When NFC stops working on your RealMe 16, contactless payments, card emulation, and quick device pairing can suddenly fail. This usually happens without warning, which makes it frustrating when you rely on NFC daily. The good news is that most NFC issues are caused by settings, positioning, or temporary software hiccups, and they are easy to fix once you know where to look.
Why NFC Is Not Working on Your RealMe 16
- NFC is turned off in system settings.
- The phone is not positioned correctly during contactless use.
- A thick case or metal accessory is blocking the NFC antenna.
- System glitches after a software update.
- Cached data from apps using NFC is causing conflicts.
1. Make Sure NFC Is Turned On
NFC must be enabled manually, and it can turn off after updates or power-saving changes. If the feature is disabled, your phone cannot communicate with payment terminals or other devices.
Open Settings, and then tap Connection and sharing.
Tap NFC, and then toggle it on.
2. Check the Correct NFC Position
NFC only works when the antenna area is aligned properly with the reader. On most phones, including the RealMe 16, the antenna is near the back upper area of the device.
Hold the back of your phone flat against the NFC terminal.
Adjust the position slightly, and then wait for the confirmation sound or vibration.
3. Remove Your Phone Case Temporarily
Some cases interfere with NFC signals, especially thick or metal-backed ones. This can prevent your phone from establishing a stable NFC connection.
Remove the phone case, and then unlock your device.
Try using NFC again, and then check if it works without the case.
4. Restart Your Phone
Restarting clears temporary system glitches that can affect NFC services. This is often enough to restore normal functionality.
Swipe down to open Quick Settings, and then tap the Power icon.
Tap Restart, and then wait for the phone to boot up fully.
5. Clear Cache of NFC Related Apps
Apps like payment or transit apps store temporary data that can become corrupted. Clearing the cache refreshes their connection with the NFC system.
Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
Tap the app that uses NFC, and then select Storage and clear the cache.
6. Update Your Phone Software
Software bugs can break NFC after an update or during system instability. Installing the latest update ensures bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
Check for updates, and then install any available version.
NFC issues on the RealMe 16 are rarely permanent. Once NFC is enabled, the phone is positioned correctly, and software issues are cleared, contactless features usually start working again right away.
FAQs
Why does NFC work sometimes but fail at payment terminals?
This usually happens due to incorrect phone positioning or interference from thick cases. Holding the phone steady and closer to the terminal often fixes it.
Can battery saving features disable NFC?
Yes. Some power-saving modes limit background services, which can affect NFC. Turning off aggressive battery optimization helps maintain stable NFC performance.
Does NFC require mobile data or Wi-Fi to work?
No. NFC works independently of mobile data and Wi-Fi, although some payment apps may need an internet connection to complete verification.
