Is the NFC feature on your Samsung Galaxy S20 greyed out in settings? Has the icon on the quick settings panel turned into a light blue color? If so, it is possible that the NFC module on your device is defective or the device’s software is preventing it from turning on due to glitches or a bug within the NFC app.
But don’t worry. In this guide, we address all of these causes and provide a permanent solution to make the NFC feature available again. Let’s get started!
Note: Solutions in this guide will work on any Samsung Galaxy S20 model (S20, S20 Plus, S20 Fe, and S20 Ultra models.)
Editor’s note: We created these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S20 running Android 12. Depending on your device’s software version, some steps and menu positions may look slightly different.
Jumps Into
Fix 01: Clear NFC App Data
The NFC app is what enables your device to read and write NFC tags, and if its data is corrupted, it won’t function properly. This could be why you’re unable to access the feature in your device’s settings.
To clear the NFC app data, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings on your Galaxy S20.
- Scroll down and tap on Apps.
- In the list of apps, find and tap on NFC Service.
- Tap on Storage.
- Finally, tap on Clear Data and confirm your action.
Fix 02: Clear Google Play Services Cache
Google Play Services is an integrated part of Android devices, including your Galaxy S20. It manages many core aspects of your device, including updates, user authentication, location services, and more.
If there’s an issue with Google Play Services, it can disrupt the operation of other systems in your device, including the NFC feature. Clearing this cache can resolve this issue.
Here’s how you can clear the Google Play Services cache:
- Open the Settings app on your Galaxy S20.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps”.
- In the list of apps, find and tap on “Google Play Services”.
- Tap on Storage.
- Tap on Clear Cache.
- Now Restart your Galaxy S20.
Fix 03: Wipe Cache Partition in Recovery Menu
The cache partition is where the temporary data used by the system is stored. Sometimes, this data can become corrupted and cause various issues, including the greying out of the NFC function.
To resolve this, you need to wipe the cache partition in recovery menu. Here’s how you can do this on your Galaxy S20:
- Turn off your phone.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button.
- After the Android logo appears, you will see the recovery menu. Use the Volume Down button to navigate and highlight “Wipe cache partition”.
- Press the Power button.
- You will then see a confirmation message. Again, use the Volume Down button to highlight “Yes” and press the Power button to start the process.
- Once the process is complete, the “Reboot system now” option will be highlighted. Press the Power button to select it and restart your phone.
Fix 04: Do a Software Update
If NFC is still unavailable or greyed out, it could be due to system bugs or glitches that may have occurred after a recent software update.
A new software update will fix these issues as it comes with bug fixes and system improvements. Here are the steps to update your Samsung Galaxy S20 software:
- Open Settings.
- Tap on “Battery and device care”.
- Tap on “Software update”.
- Then, tap on “Download and install”.
Fix 05: Get the NFC Module Replaced From a Samsung Service Center
If none of the above solutions have worked to make the NFC feature available again, then there is a higher chance that the NFC module is defective.
The NFC module is the hardware component of your Galaxy S20 that enables Near Field Communication capabilities. If this module is damaged or malfunctioning, the NFC option will be greyed out or won’t work at all.
In this case, you need to take your Galaxy S20 to a Samsung repair center. The professionals at these centers are equipped to handle hardware issues and can replace if the NFC module in your device is defective. You can find the nearest Samsung repair center by visiting the following link: Samsung Service Center Locations.