An iPhone feature that may go unnoticed by most users is the NFC tag reader. The NFC tag reader is enabled by the NFC chip. NFC stands for Near Field Communication, and it allows your iPhone to interact with nearby devices to exchange data such as instant wireless connections, payment services, etc. However, the NFC tag reader feature is not part of every iPhone model. Apple introduced the NFC tag reader in 2014 with the iPhone 6. Later iPhone models come with an expanded NFC tag reader. Here's how to use the NFC tag reader on your iPhone.
How to Use an NFC Tag Reader on an iPhone
The following iPhone models have an NFC tag reader: 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, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Mini.
iPhone models released after 2018 come with a background tag reading feature for working with NFC tags. With this feature, you don't have to tap the NFC tag reader option before the iPhone starts searching for data. Instead, you just need to keep the iPhone screen on, and it automatically searches for NFC tag data.
Although the Apple iPhone 6 has an NFC chip, its functionality is limited. iPhone 6 users cannot use the NFC feature to scan or encrypt tags. However, the NFC feature on the iPhone 6 only allows for payments.
For iPhone 7 through iPhone X models, the NFC tag reader should be in your iPhone's Control Center by default. If it isn't, follow these steps to add the NFC tag reader to your iPhone's Control Center:
Step 1: Click on Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down to Settings menu And press Control Center.
Step 3: Scroll down to More Controls Set And press Green + on the left side of the NFC Tag Reader.
Step 4: Swipe up on your screen to launch. Control Center.
Step 5: Click on NFC tag reader icon , which resemble live waves.
Step 6: Place your device near a tag, and it should read the data on it.
To use an NFC tag reader to transfer data, the distance between your iPhone and the NFC tag must be 1.5 inches or 4 centimeters.
How to Create a Shortcut Automation via an NFC Tag Reader
If you're using an iPhone XR or later with at least iOS 13, you can create an automated shortcut using an NFC tag reader. This means you can automate certain actions on your iPhone by pairing it with a tag and then triggering the action using the NFC tag reader. The process is very simple; check out the steps below:
Step 1: Click on Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Click on automation , located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Click on Create personal automation.
Step 4: Scroll down to Options offered and click NFC To be the operator of your new automation.
Step 5: Click on Scan Then hold your device over NFC Tag/Sticker.
Step 6: Name it Brand , then tap Next , located at the top right of the screen.
Step 7: Click Add an action To assign an action to the scanned label.
Step 8: Choose any action from one of the available suggestions or categories.
Step 9: Click Done to confirm your choice.
After setting up the automation, you can place the NFC tag in an area where you frequently use your device. Perform actions simply by holding your iPhone near 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 smooth experience with such apps.
Using Apple AirTags
Using the steps above, you should be able to use an NFC tag reader to exchange data and payments, as well as automate simple tasks on your iPhone using an NFC tag. Also, once you have an NFC tag reader set up on your device, you can also consider using Apple AirTags. Tags can work. Apple Air Tag These are trackers for items like your wallets, pets, car keys, devices, etc.
