Table of Contents
1. What is RFID? How Does It Work?
The Basic Concept and Technical Principles of RFID
Differences Between RFID and Barcodes
2. RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth: What Are the Differences?
RFID vs. NFC: Which Technology is Better for Smartphones?
RFID vs. Bluetooth: When to Choose RFID and When to Use Bluetooth?
3. Can Smartphones Read RFID Tags? (In-Depth Analysis)
Which Smartphones Support RFID/NFC Functionality?
What Apps or Additional Devices Are Required?
4. What Types of RFID Tags Can Smartphones Read?
NFC Tags (13.56 MHz, High Frequency)
High-Frequency (HF) RFID Tags (ISO 14443 & ISO 15693)
Low-Frequency (LF) and Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) RFID Tags (Why Can’t Smartphones Read Them Directly?)
5. How to Use a Smartphone to Read RFID Tags? (Step-by-Step Guide)
iPhone and NFC: How to Read RFID Tags
Android Phones and NFC: How to Read RFID Tags
Enhancing RFID Reading Capabilities with External RFID Readers (LF & UHF Solutions)
6. Smartphones vs. Professional RFID Readers: How to Choose?
Advantages and Limitations of Using a Smartphone for RFID Tag Reading
When Should You Use a Professional RFID Reader?
7. Real-World Applications of RFID Tags: What Can Smartphones Do?
Contactless Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
Access Control and Identity Verification
Inventory Management and Asset Tracking for Small Businesses
Smart Shopping and Product Information Retrieval (Consumer Applications)
8. FAQs
Can Smartphones Read Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) RFID Tags?
What Types of RFID Tags Does the iPhone Support?
Can I Program RFID Tags With My Phone?
Are There Recommended NFC/RFID Applications?
9. Conclusion
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology identifies objects through radio waves and consists of three main components: RFID tags, readers, and antennas. RFID tags contain built-in microchips that store relevant information, while the reader is responsible for reading the data on the tags. The antenna facilitates communication between the reader and the tags. Understanding how these components function is essential to comprehending how smartphones can read RFID tags.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves for contactless data transmission and identification. It enables automatic recognition and information collection of target objects through wireless communication. RFID is widely used in logistics management, traffic control, and identity verification. A typical RFID system consists of three main components: tags, readers, and antennas.
The core principle of RFID technology is to achieve data communication through electromagnetic induction or radio wave transmission. The working process is as follows:
The RFID reader emits radio waves at a specific frequency.
Passive tags receive the signal, obtain energy through electromagnetic induction, and transmit stored data back to the reader. Active tags, on the other hand, use their own power source to send data actively.
The reader captures the information sent by the tag and transmits it to a computer system for further processing and application.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and barcodes are both technologies used for automatic identification and information management. However, they differ significantly in terms of working principles, usage methods, and application scenarios.
| Comparison Items | RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) | Barcode |
| Working Principle | Data transmission and identification through radio waves. | Read by optical scanning devices that scan the barcode pattern. |
| Data Storage | Can store large amounts of data and is rewritable. | Can only store limited numbers or letters, data cannot be changed. |
| Reading Method | No direct contact required, can read multiple tags from a distance. | Requires the scanning device to align with the barcode and read each one individually. |
| Reading Speed | Fast recognition speed, can read multiple tags simultaneously. | Requires individual scanning, with relatively low recognition efficiency. |
| Durability | Electronic tags can be encapsulated in waterproof and dustproof enclosures, offering high durability. | Prone to damage from dirt, wrinkles, or wear. |
| Security | Data can be encrypted to enhance security. | Data is exposed, making it vulnerable to copying or tampering. |
| Applicable Scope | Used in logistics management, warehousing, access control, and identity recognition. | Used in retail, library management, document tracking, etc. |
| Cost | Equipment and tag costs are relatively high. | Low cost, easy to print and use. |
RFID offers higher storage capacity, reading efficiency, and durability, making it suitable for scenarios that require long-range, bulk identification. On the other hand, barcode technology remains widely used in retail, library management, and other fields due to its low cost and ease of use. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of technology should depend on the specific needs of the application.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses radio waves for data transmission and identification. It has a relatively slow transmission speed and is mainly used for tracking and identification. RFID is divided into low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). It is widely used in logistics management, warehousing, asset tracking, and access control.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a type of RFID designed for short-range communication, usually within a few centimeters. It has a moderate transmission speed and is commonly used for payments and authentication. NFC is widely applied in mobile payments, access control, electronic ticketing, smart cards, and identity verification.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology with fast transmission speed. It is mainly used for data synchronization and audio transmission between devices, with a typical range of about 10 meters. Bluetooth is commonly found in wireless headphones, smartwatches, wireless mice, data synchronization, and smart home connections.
Although RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth all fall under wireless communication technologies, they differ in application, range, speed, and technical characteristics.
NFC technology is more suitable for mobile phones due to its short-range communication, high security, and two-way communication capability, making it ideal for mobile payments, access control, and transportation. In contrast, RFID is mainly used for long-range identification in industrial and logistics applications and is not well-suited for direct use in mobile devices. Below is a comparison of the two:
Short-range communication: NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and typically has a communication range of within 10 cm. This makes it more secure and privacy-friendly for use in mobile devices. RFID, on the other hand, can have a range of several meters or even dozens of meters, which may pose security risks in mobile applications.
Low power consumption: NFC consumes very little power, usually below 15mW, making it suitable for mobile phones with limited battery capacity. RFID, in comparison, has higher power consumption and is not ideal for use in phones.
High integration: Most smartphones are already equipped with NFC chips, allowing users to make payments, control access, and perform other functions conveniently. RFID, however, requires dedicated readers and tags, making it less integrated with mobile devices.
Wide range of applications: NFC is widely used in payment systems, access control, and public transportation cards, making it highly compatible with smartphones and meeting various everyday needs. While RFID has broader applications, its use in mobile phones is relatively limited.
Maturity of technology: NFC technology is well-developed and widely adopted in consumer electronics, providing a smooth user experience. In contrast, the application of RFID in mobile phones requires further technological advancements and market adoption.
RFID is suitable for passive identification, asset management, inventory tracking, and access control, where two-way communication is not required.
Requires passive tags (does not rely on a battery)
Needs fast batch reading
Suitable for short- to mid-range automatic identification
Lower cost, making it ideal for large-scale deployment
RFID Applications:
Inventory management, logistics tracking, access control systems, transportation cards, and livestock management.
Bluetooth is ideal for device-to-device communication, smart device connectivity, and data transmission where real-time interaction is needed.
Requires two-way communication (e.g., device control, data transfer)
Needs a longer communication range (typically 10–100 meters)
Devices must have a power source (e.g., headphones, smartwatches)
Suitable for real-time connections and low-power communication
Bluetooth Applications:
Wireless audio, headphone connections, smart home devices, IoT systems, and bike-sharing services.
Yes, but with limitations. Smartphones can read certain types of RFID tags, but their functionality is restricted. Modern smartphones, especially high-end models, typically come with a built-in NFC module that can read high-frequency RFID tags operating at 13.56 MHz. However, smartphones cannot read low-frequency or ultra-high-frequency RFID tags, as these require specialized hardware and antenna designs.
Most modern smartphones, especially high-end and mid-to-high-end models, support NFC functionality, allowing them to read high-frequency (HF) RFID tags. RFID and NFC are widely used in many everyday applications. Some of the smartphone brands that support NFC include Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, Sony, and OnePlus.
Some lower-end phones may not support NFC, especially budget models.
Phones that support NFC can generally be used for mobile payments, access control, data transfer, and other applications.
To ensure that your phone supports NFC, it's best to check the phone's specifications or look for an NFC option in the settings.
NFC functionality typically requires specific applications to perform different tasks. Here are common use cases and the corresponding apps:
Apple Pay (iPhone)
Google Pay (Android)
Samsung Pay (Samsung)
Alipay, WeChat Pay (for users in China)
NFC Tags: RFID tags used to store data, which can come in the form of cards, stickers, keychains, etc.
NFC Reader: The smartphone itself acts as an NFC reader to access the content of NFC tags. For low-frequency or ultra-high-frequency RFID tags, an additional NFC reader is required.
NFC Payment Terminal: Used in stores, subway stations, and other locations to read NFC-enabled phones for payments or card swiping.
To determine which RFID tags smartphones can read, it’s important to understand the different types of RFID tags and how they work. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses radio waves for identifying and tracking items, with different types of tags operating at various frequencies. The main types of RFID tags include low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) tags. Each of these categories serves specific purposes and has different technical requirements.
Most modern smartphones are equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication), allowing them to interact with certain types of RFID tags. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz, falling under the category of high-frequency (HF) RFID tags. Due to its short range and high security, NFC is widely used in contactless payments, access control, and electronic ticketing.
For example, when you tap your phone to make a payment in a store, you are actually using NFC technology to communicate with the payment terminal. By simply bringing the device close, your phone can quickly exchange data and complete the transaction. Thanks to its convenience and efficiency, NFC has become increasingly common in everyday life.
In addition to NFC, smartphones can also read standard high-frequency (HF) RFID tags operating at the same 13.56 MHz frequency. These tags are commonly used in scenarios where short-range communication is sufficient, such as inventory management, product tracking, or authentication. Smartphones with NFC support can interact with these tags, enabling various business and industrial applications that require short-range data transfer.
Smartphones that support NFC can efficiently interact with both ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 RFID tags, making them versatile tools for both consumer-level applications, such as mobile payments, and industrial uses, like supply chain tracking and security systems.
Smartphones have certain limitations when it comes to reading RFID tags. Low-frequency (LF) RFID tags typically operate at 125-134 kHz, while ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags operate between 860 MHz and 960 MHz. Smartphones cannot directly read LF and UHF tags. The reasons for this are as follows:
The operating principles of LF and UHF RFID tags differ significantly from those of high-frequency (HF) NFC tags, which is why smartphones cannot directly read them. LF RFID tags operate at a lower frequency, typically 125 kHz or 134 kHz, whereas NFC operates at 13.56 MHz, which falls under the high-frequency category. The communication methods, power requirements, and antenna designs of LF tags are different from those of high-frequency tags. Since smartphones' NFC modules are specifically designed for the 13.56 MHz frequency band, they cannot support reading LF tags.
On the other hand, UHF RFID tags have a much higher frequency range, typically between 860 MHz and 960 MHz. UHF tags require higher power levels and specialized hardware and antenna designs for communication. Because smartphones' NFC modules cannot provide the necessary power or support these frequencies, they cannot directly read UHF tags either.
Therefore, low-frequency and ultra-high-frequency RFID tags cannot be read by a smartphone's NFC function.
With the widespread adoption of NFC technology, modern smartphones, especially high-end models, are equipped with the ability to read RFID tags, although this is mainly limited to high-frequency (HF) NFC tags. Now, let's take a closer look at how iPhones and Android phones read RFID tags.
How iPhones Read RFID Tags with NFC Functionality
For iPhone users, starting from the iPhone 7, Apple has integrated NFC chips into the device, enabling the use of NFC technology. However, the NFC capabilities in earlier iPhone models, such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8, were primarily limited to payment functions like Apple Pay, and users could not directly scan standard NFC tags. It wasn't until the iPhone XS and newer models that Apple opened up the NFC functionality, allowing iPhone users to directly scan NFC tags without needing third-party apps.
For users who want more advanced features, such as reading detailed tag information or writing new data to the tag, third-party apps like NFC Tools or TagInfo can be used. Here's how you can do it:
1. Install an NFC App: Go to the App Store, search for NFC-compatible apps, and download one that allows both reading and writing to NFC tags.
2. Launch the App and Scan the Tag: Open the app, then follow the on-screen instructions to bring your iPhone close to the NFC tag.
3. Read or Write Data: Depending on the app, you can either read the tag's information or write new data to it.
First, confirm that your Android phone supports NFC functionality. You can check the NFC option in your phone's settings or refer to the phone's technical specifications.
Open the Settings app on your phone.
Find and tap on Connected Devices or Connections & Networks.
Go to the NFC section and ensure it is enabled.
To read RFID tags, you need to install an app that supports NFC. Some popular apps include:
NFC Tools: Used for reading, writing, and managing NFC tags.
TagInfo: Used to view information from RFID tags.
Search for and download a suitable NFC app from the Google Play Store.
Open the NFC app you installed and ensure NFC is enabled on your phone. Follow the app’s instructions to get your phone ready to scan RFID tags.
Place the NFC sensing area (usually located in the center of the back of your phone) close to the RFID tag. Most NFC tags work within a range of about 1-4 cm, so keep the phone close to the tag. A prompt will typically appear on the screen to confirm the tag has been scanned.
Once the NFC app successfully reads the tag, it will display the information on the tag, such as product ID, link, or serial number. If the app supports writing data, you can also write new information to the tag. If you’re just reading, the app will show the tag’s details. If you’re writing, follow the app's instructions to complete the process.
After reading or writing data, you can save the information, share it, or further edit the tag’s content depending on the app’s functionality.
Using an RFID reader accessory is an effective way to enhance a smartphone's NFC capabilities and expand its reading ability, especially when it comes to low-frequency (LF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags. While most smartphones' built-in NFC modules only support high-frequency (HF) tags (such as 13.56 MHz), connecting an external RFID reader accessory enables the phone to read LF and UHF tags as well.
Low-frequency RFID tags typically operate in the 125 kHz or 134 kHz range, and are commonly used for applications like pet identification, access control, and asset tracking. Standard smartphones are unable to read these LF tags directly due to their different communication frequencies and mechanisms compared to NFC tags.
Solution: To read LF tags, an external LF RFID reader accessory can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth or USB.
Common Devices: Portable LF RFID readers, such as those produced by companies like Zebra and Honeywell, are typically designed to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth.
UHF RFID tags operate in the 860 MHz to 960 MHz range and are widely used in logistics management, warehouse tracking, and smart logistics applications. Since UHF tags typically require higher power and have a longer reading range (up to several meters), standard smartphone NFC functions cannot directly support reading these tags.
Solution: Similarly, an external UHF RFID reader accessory can be used to provide the necessary power and antenna design to allow the smartphone to communicate with UHF tags.
Common Devices: UHF readers, such as the Impinj Speedway or TSL 1128 series, support connection with smartphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
If your needs are limited to basic RFID tag reading, especially high-frequency tags, a smartphone should be sufficient. However, for more complex tasks, such as reading tags over a large area or low-frequency (LF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) tags, or if you need faster data processing and reading capabilities, a professional RFID reader would be a better choice.
Smartphones: They are suitable for general high-frequency (HF) NFC tag reading but have limitations in reading range, data processing speed, and multi-tag support. Smartphones are ideal for everyday applications like access control, payments, and personal item management.
Professional RFID Readers: These devices can read tags over longer distances, support LF and UHF tags, and can quickly read multiple tags at once. They are better suited for environments that require the fast processing of large amounts of data. Professional readers are more appropriate for complex industry applications such as large-scale inventory management, logistics tracking, and asset management.
Comparison Between Smartphones and Professional RFID Readers
While smartphones are convenient for reading NFC and high-frequency RFID tags, their performance still lags behind that of professional RFID readers. Here are the key differences between the two:
Reading Range: Smartphones generally have a limited reading range, typically able to read tags within a few centimeters, whereas professional RFID readers can read tags from several meters or even further.
Data Processing Speed: Professional devices offer faster reading speeds and can simultaneously read multiple tags, while smartphones usually handle one tag at a time.
Tag Compatibility: Smartphones support a limited range of tags, mainly NFC and some high-frequency RFID tags. In contrast, professional RFID readers can handle a broader variety of tags, including low-frequency and ultra-high-frequency tags.
When your needs exceed what a smartphone can handle, such as requiring the reading of low-frequency or ultra-high-frequency tags, longer reading distances, rapid and efficient processing of large amounts of data, or handling complex business scenarios, a professional RFID reader becomes an essential tool.
RFID readers, with their powerful reading capabilities, broader tag compatibility, and higher efficiency, significantly enhance operational smoothness and accuracy, especially when handling large quantities of items. On the other hand, smartphones are more suitable for everyday applications, such as access control, mobile payments, or simple tag scanning for personal items. For fast and large-scale tag identification and data processing, an RFID reader undoubtedly provides more reliable and faster support.
With continuous advancements in technology, the integration of smartphones and RFID holds significant potential. In the future, more types of RFID tags may become compatible with smartphones, and the reading distance is expected to improve further. This will open up more possibilities in fields such as logistics, retail, and personal applications.
NFC technology is widely used in contactless payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Users can complete transactions simply by bringing their phones close to the payment terminal, making payments more convenient.
Many companies and office buildings have adopted NFC-enabled access control systems for employee authentication. This significantly enhances both work efficiency and security.
For small businesses, smartphones can serve as simple RFID readers to help with inventory tracking and asset management. By attaching NFC tags to products, businesses can quickly scan and manage inventory without needing expensive professional equipment.
The combination of smartphones and RFID also finds common use in consumer applications. For instance, users can attach NFC tags to personal belongings like keys and wallets, then scan and track these items with their phones, helping manage small daily items more efficiently.
No. Most smartphones are equipped with the capability to read NFC tags, but they are unable to read other RFID tag types.
iPhone primarily supports NFC (Near Field Communication) technology and can read 13.56 MHz high-frequency (HF) RFID tags. These tags typically comply with the ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 standards.
iPhone primarily supports NFC (Near Field Communication) technology and can read 13.56 MHz high-frequency (HF) RFID tags. These tags typically comply with the ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 standards.
Are there any recommended NFC/RFID apps? Yes, users can download apps such as NFC Tools, TagInfo, NFC Reader, RFID Tool, NXP TagWriter, GoToTags, Trigger, etc., to read NFC/RFID tags.
If you're interested in RFID and NFC tags and want to learn more, be sure to follow CBT's official website and social media platforms. We regularly share industry insights and updates on the latest technologies. If you need custom RFID cards, feel free to reach out to us anytime!
As a professional RFID card manufacturer, Chipbond Technology has extensive production experience and is committed to providing high-quality, fast-turnaround RFID card solutions. We offer a wide range of contactless IC cards, ID cards, IC cards, VIP membership cards, hotel key cards, and NFC customization services to meet the diverse needs of different industries and customers.
Whether you need individual custom cards or a complete hotel key card control system solution, we are fully capable of providing comprehensive technical support and services, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
All Rights Reserved: https://www.chipbond.com/news_details_smartphone-read-rfid-tags.html
Copyright Notice: This article is an original (translated) work by CBT. Please credit CBT as the source. If there are any concerns regarding copyright, please contact us directly.
