Near Field Communication (NFC) allows your Galaxy S25 FE to make contactless payments, share files, or pair with accessories quickly. When it stops working, you might have trouble using Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or scanning NFC tags.
If your phone’s NFC isn’t responding, don’t worry. There are several easy solutions that can help restore its function.
Why Your Galaxy S25 FE NFC Might Not Be Working
- NFC is turned off in the settings.
- Software glitches or outdated system version.
- Magnetic cases or metal attachments interfering with the NFC sensor.
- Cache or background process errors.
- Faulty SIM or hardware issue affecting the antenna.
Make Sure NFC Is Enabled.
If NFC is turned off, your phone cannot detect tags or process contactless transactions. Enabling it is the first step to restoring functionality.
- Open Settings, and then tap Connections.
- Tap NFC and contactless payments, and then toggle the switch to turn NFC on.
You can also swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Quick Settings and tap the NFC icon to enable it.
Reboot Your Phone.
Restarting can clear temporary system glitches that prevent NFC from working properly. It resets active processes and gives the feature a fresh start.
- Press and hold the Side and Volume Down keys at the same time.
- Tap Restart, and then confirm to reboot your phone.
After restarting, try scanning an NFC tag or using a contactless payment app again.
Check for Software Updates.
An outdated One UI version may cause NFC malfunctions due to compatibility issues or bugs. Updating ensures smoother performance.
- Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install, and follow the on-screen prompts if an update is available.
Once the update completes, restart your device to finalize the installation.
Remove Magnetic or Metal Accessories.
Some phone cases, magnetic mounts, or pop sockets can block the NFC antenna on the back of your Galaxy S25 FE. Removing these items can restore connection accuracy.
- Take off your phone case or cover, and remove any attached magnetic accessories.
- Try scanning an NFC tag or making a contactless payment again.
If it works, consider using a non-metallic case that doesn’t interfere with the NFC signal.
Reset Network Settings.
If the issue persists, a network settings reset can fix problems affecting wireless features, including NFC and Bluetooth.
- Open Settings, and then tap General management.
- Tap Reset, and then tap Reset network settings.
Confirm your action, and your phone will restart automatically. Once it’s back on, re-enable NFC and test it again.
Test in Safe Mode.
A third-party app might be blocking NFC functionality. Safe Mode helps confirm this by disabling all non-system apps temporarily.
- Press and hold the Side key until the Power menu appears, and then tap and hold Power off until Safe mode appears.
- Tap Safe mode, and wait for your device to restart.
Once in Safe Mode, test NFC. If it works, an app is likely causing the issue. Restart your phone normally, then uninstall recently installed apps one by one until the issue is gone.
NFC problems on your Galaxy S25 FE are usually easy to fix once you know what’s causing them. Most issues come from simple settings, interference, or temporary software errors.
FAQs
Where is the NFC antenna located on the Galaxy S25 FE?
It’s located on the upper back portion of the device, near the camera module. Avoid covering this area with metal or magnetic objects.
Can I use NFC with my phone case on?
Yes, as long as the case isn’t made of metal or doesn’t have magnetic components that interfere with the NFC signal.
Why won’t Samsung Pay detect terminals even with NFC on?
This can happen if the terminal is incompatible, dirty, or damaged. Try again at another terminal to confirm if the issue is with your phone or the payment device.
