First, be aware that iPhone devices usually detect tags using the upper back of your mobile phone, while on Android devices, the NFC antenna is closer to the middle.
Most tags have a printed QR code that can be read with your device´s camera if your phone can´t detect the NFC Tag.
To locate the NFC antenna on your specific phone, you can go over the user manual or documentation provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, you may be able to find information online by searching for your phone model and "NFC antenna location". If you're still unsure, you can hold an NFC tag near different parts of your phone to see where it detects the tag most reliably.
To read an NFC tag with your mobile phone, follow these general steps. The process may vary slightly depending on your device's make and model, as well as the operating system it runs on (e.g., Android, iOS):
1. Ensure NFC is enabled: Make sure that NFC is turned on in your device's settings. Refer to the previous answer for instructions on how to activate NFC on your specific device.
2. Unlock your device: If your device is locked, unlock it to access the home screen.
3. Position the NFC tag: Hold the NFC tag close to the NFC-enabled area of your phone. The location of the NFC-enabled area varies depending on the device.
4. Wait for detection: Your phone should detect the NFC tag automatically. Depending on your device's settings, you may hear a sound or feel a vibration when the tag is detected.
5. View the content: Once the NFC tag is detected, your phone will typically prompt you with options for interacting with the tag's content. For example, if the tag contains a URL, your phone may prompt you to open the link in a web browser. If it contains contact information, you may be prompted to add the contact to your address book.
6. Take action: Select the action you want to take based on the content of the NFC tag. For example, if the tag contains a payment link, you can proceed with the payment. If it contains information about a product, you can view details about the product.
7. Finish and remove: Once you've finished interacting with the NFC tag, move the tag away from your phone. Your phone will stop detecting the tag, and you can continue using your device as usual.
It's important to note that some devices may have specific NFC-related apps or settings that can affect how NFC tags are read and interacted with. Additionally, the content and actions available when reading an NFC tag depend on what the tag is programmed to do and what apps are installed on your device to handle the tag's content.