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Apple iPhone XS Max NFC

Does the Apple iPhone XS Max have NFC ?

Yes. This phone normally has NFC functionality.

How do you turn on NFC on the Apple iPhone XS Max ?

The NFC function is always on. There's no on/off setting.

Can the iPhone XS Max scan NFC Tags ?

Yes. The iPhone XS, XS Max and XR are the first generation of iPhones to support native NFC tag reading. This means that the iPhone XS does not need an additional NFC App to be installed to read NFC tags. This has been called 'background tag scanning' and means that a simple tap/scan of an NFC tag will automatically trigger NFC tag reading on the iPhone XS Max.

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

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

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

Note that the additional functionality added with iOS 13 also applies to previous generations of the iPhone. However, unlike the iPhone XS Max, 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 iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max write/encode NFC tags ?

Yes, providing the latest iOS 13 is installed.

With iOS 13, Apple have added the functionality required to both encode and lock NFC tags. Prior to iOS 13, the iPhone XS Max 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 tutorial on youtube.

Which NFC tags can be used with the Apple iPhone XS Max ?

The iPhone XS Max can read all standard NFC chips including the popular NTAG series and iCode SLIX tags. As with Android, Seritag recommended avoiding the larger memory NTAG216 chips.

The iPhone XS Max has a relatively small and focused NFC antenna. As a result, many users have commented that scan performance with some of the smaller NFC tags is not great. Conversely, the use of very large tags (credit card size for example) can result in very poor or failed performance. Seritag recommend the use of standard 20-40mm 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 XS Max correctly to read the tag.

Where is the NFC antenna on the iPhone XS Max ?

The NFC antenna on the iPhone XS Max is located on the top edge.

NFC Tags For The Apple iPhone XS Max

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.