🗂 reference · tested 2026-10 · updated as we test more devices

NFC gift compatibility & cost database

The reference we wish existed: which phones read NFC gift tags (everyone), which can write them (fewer), and what the whole thing actually costs. Methodology: compiled from hands-on testing on our own devices plus manufacturer datasheets (NXP NTAG), 2026-10.

Reading a gift tag (the receiver)

Device	Reads NFC?	Notes
iPhone XS / XR and later	✓ reads natively (no app)	Tap near the top edge; phone must be awake
iPhone 7–X	✓ with an NFC reader app	Control Center NFC toggle exists on 7+ with iOS 11+, but background reading starts at XS
Android (most, 2019+)	✓ reads natively	NFC must be enabled in settings; usually on by default
Very old / budget phones without NFC	✗	Use the QR fallback — every tapboop gift includes one

Writing a tag (the maker)

Setup	Writes NFC?	Notes
Android + Chrome 89+	✓ writes in-browser	Web NFC — no app needed (our free writer uses this)
Android + Firefox/Samsung Internet	✗ browser blocked	Use Chrome, or the NFC Tools app
iPhone (any browser)	✗ — Apple restriction	Free NFC Tools app, ~90 seconds — see the iPhone guide linked below
Desktop/laptop	✗ no NFC radio in browsers	Write with a phone instead

What it costs

NTAG213 sticker (10-pack)	~$0.30 each — fits any gift link (144B usable)
NTAG215 sticker (10-pack)	~$0.50 each — headroom you won't need for URLs
On-metal NTAG sticker	~$0.80 each — only if sticking to metal
Physical NFC greeting card (retail)	$15–40 — card + content locked to seller's app
tapboop gift page	$1.9–7.9 one-time (free during open test, 90-day hosting)
Typical total (BYO tag + gift page)	under $9 vs $15+ for physical NFC cards