What Phones Have NFC Technology?

NFC support has become standard across virtually all flagship and mid-range smartphones. Apple integrated NFC into iPhones starting with the iPhone 6 in 2014, while Android devices have featured NFC even longer, with early adoption beginning around 2010.

Today, you’ll find NFC in:

• All iPhone models from iPhone 6 onwards (iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 7, 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series).
• Most Samsung Galaxy devices from 2012 onwards.
• Google Pixel phones (all generations).
• OnePlus devices (most models from OnePlus 3 onwards).
• LG smartphones (most models from 2013-2021).
• Sony Xperia phones (majority of models since 2012).
• Huawei and Honor devices (most recent models).

Budget smartphones under $200 may lack NFC support, though this is becoming increasingly rare as the technology becomes more affordable to implement.

Which modern phones don’t include NFC?

In many cases it may be easier to list those current generation smartphones which don’t come with NFC. This list outlines some of the phone brands and models which don’t include NFC. This includes the following:

• Motorola are the biggest offender for producing phones within the last 5 years which don’t include NFC. This includes the majoirty of Moto G Power phones dating from 2020 all the way up to 2024. If you have any of the smartphones from the Moto G range (including the Power, Play, 5G, Pure and Stylus) then unforuntalty they don’t have NFC.
• Samsung’s range is huge and on their budget end of the spectum many phones don’t include NFC. This includes many of the Galaxy A series of phones include the A02, A03, A04, A13 and A14.
• Nokia are another smartphone brand who offer budget phones with the Nokia C series (C10, C20, C21, C30, C31), Nokia G10 and Nokia G11 not including NFC.

How to Check if Your iPhone Has NFC

For iPhone users, determining NFC availability is straightforward since Apple has standardized the feature across supported models. If you own an iPhone 6 or newer, your device definitely has NFC capability.

To verify and ensure NFC is ready to use:

Open your Settings app and look for “Face ID & Passcode” or “Touch ID & Passcode” depending on your model. Within the security settings, you’ll see options for Apple Pay, which confirms NFC functionality. Additionally, you can open your Wallet app, if it prompts you to add cards or shows existing payment methods, NFC is operational.

Unlike Android devices, iPhones don’t have a dedicated NFC toggle switch. The feature works automatically when needed for supported functions like Apple Pay, AirDrop, or reading NFC tags through compatible apps.

How to Check if Your Android Phone Has NFC

Android devices offer more direct control over NFC settings, making it easier to verify support and toggle the feature on or off as needed.

Start by opening your Settings app and searching for “NFC” using the search function at the top of the screen. If NFC appears in the search results, your phone supports the technology. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences, where you should see an NFC option if supported.

Some manufacturers place NFC settings in different locations:

• Samsung: Settings > Connections > NFC and payment
• Google Pixel: Settings > Connected devices > NFC
• OnePlus: Settings > Wi-Fi & internet > NFC
• Xiaomi: Settings > Connection & sharing > NFC

If you cannot locate NFC in any settings menu, your device likely doesn’t support the technology. You can also check your phone’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or look up your exact model online to confirm NFC support.

How to Enable NFC on Your Phone

Once you’ve confirmed your device supports NFC, enabling the feature takes just a few taps. The process differs slightly between iPhone and Android devices due to their different approaches to NFC implementation.

For Android users, navigate to your NFC settings using the methods described above. You’ll typically see a toggle switch labeled “Use NFC” or simply “NFC.” Tap this switch to enable the feature. Many Android phones also offer “Android Beam” or “NFC sharing” options, which allow you to share content between NFC-enabled devices by tapping them together.

iPhone users don’t need to manually enable NFC for most functions. The technology activates automatically when you use Apple Pay, add cards to your Wallet, or run apps that require NFC access. However, for reading NFC tags, you may need to enable “NFC Tag Reader” in Settings > Control Center, then add the NFC Tag Reader to your Control Center for quick access.

Testing Your NFC Connection

After enabling NFC, it’s worth testing the functionality to ensure everything works correctly. The easiest way to test NFC depends on your device type and available resources.

For a quick test, try setting up a contactless payment method. iPhone users can add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay through the Wallet app, while Android users can set up Google Pay or their device manufacturer’s payment app. Once configured, you can test the payment system at any contactless payment terminal.

Another testing method involves NFC tags, or NFC Business Cards, which are small programmable chips you can purchase online for a few dollars, or business cards, which are avaialble from a wide array of companies such as Mobilo or Spreadly. These tags can be programmed to perform various actions when tapped with your phone, such as connecting to Wi-Fi networks, opening specific apps, or adjusting device settings.

If you have a friend with an NFC-enabled Android phone, you can test the sharing functionality by enabling Android Beam on both devices and attempting to share a photo, contact, or website by placing the phones back-to-back.

Troubleshooting Common NFC Issues

Sometimes NFC may not work as expected, even when properly enabled. Most issues stem from simple configuration problems or interference from phone cases and accessories.

Thick phone cases, especially those with metal components, can block NFC signals. If your NFC isn’t working, try removing your phone case and testing again. Wallet cases with multiple credit cards can also cause interference, so consider repositioning cards away from the NFC antenna area.

Battery saving modes on some Android devices may disable NFC to conserve power. Check your power management settings and ensure NFC isn’t being restricted by battery optimization features.

For persistent issues, try restarting your phone after enabling NFC. This ensures all system services properly recognize the activated feature. If problems continue, check for software updates, as manufacturers occasionally release fixes for NFC-related bugs.

Understanding whether your phone supports NFC and how to enable it opens up a world of convenient features. From contactless payments to instant information sharing, NFC technology streamlines many daily interactions. Most modern smartphones include this capability, and activation typically requires just a few simple steps through your device settings.