Skip to main content

How to activate a physical accessory

Activate accessories for yourself or members of your team in just a few quick steps.

Updated this week

Overview

Required Subscriptions: You can activate a Popl accessory on all free and paid plans, including Pro, Pro+, and Teams.

Popl accessories—like cards, PhoneCards, and MagSafe Popls—can be linked to individual users, enabling instant lead capture and contact sharing. This guide will walk you through activating an accessory via the Popl mobile app.


Step 1: Download the Popl App

Make sure you have the Popl app installed on your device:

Tip: For the best results, ensure your app is updated to the latest version!

Step 2: Activate your Popl Device

You can tap your Popl Device or scan its QR code with your phone to activate it. You can activate your own Popl device or a member of your Popl Team.

Here is a step-by-step on how to use both methods to activate any Popl Device.

Tap to Activate

  1. Open the Popl app

  2. Navigate to the Settings tab

  3. Tap “Activate a Popl Device” at the top of the screen

For iPhones: If you are activating a device for yourself, place your Popl device on the top back of your phone.

For Androids: Go to your system settings, turn NFC on, and place your Popl device on the back middle of your phone.

ScreenRecording_09-04-2025 14-54-05_1.mov [video-to-gif output image]

Note: Learn more about how to customize your push notification with Popl's Branded Experience here (this feature is available to Pro+ members only)


Activate a Teammate's Popl Device - Popl Teams

When prompted, choose whether to activate the accessory for you or a teammate.

Tap the Popl device to the back of your phone, just like you did to activate your personal accessory.

ScreenRecording_09-04-2025 14-55-38_1.mov [video-to-gif output image]


Activate by Scanning the Popl Device QR Code

  1. Identify the QR code on the Popl Device

  2. Use your phone to scan the QR code on the physical device

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation

QR Code Activation Tutorial

Watch this short video guide for a step-by-step walkthrough:

Note: All Popl Devices, like the Popl Card & PhoneCard, also support tap activation. Just tap the accessory to the back of your phone if prompted.


Common Questions + Tips

My phone isn’t scanning the QR code—what should I do?

  • Ensure the QR code is not scratched or faded

  • Make sure your camera lens is clean and well-lit

  • You can also try scanning using a QR scanner app if the Popl app camera isn't working properly

Does Popl work on all phones?

Popl accessories work with most modern smartphones, but here’s a quick breakdown:

  • iPhones: Fully compatible with iPhone 7 and newer

  • Android: Most newer Androids work well, especially Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus models

  • Older phones may not support NFC tapping, but can still activate via QR scanning

Can I reassign an accessory?

Yes! You can deactivate and reassign an accessory from within the app. Just go to the accessory settings and select “Deactivate”


💡 Tip

Need more help? Get support from our team

Chat with us or email us at [email protected]

Did this answer your question?