Your ArcadePay NFC kit only works if the chip can talk to a phone. Stick that tag on metal — even over an existing decal — and tap-to-pay goes silent. The QR code may still scan. The tap zone will not.
Glass is the right surface. Metal is not. If the only spot you have is metal, stop and email support before you peel the backing.
What You Are Installing
The kit in the box is a matched set of three pieces:
- NFC tag — the small white chip sticker that actually opens the payment page
- Outside graphic sticker — the “Tap to Pay / Scan to Pay” face guests see
- Inside reverse sticker — for glass doors, applied from the inside so the graphic faces out
Before anything goes on the cabinet, confirm the number on the NFC tag matches the number on the graphic sticker and on your ArcadePay Controller. Mix kits between machines and guests tap into the wrong checkout.
Why Metal Kills the Tap
NFC is a short-range radio signal. A metal cabinet, metal trim, or a steel coin door reflects that signal so the phone never reads the tag. A vinyl decal, graphic, or old QR sticker sitting on that metal does not fix it. The chip is still sitting on metal.
Glass does not block NFC. That is why the default install is through the glass, not on the cabinet skin.
Use Glass Whenever You Can
Look at the graphic. The top section labeled TAP YOUR PHONE HERE is the tap zone. The NFC tag has to sit directly behind that area. The QR section at the bottom does not need a chip behind it.
For most machines, including claw machines with a glass door:
- Apply the inside reverse sticker to the interior of the glass so the graphic faces the guest
- Apply the NFC tag from the outside, centered over the tap zone
- Press firmly so both pieces stay put
Pick a flat, visible spot near the player controls. Avoid curves, coin doors that get slammed, and anything a prize or merchandiser will cover.
If There Is No Glass
Some cabinets have no glass door. You can still install tap-to-pay on a non-metal surface such as plastic, acrylic, or fiberglass:
- Apply the NFC tag first, where the tap zone will sit
- Apply the graphic sticker on top, lining TAP YOUR PHONE HERE over the tag
- Press from the center outward to clear bubbles
Do not put the NFC tag on metal. Do not put it on a decal that is already on metal. If the only reachable spot is a metal panel, do not apply the tag. Email ops@arcadepay.app with the machine name and a photo of the face of the cabinet. We will tell you how to proceed before you burn a matched set.
Test Before You Leave the Site
Hold your phone to the tap zone. The ArcadePay payment page should open in the browser with no app and no QR scan. Then scan the QR as a backup. Both should show the same machine and pricing.
If tap does nothing but the QR still works, the tag is likely on metal, misaligned with the tap zone, or from a different kit. Do not add a third-party NFC sticker. Only the official ArcadePay tag is programmed for that controller.
Already Have ArcadePay Controllers?
This is a sticker upgrade for operators who already have ArcadePay Controllers — not new ACPAYX hardware.
We hope to have all updated stickers in for existing units by October 1. Email notifications will go out to all existing users when they are available.
The Takeaway
Glass, yes. Metal, no — even under a pretty decal. Match the kit numbers, put the chip behind TAP YOUR PHONE HERE, and tap-test before you walk away.
If the install has to go on metal, email ops@arcadepay.app first. Include the machine name and a photo of where you planned to stick it.
Ready to try ArcadePay?
Promo Code ACPAYX — https://arcadepay.app/TryFREE