Can’t scan e-boarding passes due to NFC auto switching to Apple Pay

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can’t scan e-boarding passes due to NFC auto switching to Apple Pay

iPhone 16 pro Max, since the last 2 updates (currently 26.6 iOS update) Can’t scan boarding pass due to the NFC thinking it needs Apple Pay, so the screen changes immediately to my credit card. When I disable Apple Pay then the NFC brings up any card in my wallet. This results in not being able to print my luggage tags, not able to use a checkin kiosk. This is a MAJOR problem at small airports where the Airlines don’t have any staff to assist, can’t get past the auto security at Heathrow, can’t get on the plane!!!!

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Aug 20, 2026 6:04 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 20, 2026 6:10 AM in response to Yogamuch

That’s interesting because mine is working flawlessly, which of course doesn’t help you. So, let’s dig a little a figure out what’s going on.

iOS 26.6.1, released just 3 days ago. Please update, if you’ve not already done so, before proceeding with troubleshooting. The update could be a simple fix.

How are you adding the boarding pass to your Apple Wallet app?

Reply

Answer 2

Yogamuch Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 20, 2026 6:37 AM in response to Yogamuch

This may help find the issue. Just boarded the plane and scanner required the phone to be upright. The scanner to check-in required the phone screen to face down. It’s the tipping of the phone that continually triggered Apple Pay/Wallet. That’s my deduction.

Reply

Answer 3

Yogamuch Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 20, 2026 6:25 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I’ve been without WiFi for a few days so I haven’t updated. Will be in reliable internet tonight and will update. This issue was a huge problem in this time airport that has all check-in self serve.

Norwegian Airlines app doesn’t add the boarding pass to the wallet. So I was trying to scan the pass from the app. When that didn’t work I took a screenshot and tried scanning that; when that didn’t work I turned off Apple Pay and deleted my cc’s, then it brought up my smoothie card In my wallet, and so on. The NFC went to the wallet regardless.

Reply

Answer 4

Aug 20, 2026 8:09 AM in response to Yogamuch

No, it’s not tipping the iPhone. In order for NFC to work the antenna must be within a few centimeters of receiver. By tipping your device, the NFC antenna becomes close enough to communicate.

The issue, is the airline, not Apple Pay or the Wallet. The solution is not the various hacks you’re trying. The solution is the airline supporting adding boarding passes via their mobile app or secure website. Your iPhone and Wallet app are working exactly as designed, from your description.

The solution to avoid Apple Pay being activated is to use a printed paper boarding pass. You’re welcome to voice your frustration directly to Apple. Apple and Apple Support do not participate in the communities here. They only moderate our posts to insure all user guidelines are followed in regard to content and user behavior. Your comments will not be reviewed by Apple. Apple may make changes based partially on the feedback they receive through their official channel, linked below .

Product Feedback - Apple

Apple typically does not formally reply to feature requests such as yours. Good luck!

Reply

Answer 5

Yogamuch Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 20, 2026 11:37 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I will definitely voice frustration to Apple because that’s BS. If someone is traveling in an area where you can’t print anything, u get to the airport and it’s one of those airlines with self check-in and if their scanner scans from the bottom so u have to turn over your phone, you can’t get a luggage tag, u can’t check-in!

I’ve used an iPhone for many years and just in the past 6 mos, this has been an issue. It’s the same for metro stations where u have to face your phone downward on the scanner. This is BS!

thank you for your help on troubleshooting and I’m going to Apple. I’ll switch to Samsung because this is a game over issue for me.

Reply

Answer 6

Aug 20, 2026 11:49 AM in response to Yogamuch

This is only the second airline I’ve heard of that doesn’t support this feature so I thought it prudent to check. Lo and behold, Norwegian Airlines does support Apple Wallet. Have you tried adding your boarding pass to your iPhone?

Reply