Device Requirements for Accepting Tap to Pay
Overview
Tap to Pay allows your organization to accept contactless payments using standard smartphones or tablets that support NFC (Near Field Communications)—without requiring external card readers or payment hardware.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is a short-range wireless technology that lets two electronic devices share data over a distance of 4 centimeters (about 1.5 inches) or less. It operates at 13.56 MHz and powers everyday tools like tap-to-pay, digital transit cards, and smart keyless entry.
To process transactions safely, devices must meet specific hardware, operating system, and security requirements set by Apple and Google.
iOS Requirements (iPhone)
Use Tap to Pay on iPhone to accept in-person contactless payments with a compatible iPhone.
Tap to Pay on iPhone includes support for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover contactless cards, NFC-based mobile wallets, and QR-based payment methods. PIN entry is supported. Additionally, eftpos is supported in Australia, and Interac is supported in Canada.
To use Tap to Pay on iPhone, Apple sets the following hardware and software standards:
Supported Hardware
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 series or newer (including Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models), iPhone Air, iPhone 16e or newer.
Unsupported Hardware
- iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or older models (these lack the specialized secure element hardware required by Apple).
Operating System
- iOS 18 or later (keeping devices updated to the latest iOS is strongly recommended).
Apple Account & Security
- Must be logged into an active Apple ID.
- Device Passcode and Face ID / Touch ID must be enabled.
- Location Services must be turned on (used by payment networks for fraud prevention).
App & Payment Setup
- Must download and use the 2Account iOS App.
- Processes using the Stripe account connected to your 2Account.
🤖 Android Requirements
Use Tap to Pay on Android to accept in-person contactless payments with compatible NFC-equipped Android devices.
Tap to Pay on Android includes support for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover contactless cards, NFC-based mobile wallets, and QR-based payment methods. PIN entry is supported. Additionally, eftpos is supported in Australia, Interac is supported in Canada.
Supported devices
Tap to Pay on Android works with a variety of Android devices, including mobile phones, kiosks, tablets, and handheld devices. You can only discover and connect to devices that meet all of the following criteria:
- Isn’t a certified (PCI PTS) payment device
- Has a functioning, integrated NFC sensor and ARM-based processor
- Isn’t rooted and device bootloader is locked and unchanged
- Has a security update installed from the past 12 months
- Uses Google Mobile Services and has the Google Play Store app installed
- Has a keystore with hardware support for ECDH (
FEATURE_HARDWARE_KEYSTOREversion must be 100 or later) - Has a stable connection to the internet
- Runs the unmodified manufacturer provided OS
- Has Developer options disabled
Operating System
- Android 13 or later with active Google Play Services.
Device Security
- A secure Screen Lock (PIN, Pattern, Password, or Biometrics) must be set up on the device.
- Location Services / GPS must be enabled.
App & Payment Setup
- Must download and use the 2Account Android App.
- Processes using the Stripe account connected to your 2Account.