Every phone maker puts its NFC antenna in a different place.
- iPhone: the antenna is always at the top of the phone. Apple tells users to hold the top of the iPhone near the reader to pay (Apple).
- Android: depending on the model, it can be at the top of the back, in the middle, next to the cameras, and sometimes lower. Google itself notes the antenna may be at the top or in the middle of the phone, depending on the model (Google).
How to find the right spot in 30 seconds
- Unlock your phone and open the app. On Android, make sure NFC is turned on (Settings > Connected devices > NFC, or from Quick Settings).
- Find your model's spot in the table below.
- Lay the KEEP flat against the back of your phone, on that spot, and hold still for 2 to 3 seconds.
- Still nothing? Slowly slide the KEEP across the back of your phone, from top to bottom, pausing every 2 cm (about 1 inch). As soon as your phone reacts, you've found the antenna: remember that spot for next time. Removing thick cases, card holders and magnetic accessories stuck to the back can also help: they often block NFC.
Where is my phone's NFC antenna?
Here are the 50 most popular phones in Europe and the United States. "Back" = the rear of the phone, seen from behind, cameras at the top.
Tip: if your phone isn't in the list, the step 4 method works with every model.
| Phone | Where to place the KEEP |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | Top of the phone (top of the back, near the upper edge) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 17e | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 16 | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 16e | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 15 | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 14 | Top of the phone |
| iPhone 13 | Top of the phone |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Hold the top of the phone: an extra NFC antenna sits near the upper edge, in addition to the one on the back |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 | Top of the phone (extra antenna at the upper edge) |
| Samsung Galaxy S26+ | Top of the phone (extra antenna at the upper edge) |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Middle of the back, below the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A56 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A36 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A34 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A25 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Top of the back, just right of the cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Middle of the back (outer side) |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Lower half of the back, with the phone open (below the hinge) |
| Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | Location not published by Samsung: use the sliding method (step 5) |
| Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Location not published by Samsung: use the sliding method (step 5) |
| Samsung Galaxy A06 | Location not published by Samsung: first check that your version has NFC (Settings > Connected devices), then use the sliding method |
| Samsung Galaxy A07 | Location not published by Samsung: first check that your version has NFC (Settings > Connected devices), then use the sliding method |
| Google Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL | Very top of the back, above the camera bar (upper corner) |
| Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro | Top of the back, centered, on the camera bar |
| Google Pixel 10a | Middle of the back, just below the camera |
| Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro XL | Top of the back, centered, just below the camera bar |
| Google Pixel 9a | Middle of the back |
| Google Pixel 8a | Middle of the back, just above the G logo |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | Top of the back, centered, just below the camera bar |
| Xiaomi 15 | Top of the back, right of the camera module |
| Redmi Note 14 Pro, 14 Pro+ | Top of the back, on the camera module |
Your phone isn't listed (Motorola, Honor, Oppo, another Xiaomi…)? Most Android phones have their antenna at the top or in the middle of the back: start there, then use the sliding method (step 4).