What is NFC? How it works – on iPhone, Android and in-store

How does NFC work?

NFC uses radio waves at 13.56 MHz and only works at very short range – typically under 4 cm. The short range is an advantage: something only happens when you deliberately hold your phone to something.

There are two kinds of parties: active devices such as phones and payment terminals, which have power, and passive tags such as stickers, cards and stands, which have no battery. A passive tag is powered by the phone's field when the phone comes close, and then sends its content – usually a link.

NFC on iPhone

iPhone has no NFC switch to turn on. NFC is used automatically for Apple Pay, and iPhone XS and newer read NFC tags by themselves when the screen is on: hold the top of the phone to the tag and a notification with the link appears.

On older models (iPhone 7 to iPhone X) tags can be read with the NFC Tag Reader in Control Center. If it does not work, check that the screen is on and that the camera or Apple Pay is not open at the same time.

NFC on Android

Most Android phones have NFC switched on from the start. If it is off, you find it in Settings – usually under Connections or Connected devices; search for "NFC" in settings. The antenna is usually in the middle of the back, so hold that part to the tag.

NFC or QR code – which is better?

• NFC: one tap – hold the phone to the tag and the link opens. No camera and no aiming.
• QR code: works on any phone with a camera, but the camera has to be opened and pointed at the code.
• Best together: a product with both NFC and a QR code works for every customer – which is why easyrate products have both.

What is NFC used for?

• Contactless payment with cards, Apple Pay and Google Wallet
• Access cards and key fobs
• Google reviews with an NFC stand at the counter
• Menus, booking and offers via NFC tags on tables and signs
• Digital business cards that share contact details with one tap

Is NFC safe?

The short range makes NFC hard to intercept from a distance, and payments are protected by the bank's and the phone's own security. An NFC tag can only send its content – it cannot read data from the phone – and the phone shows the link before opening it.