How to turn on NFC on iPhone easily and quickly

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are in close proximity to each other, usually within a few centimeters.

This technology is now integrated into many types of smartphones, smart cards and similar devices. It helps users improve data exchange as well as daily payments.

Table of Contents

• How to enable NFC on iPhone
• List of iPhone models that support NFC
• Types of cards that support NFC scanning 

How to enable NFC on iPhone

Step 1: First, find the search engine by swiping all the way to the sides of the screen or selecting the search engine. Then, when in the search interface, select Shortcuts.

Step 2: Select the Automation section .

Step 3: In the search bar, select Nfc and you will see the shortcut as shown below.

Step 4: Select NFC Tag, here you will have options like Run after confirmation and Run immediately . With NFC tag, we recommend you to select Run after confirmation .

Step 5: Or you can also choose Run immediately, although this option is fast, but in some cases when you first start using NFC payment method, you should choose the Run option after confirmation. Finally, put the card into the flash near the rear camera to scan the NFC card.

The NFC card you add can be a VISA card, CCCD card and other types of cards that allow NFC scanning.

List of iPhone models that support NFC

Below is a list of iPhone models that support NFC, older iPhone models from 6 and 6 Plus and above all support NFC scanning. However, in NFC shortcuts, only iPhone 11 and above support enabling NFC on shortcuts.

• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (launched in 2014) - (Apple Pay only)
• iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (launched in 2015) - (Apple Pay only)
• iPhone SE (1st generation) (released 2016) - (Apple Pay only)
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (released in 2016)
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (released in 2017)
• iPhone X (released in 2017)
• iPhone XS, XS Max and XR (launched in 2018)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max (launched in 2019)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation) (released in 2020)
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max (launched in 2020)
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max (launched in 2021)
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max (launched in 2022)
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max (launched in 2023)

All iPhone models from iPhone 6 and up come with NFC built-in, however, the NFC functionality on older iPhones is primarily used for Apple Pay.

From iOS 11 onwards, Apple expanded the usability of NFC, allowing third-party apps to access the NFC chip to read NFC tags and cards, opening up many other applications beyond mobile payments.

Types of cards that support NFC scanning

To scan NFC tags, you'll need to use tags that support NFC technology. Here are some common NFC tags that you can scan with your iPhone or other NFC-enabled device:

• Contactless payment cards: Contactless-enabled credit and debit cards from organizations like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express can all be integrated into the NFC on your smartphone. You can use your iPhone to scan and make payments, like Apple Pay.
• Public transport cards: Many public transport systems around the world use NFC cards to pay for trains, buses, and other public transport. Examples include the Oyster card (London), Octopus card (Hong Kong), and Suica card (Japan). Simply scan the NFC to integrate the card, making payment faster and more convenient when you use public transport.
• Identification and access cards: For example, building access cards, employee identification cards, and access cards to secure areas and the military can also use NFC technology. Even door locks that allow NFC scanning can use this feature.
• Membership and loyalty cards:  Many stores, supermarkets, and clubs offer membership or loyalty cards with NFC to easily track and earn points for purchases.
• Event passes: Event tickets, conference passes, and exhibition passes can also use NFC technology to verify and authenticate access.

Scanning NFC tags offers many benefits and makes it easy to interact with a variety of services. Using your iPhone and NFC-enabled apps, you can perform tasks such as making payments, checking tickets, and accessing security areas quickly and conveniently.