I bought a new iPhone 17 about two weeks ago, but NFC has only worked twice despite many attempts. Apple Pay doesn't work, and I also tested the phone with the Shortcuts app and NFC Tools to rule out an Apple Wallet-specific issue. The same NFC card works normally with another iPhone, but this phone doesn't react to it at all. Has anyone found a reliable software fix, or does this sound like a hardware defect that needs Apple service?
3 Answers
A brand-new phone should consistently read a compatible NFC tag when it’s held near the top edge. If multiple apps fail and the same card works with another iPhone, that points more toward a faulty NFC antenna or related hardware. Apple Support or an Apple Store should be the next step, especially since the phone is only two weeks old.
Since the phone doesn’t detect the card in Shortcuts or NFC Tools either, this probably isn’t just an Apple Pay configuration problem. Try installing the latest iOS update, restart the phone, and remove any thick case or magnetic accessory before testing again. If it still fails, I’d have Apple run diagnostics while the device is under its warranty rather than paying for a repair.
Other people have reported several features failing together after resets, including NFC, Maps, and call audio. A factory reset may help if the issue is corrupted system software, but if you already reset the phone and NFC still doesn’t respond, don’t keep troubleshooting indefinitely—request a warranty inspection or replacement. Any quoted repair fee should not apply if Apple confirms a manufacturing defect covered by the standard warranty.
That’s what I’m leaning toward. I was hoping there might be a known software fix, but I’ll ask Apple to test it while it’s still covered.