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Apple iPhone 13 NFC

Does the Apple iPhone 13 have NFC ?

Yes. This phone has NFC functionality for both payments and reading/writing NFC tags.

Can the iPhone 13 scan NFC Tags ?

Yes. The iPhone 13 supports native NFC tag scanning. This means that you do not need to download an app to scan the tags. However, the tags must have data (such as a URL/weblink) already encoded on them or the phone will not respond. Apple call this 'background' tag scanning.

This NFC tag scan support has been active since the Xr and XS series and all phones since - the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 have this feature enabled.

To find out how to scan tags with the iPhone 13, read our tutorial on how to read NFC tags with an iPhone.

With the older iOS 11, the iPhone 13's reading ability was limited to just the main memory section of the tag which is commonly referred to as the 'NDEF' memory space. For example, the phone could only read the URL/web address stored on an NFC tag. It could not read from other memory locations on the tag such as the tag's UID (unique ID). It also could not interact with the tag to access other features such as reading the tag scan counter.

However, with the release of iOS 13 (and subsequent releases of iOS 14 and iOS 15) Apple changed this and added most of the missing functionality. With iOS 15, the iPhone 13 can read the UID of the tags and interact using more advanced methods. Essentially, the functionality is now the same with the latest iOS versions on the iPhone 13 as it is with Android phones.

Note that the additional functionality added with iOS 15 also applies to previous generations of the iPhone. However, unlike the iPhone 13, the iPhone 7, 8 and X don't have background tag scanning and still require an App to scan NFC tags. Seritag understand that this requirement is not likely to change and 'native' tag scanning will only be available on the XR/XS, 11, 12, 13 and future generations of the iPhone.

Note that your NFC tags need to be encoded with data, such as a web address (URL), before they will scan. The iPhone will not normally respond to tags without encoding.

Not sure what an NFC tag is ? Read our article on What is an NFC Tag.

Can the iPhone 13 write and encode NFC tags ?

Yes, providing the latest iOS 15 (or iOS 13/14) is installed.

With iOS 15, Apple have included the functionality required to both write and lock NFC tags. Prior to iOS 13, iPhones could only read NFC tags.

Seritag have put together a quick step by step tutorial on encoding NFC tags with an iPhone. You can also watch our 90 second encoding NFC tags with an iPhone 13 tutorial on youtube.

Which NFC tags can be used with the Apple iPhone 13 ?

The iPhone 13 can read all standard NFC chips including the popular NXP NTAG213 and other NTAG series tags such as the NFC authentication grade NTAG424.. As with Android, Seritag recommended avoiding the larger memory NTAG216 chips.

The iPhone 13 has a well defined and focused NFC antenna along the top edge. As a result, providing the top edge is placed over the NFC tag (typically within a few centimetres or an inch), the tag should scan easily. The iPhone works well with all type of NFC chips and can be used without problem with both Type 2 (NTAG series), Type 4 (NTAG424) and Type 5 (ICODE series) chips. Seritag recommend the use of standard 20-40mm size tags for the most reliable and consistent performance. However, also bear in mind positioning of the tags. Avoid placing too much material and distance between the tag and the user. Try and ensure that the hotspot is clearly indicated so the user can position the iPhone 13 correctly to read the tag.

Where is the NFC antenna on the iPhone 13 ?

The NFC antenna on the iPhone 13 is located on the top edge.

How do I turn on NFC on the iPhone 13 ?

NFC tag scanning is always enabled on the iPhone 13 and cannot be turned off. There isn't an on/off setting. NFC can be turned off for payments if required.

NFC Tags For The Apple iPhone 13

The table below illustrates the available NFC tags and their compatibility with your phone. As phone specifications can change without notice and also vary from region to region, we strongly advise testing tags before any purchase.

Manufacturer	NFC Chip	Compatible
NXP	NTAG210µ	Yes
NXP	NTAG210	Yes
NXP	NTAG213	Yes
NXP	NTAG215	Yes
NXP	NTAG216 (Not Recommended)	Yes
NXP	NTAG424 DNA	Yes
NXP	NTAG223	Yes
NXP	NTAG224	Yes
NXP	MIFARE Ultralight® EV1	Yes
NXP	ICODE SLIX	Yes
NXP	ICODE SLIX2	Yes
NXP	ICODE 3	Yes
ST	ST25TN01K (TN01K)	Yes
ST	ST25TN512 (TN512)	Yes

Note for iPhone users: The ICODE SLIX and ICODE SLIX2 tags need to have already been encoded (have NDEF data) before some iPhone Apps will be able to encode them. We suggest using the NFC Tools app with these chips for encoding or ask Seritag to encode something onto the tags without locking.

How much memory do I need ?

Depending on what information you need to store on your NFC tags, you will have different memory requirements. NFC Tags have a very limited memory so getting a tag that will store everything you need is important. Seritag have put together some information on how much memory you will need in your NFC Tag.