chip is automatically enabled and cannot be disabled via the settings. This means that you do not have to search for an "enable NFC" button like on some Android devices. However, to use NFC for payments or reading tags, it is essential to correctly configure certain applications, such as Apple Pay.

How to set up and use NFC on iPhone

Step 1: Set up Apple Pay

The first common use of NFC on iPhone is for contactless payments via Apple Pay. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.

2. Tap the + sign to add a credit card.

3. Scan your credit card or manually enter your card information.

4. Follow your bank's instructions to confirm the card addition.

5. Once the card is added, you can use Apple Pay to pay in stores with NFC terminals.

Step 2: Read NFC tags with iPhone

Reading NFC tags lets you interact with everyday objects like business cards, smart labels, and more. Recent iPhone models (starting with the iPhone XS) can read NFC tags without requiring a third-party app. Here's how to do it:

1. Hold your iPhone close to a compatible NFC tag (such as an NFC label).

2. A notification will automatically appear on your screen to open the tag's content.

3. Click on the notification to access the information or action associated with the tag.

For older models (iPhone 7 and 8), it is necessary to download an application dedicated to reading NFC tags available on the App Store.

Step 3: Use NFC with the Shortcuts application

The Shortcuts application allows you to create automations from NFC tags. For example, you can program your iPhone to deactivate silent mode when you pass your device over a specific NFC tag. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Shortcuts application on your iPhone.
2. Go to the Automation tab and click on Create a personal automation.
3. Choose NFC as a trigger.
4. Scan an NFC tag to associate it with your automation.
5. Choose the action you want to perform when the tag is detected (for example, activate Wi-Fi).

Which iPhones are compatible with the NFC function?

NFC is available on iPhones starting with the iPhone 6 for payments via Apple Pay. However, the ability to read NFC tags natively is introduced starting with the iPhone XS and later models. Here is a list of iPhones that support NFC:

• iPhone 6 / 6 Plus: Supports NFC for Apple Pay only.
• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: NFC for Apple Pay and reading NFC tags with a third-party app.
• iPhone 8 / 8 Plus: NFC for Apple Pay and reading NFC tags with a third-party app.
• iPhone XS / XS Max and later: NFC for Apple Pay and reading NFC tags without a third-party app.

Common problems and solutions for using NFC on iPhone

Problem 1: My iPhone does not detect NFC tags

• Check that your iPhone is compatible with reading NFC tags without a third-party application.
• Make sure that the NFC tag is placed near the top of the iPhone.
• Try with another tag reading application if your iPhone model requires it.

Problem 2: Apple Pay does not work

• Make sure that your card is added to Wallet and that your bank supports Apple Pay.
• Make sure that your iPhone has the latest iOS update.
• Try restarting your iPhone and reconfiguring Apple Pay if necessary.

Conclusion: Enabling and using NFC on iPhone, a technology at your fingertips

NFC technology makes the iPhone even more versatile, whether it is to make contactless payments, read NFC tags or automate actions using the Shortcuts application. If you were wondering how to enable NFC on iPhone, you now have all the keys in hand to take full advantage of this feature. Make sure you set up your Apple Pay correctly and know the possibilities offered by reading NFC tags to get the most out of it.