How to Set Up Tap to Pay on Your ArcadePay Controller
How to Set Up Tap to Pay on Your ArcadePay Controller
Your ArcadePay Controller ships with a Tap-to-Pay NFC kit. Once installed, customers can pay instantly by tapping their phone — no QR scan, no app needed.
Watch the full install video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGeOT0vM0Dw
Step 1 — What Is in Your Kit
Your package includes three items. Keep them together and do not mix them between machines:
- NFC tag — small white sticker (the functional chip)
- Outside graphic sticker — the full Tap to Pay / Scan to Pay sticker for the exterior
- Inside reverse sticker — for machines with a glass door (applied from the inside)
Step 2 — Confirm Your Numbers Match
Before applying anything, check that the number on your NFC tag matches the number on your graphic sticker and your controller. These are a matched set. If you have multiple machines, sort your kits first — mixing them up will cause payment issues.
Step 3 — Understand the Tap Zone
Look at your sticker. The top section — labeled TAP YOUR PHONE HERE — is the tap zone. The NFC chip must be positioned directly behind this area for tap-to-pay to work. The bottom Scan to Pay QR section does not need anything behind it.
Step 4 — Choose Your Spot
Find a flat, visible area near the player controls — somewhere customers can naturally reach to tap or scan. Avoid curved surfaces or areas that get bumped or blocked.
Stickers cannot go on metal, including metal with a decal or vinyl wrap over it; glass is fine.
Step 5 — Apply Your Stickers
Method A — Inside Reverse Installation
Use this for most machines, including any claw machine with a glass door.
- Apply the inside reverse sticker to the interior of the glass door or panel, so the graphic faces outward.
- Then apply the NFC tag from the outside, centered over the tap zone.
- Press firmly to adhere.
Method B — Outside Installation
Use this for machines without a glass door.
- Apply the NFC tag first, directly onto the machine surface where the tap zone will sit.
- Then apply the graphic sticker on top, aligning the TAP YOUR PHONE HERE section over the NFC tag.
- Press firmly from center outward to smooth out any air bubbles.
Step 6 — Final Check
- Everything should be straight, secure, readable, and unobstructed.
- The tap zone and QR code should both be clearly visible.
- Test it: tap your phone to the tap zone — the ArcadePay payment screen should appear automatically.
If tap does nothing but the QR still works, re-check that the NFC chip is centered under the tap zone and that the surface is not metal.
Once the NFC tag is in place, customers can tap to pay instantly without scanning a QR code.
Quick Tip — Install Your Free Replacement Stickers Right the First Time
The free replacement is a one-time offer, so place each sticker carefully. Sort kits by machine before you peel anything, skip metal (even metal under a decal or vinyl wrap), use the glass door with the inside reverse method on most claw machines, and tap your own phone on TAP YOUR PHONE HERE before you leave. If tap does nothing but the QR works, the chip is usually off-center or on metal.
Related Insights: Your New NFC Tap to Pay Stickers: Install Them Right the First Time
Existing Controllers Waiting on Updated Stickers
Already have ArcadePay Controllers and waiting on the updated stickers? Free replacement stickers are available to order now at arcadepay.app/products/nfc-tap-to-pay-stickers and ship later this week. No additional hardware is needed — it is a sticker upgrade.
Questions about your kit? Contact ArcadePay Support and include your machine name and the email address on your account.
Back to Customer Help | Contact ArcadePay Support | NFC sticker availability