Cash App has become much more interesting since the introduction of NFC tags. You can now use your mobile device as a virtual money wallet for various purposes!
However, if you are unfamiliar with the technology or have never used an NFC tag before, you may be puzzled about what these tags are and how they work.
Don't worry. We will try to explain everything in detail to answer your questions about this.
Here’s What NFC Tag Detected on Cash App Means:
When you see the NFC Tag Detected on Cash App in your Cash App, you have access to a contactless payment option. This means that by tapping your phone on an NFC terminal, you can use your Cash Card to purchase at participating businesses.
Your payment will be processed directly from your checking account if you do this.
We know what you're thinking. You've been using the Cash App for months, and it's been working well for you. But then, one day, you get a notification that an NFC tag is detected. You didn't even plan on paying or buying anything at this point!
Well, this article will give you some ways to change this so that it happens less often (or not at all).
Turn Off NFC Tag Detected on Cash App: (4 Ways)
If you're wondering how to turn off NFC tag detection on Cash App, we've got the answer for you!
1. Keep Your Phone and Cash App Card Separate
The first thing you should do is keep your phone and cash app card separate from each other. It's much easier to avoid NFC tag detection on the cash app if you keep your phone and your cash app card at least 10 cm apart.
This is due to the NFC reader on your cash app card being active by default, but only when it is within range of your phone. When the two are separated, you can turn off your cash app card's NFC reader without affecting its ability to function as a regular card.
2. Turn Off NFC on Your Phone
There are several methods for disabling NFC on your phone. In this section, we'll go over the various methods available depending on the type of phone you have.
For Android Phones:
Open the Settings menu on your Android device to access the option to disable NFC. Once there, tap on the Connections & Sharing option. This should include a list of different types of connections available on your phone (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).
Scroll down until you see NFC and tap on it. You'll then be given two options: ON and OFF. Choose OFF to disable NFC on your Android device.
For iPhone Users:
There is no way to disable the NFC tag on the iPhone XS (Max), iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro (Max), or iPhone SE (2nd gen.). These devices have a ‘Background Tag Reading' feature that turns on and off automatically when an NFC signal is detected.
One way to avoid receiving notifications from detected NFC tags is to keep your phone and cash app card separate, as mentioned above.
However, if you have an iPhone 7 or 8, the first step is to go to your iPhone settings and select Control Center. When you're there, look for the NFC Tag Reader icon and tap the plus sign to add the NFC Tag Reader to your Control Center.
Once you've added the NFC Tag Reader, you can access your quick menu by swiping up from the bottom of your phone. To disable NFC Tag Reader, locate the icon in the top right corner of the menu, touch it, and select Disable NFC Tag Reader.
3. Disable Your Cash App Card Temporarily
You can temporarily disable your Cash App card by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the quick menu. In this menu, look for the NFC tag reader icon and turn it off.
When disabled, you can't use your Cash App card until you re-enable it by going back into your quick menu and turning on the NFC tag reader.
4. Use an NFC Proof Wallet
If you want to stop receiving notifications of NFC detection, you may want to consider using an NFC proof wallet. This type of wallet prevents your phone from being detected by an NFC reader.
An NFC proof wallet is made from a material that blocks the signal from a phone's transmitter, so it cannot be detected by an NFC reader.
The reason for doing this is that some retailers are now using NFC readers to allow customers to pay with their phones at checkout. Cash app users can avoid detection by using an NFC proof wallet.
Is NFC Dangerous? Should You Turn It Off?
The answer to both questions is no. Although there are some concerns about the security of NFC, it's not dangerous, and there's no need to turn it off.
The only thing that could potentially happen is if you leave your phone near an NFC-enabled device for too long, it might drain your battery faster than usual.
You probably don't need to turn off NFC on your phone unless you're worried about something happening or want to conserve battery power.
Can You Be Scammed by Using NFC?
With the growing popularity of NFC-enabled card payments, there has been a lot of discussion about their security.
NFC data is only stolen when someone obtains your phone—unless you block it immediately after being stolen, all of your personal information is at risk, especially since it can be used without a password. That is why it is critical to secure your devices, especially if they contain sensitive information.
NFC-enabled card payments, while not perfect, are more secure than traditionally swiped transactions!
With traditional card payment systems, your credit card information is stored in a database that anyone with access to can gain entry —- if someone hacks into their database and steals your information, they have all the information they need to make unauthorized purchases with your card.
NFC-enabled cards do not store any of this information! In reality, they only store an encrypted token—a random string of data that represents your actual credit card number but isn't what you use to make purchases with your phone or other mobile devices.
With this tokenized system, thieves can't get any useful information from stealing NFC cards because there's nothing useful for them to steal!
Should You Turn NFC off When Using Cash App?
When you turn off NFC on your phone, contactless payments on Cash App are disabled.
If you have NFC turned off, you cannot use the Cash App to pay with your phone, but you can still access the app's other features.
But to use your phone to make a purchase, you must first enable it.
Sources:
Digitaltrends: What is NFC? Here’s everything you need to know
iGeeksblog: How to use NFC tag reader on iPhone
Mtroyal: How to Turn On and Use NFC: Apple
ProjectCubicle: NFC Technology: Hack or Scam?
Fisglobal: How secure are NFC terminals?