diff --git a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialBottomSheet.kt b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialBottomSheet.kt
index 1913c80..7a0b0c9 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialBottomSheet.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialBottomSheet.kt
@@ -50,18 +50,22 @@ class CredentialBottomSheet : BottomSheetDialogFragment() {
     private lateinit var iconStatus: ImageView
     private lateinit var iconBackground: View
     private lateinit var accountList: RecyclerView
+    private lateinit var nfcHintContainer: View
+    private lateinit var btnNfcSettings: MaterialButton
 
     private var pulseAnimator: ObjectAnimator? = null
 
     private var pendingStatus: String? = null
     private var pendingInstruction: String? = null
     private var pendingShowPinInput: Boolean = false
+    private var pendingShowNfcHint: Boolean = false
     private var pendingState: State = State.WAITING
 
     var onCancelClick: (() -> Unit)? = null
     var onPinEntered: ((String) -> Unit)? = null
     var onAccountSelected: ((Int) -> Unit)? = null
     var onBiometricSelected: (() -> Unit)? = null
+    var onNfcSettingsClick: (() -> Unit)? = null
 
     override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
@@ -93,6 +97,8 @@ class CredentialBottomSheet : BottomSheetDialogFragment() {
         iconStatus = view.findViewById(R.id.iconStatus)
         iconBackground = view.findViewById(R.id.iconBackground)
         accountList = view.findViewById(R.id.accountList)
+        nfcHintContainer = view.findViewById(R.id.nfcHintContainer)
+        btnNfcSettings = view.findViewById(R.id.btnNfcSettings)
 
         accountList.layoutManager = LinearLayoutManager(context)
 
@@ -103,6 +109,8 @@ class CredentialBottomSheet : BottomSheetDialogFragment() {
         pendingStatus?.let { statusText.text = it }
         pendingInstruction?.let { instructionText.text = it }
 
+        nfcHintContainer.visibility = if (pendingShowNfcHint) View.VISIBLE else View.GONE
+
         if (pendingShowPinInput) {
             pinInputField.visibility = View.VISIBLE
             btnContinue.visibility = View.VISIBLE
@@ -123,6 +131,10 @@ class CredentialBottomSheet : BottomSheetDialogFragment() {
             onBiometricSelected?.invoke()
         }
 
+        btnNfcSettings.setOnClickListener {
+            onNfcSettingsClick?.invoke()
+        }
+
         pinInputField.setOnDoneAction {
             submitPin()
         }
@@ -230,6 +242,15 @@ class CredentialBottomSheet : BottomSheetDialogFragment() {
         }
     }
 
+    /** Shows the "NFC is off" row with a shortcut to system NFC settings. */
+    fun showNfcHint(show: Boolean) {
+        if (::nfcHintContainer.isInitialized) {
+            nfcHintContainer.visibility = if (show) View.VISIBLE else View.GONE
+        } else {
+            pendingShowNfcHint = show
+        }
+    }
+
     fun showProgress(show: Boolean) {
         if (::progressBar.isInitialized) {
             progressBar.visibility = if (show) View.VISIBLE else View.GONE
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialProviderActivity.kt b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialProviderActivity.kt
index 89f1d7c..865625e 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialProviderActivity.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/CredentialProviderActivity.kt
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import android.nfc.Tag
 import android.nfc.tech.IsoDep
 import android.os.Build
 import android.os.Bundle
+import android.provider.Settings
 import android.util.Base64
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.annotation.RequiresApi
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
     private data class ClientData(val json: String?, val hash: ByteArray)
 
     private var nfcAdapter: NfcAdapter? = null
+    private var connectPromptVisible = false
     private lateinit var usbManager: UsbManager
 
     private var bottomSheet: CredentialBottomSheet? = null
@@ -116,7 +118,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
                 if (granted && device != null) {
                     connectToUsbDevice(device)
                 } else {
-                    setInstruction(getString(R.string.instruction_usb_permission_denied))
+                    setInstruction(usbPermissionDeniedInstruction())
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -145,6 +147,17 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         }
     }
 
+    // Fires when NFC is toggled anywhere, including the quick settings shade.
+    private val nfcStateReceiver = object : BroadcastReceiver() {
+        override fun onReceive(context: Context, intent: Intent) {
+            if (intent.action != NfcAdapter.ACTION_ADAPTER_STATE_CHANGED) return
+            when (intent.getIntExtra(NfcAdapter.EXTRA_ADAPTER_STATE, NfcAdapter.STATE_OFF)) {
+                NfcAdapter.STATE_ON, NfcAdapter.STATE_OFF ->
+                    if (connectPromptVisible) showConnectPrompt()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
 
@@ -171,7 +184,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
                 val publicKeyRequest = createRequest!!.callingRequest as? CreatePublicKeyCredentialRequest
                 requestJson = publicKeyRequest?.requestJson
                 providedClientDataHash = publicKeyRequest?.clientDataHash
-                showBottomSheet(getString(R.string.create_passkey), getString(R.string.instruction_connect_key))
+                showBottomSheet(getString(R.string.create_passkey))
             }
             getRequest != null -> {
                 isCreateRequest = false
@@ -180,7 +193,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
                 val publicKeyOption = options.firstOrNull { it is GetPublicKeyCredentialOption } as? GetPublicKeyCredentialOption
                 requestJson = publicKeyOption?.requestJson
                 providedClientDataHash = publicKeyOption?.clientDataHash
-                showBottomSheet(getString(R.string.sign_in), getString(R.string.instruction_connect_key))
+                showBottomSheet(getString(R.string.sign_in))
             }
             else -> {
                 Log.e(TAG, "No valid request found in intent")
@@ -199,14 +212,35 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         checkPinRequirement()
     }
 
-    private fun showBottomSheet(status: String, instruction: String) {
-        bottomSheet = CredentialBottomSheet.newInstance(status, instruction).apply {
+    private fun showBottomSheet(status: String) {
+        bottomSheet = CredentialBottomSheet.newInstance(status, connectKeyInstruction()).apply {
             onCancelClick = { cancelOperation() }
             onPinEntered = { pin -> handlePinEntered(pin) }
             onBiometricSelected = { handleBiometricSelected() }
+            onNfcSettingsClick = { openNfcSettings() }
         }
         bottomSheet?.show(supportFragmentManager, CredentialBottomSheet.TAG)
         bottomSheet?.setState(CredentialBottomSheet.State.WAITING)
+        connectPromptVisible = true
+        bottomSheet?.showNfcHint(shouldOfferNfcSettings())
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Asks the user to present a key, naming only the transports this device can
+     * currently use. Re-callable: the instruction depends on live NFC state.
+     */
+    private fun showConnectPrompt() {
+        connectPromptVisible = true
+        bottomSheet?.setInstruction(connectKeyInstruction())
+        bottomSheet?.showNfcHint(shouldOfferNfcSettings())
+    }
+
+    private fun openNfcSettings() {
+        try {
+            startActivity(Intent(Settings.ACTION_NFC_SETTINGS))
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            Log.w(TAG, "No NFC settings activity", e)
+        }
     }
 
     private fun handlePinEntered(pin: String) {
@@ -219,7 +253,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
             authenticateAndExecute(pin, json)
         } else {
             pendingPin = pin
-            setInstruction(getString(R.string.instruction_connect_key))
+            showConnectPrompt()
             setState(CredentialBottomSheet.State.WAITING)
             bottomSheet?.showPinInput(false)
         }
@@ -238,7 +272,7 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
             }
         } else {
             // Key not connected yet — show waiting state
-            setInstruction(getString(R.string.instruction_connect_key))
+            showConnectPrompt()
             setState(CredentialBottomSheet.State.WAITING)
         }
     }
@@ -248,7 +282,9 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
     }
 
     private fun setInstruction(text: String) {
+        connectPromptVisible = false
         bottomSheet?.setInstruction(text)
+        bottomSheet?.showNfcHint(false)
     }
 
     private fun showProgress(show: Boolean) {
@@ -310,6 +346,16 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
     override fun onResume() {
         super.onResume()
 
+        // NFC may have been toggled while we were backgrounded.
+        if (connectPromptVisible) showConnectPrompt()
+
+        // Also catch toggles that happen while we're in the foreground (e.g. the quick
+        // settings shade, which does not pause us).
+        registerReceiver(
+            nfcStateReceiver,
+            IntentFilter(NfcAdapter.ACTION_ADAPTER_STATE_CHANGED)
+        )
+
         nfcAdapter?.let { adapter ->
             val intent = Intent(this, javaClass).addFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_SINGLE_TOP)
 
@@ -355,6 +401,11 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             // Ignore
         }
+        try {
+            unregisterReceiver(nfcStateReceiver)
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            // Ignore
+        }
     }
 
     override fun onDestroy() {
@@ -369,6 +420,11 @@ class CredentialProviderActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             // Ignore
         }
+        try {
+            unregisterReceiver(nfcStateReceiver)
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            // Ignore
+        }
         scope.cancel()
         ctapSession?.close()
     }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/MainActivity.kt b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/MainActivity.kt
index 9a7f661..152317f 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/MainActivity.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/MainActivity.kt
@@ -51,6 +51,8 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
     private lateinit var providerStatusContainer: LinearLayout
     private lateinit var providerStatusText: TextView
     private lateinit var btnEnableProvider: Button
+    private lateinit var nfcHintContainer: LinearLayout
+    private lateinit var btnNfcSettings: MaterialButton
 
     private var currentTransport: FidoTransport? = null
     private var pinProtocol: PinProtocol? = null
@@ -119,6 +121,16 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         }
     }
 
+    // Fires when NFC is toggled anywhere, including the quick settings shade.
+    private val nfcStateReceiver = object : BroadcastReceiver() {
+        override fun onReceive(context: Context, intent: Intent) {
+            if (intent.action != NfcAdapter.ACTION_ADAPTER_STATE_CHANGED) return
+            when (intent.getIntExtra(NfcAdapter.EXTRA_ADAPTER_STATE, NfcAdapter.STATE_OFF)) {
+                NfcAdapter.STATE_ON, NfcAdapter.STATE_OFF -> updateConnectionStatus()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
         enableEdgeToEdge()
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
@@ -147,6 +159,8 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         providerStatusContainer = findViewById(R.id.providerStatusContainer)
         providerStatusText = findViewById(R.id.providerStatusText)
         btnEnableProvider = findViewById(R.id.btnEnableProvider)
+        nfcHintContainer = findViewById(R.id.nfcHintContainer)
+        btnNfcSettings = findViewById(R.id.btnNfcSettings)
 
         nfcAdapter = NfcAdapter.getDefaultAdapter(this)
         usbManager = getSystemService(Context.USB_SERVICE) as UsbManager
@@ -164,6 +178,7 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         btnListCredentials.setOnClickListener { listCredentials() }
         btnChangePin.setOnClickListener { showChangePinDialog() }
         btnEnableProvider.setOnClickListener { openProviderSettings() }
+        btnNfcSettings.setOnClickListener { openNfcSettings() }
 
         updateConnectionStatus()
     }
@@ -180,6 +195,11 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             // Ignore
         }
+        try {
+            unregisterReceiver(nfcStateReceiver)
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            // Ignore
+        }
         scope.cancel()
     }
 
@@ -189,6 +209,16 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         // Check credential provider status
         checkProviderStatus()
 
+        // Refresh the waiting prompt: NFC may have been toggled while backgrounded
+        updateConnectionStatus()
+
+        // Catch NFC toggles that happen while we're in the foreground (e.g. from the
+        // quick settings shade, which does not pause us).
+        registerReceiver(
+            nfcStateReceiver,
+            IntentFilter(NfcAdapter.ACTION_ADAPTER_STATE_CHANGED)
+        )
+
         // Enable NFC foreground dispatch
         nfcAdapter?.let { adapter ->
             val intent = Intent(this, javaClass).addFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_SINGLE_TOP)
@@ -234,6 +264,11 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             // Ignore
         }
+        try {
+            unregisterReceiver(nfcStateReceiver)
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            // Ignore
+        }
     }
 
     override fun onNewIntent(intent: Intent) {
@@ -422,7 +457,19 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
 
         // Update status text if not connected and not waiting for reconnect
         if (!connected && !awaitingNfcReconnect) {
-            statusText.text = getString(R.string.waiting_for_key)
+            statusText.text = connectKeyInstruction()
+        }
+
+        // Offer to turn NFC on, but only while there's nothing connected anyway
+        nfcHintContainer.visibility =
+            if (!connected && shouldOfferNfcSettings()) View.VISIBLE else View.GONE
+    }
+
+    private fun openNfcSettings() {
+        try {
+            startActivity(Intent(Settings.ACTION_NFC_SETTINGS))
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            // No NFC settings activity available
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/TransportHints.kt b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/TransportHints.kt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18e9d4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/pl/lebihan/authnkey/TransportHints.kt
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+package pl.lebihan.authnkey
+
+import android.content.Context
+import android.content.pm.PackageManager
+import android.nfc.NfcAdapter
+
+/** Whether the device has NFC hardware at all. */
+fun Context.hasNfc(): Boolean = NfcAdapter.getDefaultAdapter(this) != null
+
+/** Whether NFC is present and switched on. Read at point of use; the user can toggle it anytime. */
+fun Context.isNfcEnabled(): Boolean = NfcAdapter.getDefaultAdapter(this)?.isEnabled == true
+
+/** Whether the device can act as a USB host (required to talk to a plugged-in key). */
+fun Context.hasUsbHost(): Boolean =
+    packageManager.hasSystemFeature(PackageManager.FEATURE_USB_HOST)
+
+/** Whether to offer the "NFC is off" hint: hardware exists but is disabled. */
+fun Context.shouldOfferNfcSettings(): Boolean = hasNfc() && !isNfcEnabled()
+
+/**
+ * The instruction to show while waiting for a key, covering only the transports
+ * this device can actually use right now.
+ */
+fun Context.connectKeyInstruction(): String {
+    val nfc = isNfcEnabled()
+    val usb = hasUsbHost()
+    return getString(
+        when {
+            nfc && usb -> R.string.instruction_connect_key
+            nfc -> R.string.instruction_connect_key_nfc_only
+            usb -> R.string.instruction_connect_key_usb_only
+            else -> R.string.instruction_no_transport
+        }
+    )
+}
+
+/** USB permission denial message, only suggesting NFC when NFC is usable. */
+fun Context.usbPermissionDeniedInstruction(): String = getString(
+    if (isNfcEnabled()) R.string.instruction_usb_permission_denied
+    else R.string.instruction_usb_permission_denied_no_nfc
+)
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/drawable/bg_hint_row.xml b/app/src/main/res/drawable/bg_hint_row.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aaf9c8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/res/drawable/bg_hint_row.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<shape xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
+    android:shape="rectangle">
+    <corners android:radius="12dp" />
+    <solid android:color="@color/hint_background" />
+</shape>
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
index a919c9c..c950b15 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
@@ -37,6 +37,35 @@
             style="@style/Widget.Material3.Button.OutlinedButton" />
     </LinearLayout>
 
+    <!-- NFC off hint -->
+    <LinearLayout
+        android:id="@+id/nfcHintContainer"
+        android:layout_width="match_parent"
+        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+        android:orientation="horizontal"
+        android:gravity="center_vertical"
+        android:padding="12dp"
+        android:layout_marginBottom="8dp"
+        android:background="@drawable/bg_hint_row"
+        android:visibility="gone">
+
+        <TextView
+            android:layout_width="0dp"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:layout_weight="1"
+            android:text="@string/hint_nfc_off"
+            android:textSize="14sp"
+            android:textColor="@color/hint_text" />
+
+        <com.google.android.material.button.MaterialButton
+            android:id="@+id/btnNfcSettings"
+            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:text="@string/action_turn_on_nfc"
+            app:strokeColor="@color/provider_button_outline"
+            style="@style/Widget.Material3.Button.OutlinedButton" />
+    </LinearLayout>
+
     <TextView
         android:id="@+id/statusText"
         android:layout_width="match_parent"
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/bottom_sheet_credential.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/bottom_sheet_credential.xml
index cc6f590..163b098 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/bottom_sheet_credential.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/bottom_sheet_credential.xml
@@ -62,6 +62,35 @@
             android:textColor="?android:attr/textColorSecondary"
             android:layout_marginBottom="24dp" />
 
+        <LinearLayout
+            android:id="@+id/nfcHintContainer"
+            android:layout_width="match_parent"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:orientation="horizontal"
+            android:gravity="center_vertical"
+            android:padding="12dp"
+            android:layout_marginBottom="16dp"
+            android:background="@drawable/bg_hint_row"
+            android:visibility="gone">
+
+            <TextView
+                android:layout_width="0dp"
+                android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+                android:layout_weight="1"
+                android:text="@string/hint_nfc_off"
+                android:textSize="14sp"
+                android:textColor="@color/hint_text" />
+
+            <com.google.android.material.button.MaterialButton
+                android:id="@+id/btnNfcSettings"
+                android:layout_width="wrap_content"
+                android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+                android:text="@string/action_turn_on_nfc"
+                app:strokeColor="@color/provider_button_outline"
+                style="@style/Widget.Material3.Button.OutlinedButton" />
+
+        </LinearLayout>
+
         <androidx.recyclerview.widget.RecyclerView
             android:id="@+id/accountList"
             android:layout_width="match_parent"
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values-night/colors.xml b/app/src/main/res/values-night/colors.xml
index 6457e00..0274b03 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values-night/colors.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values-night/colors.xml
@@ -13,6 +13,10 @@
     <color name="provider_not_supported_background">#B71C1C</color>
     <color name="provider_not_supported_text">#FFCDD2</color>
     
+    <!-- Inline hint row (dark theme) -->
+    <color name="hint_background">#3A2E22</color>
+    <color name="hint_text">#FFCC80</color>
+    
     <!-- Tag lost warning state -->
     <color name="warning_container">#7C2D12</color>
     
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values/colors.xml b/app/src/main/res/values/colors.xml
index edbacc8..62a5620 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values/colors.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values/colors.xml
@@ -13,6 +13,10 @@
     <color name="provider_not_supported_background">#FFEBEE</color>
     <color name="provider_not_supported_text">#C62828</color>
     
+    <!-- Inline hint row (light theme) -->
+    <color name="hint_background">#FFF3E0</color>
+    <color name="hint_text">#E65100</color>
+    
     <!-- Tag lost warning state -->
     <color name="warning_container">#FED7AA</color>
     
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
index 8c70d87..ddecd23 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
@@ -19,11 +19,15 @@
 
     <!-- Instructions -->
     <string name="instruction_connect_key">Hold your security key against the back of your phone, or plug it in via USB</string>
+    <string name="instruction_connect_key_nfc_only">Hold your security key against the back of your phone</string>
+    <string name="instruction_connect_key_usb_only">Plug your security key in via USB</string>
+    <string name="instruction_no_transport">No usable connection method</string>
     <string name="instruction_touch_key">Touch your security key to confirm…</string>
     <string name="instruction_signing_in">Signing in…</string>
     <string name="instruction_creating">Creating passkey…</string>
     <string name="instruction_enter_pin">Enter your security key PIN</string>
     <string name="instruction_usb_permission_denied">USB permission denied. Try again or use NFC.</string>
+    <string name="instruction_usb_permission_denied_no_nfc">USB permission denied. Try again.</string>
     <string name="instruction_key_connected">Security key connected</string>
     <string name="instruction_connecting_usb">Connecting to USB device…</string>
     <string name="instruction_authenticating">Authenticating…</string>
@@ -33,6 +37,10 @@
     <string name="instruction_tag_lost">Lost contact with the security key\n\nReposition and hold until completion</string>
     <string name="instruction_waiting_biometric">Touch the fingerprint sensor on your security key…</string>
 
+    <!-- NFC hint -->
+    <string name="hint_nfc_off">NFC is off</string>
+    <string name="action_turn_on_nfc">Turn on</string>
+
     <!-- PIN Dialog -->
     <string name="pin_dialog_title">Security Key PIN</string>
     <string name="pin_dialog_message">Enter your security key PIN</string>