“How to read RFID tag with iPhone” is one of those questions that sounds simple, until you actually try it.
If you’ve already tested it, you probably noticed something right away:
your iPhone can read some RFID tags, but not most of them. And definitely not at long range.
That’s not a software issue. It’s physics.
What an iPhone Can and Cannot Do with RFID
Out of the box, iPhones support NFC, which is a form of HF RFID. It works at very short range. A few centimeters. Think access cards, transit tickets, or mobile payments.
But UHF RFID, used in logistics, manufacturing, asset tracking, healthcare, and warehousing, is a completely different story.
An iPhone alone cannot read UHF RFID tags. No app can change that.
This is where external hardware becomes essential.
The Practical Way to Read RFID Tag with iPhone
If your goal is to read UHF RFID tags using an iPhone, the only practical approach is:
Use a dedicated UHF RFID reader designed to work with iOS, connected via Bluetooth.
CYKEO offers exactly this solution.
The CYKEO-B5L iPhone RFID Reader is a portable UHF RFID read/write device built specifically for mobile IoT use. It pairs with an iPhone over Bluetooth and turns the phone into a serious RFID data terminal.
No cables. No hacks. It just works.
How the CYKEO-B5L Works with iPhone
In real use, the workflow is straightforward:
- Power on the CYKEO-B5L
- Connect it to your iPhone via Bluetooth
- Open the compatible iOS application
- Start scanning UHF RFID tags
That’s it.
The heavy lifting—the RF power, antenna design, protocol handling—is done by the reader, not the phone. The iPhone becomes the interface, display, and data processor.
This separation is intentional. It keeps performance stable and predictable.
Why UHF RFID Needs External Power
UHF RFID requires much higher RF output than a phone can generate. The CYKEO-B5L supports adjustable output power from 1 to 33 dBm, with read distances up to 8 meters and write distances up to 5 meters.
An iPhone simply isn’t built for that. And it shouldn’t be.
Instead of forcing the phone to do something it can’t, CYKEO designed a reader that complements it.
Real-World Performance, Not Lab Claims
In field conditions—warehouses, factories, hospitals—the CYKEO-B5L shows its value quickly.
- Reads up to 500 tags in under 3 seconds
- Circularly polarized internal antenna for better orientation tolerance
- Stable performance in metal-dense and complex RF environments
You notice it especially when scanning mixed pallets or shelves. Missed reads drop. Re-scans drop. Operator frustration drops too.
That’s not marketing language. That’s what happens on the floor.
Designed for Long Mobile Shifts
Another detail that matters more than people expect: battery life.
The CYKEO-B5L includes a 10000 mAh battery, enough for long shifts in logistics centers, factories, or hospitals. It can even act as a power bank for the iPhone when needed.
When you’re scanning all day, this matters. A lot.
Protocol and Frequency Support
The reader supports major UHF protocols including:
- ISO 18000-6C / 6B
- EPC C1G2
- GB/T 29768-2013
- GJB 7377 military standards
- Temperature and humidity tag protocols
It also covers global frequency bands from 865 to 928 MHz, making it suitable for China, the US, and Europe.
No region lock surprises. No late-stage deployment issues.
Who Actually Uses This Setup
CYKEO customers typically use iPhone + UHF RFID reader combinations for:
- Asset tracking
- Inventory audits
- Tool and equipment management
- Medical supply tracking
- Manufacturing WIP control
In these scenarios, mobility matters more than fixed readers. And accuracy matters more than theory.
Final Answer: How to Read RFID Tag with iPhone
If you’re only dealing with NFC at close range, the iPhone alone may be enough.
If you need to read UHF RFID tags, at distance, reliably, in real environments, you need external hardware.
That’s the honest answer.
The CYKEO-B5L exists for this exact reason—to make reading RFID tags with an iPhone practical, fast, and stable.
No tricks. No vague promises. Just a working tool.

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