The NFC-based clock in/out capability makes time tracking faster, more accurate, and easier for teams that start their shifts at a physical location. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to interact when held close together, similar to how contactless payments work. This enables employees to clock in with a simple tap, confirming on-site presence, reducing routine friction, and minimizing errors or misuse. It’s a straightforward, reliable way to ensure accurate time tracking for both employees and managers. Let's dive in!
Follow this link to purchase the NFC Tag via Amazon!
*If you already have your own NFC tag, make sure to check out this article for instructions on how to configure it!
How to Add a New NFC in Connecteam
Once you receive an NFC tag from Connecteam, follow these steps in order to implement it in the platform. Please note that only account owners can add a new NFC. To add a new NFC to your Time Clock:
Access the Time Clock feature from the left sidebar and enter the relevant Time Clock.
Head over to the NFC tab.
Click on the Add NFC button.
In the modal that opens, select Add NFC.
Insert the NFC ID which can be found on the back of the NFC tag you received from Connecteam. Please note, that the ID you type in needs to be identical to the one on your NFC tag, and is case sensitive.
Add a display name and location which will be associated with your NFC and click Save.
That’s it. Employees assigned to this Time Clock can now clock in using NFC:
Open the Connecteam app.
Tap the NFC button at the top right.
Hold the tag to the reader.
On iPhone, hold the top of the device near the tag.
On Android, hold the back of the device near the tag.
Tip (Android):💡: NFC must be enabled on the device to clock in. Open Android Settings, go to Connected devices, then Connection preferences, and make sure NFC is turned on.
How to Assign Resources (Jobs) to the NFC
If your company uses resources (such as jobs, clients, or projects) to track time, you can assign them to a specific NFC tag directly from the NFC tab:
Access the Time Clock feature from the left sidebar and enter the relevant Time Clock.
Open the settings, and head over to the NFC tab.
Find the NFC tag you want to configure and open its settings.
Choose which jobs employees can clock into when using that tag:
Custom NFCs
Select from the selector which job list can be utilized for this NFCAny Job
Any Job, except...
Specific Job items only
NFCs by Job
Select by job which job is assigned to that NFC
Save. Employees who tap that tag will only be able to track time for the jobs you assigned to it.
This lets you assign different jobs to each NFC tag, even when they are in the same location.
Tip: Only account owners can create a regular (custom) tag. Job-linked tags let managers set up a tag tied to a single job without owner access.
Manage NFCs from General Settings
To manage all NFCs in one place, use the General Settings:
Go to General Settings.
Open NFC
View, edit, or manage all NFCs across the account.
What Users Will See When Clocking in
If you selected the option to allow users to clock in via NFC only, users will see a blue button allowing them to clock in, and will be asked to scan the NFC device:
If you selected the option to allow users to clock in both via NFC and via Mobile, users will be able to clock in by clicking on the blue Clock in button, or by clicking on the Scan NFC button, and scanning the NFC device.
How NFC Clock-in is Reflected on Users' Timesheets
By hovering over users' clock-in and out times in their timesheets, NFC clock-ins will be reflected by the NFC icon and display name, allowing admins to verify users clocked in via the NFC device.
By default, admin approval is required when employees clock out from a different device after an NFC clock-in. If you would like to disable admin approval, head over to the Time Clock settings, access the Time Tracking tab, scroll down and toggle off the option 'Clocking out from another device after NFC clock-in'.
When enabled, any clock-out performed from a device other than the NFC clock-in device (for example, mobile or desktop) will require admin approval.
How NFC Clock-in Works With Location and Geofence
When an NFC tag has a location saved on it (the location field you set when adding the tag), Connecteam uses that saved location to validate the punch against your Time Clock’s geofence, rather than the phone’s live GPS. This keeps NFC punches accurate even when a phone’s GPS reading is off.
Note: If the NFC tag has no location saved, the punch falls back to the phone’s GPS for any location or geofence rules on the Time Clock.
Tip 💡: Add a location to each NFC tag so on-site presence is verified against the tag, not the phone’s GPS.
Disclaimer
Attaching an NFC tag to a metallic surface like stainless steel can interfere with its readability and may even cause it to not work at all. This happens because metal absorbs or reflects the tag’s high-frequency electromagnetic signals, interfering with its antenna. If you received an NFC from Connecteam, it will already have a protective layer which prevents this, however if you have your own NFC tag, make sure to review the following suggestions.
To overcome this, there are a few effective solutions:
Use NFC tags with a metal-insulating layer (Anti-metal NFC tags): These tags are specially designed for metal surfaces and include a separating layer between the antenna and the surface.
Use an insulating sticker (Spacer): You can place a thin sticker (like thin foam or plastic) between the tag and the surface, so the tag isn't in direct contact with the stainless steel.
Attach the tag to a non-metallic surface: If possible, it's better to stick the tag onto a nearby plastic or non-metal part.
*Enabling NFC Clock in is available from the Basic plan on the Operations hub*
ℹ️ FAQ's
One of our users has an Android device and is unable to clock in via NFC. What could be the issue?
If a user is using an Android device and cannot clock in via NFC even though all app settings appear to be configured correctly, it may be because NFC is disabled on their device. Ask them to open Android Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences and ensure that NFC is turned on.
Troubleshooting
An important step in troubleshooting is to determine whether the issue is with the NFC chip or with the setup in the account.
In order to check if the issue is a faulty chip, download an NFC scanning app (like NFC Tools, NFC Smart Tool, or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader) and, while in read mode, try to scan the tags just to see if you phone isnt the source of the issue.
Need more guidance? 🙋 Our LIVE support team (at the bottom right corner of your screen) replies to ANY question.