Near Field Communication (Technology) can help you automate tasks and make life easier. It uses programmable NFC tags to communicate with your devices and trigger actions.
You can program an NFC tag to do all sorts of things, like open an app, dial a phone number, or even send a text message. The sky’s the limit!
If you’re not familiar with NFC tags and how they work, check out this guide on how to program NFC tags for iPhone and Android.
What is NFC Tag Programming?
NFC tag programming refers to setting up an NFC tag to perform a desired task. This can be anything from opening an app to calling a phone number or sending a text message.
To program an NFC tag, you will need an NFC-enabled device and an NFC tag. You can purchase pre-programmed NFC tags, or program them yourself using an NFC tag programming tool.
There are a few different ways to program NFC tags. The method you use will depend on the type of device you’re using and the capabilities of the NFC tag. Here is a comprehensive guide:
To program an NFC tag, you’ll need a few things:
- An NFC-Enabled Smartphone. You can check if your phone has NFC by going into the settings menu and looking for the NFC option.
- Blank NFC Tags. You can purchase these online or at your local electronics store.
- An NFC Tag Programming App. Several apps are available, but we recommend NFC Tools or NFC Trigger for Android and iPhone.
Once you have all the necessary items, you’re ready to start programming your own NFC tags!
Before you start, ensure that you download & activate NFC Trigger APK on your Android device (from play store). Once you’re set, follow these guidelines:
- Enable NFC on Your Android Phone. You can do this by opening the settings menu, selecting Bluetooth and Device Connection, then Connection Preferences, and turning on the NFC option.
- Open NFC Trigger App. Tap the “+” icon to add a new task. You can then select a trigger/action. In this case, you can tap the Run a Task or Switch a Task when you Tap NFC Tag. You can then click next.
- Add Restrictions. You can tap on “Add Restrictions” to add conditions to your task. For example, you can set it so that the task only runs when your phone is unlocked or when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Tap the Done button.
- Choose an Action. For example, you can choose Bluetooth On/Off option. In this case, we’ll choose Bluetooth On/Off.
- Configure Your Action. You will then need to configure your action. In this case, you’ll need to choose whether you want the Bluetooth to turn on or off when the NFC tag is tapped. Tap the Done button.
- Save Your Task. You can then name your task and tap the Save button. Your task will now be saved and ready to use!
- Write the Tag. You should now place the NFC tag near the rear camera. The app will write the actions to the NFC tag automatically. Ensure that you get a success message as a confirmation that the write was successful.
- Test Your Task. To test your task, make sure that NFC is enabled on your phone, and then hold your phone close to the NFC tag. If everything is working correctly, the task should be triggered!
If you want to add more actions to your task, you can tap the “+” icon and repeat the steps above. When finished, tap the Save button.
Before you start the programming process, you should understand that not all iPhones are NFC-compatible. So, how do you know whether your iPhone is NFC-enabled? Here’s a guide:
All recent iPhones (iPhone 6 and later) have NFC chips inside. If you need more details, here is a list of all NFC-enabled iPhone devices (with iOS 13 or newer):
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, and iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, and iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (second generation), and iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s & 6s Plus, iPhone 6, and iPhone SE
Now that you know whether your iPhone is NFC-compatible, you can proceed with the programming process. Here’s what you need to do:
Download the NFC Tools app from Apple Store then follow these steps:
- Open NFC Tools App. Tap on the Write option. You will be requested to create a new record. You can then select the type of record you want to create, including Text, URL, or a Command. In this case, we’ll choose Text.
- Configure Your Record. You will need to enter the text you want to write to the NFC tag in the “Text” field. When you’re finished, click Save.
- Write to Tag. You should now place the NFC tag near the rear camera and click the WRITE option. The app will write the actions to the NFC tag automatically. Ensure that you get a success message as a confirmation that the write was successful.
- Test Your Tag. To test your tag, make sure that NFC is enabled on your phone, and then hold your phone close to the NFC tag.
If you want to add more actions to your tag, you can tap on the “WRITE” icon and repeat the steps above. When done, tap the Save button.
Trigger an iOS Shortcut using a Blank NFC Tag
This is the simplest way to use NFC tags with your iPhone. You can use a blank NFC tag to trigger an iOS shortcut that you’ve already created. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on the Shortcuts option. Tap the Automation tab.
- Select the “Create Personal Automation” option and select NFC.
- Tap Scan and place your phone near the NFC Tag. Enter your preferred name and add an action.
- Customize the action all you want and tap the NEXT button. Select Ask Before Running Off and tap Done
