This is general guidance. Steps vary by phone model and OS version, and not every phone supports NFC. Devices we've actually tested are listed under Devices we've tested.
Reading your piece
Your piece holds a small NFC chip with no battery. When an NFC-capable phone comes close, it reads the link on the chip and opens it, or shows a notification to tap. Most recent NFC-capable phones don't need an app for this.
Android
- Check that your phone supports NFC and that it's on. It's usually in Settings under "Connections" or "Connected devices"; the name and location vary by manufacturer.
- Unlock the screen. Most phones don't read while locked.
- Hold the piece against the back of the phone. The NFC reader's position varies, often in the middle or near the camera. Move it slowly if nothing happens.
- A notification appears or the link opens straight away. Some phones ask which app to open it with first.
iPhone
- iPhone XS, XR and newer: reads NFC without an app while the screen is on. Hold the top edge of the iPhone near the piece.
- A notification appears at the top. Tap it to open the link.
- iPhone 7, 8 and X: needs iOS 14 or later. Add "NFC Tag Reader" to Control Center in Settings, and open it before holding the piece near.
- Background reading doesn't work while the camera or Apple Pay is in use, in Airplane Mode, or before the phone has been unlocked after a restart.
Devices we've tested
Only fully recorded tests appear here: device, OS, chip type, what's on it, result and date. If your phone isn't listed, that doesn't mean it won't work, only that we haven't tested it yet.
We're still documenting our tests. Results will appear here.
Didn't open?
- NFC is off: turn it on in Settings (Android). iPhone XS and newer have no switch; it's always on.
- Screen is locked: unlock and try again.
- Position: move the piece slowly across the back (Android) or near the top edge (iPhone), and hold it for a second or two.
- Case: thick cases, or ones with metal or magnets, can block reading. Try without it.
- Other cards: bank or transport cards next to the piece can interfere. Move them away.
- The link opened but the app didn't: check the app (such as Instagram or WhatsApp) is installed, or let it open in the browser.
Use the QR code instead of NFC
If your piece came with a printed QR code, open your phone's camera, point it at the code and tap the link that appears. This works even on phones without NFC.
Important: the printed QR code is fixed. If someone rewrites the NFC chip, the QR code does not change and keeps opening the link it was printed with.
Reading, editing a page, rewriting: what's the difference?
Reading the piece
Anyone who taps it with an NFC-capable phone gets the link, or a notification to tap. Reading needs no account and gives no access to edit an Orbitra page.
Available
Editing an Orbitra page
The page owner edits and reorders their links on the website. The piece's link and QR code don't change, because they open the same page. Editing needs the page owner's account; reading the piece doesn't give that access.
Not available yet · preview exists
Rewriting the chip
Changing the link stored on the NFC chip itself, using a writing app. This changes the NFC only, and the printed QR code stays the same.
Instructions are provisional
Orbitra page Preview
The page service isn't available to buy yet. The preview has no real accounts and no server saving: changes are stored in your browser only.
- Open the page dashboard (preview).
- Edit your name and page language, and add, edit or reorder links.
- Every change shows on the public page, and the link on your piece stays the same.
- People who read your piece only see the public page and can't edit it.
The real service will have an account for each page owner and server saving. Those details are still being decided.
Rewriting the chip Provisional
Pieces arrive programmed and tested, so you don't need to write anything to get started.
Whether chips will be write-protected hasn't been decided yet. Rewriting instructions will be published once the chip type and write-protection policy are confirmed. Until then, please don't try to rewrite your piece, as it could lock the chip or break the link.
When the instructions are ready, there will be separate steps for Android and iPhone. Remember: rewriting changes the NFC only; the printed QR code doesn't change.
Delivery & payment
- Delivery areas and fees: still being confirmed; they'll be announced before ordering opens.
- Preparation and delivery time: still being confirmed.
- Payment methods in the store: still being confirmed. Prices and fees in the cart right now are test values.
- Returns and exchanges: the policy will be announced before ordering opens.
Store payment methods and the transfer link on a piece are different things. The piece isn't a bank card and doesn't move money by itself: the person reading it types the amount and confirms it in their own payment app.
FAQ
Do I need an app to read the piece?
On most recent NFC-capable phones, no: the link opens, or a notification appears to tap. iPhone 7, 8 and X need "NFC Tag Reader" from Control Center. If your phone has no NFC, use the QR code if there is one.
Does every phone read the piece?
No. The phone must support NFC and have it turned on. Devices we've actually tested are listed under Devices we've tested.
Does the piece need charging or a battery?
No. The NFC chip is powered by the phone while it's being read.
Does the piece transfer money?
No. If it holds a transfer link, the reader opens their payment app, types the amount and confirms it themselves.
Which payment apps and wallets work?
We're documenting tests first. We won't list any service until we've tested it and recorded the device and version.
Can I change the link later?
With an Orbitra page (once available) you'll edit your links on the website while the piece's link stays the same. For single-link pieces, rewriting instructions are still provisional.
Can someone who reads my piece edit my page or the chip?
Reading the piece only opens the public page and gives no access to edit an Orbitra page. Editing will only be possible from the page owner's account. As for the chip itself, whether it will be write-protected hasn't been decided; if it isn't, anyone with an NFC writing app could change what's on it, and the printed QR code would stay the same.
If I rewrite the NFC, does the QR change?
No. The QR code is printed and fixed, and keeps opening the link it was printed with.
Can I order a custom name or shape?
Individual orders are from our ready-made designs only. Quantity or custom requests are assessed case by case.
Can the piece connect people to Wi-Fi?
We're not promising that yet. We're still testing and will announce it once confirmed.
When will my order arrive?
Preparation and delivery times are still being confirmed, and ordering isn't open yet.
