NFC technology
If you have ever used Apple or Google's tap-to-pay feature when making an in-person purchase, then you've used NFC technology! Near-field communication (NFC) devices help transmit data to your Apple or Android device. Think of NFC as a fancy QR code. It takes a user to a specific website, but there is no need to turn on your camera. With Subsplash Tap, your users can simply tap their smartphone on a Disc or Stand and be instantly directed to a URL of your choosing. Link your Subsplash Tap Discs or Stands to your Giving page, a SnapPages contact card, an evergreen bulletin, a Linktree, or other helpful destinations.
How to use Subsplash Tap
Unlock your Smartphone (your phone can still be on the lock screen)
Approach the Subsplash Tap Disc or Stand with your smartphone
iPhone Devices
The NFC reader is located on the back of the smartphone near the top
Android Devices
The NFC reader is typically located on the back of the smartphone near the middle
When the device reads the NFC Disc or Stand, a notification will appear
By clicking the notification, you will be directed to the link associated with the Disc or Stand
For help managing your Subsplash Tap links, visit our Managing Subsplash Tap article.
How to support your community
Where does the problem lie?
If NFC isn’t working, it’s important to start by narrowing down the possible causes. The issue could lie with either the NFC device or the smartphone itself. To test this, try scanning the tag using a different device. If it works on another phone, the issue likely stems from your own device. If it doesn’t, the NFC tag may be faulty. In some cases, the chip inside the tag could be damaged, which can prevent the antenna from functioning properly. If that’s the case, the tag will need to be replaced.
Remember to avoid placing the Subsplash Tap Discs on metal surfaces, as metal can interfere with NFC signals.
If the problem seems to be with the phone, there are several common reasons this may happen. We’ll walk through the most frequent ones below.
Positioning the phone in relation to the Disc or Stand
Positioning the phone in relation to the Disc or Stand
The NFC antenna’s location can vary based on the phone manufacturer and model. Ask users to gently tap or hold the top of their iPhone or the center/back of their Android phone directly over the NFC device for a few seconds. Encourage users not to wave or swipe quickly, as this may interrupt the connection. For a visual representation of a phone's NFC reader, please view How to Use Subsplash Tap.
Remove thick cases or wallets
Remove thick cases or wallets
Some phone cases, especially those with thick materials or card holders, can block NFC signals. If a user’s phone is not responding, ask them to temporarily remove the case and try again.
Turn off airplane mode
Turn off airplane mode
NFC usually stops working when airplane mode is enabled. This is because airplane mode is meant to disable all wireless communication, including the signals needed for NFC to function. Since NFC relies on a two-way radio connection, it won’t operate while airplane mode is active.
Restart the phone
Restart the phone
Restarting a phone can resolve temporary software issues that may interfere with NFC. If a device isn’t responding, suggest turning the phone off and back on, then retrying the NFC interaction.
Keep the device updated
Keep the device updated
Make sure the phone’s operating system is updated to the latest version. NFC functionality can be affected by outdated software or bugs that have been fixed in newer versions.
The NFC read feature is not turned on (Android only)
The NFC read feature is not turned on (Android only)
This problem occurs only with Android users. Apple's NFC function is always set to 'on' by default and cannot be turned off. If NFC is not working on an Android device, check the settings to see if the NFC function is turned off.
The application does not scan
The application does not scan
If the device is an older smartphone, it may not be equipped with NFC capabilities. If you think this is the case, a quick Google search should tell you if the device is compatible. Simply search "Is my [insert make and model] compatible with NFC devices?"
The NFC feature no longer works on your phone
The NFC feature no longer works on your phone
Another possible reason is that the NFC chip in the phone may no longer be functioning. While this is uncommon, it does happen on occasion. In some cases, the antenna might be damaged, which prevents the device from reading NFC tags. Unfortunately, if this is the issue, the only solution may be to contact the phone provider as the phone may need to be replaced in order to use NFC again.