Aplauso supports Tap to Pay on Android devices with NFC hardware, allowing you to accept contactless tip payments directly from your phone without an external card reader.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Android version | Android 8.0 (API level 26) or later |
| Hardware | NFC chip (check Settings → Connections → NFC) |
| NFC | Must be turned on |
| Stripe account | Connected and onboarded |
| Permissions | Location (when in use) - required by Stripe Terminal |
| Internet | Active connection required |
Not all Android phones have NFC. Budget and mid-range phones may omit it. Check your phone's spec sheet or Settings app.
Enabling NFC
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Navigate to Connections (or Network & Internet on some devices).
- Tap NFC and toggle it on.
- Optionally enable Android Beam - not required but harmless.
Granting Location Permission
Stripe Terminal requires location access to comply with card network regulations.
- Open Settings → Apps → Aplauso → Permissions.
- Tap Location and select Allow only while using the app.
The app will prompt you for this permission the first time you open the Device tab.
How to Accept a Tip via Tap to Pay
- Open the Reward tab (center button in the bottom nav).
- Tap the Device sub-tab.
- The app requests necessary Android permissions if not already granted.
- Reader discovery begins automatically.
- The guest flow is identical to iPhone:
- Select star rating (optional)
- Select tip amount or No Tip
- Guest is prompted: "Hold card near phone"
- Guest holds their contactless card or NFC-enabled device near the back of your phone (where the NFC antenna is, typically top-center on the back).
- Green checkmark = successful payment.
Tip for guests: NFC antennas on Android phones vary in position. If the first tap fails, ask the guest to move the card slightly up or down on the back of the device.
Lock Mode
Same as iPhone - tap the lock icon to present the screen to a guest. Double-tap within 0.5 seconds to unlock.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "NFC not available" | Your device does not have NFC hardware. Use the QR Code tab instead. |
| "NFC is off" | Enable NFC in Settings → Connections. |
| Location permission denied | Grant Location permission in Settings → Apps → Aplauso → Permissions. |
| Card not reading | Ensure NFC is enabled. Try different card positions on the back of the phone. |
| "Payment failed" for contactless card | Chip-and-PIN-only cards cannot tap. Guest should use QR code payment instead. |
| App doesn't start reader discovery | Restart the app; ensure internet is connected. |
Supported Payment Methods
- Contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover credit/debit cards
- Google Pay and other Android NFC wallets
- Apple Pay (from an iPhone tapping against your Android - works cross-platform via NFC)
Security
All payment data is handled by Stripe Terminal. Raw card numbers are never stored on your device or in Aplauso's database.