How NFC works on iPhone and Android: a guide for businesses

You put an NFC plaque on the counter, a customer holds their phone to it… and nothing happens. It is rarely the plaque's fault: usually it is the phone model, a setting that is switched off or simply holding the wrong side of the phone. In this guide we explain how NFC works on iPhone and Android from a business point of view: what the customer sees, which phones read it without an app, where to hold them and what to do when one doesn't respond.

What NFC is and why it needs no app

NFC (near-field communication) is the same technology you use to pay with your phone. An NFC plaque or sticker contains a tiny battery-free chip that stores a piece of data, usually a link. When a phone comes within a few centimetres, its antenna powers the chip, reads the link and shows a prompt to open it in the browser.

That is why the customer doesn't have to install anything: the NFC reader is built into the system of the vast majority of current phones. And since the chip has no battery, it never runs out or needs charging.

NFC on iPhone: which models read the plaques

iPhone XS and later

Since the iPhone XS (and XR), iPhones read NFC tags in the background: there is no switch to turn on. The screen just needs to be on and unlocked. When the phone is held close, a notification appears at the top; the customer taps it and the link opens in Safari.

iPhone 7, 8 and X

These models have NFC but don't read tags in the background. You need to open Control Center and tap the “NFC Tag Reader” button (if it isn't there, add it in Settings > Control Center). In practice, at the counter it is easier for these customers to use the QR code.

Where to hold the iPhone

The iPhone's NFC antenna is at the top of the back, next to the cameras. The right gesture is to bring the top of the phone to the plaque, not the middle or the bottom. This detail solves most “it doesn't work” cases with iPhones.

NFC on Android: turning it on and finding the antenna

Check that NFC is on

On Android, NFC may be switched off. Turn it on from quick settings (swipe down and look for the “NFC” icon) or in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > NFC. The path varies slightly by brand (Samsung puts it under “Connections”, for example). If the customer pays with their phone, it is almost certainly already on.

Where to hold an Android

On most Android phones the antenna is in the centre of the back, although some models have it higher up, near the camera. If it doesn't react on the first try, just move the phone slowly a few centimetres over the plaque.

Phones without NFC

Some entry-level Android phones don't have NFC. For them (and for anyone who prefers to scan) there is the QR code, read with the camera. That is why any display you put out should combine NFC and QR.

Why it sometimes doesn't work (and how to fix it)

• Locked or off screen: neither iPhone nor Android read NFC with the screen off. Unlock and try again.
• Wrong side of the phone: iPhone at the top, Android usually in the middle.
• NFC switched off on Android: turn it on from quick settings.
• Thick case, metal ring or magnet: these can block the signal. Try without the case or use the QR code.
• Metal surface under the plaque or sticker: metal interferes with the chip. Put stickers on wood, glass, plastic or cardboard, never directly on metal.
• Another app using NFC: if the customer has their payment wallet open, the phone may try to “pay” instead of reading. Close it and try again.
• Incorrect or outdated link: test it yourself with your phone before putting the plaque on display.

How to explain it to the customer in 5 seconds

A good message avoids confusion so nobody is left staring at their phone. A few phrases that work well at the counter:

• “If you'd like to leave us your feedback, hold the top of your phone here and it opens straight away.”
• “With your phone unlocked, tap it here; if nothing shows up, scan the QR code.”
• “The menu is here: hold your phone to it or use the camera.”

Ask all your customers for feedback equally, not only the ones you think are happy: as well as being fair, it is what Google's review policies require. And if you get a critical review, the best approach is to reply calmly and publicly.

Which format to choose depending on where it goes

• Counter or reception: a standing acrylic NFC plaque, visible and with a backup QR code.
• Tables or bar: the round NFC plaque takes up little space and is easy to spot.
• If you work outside your premises: an NFC card in your wallet to show at the end of the job.
• Shop window, door or till: an NFC sticker (remember: not directly on metal).

The link inside can be your Google review page, your Instagram, your menu or your WhatsApp. If it's your first time, the how to write your plaque page has the step-by-step, and on connect you can link it to your business.

Quick test before putting it out

1. Test with at least one iPhone and one Android (yours and a team member's).
2. Check that the correct link opens and loads quickly on mobile data.
3. Scan the QR code with the camera too.
4. Place it at hand height, where customers can reach it without stretching.
5. Tell your team the phrase they will use to invite customers to tap it.

Start with what you need

At Tocky all plaques, cards and stickers include NFC and QR, so they work with any phone. Shipping is free from €29 (2-8 business days, Spain only), you have 30 days to return and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and if you need several for tables or locations there is a 10% discount from 3 units, 20% from 5 and 25% from 20. For more ideas by type of business, have a look at Tocky for businesses.

When you're ready, design your plaque in the configurator or browse the full collection.