How NFC Products Work
Play Your Recording With a Phone Tap
Soundwave Art™ necklaces and solid wood artwork include hidden NFC technology that connects the finished piece to your recording.
Unlock a compatible smartphone, hold it near the NFC tap point, and tap the link that appears to hear the audio. No app, batteries, charging, or visible QR code required.
Tap-to-Play Technology
What Is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is the same type of short-range technology used for tap-to-pay purchases and contactless access cards. In Soundwave Art™ products, it creates a connection between the physical keepsake and the recording behind it.
No App Required
Your phone recognizes the NFC chip and displays a link to the recording. There is no Soundwave Art app to download for NFC products.
Nothing to Charge
The NFC chip does not use a battery, so the necklace or wood artwork never needs to be plugged in or charged.
No Visible QR Code
The technology is concealed inside the product, allowing the Soundwave, natural wood, and personalized design to remain the focus.
Your Audio Stays Digital
The chip opens the recording connected to your keepsake. The audio itself is not stored directly on the NFC chip.
Three Simple Steps
How Tap-to-Play Works
The NFC location varies by product, but the playback process is the same.
Unlock the Phone
Unlock a compatible smartphone before attempting to scan the necklace or wood artwork.
Hold It to the Tap Point
Touch and hold your compatible phone to the product's NFC location. On most phones, the reader is near the top of the back of the device.
Tap the Link
A notification or link will appear. Tap it to open and play the recording connected to your Soundwave Art.
Playable Jewelry
Hidden Inside the Necklace
Each playable necklace has a hidden NFC chip beneath the black pearl inlay on the back of the pendant.
Unlock your phone and hold the black pearl inlay to the top back of the device. When the phone recognizes the chip, tap the link that appears to hear the recording.
- NFC chip concealed inside the pendant
- Black pearl inlay identifies the tap point
- No separate charm or playback accessory
- Available with Soundwave or message-only engraving
- Plays recordings up to five minutes
Playable Wood Art
Hidden Inside the Wood
Playable walnut, maple, and basswood artwork includes a concealed NFC chip connected to your recording.
Unlock your phone, then tap and hold the back of your phone (near the top) to the designated area on the back of the wood. Tap the link that appears to open and play the audio used to create the engraved Soundwave.
- Available in walnut, maple, and basswood
- Soundwave engraved directly into the wood
- NFC technology concealed inside the finished piece
- No visible QR code or external tag
- Plays recordings up to five minutes
Phone Compatibility
Will My Phone Work?
Soundwave Art™ NFC products work with most modern smartphones that include NFC tag-reading capabilities. No Soundwave Art app is required on compatible phones.
iPhone XS and Newer
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and newer models can normally recognize the NFC link automatically while the screen is on.
NFC-Enabled Models
Many current Android phones can scan NFC tags, but compatibility depends on the specific model. NFC may need to be enabled in the phone's settings.
Reader Location Varies
NFC antenna placement and scanning sensitivity vary by phone. You may need to move the phone slowly to find the strongest scanning position.
Compatibility by Device
Find Your Phone
Select your phone type below for compatibility details, scanning instructions, and troubleshooting help.
iPhone XS and newer models
The following iPhones can scan the NFC link automatically while the screen is on:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE, 2nd and 3rd generation
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series, including iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17 series, including iPhone 17e
- iPhone Air
- Newer compatible iPhone models
Wake the phone and place its very top edge against the NFC area on the product. For a necklace, scan the black pearl inlay on the back of the pendant. Hold the phone in place briefly, then tap the notification that appears.
iPhone 7, 8, and X
The following older iPhones contain NFC hardware but do not support automatic background NFC tag reading:
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
These models may require a separate NFC-reading app to initiate the scan. After opening the NFC reader, place the very top edge of the iPhone against the product's NFC area.
Android phones
Many Android phones can scan NFC tags, but not every Android device contains NFC hardware. Compatibility depends on the specific phone model rather than its Android version.
Compatible models commonly include:
- Samsung Galaxy S and Note series
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Many Samsung Galaxy A-series models
- Google Pixel phones
- Many current Motorola, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, and other Android phones
Some lower-cost phones and regional versions may not include NFC, even when another version of the similarly named model does.
To check your phone, open Settings and search for NFC. If an NFC setting appears, make sure it is turned on. If no NFC setting appears, the phone may not contain NFC hardware.
Google Pixel phones
Google Pixel phone generations include NFC tag-reading capabilities.
To make sure NFC is enabled:
- Open Settings.
- Select Connected devices.
- Select Connection preferences.
- Select NFC.
- Turn on Use NFC.
On most Pixel phones, begin scanning near the upper portion of the back of the phone. On Pixel Fold and other foldable models, the phone may need to be folded when using NFC.
How to scan with an iPhone
- Wake the phone and make sure the screen is on.
- Place the very top edge of the iPhone against the NFC scanning area.
- For necklaces, scan the black pearl inlay on the back of the pendant.
- For wood products, scan the indicated NFC area on the back.
- Hold the phone in place for one or two seconds.
- Tap the notification that appears to open the recording.
How to scan with an Android phone
- Make sure NFC is turned on.
- Wake and unlock the phone.
- Place the back of the phone against the product's NFC area.
- Begin near the center or upper portion of the phone.
- Move the phone slowly until its NFC antenna finds the tag.
- Hold it in place for one or two seconds.
- Tap the notification that appears to open the recording.
What should I try if the product does not scan?
- Make sure the screen is on and the phone is unlocked.
- Confirm that NFC is enabled on an Android phone.
- Remove thick, metal, magnetic, or wallet-style phone cases.
- Remove any payment cards stored inside the phone case.
- Hold the phone against the product for one or two seconds instead of tapping it quickly.
- Move the phone slowly across the scanning area to locate its NFC antenna.
- Close the camera, Wallet, or payment app if it is currently open.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off.
- Restart the phone if NFC has stopped responding.
- Try another compatible phone to determine whether the issue is with the product or the phone.
If you are still unable to scan your Soundwave Art product, please contact me directly. I'll help you locate the correct scanning position and make sure everything is working properly.
Are Windows phones supported?
Windows phones are not officially supported. Some older models contain NFC hardware, but compatibility with modern NFC web links and browsers can be unreliable.
Two Playback Experiences
NFC and the Soundwave Art™ App
Soundwave Art™ offers different playback experiences depending on the product you choose.
Playable Necklaces
The NFC chip is hidden inside the necklace beneath the black pearl back inlay. Tap it with a compatible phone to open the audio.
Explore necklacesSolid Wood Artwork
The NFC chip is concealed inside the wood. Tap the designated area with a compatible phone to open the audio.
Explore wood artApp-Powered Artwork
Selected prints, canvas, and photo artwork can use the Soundwave Art™ mobile app. The phone's camera recognizes the artwork and displays its connected audio or video.
Learn about app playbackYour Recording
Connected to the Audio That Matters
Use a voicemail, wedding vow, child's voice, pet sound, personal message, heartbeat, or another meaningful recording.
You can order before your recording is ready
Your recording can be up to five minutes long. If you have your recording ready now you may upload it while ordering. If you don't have your audio recording ready yet you can still place your order and send it to us later.
Common Questions
NFC Product Questions
Do I need the Soundwave Art app?
No. Playable necklaces and solid wood NFC products open the recording through a compatible phone without the Soundwave Art app.
Is the recording stored on the NFC chip?
No. The NFC chip contains the connection that opens your audio. The recording itself is hosted digitally rather than stored directly inside the chip.
How long can my recording be?
Recordings can be up to five minutes long. Shorter voice messages and meaningful clips often provide the simplest listening experience.
Does the NFC chip need a battery?
No. The chip receives the small amount of power it needs from the phone during the scan. It does not require a battery or charging.
Can the recipient play it with their phone?
Yes. The recipient can open the recording by tapping the product with a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone. They do not need your phone or your Soundwave Art account.
Do NFC products play video?
The current NFC necklaces and solid wood products are designed for audio playback. Selected app-powered artwork can include video.
Do I need my recording before ordering?
No. You may place your order first and send the recording afterward. Instructions are provided after your purchase.
Create Yours
Turn a Meaningful Recording Into Something You Can Play
Choose a wearable necklace or a solid wood display, then send the recording you want to see and hear again.