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NFC Setup Guide

Learn how to set up and troubleshoot NFC (Near Field Communication) for SafeBank Tap-to-Pay.

What is NFC?​

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that enables devices to communicate when they're close together (usually within 4cm). SafeBank uses NFC to enable tap-to-pay functionality, similar to contactless credit cards or Apple Pay/Google Pay.

Device Compatibility​

iOS Devices​

Compatible iPhones (with NFC):

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8, 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7, 7 Plus (limited NFC)

Requirements:

  • iOS 13.0 or later (iOS 15+ recommended)
  • NFC is always enabled on compatible iPhones

Android Devices​

Requirements:

  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later (Android 11+ recommended)
  • Device must have NFC hardware
  • Most mid-range to flagship devices since 2018 have NFC

Popular NFC-enabled Android devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S series (S8 and newer)
  • Google Pixel (all models)
  • OnePlus (most models from 6 onwards)
  • Huawei P series and Mate series
  • Xiaomi flagship models
  • Many others

Check if your Android has NFC:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Search for "NFC"
  3. If the option appears, your device supports NFC

Enabling NFC​

On iPhone​

Good news! NFC is always enabled on compatible iPhones. No setup needed!

Note: On iPhone 7-8, NFC is limited to reading mode only. For full tap-to-pay functionality, iPhone XS or newer is recommended.

On Android​

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open Settings

    • Swipe down and tap gear icon
    • Or find Settings in app drawer

  2. Find NFC Settings

    • Location varies by device:
    • Samsung: Connections → NFC and contactless payments
    • Google Pixel: Connected devices → Connection preferences → NFC
    • Other devices: Search "NFC" in settings

  3. Enable NFC

    • Toggle NFC switch to ON
    • Usually turns blue or shows "Enabled"

  4. Enable Android Beam (if available)

    • Some older devices have this option
    • Toggle to ON

  5. Set SafeBank as Default

    • Tap "Payment app" or "Default payment app"
    • Select "SafeBank" from the list
    • This ensures SafeBank opens for payments

Verifying NFC is Working​

Quick Test​

  1. Open SafeBank app
  2. Go to Settings → NFC Status
  3. Should show: ✅ "NFC Enabled and Ready"

If you see ⚠️ "NFC Disabled" or ❌ "NFC Not Available":

  • Check device compatibility
  • Enable NFC in device settings
  • Restart device and check again

Test Transaction​

Try a test tap-to-pay:

  1. Open SafeBank on two devices (ask a friend)
  2. One device: Go to "Receive"
  3. Other device: Go to "Pay"
  4. Tap devices together (back-to-back)
  5. Should vibrate and show confirmation

Optimizing NFC Performance​

Phone Positioning​

Correct positioning:

📱 Back-to-back for phone-to-phone

  • Hold phones parallel
  • Back surfaces facing each other
  • Center to center alignment
  • Distance: Less than 4cm (1.5 inches)

📱 Flat on terminal for merchant payments

  • Lay phone flat on terminal
  • Center phone over terminal's NFC icon
  • Hold steady for 2-3 seconds

NFC Antenna Location​

NFC antennas are located differently on each device:

iPhones:

  • iPhone 7-8: Top edge near camera
  • iPhone X and newer: Top-center back

Android:

  • Samsung: Upper-middle or center back
  • Google Pixel: Upper-middle back
  • OnePlus: Center back
  • Others: Usually center or upper-middle back

Finding your antenna:

  1. Look for NFC icon on phone back
  2. Check phone manual
  3. Search online: "[Your phone model] NFC location"

Tips for Better Performance​

✅ DO:

  • Remove thick phone cases
  • Keep phone back clean
  • Hold steady for full duration
  • Align antennas center-to-center
  • Wait for vibration confirmation

❌ DON'T:

  • Move phone during tap
  • Keep multiple NFC cards in phone case
  • Use extremely thick metal cases
  • Tap at sharp angles
  • Give up after first try (adjust and retry!)

SafeBank NFC Settings​

Configure NFC behavior in SafeBank:

Access NFC Settings​

  1. Open SafeBank app
  2. Go to Settings → Payments → NFC Settings

Available Options​

Auto-open on NFC Detection:

  • When enabled, SafeBank opens automatically when NFC tag detected
  • Recommended: ON

Vibration Feedback:

  • Phone vibrates on successful tap
  • Recommended: ON for confirmation

Sound Feedback:

  • Play sound on successful payment
  • Options: On / Off / Vibrate only

NFC Payment Timeout:

  • How long to wait for tap confirmation
  • Options: 3s / 5s / 10s / 30s
  • Recommended: 5-10 seconds

Require Authentication:

  • Always: Every payment requires auth
  • Over amount: Only payments over X require auth
  • Never: Quick tap-and-go (not recommended for security)

Troubleshooting​

NFC Not Working​

Problem: Tap-to-pay doesn't work

Solutions:

  1. Verify NFC is enabled

    • Check device settings
    • Look for NFC toggle
    • Ensure it's ON

  2. Check device compatibility

    • Verify your device has NFC
    • Check minimum OS version
    • Some budget phones lack NFC

  3. Remove phone case

    • Thick cases block NFC signal
    • Metal cases especially problematic
    • Test without case

  4. Update SafeBank app

    • Check App Store / Play Store
    • Install latest version
    • Restart app after update

  5. Restart device

    • Power off completely
    • Wait 10 seconds
    • Power back on
    • Try again

  6. Check for interference

    • Remove credit cards from phone case
    • Move away from other NFC devices
    • Avoid metal surfaces

  7. Re-pair / re-install app

    • As last resort
    • Backup your recovery phrase first!
    • Uninstall and reinstall SafeBank
    • Restore wallet

Intermittent NFC Issues​

Problem: Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't

Common causes:

  1. Phone case interference

    • Test without case
    • Use thinner case
    • Get NFC-compatible case

  2. Misaligned antennas

    • Learn your device's NFC location
    • Adjust positioning
    • Try different angles

  3. Low battery

    • NFC may be power-reduced at low battery
    • Charge phone
    • Disable battery saver mode

  4. Background apps

    • Close other NFC-using apps
    • Ensure SafeBank is default payment app
    • Restart phone

Android-Specific Issues​

Problem: "NFC payment app not set"

Solution:

  1. Settings → Connected devices → NFC
  2. Tap "Default payment app"
  3. Select SafeBank
  4. Try payment again

Problem: "Multiple NFC apps detected"

Solution:

  1. Disable other NFC payment apps
  2. Or set SafeBank as default
  3. Settings → Apps → Default apps → Tap and pay

Problem: "NFC requires unlock"

Solution:

  • Some Android devices require phone unlock for NFC
  • Unlock phone before attempting payment
  • Or disable this in Android Security settings (less secure)

iPhone-Specific Issues​

Problem: "NFC not supported" on iPhone 7/8

Explanation:

  • iPhone 7-8 have limited NFC (read-only)
  • Can't use full tap-to-pay features
  • Can scan NFC tags and QR codes
  • Consider using QR code payment instead
  • Or upgrade to iPhone XS or newer

Problem: "NFC restricted" error

Solution:

  1. Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
  2. Ensure NFC is not restricted
  3. Disable restrictions if needed

Advanced Settings​

NFC Range Adjustment​

Some Android devices allow NFC range adjustment:

  1. Developer options (if enabled)
  2. Look for NFC/HCE settings
  3. Adjust reader mode
  4. Test different settings

Note: This is advanced and device-specific.

Multiple Payment Apps​

If you use multiple NFC payment apps:

Recommended setup:

  • Set SafeBank as default for crypto
  • Keep Google Pay/Apple Pay for cards
  • Android: Can switch in quick settings
  • iOS: Automatically prompts which wallet

NFC Security​

Is NFC Secure?​

Yes! NFC for SafeBank is very secure:

✅ Short range - Must be very close (4cm) ✅ Encrypted - All data encrypted ✅ Authentication required - PIN or biometric ✅ Transaction verification - Amount confirmation needed ✅ Secure element - Keys stored in secure hardware

Security Best Practices​

  1. Enable authentication for all payments
  2. Don't disable security for convenience
  3. Watch your screen during payment
  4. Verify amounts before confirming
  5. Keep app updated for security patches
  6. Report suspicious activity immediately

NFC Skimming Prevention​

Can someone steal my crypto via NFC?

No! Here's why:

  • Your phone must be unlocked
  • SafeBank app must be open (for initiating payments)
  • You must authenticate the payment
  • You must confirm the amount
  • NFC alone cannot trigger a payment

However, for maximum security:

  • Don't keep SafeBank open in public
  • Lock your phone when not in use
  • Enable authentication for all transactions

Testing NFC​

In-App Test​

SafeBank includes an NFC test tool:

  1. Settings → Advanced → NFC Test
  2. Tap "Start Test"
  3. Test with another NFC device
  4. Results show:
    • ✅ NFC working perfectly
    • ⚠️ NFC working with issues
    • ❌ NFC not functioning

Real-World Test​

Best way to verify NFC:

  1. Find a friend with SafeBank
  2. Send them $1 as test
  3. Use tap-to-pay
  4. Verify it works both ways

Getting Help​

Still Having Issues?​

Contact our support team:

In-App Support:

  1. Settings → Help & Support
  2. Tap "NFC Issues"
  3. Follow diagnostic wizard
  4. Chat with support if needed

Email Support:

  • support@safebank.io
  • Include:
    • Device model and OS version
    • Description of issue
    • Screenshot of error (if any)
    • What you've tried already

Community Forum:

  • Visit community.safebank.io
  • Search for similar issues
  • Post your question
  • Community members can help

Alternative Payment Methods​

If NFC doesn't work on your device:

Use QR Codes instead:

  • Same functionality
  • No NFC required
  • Works on all devices
  • Learn more →

Manual Address Entry:

Next Steps​

NFC issues? Contact support@safebank.io - we're here to help!