Recommended Smartphones for NFC Configuration
To ensure a reliable experience when configuring EverTag via NFC, we recommend using modern smartphones (released in the last 5 years) with strong and consistent NFC performance. The list below includes devices we have tested ourselves, as well as commonly compatible models.
Recommended Android Phones (2019–2025)
The following phones have been tested and confirmed to work well with EverTag:
- Google Pixel 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series (2020–2024)
- Pixel phones have robust NFC hardware and clean Android implementations, making them ideal for EverTag configuration.
- NFC antenna location: Located on the upper back of the phone, just below the rear camera bar.
- OnePlus 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 series (2020–2024)
- These models have shown consistently strong NFC performance in our tests.
- NFC antenna location: upper or center-back, just below or around the camera module.
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series (2020–2024)
- High-end Samsung Galaxy phones have reliable NFC chips.
- NFC antenna location: around the middle-back area, sometimes slightly higher, near the camera bump.
Other compatible Android phones likely include recent models from Sony, Xiaomi (high-end), and ASUS, provided they include NFC functionality. Always verify NFC support in the specifications.
Recommended Apple iPhones (2020–2024)
All iPhones from iPhone 12 and newer support both reading and writing NFC tags via apps:
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 series (including Pro/Pro Max/Mini models)
- NFC is always on and works with the EverTag app for configuration.
- NFC antenna location: near the top edge of the phone.
Known NFC Issues and Limitations by Brand
Even with a compatible phone, there are some brand-specific NFC quirks to keep in mind. Below we highlight known issues that could affect EverTag configuration (we avoid naming specific models, focusing on general behaviors):
Apple iPhones
- NFC write functionality is only available on iOS 13 and newer.
- iPhones require the app to be active for reading/writing tags.
- NFC tapping accuracy is more sensitive compared to Android.
General Android Notes
- Some low-end Android devices do not include NFC hardware.
- Always ensure NFC is enabled in system settings.
- Protective cases and metal surfaces may reduce performance.
NFC Antenna Placement Guide for Common Devices
Knowing where your phone’s NFC antenna is located is important for successfully configuring an EverTag. Each smartphone model may have the NFC “sweet spot” in a slightly different place. Below we provide guidance on antenna placement for the supported phones, so you can align the EverTag tag correctly. (In many cases you’ll want to touch the EverTag to the back of the phone, near the indicated area, and hold for a moment while the app writes to the tag.)
Correct placement of your phone on the EverTag is essential. Here are general guidelines per phone series:
- Pixel (5–9): NFC antenna is typically just below the rear camera bar.
- OnePlus (8–12): NFC antenna is in the upper or middle of the back.
- Samsung Galaxy S-series (S20–S24): Antenna is near the middle-back, slightly above center.
- iPhones (12–15): Antenna is located near the top edge of the phone.
If you're unsure, try moving the phone slowly over the tag until a read is registered, and avoid bulky cases during configuration.