Read NFC Tags on iPhone
Learn how to scan and read data from any NFC tag using your iPhone. NFC Taggy Tools makes it easy to view all the information stored on NFC tags, from simple text to complex data structures.
What You Can Read
- Text & URLs: Plain text messages and website links
- WiFi Credentials: Network name, password, and security type
- Contact Cards: vCard data with name, phone, email, etc.
- Technical Details: Tag type, memory size, UID, and more
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Download and Open NFC Taggy Tools
Download NFC Taggy Tools from the App Store if you haven't already. Launch the app on your iPhone.
NFC is automatically enabled on iPhone XR and later. For iPhone 7, 8, and X, NFC is available but may require specific positioning.
Tap "Read Tag" Button
From the home screen of the app, tap the "Read Tag" button. The app will prepare to scan for nearby NFC tags.
Position Your iPhone Near the Tag
Hold the top edge of your iPhone (where the NFC antenna is located) close to the NFC tag. Keep it steady for 1-2 seconds.
The NFC antenna is located at the top of the iPhone, near the camera. You may need to move your phone slightly to find the exact position.
Wait for Detection
Your iPhone will vibrate or show a notification when it detects the NFC tag. The app will automatically start reading the tag data.
View the Tag Data
The app will display all information stored on the tag, including the data type (URL, text, WiFi, etc.), content, and technical details like tag type and memory size.
You can tap on different sections to see more details or copy the data to your clipboard.
Understanding Tag Data
Text & URLs
Plain text messages or website links stored on the tag.
Example:
A tag might contain "Welcome to our office!" or "https://example.com"
WiFi Configuration
Network credentials including SSID, password, and security type.
Example:
Network: "MyHomeWiFi", Password: "********", Security: WPA2
Contact Card (vCard)
Contact information in vCard format with name, phone, email, address, etc.
Example:
Name: John Doe, Phone: +1-555-0123, Email: john@example.com
Technical Information
Tag specifications including type, UID, memory capacity, and lock status.
Example:
Type: NTAG215, UID: 04:A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6, Memory: 504 bytes
Troubleshooting
iPhone not detecting the NFC tag
Make sure you're holding the top of your iPhone (not the back) near the tag. Remove any thick phone cases that might block the NFC signal. Try moving your phone slowly around the tag to find the optimal position.
Tag detected but no data shown
The tag might be blank or corrupted. Try reading a different tag to verify your phone is working correctly. Some tags may be locked or password-protected.
App shows "Unsupported tag type"
Some proprietary NFC tags (like transit cards or access cards) use encrypted formats that cannot be read by third-party apps. Standard NDEF tags should work fine.
Reading is very slow or inconsistent
Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Close other apps that might be using NFC. Keep your phone steady when scanning - movement can interrupt the reading process.
Tips for Reading NFC Tags
The NFC antenna is at the top of your iPhone, near the camera - not in the center or bottom
Remove thick phone cases or metal accessories that might interfere with NFC signals
Hold your phone steady for 1-2 seconds when scanning - quick taps may not work
You can read NFC tags even when your iPhone is locked (on iPhone XR and later)
The app will show you the tag's memory capacity and how much is being used
You can copy any text data from the tag by tapping on it in the app
Reading NFC tags does not modify or erase the data - it's completely safe