Why am I being asked to do this?
As part of an ID check, you may be asked to carry out an NFC (Near Field Communication) scan to verify the authenticity of your identity document. Many passports and ID cards contain a secure chip that stores encrypted information, such as your photo and personal details. Scanning this chip helps confirm that the document is genuine, has been issued by the government and hasn’t been tampered with, adding an extra layer of security to the verification process.
How will I know my phone has an NFC reader?
If you have ever used your phone for contactless payment then your phone has an NFC reader. If you have not, please search the internet to confirm your device has NFC enabled or check your device’s user manual.
Where is the NFC reader in my phone?
iPhone: The NFC reader is at the top of the back of your phone.
Android: The NFC reader is either at the top or in the middle of the back of your phone.
Other device: Search the internet to confirm the location of the NFC reader in your specific device model or look up your device's user manual.
How will I know my passport has an NFC chip?
Located on the front of your passport will be an NFC icon. This is typically found at the bottom of the front cover and looks like this:
How do I scan my NFC chip?
Keep your passport closed so that you can see the front cover of your passport with the NFC icon. Hold the top of your phone against the front cover of your passport. Your phone should be touching your passport like this:
Slowly move your phone down the front cover of your passport until scanning starts. As soon as scanning starts, hold your phone still until scanning is complete. Please note, there is no need to move the phone quickly, the slower the better.
Tips for success:
Remove your phone and passport from any wallets, cases, or added protective covers.
Lay your passport on a hard, flat surface.
Hold your mobile device flat against the top of the passport, with no gap between the two items.
If you're struggling to find the chip, scan the front cover, the back cover, the photo page, and any dedicated chip page inside your passport. Scan each cover or page from both sides. For example, if you scanned the front cover of your passport with the passport closed, try again by scanning the inside of the front cover with the passport open.
If you need further help, please do not completely close the Armalytix app, press the ‘X’ in the top right corner of the screen and then contact us. If you force close the app, your errors will not be logged properly making it more difficult for us to help you.