Updated Oct 2026 · By Manan Bhatia, Founder
How do NFC business cards work?
An NFC business card has a small chip that stores a web link. When you hold the card near a phone, the phone powers the chip by radio, reads the link and opens your profile in the browser, in about 2.8 seconds on an Innovnet card. The card needs no battery and the other person needs no app.
How do NFC business cards work?
Near Field Communication is a short-range radio link. In a card, the chip has no battery. The phone powers it for a moment, reads a URL, and opens your Innovnet profile.
- Hold the card near the phone.
- The phone powers the chip.
- The chip returns the profile URL.
- The browser opens the live page.
Do iPhones read NFC business cards?
Yes. Innovnet cards work with iPhone XS and later. The visitor does not install an app. The printed QR code works on any iPhone with a camera. See Apple’s NFC tag reader guide.
Do Android phones read NFC business cards?
Yes, when NFC is turned on. Most modern Android phones support NFC tags. If NFC is off, use the printed QR code on the same Innovnet card. See the NFC Forum overview.
NFC vs QR code
NFC is a tap. QR is a camera scan. Every Innovnet card includes both for the same profile.
| Feature | NFC | QR |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Tap | Scan with camera |
| App for visitor | No | Camera only |
| Profile updates | Live URL | Live URL |
Are NFC business cards safe?
An Innovnet chip stores a URL, not a full contact dump. The profile travels over HTTPS when the phone loads it. Keep the account password safe, and edit or replace a lost card’s destination from the dashboard when you need to.
FAQ
How does NFC work in a business card?
The card holds a passive chip and antenna. A phone’s NFC field powers the chip, which returns a profile URL. The phone opens that page in the browser.
Do NFC business cards work with iPhone?
Yes. Innovnet cards work with iPhone XS and later. No app is required for the visitor. The printed QR code works on any iPhone with a camera.
Do Android phones work?
Yes when NFC is on. If NFC is off, scan the printed QR code on the same card.
Are NFC business cards safe?
Innovnet chips store a URL. The profile loads over HTTPS. Protect the account and update a lost card’s destination from the dashboard.
How fast is a tap?
About 2.8 seconds in normal use for an Innovnet share.