Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be financial advice and is for informational purposes only. aTimeforCash is reader-supported. We may earn commissions if you buy through our links at no cost to you.
Picture this – One day while using your iPhone you start to notice that an NFC tag warning randomly keeps popping up.
“Why is it doing that and how do I turn it off?” you wonder.
“Is your iPhone and/or Cash App at risk?”
There are a few reasons why you might want to turn off NFC tags.
For example, NFC tags can be used for NFC skimming, which is a type of fraud where criminals use NFC to steal your payment information.
Additionally, you may simply not want to use the NFC features of Cash App and would prefer to keep it turned off.
Whatever your reason for wanting to turn off the NFC tag in Cash App, we’ll show you how to do it.
In This Post:
- What are NFC Tags and How Do They Work?
- Why Does Cash App NFC Tags Keep Popping Up?
- How Do I Turn Off NFC Tags on iPhone? (Step-By-Step)
- Should NFC Be On Or Off?
- What is NFC Skimming?
- Can Your NFC Tag Be Used for NFC Skimming with Cash App?
- How to Stay Safe if Using NFC
- How do You Know if Your NFC Tag Has Been Hijacked?
- Common Concerns Due To NFC Tagging
- Wrapping Up
- Reference
What are NFC Tags and How Do They Work?
NFC tags are small, wireless chips that can be embedded in objects like stickers, business cards, and movie posters.
When scanned by an NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone, the tag can transmit data like a web address, contact information, or even an audio clip.
NFC tags are powered by electromagnetic induction and can work at a distance of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters).
The technology is similar to RFID (radio-frequency identification), but NFC tags are typically read-only, meaning they can only transmit data, not receive it.
NFC tags are used in a variety of applications, such as contactless payments, digital signage, and event ticketing.
Why Does Cash App NFC Tags Keep Popping Up?
If you’re wondering why the NFC tags message in Cash App keeps popping up, it’s because the feature is turned on by default and in most cases, because you have a credit card/debit card near your iPhone.
Regardless of the reason, however, there are a few reasons why you might want to turn it off aside for an annoying popup message. For example, as we mentioned earlier, NFC tags can be used for NFC skimming.
Additionally, you may not want to use the NFC features of Cash App and would prefer to keep it turned off.
How Do I Turn Off NFC Tags on iPhone? (Step-By-Step)
With some iPhones, you can turn off NFC tags but with newer models, you may not have the option.
You can try to turn off NFC tags on your iPhone by following these steps:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Tap on “Control Center”
- Look for “NFC Tags” under “More Controls”. If you see it, you should be able to toggle it off. However, if you can’t then you don’t have the option to disable it on your iPhone.
If you’re unable to disable NFC tags on your iPhone, your next best option to remain safe is to ensure your iPhone and your debit cards/credit cards remain separate from each other.
Typically this means making sure you aren’t putting your iPhone in the same pocket as your wallet.
Should NFC Be On Or Off?
Whether or not to keep NFC turned on may or may not be a decision you can make. If you have a newer iPhone, you likely won’t have the option to disable it.
If you have the choice, however, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros for Keeping NFC Turned On:
- Convenience: NFC allows you to quickly and easily pay for items by just tapping your phone on the payment terminal. This is known as contactless payments and is growing increasingly popular.
- Security: NFC provides a level of security by requiring a password or fingerprint scan to be able to use it.
Cons for Keeping NFC Turned On:
- Fraud: As we mentioned earlier, NFC tags can be used for NFC skimming, which is a type of fraud where criminals use NFC to steal your payment information.
- Battery Drain: While most newer phones have batteries that can handle the power demands of NFC, some older models may see a significant drain when NFC is turned on.
What is NFC Skimming?
NFC skimming is a type of fraud where criminals use NFC to steal your payment information.
They can do this by installing NFC chips on a payment terminal/NFC reader or by hijacking an active NFC tag.
For example, if you’re using Cash App to pay for something or transfer money and the NFC tag is hijacked, the criminal can steal your payment information.
Can Your NFC Tag Be Used for NFC Skimming with Cash App?
Cash App NFC tags can be used for NFC skimming if they’re hijacked by a criminal.
To protect yourself from this type of fraud, it’s important to keep your Cash App NFC features turned off if you have that option or to keep your credit/debit cards separate from your iPhone.
Additionally, be aware of your surroundings when using NFC-enabled payment terminals and look for signs of tampering.
Common Signs a Payment Terminal Has Been Tampered With
When using a payment terminal or NFC reader, it’s important to be aware of any signs that it may have been tampered with.
Some common signs that a payment terminal has been tampered with include the following:
- The payment terminal is covered in tape or stickers.
- The payment terminal has been modified or is not the standard model.
- The payment terminal is not secured to the counter.
If you see any of these signs, do not use the payment terminal and report it to the proper authorities.
How to Stay Safe if Using NFC
If you decide to keep NFC turned on or if you don’t have the option to turn it off, there are a few things you can do to stay safe.
- First, only use NFC-enabled payment terminals at reputable businesses.
- Second, be aware of your surroundings when using NFC and look for signs of tampering.
- Finally, keep your Cash App privacy settings up-to-date, and be sure to turn off the NFC tags feature if you’re not using it.
How to Find Your Cash App Privacy Settings
To find your Cash App privacy settings, follow these steps:
- Open Cash App on your iPhone.
- Tap the “Profile” icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Scroll down and tap “Privacy.”Under the “Security” section, you’ll be able to manage your privacy settings.
How do You Know if Your NFC Tag Has Been Hijacked?
If you’re concerned that your NFC tag has been hijacked, there are a few things you can do to check.
- First, make sure your Cash App privacy settings are up-to-date and that the NFC tags feature is turned off if possible.
- Second, check for any signs of tampering on the NFC tag itself.
- Finally, if you’re still not sure, you can contact Cash App support for help.
Common Concerns Due To NFC Tagging
- Security Concerns: People often use similar passwords on their Cash App, credit card numbers, and other personal information, making them vulnerable to identity theft.
Using NFC tags also allows people who have received your contact list, bank account, or Cash App account information to access your information without you knowing they have it.
If your information is compromised due to NFC tagging, contact the financial institution where your account is held and ask them what security measures they have. - Liability: NFC tags can be used to transfer different types of media files, such as pictures and documents. If you made a mistake while transferring these files and someone else obtains them, you could be liable for their use.
If this happens to you, contact an attorney that specializes in technology law. They should help you determine if you are at fault for the misuse of information gained by the other person through NFC tagging. - Malfunction: If the NFC tag is damaged during use, there is a chance that your iPhone or tablet could be damaged too.
If you decide to use NFC technology after learning about these dangers and concerns, make sure that your iPhone has the latest software updates so that you can benefit from security enhancements.
Your device may also have an option to disable the NFC function of your device, so this technology cannot be used against you. However, it should be noted that doing this will most likely prevent you from using apps like Apple Pay and Android Pay on your phone and other device features.
Some crimes have been committed by people who think they’re getting away with it because they’re using a victim’s iPhone. If you’re using a Cash App that supports the NFC chip, be aware that errors are possible when the chip is enabled.
As an alert, check your phone to see if there are any alerts or notifications from financial services companies requiring your phone’s use for verification.
A Cash App that has the NFC chip-enabled can be flagged as a fraudulent Cash App.
Wrapping Up
However, while NFC tags are great for sharing information quickly among devices, they don’t come without their downsides. In fact, we’ve learned that if you have an iPhone and your Cash App contains an NFC tag, it is recommended that you turn off this feature.
You have also read about the NFC chip and how it should be turned off when it is no longer needed. Before turning off the NFC tag from your iPhone’s Cash App, you have also learned some things to consider.
Reference
- https://www.infoabsolute.com/nfc-tag-detected-on-cash-app/
- https://www.lifewire.com/turn-off-nfc-to-secure-your-android-smartphone-2532822
- https://droidrant.com/how-to-turn-off-cash-app-nfc-tag-on-iphone/