NFC and Digital Access FAQUpdated 22 days ago
What is an NFC chip?
NFC chips are small devices that use Near Field Communication, a technology that allows devices to exchange information at very short range. It’s the same technology used for your debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or your Google Wallet to make purchases via tapping at a card reader in a physical store.
No external app is required to access the content on NFC chips when using an NFC-enabled device (such as a smartphone).
How does it work in my merch?
We have utilized IYK’s NFC chip technology and integrated the chips into merch pieces–usually sewn into the hem label on your tee or hoodie or as an integrated sticker on hard items. The NFC chip is durable and able to withstand many, many washes and will continue to allow you to access the exclusive content for quite some time.
Tapping your phone to the integrated NFC chip in your merch piece gives you exclusive access to unique and limited content, such as early access to music, limited-edition merch, exclusive artist content, and more. The NFC chip can also serve as a way to identify your merch as officially made by the artist, not a counterfeit made by someone else.
How do I access the content?
NFC chips are activated by tapping your NFC-enabled device (ie, your smartphone) to the area where the chip is integrated. Once the device makes the correct contact with the chip, a notification will pop up at the top of your screen–just like a push notification from any other app in your phone.
Once the pop-up appears, you can tap on it, and you will be taken to your mobile browser to access the exclusive content designated on the chip within our customized fan portal.
I’m having trouble accessing the chip–what am I doing wrong?
Direct contact between your smartphone and the NFC chip is required for it to be triggered.
On iPhones (11 and newer), the NFC reader is located in the top section of the device and should be the area used to make contact with the chip. Continue to move that section of your phone directly on top of where the chip is integrated until it makes the correct contact with the chip and the pop-up appears.
On Android phones, the NFC reader is usually located near the center of the device and should be used to make contact with the chip. Continue to move that section of your phone directly on top of where the chip is integrated until it makes the correct contact with the chip, and the pop-up appears.
Please also note that Android devices and older iPhone models (7, 8, and X) often have a toggle in the menu that lets you switch on or off the ability for NFC chips to be read. Ensure this is toggled on so your phone can read the chip.
Other Issues
Some phone cases can be quite thick and may interfere with your phone's ability to make contact with the chip. If you continue to experience difficulties, try removing your phone case and making contact with your phone directly to the chip area.
If you have your camera app open, close it and try again. The camera app interferes with NFC reading on both iOS and Android.
If your phone battery is low, charge it and try again. The NFC chip relies on power from your phone to establish a connection.
If power saver mode is on, please disable it and try again.
Please reference our online guide here if you need more detailed instructions, or IYK’s FAQ article here for more details.