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Which phones read an NFC business card?

Updated · The Echo team

In short

The iPhone XS and every newer iPhone read an NFC business card by themselves whenever the screen is on. The iPhone 7, 8 and X read it with “NFC Tag Reader” in Control Center. Most Android phones have NFC, as long as it is switched on in settings. For everyone else there is a QR code on the back of the card.

iPhone

  • iPhone XS, XR and every newer model: read the card by themselves when the screen is on. Hold the card near the top of the phone.
  • iPhone 7, 8 and X: open Control Center and tap “NFC Tag Reader” (iOS 14 or later). If the button is missing, add it in Settings → Control Center.
  • iPhone 6 and older: cannot read NFC tags. Use the QR code on the back of the card.

Automatic reading pauses while the camera or Wallet is open and when the phone is in airplane mode.

Android

  • Most Android phones from recent years have NFC. Check Settings → Connected devices → NFC (the menu name depends on the brand).
  • NFC must be on and the screen unlocked.
  • The antenna is usually in the middle or the upper part of the back. Hold the card there for a moment.

How to turn NFC on on Android

  • Quickest: swipe down from the top and tap the “NFC” tile in Quick Settings.
  • Samsung: Settings → Connections → NFC and contactless payments.
  • Google Pixel: Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → NFC.
  • Xiaomi and Redmi: Settings → Connection & sharing → NFC (in some versions under “More connectivity options”).
  • Other brands: search for “NFC” in the Settings search.

iPhones have no NFC switch: NFC is always on and reads the card whenever the screen is on.

If the phone has no NFC

Scan the QR code on the back of the card with the camera. It opens the same profile. That is why every Echo Card has a QR code on the back.

Why it sometimes doesn’t read on the first try

  • The card is held to the wrong spot. Try higher up or the middle of the back of the phone.
  • A thick or metal case blocks the signal.
  • The screen is locked or NFC is off (on Android).

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FAQ

Questions about NFC business cards.

Do I need to install an app?

No. Neither iPhone nor Android needs an app to open an NFC business card.

How do I check whether my phone has NFC?

On Android, search for “NFC” in settings. Every iPhone from the XS on reads NFC business cards with no setup.

Does it work with a tablet?

iPads cannot read NFC tags, and on Android tablets it depends on the model. Either way, the QR code on the back opens the profile.

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