NFC tags are tiny, passive chips (meaning they don’t need power) that can be handy tools in magic routines. Many modern magic apps now support them, typically using them to launch a specific webpage when tapped against a spectator’s phone, offering a
streamlined alternative to traditional pairing methods.
Because they only work at close range, NFC tags can be hidden on the magician or in objects used by the magician that naturally comes into contact with the spectator’s phone.
This allows for a seamless, justified reason for contact during a moment in the routine, like when guiding the spectator’s phone to demonstrate something.
The location for the NFC reader on a standard iPhone and Android is as per the below diagram.
Personally, I tend to avoid using spectators with an Android phone as there are many different models of phones by different manufacturers, meaning the exact location of the NFC Reader can be unreliable.
iPhones are easy to spot and provide a more reliable detection area for the NFC.
Since NFC tags only work at close range, they tend to perform best on phones that aren’t in cases. So, when choosing a spectator’s phone during your routine, it’s a good idea to go for one without a case if possible as you’ll get more reliable results that way.
iPhones from 2018 onward support background NFC tag reading, so make sure the borrowed iPhone is at least an iPhone XS or newer. As a quick tip, the latest models have flat edges and no home button, which can help you identify them at a glance.
Keep in mind that iOS introduces a short delay between reads, so if you’re practicing, wait at least 10 seconds after scanning a tag before trying again to avoid the cooldown limitation.
Finally, always make sure the borrowed phone is set to silent. This avoids the NFC chime or any other distracting notifications during your effect. On iPhones, just flick the switch on the left side of the device toward the back to mute it.
It should also be noted that on iOS using an NFC tag will leave an entry in the notification history of the device. However, I have never been questioned or had a spectator bring this up.
NFC Sharpie & NFC Sharpie Mini
Based on the original NFC Sharpie by Marc Kerstein and with kind permission, the NFC Sharpie allows the use of NFC tags in performance with zero setup, without needing the magician to finger palm or hide anything.
It contains a high quality NFC tag built into the body of the pen itself that also allows for natural contact between the hidden NFC tags and the spectator’s phone during
performance without any risk of detection.
Its location is directly beneath the Sharpie logo that also has the “AP” logo to the right of the “FINE POINT” text. When scanning, simply align this logo with the phone’s NFC reader.
NFC WikiTest Sharpie
The WikiTest Sharpie also includes the full crib for the Mother of all Book Tests on one side and a regular Sharpie logo on the other, so when holding the pen naturally you are able to see the crib which is hidden to your spectators.
The NFC tag is located behind the Sharpie logo on the MOABT crib side.
For all NFC Sharpies
When presenting the pen to the spectator’s phone, ensure you align the tag (behind the Sharpie logos) with the NFC reader on the phone.
The NFC Card
The NFC Card contains an NFC chip within the PVC card itself, with the antenna extending the perimeter of the card.
When held up to the light you can clearly see the antenna, so when bringing the phone to the card you can see you have a generous scanning area.
Due to the generous scanning area, the card can be held close to the phone without even touching to trigger the NFC detection.
NFC Finger Tag
The NFC Finger Tag is designed to attach to your finger. You should have received a number of plasters (band-aids) that will allow you to stick the finger tag to your finger securely.
As the finger tag is small, you will need to test the best position on your finger in relation to the scanning area of a phone.