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How to Properly Let Others Tap Your NFC Digital Business Card

  • Writer: Kevin Jin
    Kevin Jin
  • May 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago


Person holding a black NFC digital business card above a smartphone displaying a contact profile, with the headline “How to Properly Tap an NFC Digital Business Card” on a clean, light gradient background featuring a small NFC icon and a colorful app logo.

Ever heard of NFC digital business cards? They have become the go-to choice for many professionals to enhance their impression and engagement during networkings and connect faster and smarter with prospects in this digital age.


As convenient and tech-savvy as they are, things can still get a little awkward when someone’s phone doesn’t pick up your NFC signal properly. That’s why knowing how to interact with your NFC digital business card the right way can make a huge difference.


In this blog post, you'll learn the best tips to help you ensure a smooth and instant tap experience with your NFC digital business card:



When Tapping to iPhones

Every iPhone released after 2016 supports NFC and works with digital business cards. While NFC is turned on by default, iPhones do have an anti “spam-tap” feature that tries to block unexpected NFC signals.

Person tapping a white Circo NFC digital business card to an iPhone, which displays a professional digital profile with contact details and action buttons.

So how do you make sure the iPhone picks up your card every time? You just have to “tell” the phone, hey, I’m aware and ready to receive this tap.


Here’s the easiest way:

Ask the iPhone user to lock their screen and then wake it up again — either by tapping the screen or pressing the lock button (no need to fully unlock the phone). Then, tap your NFC device to the top part of the iPhone (both front and back work) and hold for 2–3 seconds.

This quick step helps the iPhone instantly detect the NFC signal.



When Tapping to Android Phones

Most Android phones can only read NFC signals when the device is unlocked. So if you’re sharing your card with an Android user, just ask them to unlock their phone first.

Then, tap your NFC card to the back of the phone — typically around the center. Some phones have the NFC reader closer to the top, but as a rule of thumb, tell them to tap like they’re using Google Pay. That usually hits the sweet spot.

Person holding an unlocked Android phone, preparing to tap an NFC digital business card — Android devices must be unlocked to receive NFC signals.



Tapping with a Metal NFC Digital Business Card

Metal NFC digital business cards have grown in popularity thanks to their sleek, heavy, and premium feel. Pulling one out during a networking event definitely leaves an impression.

Close-up of Circo's Silver Luxe stainless steel NFC business cards, showing the sleek metal finish, embedded NFC tap area, and QR code for alternative scanning.
Circo silver Luxe stainless steel NFC digital business card

But tapping with metal cards works a bit differently than tapping with regular PVC ones. Since metal can’t transmit NFC signals, most brands (like Circo, Popl, Linq, and OVOU) include a cut-out tap area on the back of the card — that’s where the NFC chip is embedded (illustration shown below).

The image showing the cropped out area located on the back of a NFC metal digital business card, specifically designed for signal transmitting and tapping with smart phones.
The cropped out area located on the back of a NFC metal card, specifically designed for signal transmitting and tapping with smart phones

The key:

Make sure to tap your card using that specific area only, and follow the same tapping steps based on whether they’re using iPhone or Android.



Choose a Solid NFC Device

Even more important than knowing how to tap — is using the right NFC card to begin with.

When buying your digital business card, avoid generic NFC cards off Amazon. Go with a brand that specializes in digital business cards, so you get better compatibility, longer lifespan, and more reliable signal pickup.

Smiling woman holding a green Circo NFC digital business card toward the camera, showcasing the card’s sleek design and branding.
Circo Classic NFC digital business card

For example, Circo’s cards use the latest NTAG213A-X2 chip, which ensures smooth taps, top phone compatibility, and durability — so it could be the last business card you ever need to buy.



Make QR Codes Your Backup

Almost every digital business card comes with a QR code on the back — and that’s your best backup plan.

Close-up of a person holding a black NFC digital business card showing the QR code and NFC icon on the back, offering an alternative way to access the digital profile.
The QR code located on the back side of most NFC digital business card

If you run into a phone that doesn’t support NFC or if the tap just isn’t working, simply ask them to scan the QR code. It leads to the exact same page.


Don’t Have a Card Yet?

If you’re ready to try it out, Circo offers a wide range of NFC cards — from PVC to metal, and even 24K gold. You can grab yours directly from their website.

Want something custom? Circo also offers personalized metal cards with your logo, signature, or branding. Just upload your logo here, and they’ll send you a free design mockup so you can see exactly how it’ll look.


By understanding how NFC works across different devices and choosing a reliable card with proper tapping techniques, you can make every digital business card interaction smooth, professional, and memorable. Whether you're using a metal card, tapping to iPhone or Android, or relying on a QR code as a backup, the key is being prepared. With the right tools and a little know-how, your digital business card becomes more than just a card — it becomes your most powerful networking asset.

 
 
 

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