Apple Pay - NFC not working iOS 18.3

After recently updating to iOS 18.3 on my iPhone 14 Plus, I can no longer get Apple Pay to work at stores and gas pumps. I always used Apple Pay at these locations and now when I place my phone near the reader, nothing works. Double clicking go open up Apple Pay only gives me the “hold near reader” message. It’s as if the iOS update has disable NFC on my phone with no way to re-activate it. Any got any ideas?

iPhone 14 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 5:09 PM

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Posted on Feb 5, 2025 5:48 AM

tell you what is been bugging me i factory reset my phone and still have this issue. so he isnt the only person reporting it


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Feb 4, 2025 4:25 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Lol, this isn’t the only thread where people have complained about issues with IOS 18 updates, including NFC module issues. I didn’t claim remote diagnostics lacks the capability to assess the NFC module? I’m claiming that a software limitation that disables the capability of hardware is not resolved from diagnostics alone; it is only diagnosed. It’s ultimately fixed by updates to the software so as to un-Bork my phone.


I’ll figure this out myself. Thanks pal!

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Feb 5, 2025 6:09 AM in response to Adamcook-redding

You’re correct it’s a very tiny minority of large number of users. The same solution applies. Do a DFU and everything will be updated again and by your theory will work. You can test the software theory by downloading one of the apps that test NFC. I use NFC Checker, but there are others.

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Feb 4, 2025 12:23 PM in response to Tlspencer96

You can try removing the case. Have you tried your iPhone at multiple transaction terminals?


Please contact Apple Support and have remote diagnostics done on your iPhone. Pay particular attention to the NFC module. If more convenient make an appointment at a nearby Apple Retail Store. If you’re in the US please call  1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support article below.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Feb 3, 2025 4:16 AM in response to buckeye7051

Please contact Apple Support and have remote diagnostics done on your iPhone. Pay particular attention to the NFC module. If more convenient make an appointment at a nearby Apple Retail Store. If you’re in the US please call  1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support article below.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Feb 5, 2025 7:43 AM in response to buckeye7051

after update one of my main card stop working, from plastic card I can pay only

same problem was not only on my iPhone 12 min, but my doughtier after update ipnone 11 to 18.3 can't pay with this card. My wife has iPhone 15 pro (with 18.1.1) - same card works ok

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Feb 16, 2025 4:41 PM in response to Jeff Donald

It isn't working at any merchants - and I have 3x different cards from 3x different providers - all of which aren't working. I can use apple pay online normally, but when I do the contactless payment in store it just says "hold near reader" and it doesn't work.


No error message, nothing.

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Feb 17, 2025 8:54 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I had to do a factory reset on my phone and pull the back up from iCloud so the iOS 18.3.1 will redownload, I am yet to try Apple Pay though, so will do that when I get to work. I’m not hopeful about it working though.


No hardware issues are coming up as a fault, so at the moment they are giving me things to rule out software issue. Which I think it is because it was fine up until 2 weeks ago, and funnily when the other forum posts about this started too.


So fingers crossed it works, if not then I’ll take it to the authorised servicer/repairer in my country and if it comes back the sensor is faulty, then maybe a warranty claim. In NZ these are 24 months.

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Apple Pay - NFC not working iOS 18.3

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