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How to Fix RFID Chip Not Scanning on a Passport :iPhone
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f you’re trying to scan the RFID chip on your passport using an iPhone and running into issues, you’re not alone. Many travelers—especially those with newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro or 14—have faced trouble getting their passport’s chip to read correctly in NFC-based apps.
This guide will help you understand the cause and show you step-by-step solutions to fix the passport RFID scanning issue on your iPhone.
Why Your Passport’s RFID Chip Might Not Scan on iPhone
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Before diving into the fixes, let’s quickly look at the possible reasons:
- Phone Case Interference: The RFID reader in your iPhone (NFC antenna) can be blocked by magnetic or metal phone cases.
- Incorrect Positioning: The RFID chip in your passport is embedded in the back cover. Placing your iPhone in the wrong spot won’t trigger the scan.
- Chip Version Differences: Newer passports (especially post-2021 US passports) may have updated RFID chips that are slightly harder to detect.
- App Limitations: Not all apps are equally good at reading RFID chips on passports.
- Hardware Sensitivity: iPhones have very small NFC scanning zones—especially newer models like iPhone 15 Pro—so exact placement matters.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix RFID Not Scanning on iPhone , iOS 18
1. Remove Your iPhone Case and Any Magnetic Accessories
To successfully scan an RFID chip in your passport, remove your iPhone from any case—especially if it’s a MagSafe, metal, or thick plastic case. These can block or distort the iPhone’s NFC signal, preventing a successful passport RFID scan.
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✅ Tip: Even camera lens protectors or metal rings can interfere. Strip your phone bare before trying to scan.
2. Use a Reliable App Built for Passport RFID Scanning
Not all apps are good at scanning RFID chips. Stick to trusted ones that are known to work well with iPhone and passport RFID:
- ReadID Me – Free and widely used for reading ePassports.
- Clear App – Used in many airport ID verifications.
- UK ETA App – For travelers to the UK; supports RFID scan verification.
These apps are regularly updated to support newer passport chip versions.
3. Find the RFID Chip Location in the Passport
The RFID chip in your passport is usually embedded in the center of the inside back cover. Here’s how to scan it correctly:
- Open the passport to the last page (inside the back cover).
- Lay it flat or hold it in your hand.
- Place the top back part of your iPhone (near the camera) directly over the center of that page.
- Hold it steady—don’t move.
✅ Tip: Look for design hints like a moon, Voyager, or chip icon printed on the passport. That’s usually where the RFID chip is located.
4. Hold Steady for 10–20 Seconds and Try Multiple Times
RFID scanning with an iPhone can be finicky. Even if you’ve found the chip, the iPhone may not connect immediately:
- Hold the phone in position for 10–20 seconds without moving.
- Try slightly adjusting the phone’s angle or pressure.
- Attempt the scan 3–5 times if needed. Many users report that it works after a few tries.
✅ Tip: Holding the passport in your hand (not on a hard surface) can sometimes improve the connection between the iPhone and the RFID chip.
5. Check Your Passport Version
Passports issued after 2021 may use updated RFID chip technology, which sometimes requires more precision to scan. Older passports are often easier to read.
If you’re struggling, ask a friend with an older iPhone (like iPhone 11 or 12) to try scanning your passport. Their devices may have a broader NFC range.
Does a Non-Scanning Passport RFID Chip Affect Travel?
In most cases, no. If the RFID chip in your passport doesn’t scan, airline staff or immigration officers can still manually read your passport’s details from the ID page. The RFID feature is there for convenience, not as a requirement in most countries.
Summary: Fixing Passport RFID Scanning Issues on iPhone
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| RFID not detected | Remove iPhone case and hold directly over back cover center |
| iPhone not responding | Try trusted apps like ReadID, Clear, or UK ETA |
| New passport RFID chip hard to scan | Be patient, reposition, and try several times |
| Weak signal | Remove magnetic accessories and try scanning with phone held in hand |
Conclusion for RFID issue with iPhone
If your iPhone won’t scan the RFID chip in your passport, it doesn’t mean the chip is damaged. It’s often a matter of precise placement, using the right app, and removing physical obstructions like your phone case. With a bit of patience and the right approach, you’ll likely succeed.
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