How to tap an NFC tag

It takes a second once you know where your phone's NFC spot is. No app needed.

1. Unlock your phone

   The screen has to be on and unlocked. A locked phone, even with the screen lit up, usually won't read the tag. This is the most common reason a tap seems not to work.

2. Find your phone's NFC spot

   It's in a different place on different phones:

3. Hold it near the tag for a second

   Bring that spot close to the tag. It doesn't need to touch or press. Hold still for a second or two. A pop-up appears; tap it to open the link, number or profile.

Still nothing?

• Move slowly over the tag. If you're not sure where your phone's NFC spot is, slide the phone slowly across the tag, back and top edge, until it reacts.
• Android: check NFC is on. Open Settings and search for "NFC". On Samsung it's under Connections. Turn it on.
• Take off thick or metal cases. Metal, magnetic card wallets and very thick cases can block the signal.
• Older iPhones. iPhone XR, XS and newer read tags on their own. iPhone 7, 8 and X need the NFC tag reader in Control Center, or a free app like NFC Tools.

Still stuck? Send us a message and tell us your phone model. We'll help.