About the NFC Test
This diagnostic tool checks your device's Near Field Communication (NFC) hardware. NFC is the technology that allows your phone to communicate with nearby devices or tags, commonly used for mobile payments (like Google Pay or Apple Pay), quick pairing, and reading information from smart posters or transit cards.
How it works
The tool attempts to use the Web NFC API, which allows web applications to read and write to NFC tags when they are brought in close proximity to the device. Because this is a relatively new web feature, it is currently mostly supported on Chrome for Android.
Manual Testing
If your browser doesn't support the Web NFC API (like Safari on iOS), you can still verify if your NFC hardware is working. Simply make sure NFC is enabled in your device settings, and tap an NFC-enabled item against the back of your phone. Most modern smartphones will vibrate, play a sound, or show a system prompt when they detect an NFC signal, confirming the hardware is functional.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my phone has NFC?
Every iPhone since the iPhone 6 has NFC for Apple Pay, and almost all mid-range and flagship Android phones sold in the US include it. Look for NFC in Settings › Connections (Samsung) or Settings › Connected devices › Connection preferences (Pixel).
Why does tap to pay not work on my phone?
Make sure NFC is on, your card is set up in Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, the phone is unlocked, and a thick metal or magnetic case is not blocking the antenna. Hold the middle-top of the back of the phone (Android) or the top edge (iPhone) near the terminal for a second or two.
Can a website read my credit card with NFC?
No. Web NFC in Chrome for Android can only read NDEF tags such as stickers and business cards. For payment cards it can only detect that a card is present, not read the card number. Our test uses that detection to confirm the NFC chip works.
Does the NFC test work on iPhone?
Safari does not support Web NFC, so on iPhone the test is guided: use Apple Pay at a terminal, or scan an NFC tag with the Shortcuts app automation. On Android, Chrome runs a live scan automatically.
Where is the NFC antenna on my phone?
On most Samsung and Pixel phones it is in the center of the back, near the wireless charging coil. On iPhone it is at the top edge near the rear cameras.