NFC Uses

29 Cool Uses for NFC Tags Guide

May 15, 2026 No Comments

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a short-range wireless communication technology that’s designed to let you exchange data with other devices. NFC tags are small stickers that allow you to store data on them and then use that data in various ways. They’re useful for tasks like automating your home, controlling connected devices, and automating tasks based on location. You can also use them to interact with smart posters and other IoT devices without having to install any apps or additional software on your phone.

1. Automate Sleep Mode With NFC

You can use NFC tags to automate your devices. For example, if you want to keep your computer in sleep mode when you’re not around, then all you have to do is set up an NFC tag that wakes up the device when placed near it. Another common use case would be having a tag automatically turn off or on lights in your home when certain conditions are met (e.g., if it’s dark outside).

2. Set Kitchen Timers

Timers are a staple in every household, so why not use NFC tags to set them? Just place an NFC tag on your kitchen counter and when you want to set the timer, just tap it with your phone. The same thing can be done for bathroom and bedroom timers as well.

3. Run Siri Shortcuts on iPhone

You can also run Siri Shortcuts on your iPhone using NFC tags.

To set up a Siri Shortcut to run with an NFC tag, open up the Settings app and go to “Siri & Search” and select “Shortcuts.” From there, simply tap on the plus sign at the bottom of your screen to add a new Siri Shortcut (or use an existing one). You’ll be prompted to choose an existing shortcut or create one from scratch — we recommend choosing “Create New Siri Shorcut” here so that you can specify exactly what it does for you.

Once you’ve selected this option, enter whatever command or phrase you’d like it to trigger when activated by tapping on “Add Action.” This could be something as simple as telling Siri “I’m done” or even saying something more complex like “I’m going home.” Once done setting this up, tap on ‘Done’ at the top right corner of your screen then give yourself some time before trying out your new shortcut just in case there were any bugs or quirks during setup!

4. Use NFC to Connect to Bluetooth Device

NFC tags can be used to connect Bluetooth devices
connect your Bluetooth device to your phone by tapping the tag on your phone

5. Pay Bills Using NFC

NFC tags can be used to pay bills, as well! If you’re looking for a secure way to pay for things without having to carry around cash, then an NFC tag is the answer. That’s right: it’s possible to use your phone as a wallet and keep all of your credit cards on an NFC tag instead.

Here’s how it works:

Download any payment app that supports Android Pay or Apple Pay (Google Wallet will also work).
Create an account with the service that allows you to pay by tapping on NFC readers, such as Bank of America or Chase Mobile Banking (Chase doesn’t currently offer this feature).

6. Track Your Car mileage

Track your car’s mileage
Track fuel consumption
Track speed, location, and engine temperature

7. Use NFC in Your Car

Use NFC in Your Car

NFC tags are also used to control the car’s entertainment system. For example, an NFC tag placed on the driver’s seat can be used to unlock the doors and start up your vehicle when you approach it, while an NFC tag on your keychain can automate these features as well. You can also use an app to remotely manage some of these tasks if you have an Android device or iPhone that supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, respectively. With this app, you could change music stations and adjust the volume without ever having to take your hands off the wheel!

8. Use NFC to Set a Smart Alarm

You can use NFC tags to set a smart alarm.
Simply place your phone or watch near the tag and presto! Your alarm will go off at the designated time.

9. Emergency Call/Text

In the event you ever find yourself in a situation that requires an emergency call or text, you can use your NFC tag to make one. If you have an Android device with NFC, go to Settings > Security > Screen lock & passwords. Under Smart Lock options, select Trusted Places and add your home address (or any place that is safe). Once this is done, simply hold down the back of your phone on the tag until it vibrates and unlocks your phone. You should see “Emergency call” or “Send SMS” appear on the screen—tap either option to place a call or send a message without having to enter a passcode or swipe away from sleep mode first.

10. Use NFC To Call Mom

You can use NFC to call your mom. Simply tap the tag and say “call mom” or “text mom.” As soon as you do, she’ll get an alert on her phone informing her that you’re trying to reach her.

You can also use NFC tags with Google Voice Actions to send emails via voice command. Just tap the tag, say “send an email” and follow the prompts.

11. Foursquare checking

Use the NFC tag to check into foursquare.
Use the NFC tag to check into foursquare without opening the app.
Use the NFC tag to check into foursquare without unlocking your phone.

12. Leave Secret Message

It’s often the little things that can make a big difference. With NFC tags, you can leave secret messages for friends, family members, and others. These are perfect for leaving a note for someone or something important to remember in case of an emergency.

You can also use this technology to send a secret message by placing it under your car’s windshield wiper blade when parked at work so that anyone who finds it will know how to contact you if there’s an emergency at home.

13. Organize junk with NFC tags

NFC tags can be used to keep track of your belongings. For example, you might want to use NFC tags on all the important items such as keys and wallets. Then, you can use a smartphone app to scan the tags and know where each of these things is at any given moment.

If it’s not safe enough for you to leave an expensive item behind when going out for a run or a jog around the neighborhood, then consider getting an NFC tag that will allow you to know where it is in case someone tries stealing it from someplace where they could easily get their hands on it.

If your kids have toys and other things which might get lost easily at school or play yard during recess time then tagging them with NFC stickers will help you find them quickly in case they go missing while playing outside

14. Connect/Disconnect Wi-Fi

If you use WiFi on your Android device and want to save battery life, an NFC tag can be used to turn off your Wi-Fi when not in use. Simply program your phone to read the tag whenever it’s placed next to it. This is also a good way of keeping people from being able to access your network without permission.

15. Share Wi-Fi without sharing the Password

NFC tags can be used to share Wi-Fi passwords. NFC tags can be used to share wifi passwords with friends and family members. NFC tags can be used to share wifi passwords with guests. NFC tags can be used to share wifi passwords with your neighbors.

16. Start Tasker task

Tasker is a powerful Android automation app that can be used to perform many useful tasks. For example, it can start a task based on NFC tags, so you can set up your phone to automatically launch an app or even open a URL when you tap a tag.

To create such a task, go to the Tasker action category Misc and choose Run Task. Enter the name of your task (for example: Start Workout) in the field below and select it from the drop-down menu below that field. Then head over to Event -> Plugin -> NFC Tag Reader -> Read Tag (or just click here). If your device has multiple reader modules installed, make sure that one is configured as an “NFC reader” by going into its settings and tapping Select Reader Mode at least once (this may not work if there are too many apps running in the background). Now tap Add Action->Run Shell->Run Script->Scripting Helpers – AutoInput

17. Unlock your door

NFC tags can be used to unlock doors.

If you have an NFC tag, you can use it to unlock your door. You just need to program the tag with your home address and set up a corresponding Autolock feature on the app. When you get home, hold the tag over the lock for 10 seconds, and voila! The door will open automatically for you!

18. Start PC With Your Smartphone

NFC can also be used to start your PC with your smartphone. Just place an NFC tag on your desk and connect it to a link that opens the default web browser on your computer. Your PC will start up and open its browser when you tap the tag.

19. NFC-enabled loyalty cards

NFC-enabled loyalty cards

Loyalty programs are a great way to incentivize repeat purchases and reward your most loyal customers. But if you’re not using NFC technology, then how do you actually engage with your customers? You can use an NFC-enabled loyalty card to show that they are elected members of a rewards program, which is something many customers will appreciate (and maybe even brag about). If someone asks where they can find an NFC-friendly store or restaurant near them, simply tell them all they need to do is look for the sticker on the door or countertop!

20. Use NFC to Control Your Surrounding

Use NFC to Control Your Surrounding

NFC to control your surrounding.

This is one of the most interesting ways you can use NFC tags and it’s not just limited to Android smartphones. You can do this with any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet, including iPhones! For example, if your living room has an NFC-enabled light switch and dimmer then you could place a tag on the wall next to it that will launch Siri and ask her to turn on or off the lights for you!

Another cool idea would be if there was a button near your bedside table which when pressed would turn off all electronics in your bedroom like TVs, computers, etc. You could even set it up so that when someone presses this button during work hours at night then all of their computers shut themselves down automatically!

21. NFC in Smart posters

You can also use NFC tags to advertise services, products, and events. For example, you can use an NFC tag to advertise the name of your business on a poster. This is especially effective if the poster is placed near the entrance of a place where people tend to gather (e.g., coffee shops).

Here’s how it works:

A customer walks up to an advertisement with an NFC tag on it (e.g., at Starbucks)
The customer holds their phone over the tag and selects “Scan” from their phone’s menu options, which activates their mobile device’s NFC reader
The phone reads the data stored in the tag and displays it onscreen so that they can view it (or hear it through their headphones).

22. NFC in Smart Cards

An NFC smart card is a contactless IC card that contains a chip and antenna for short-range radio frequency communication. It uses the same principles as contactless smart cards, but it doesn’t require physical contact between the card and the reader.

NFC smart cards can be used for payment, identity verification, access control, and other applications.

23、Smart Nail

Smart Nail

If you’ve ever lost your keys or had a panic attack because you couldn’t find them, then this is the perfect solution for you. The smart nail is a special type of nail polish that uses an NFC tag to help keep track of your keys. The best part? It can also be used with other items like opening doors and starting cars! If there’s one thing we all love, it’s convenience.

24、Smart Clothes

Use NFC tags to control your smart clothes.
Use NFC tags to make your smart clothes more intelligent.

25、Wedding Invitation

NFC wedding invitations are a great way to make your guests feel more involved in the wedding. The tags can be embedded in the invitation itself, or they can be attached to it somehow. Either way, you can use them to share information between the bride and groom, audio messages for guests, or even directions to the venue.

Of course, if you want some more ideas on how you can use NFC tags at your own wedding then check out this infographic:

26、Electronic Skin -Digital Tattoos

A team of researchers has developed a new way to apply NFC tags to the human body. They’ve created what they call “electronic skin,” which uses small, flexible, and transparent NFC tags attached to your skin that can be used for authentication, payment, and health monitoring.

Electronic skin is made from nanotechnology that has been applied to an ultrathin film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s similar in appearance to a temporary tattoo without pigment; however electronic skin can be applied over large areas of the body such as arms or legs without losing its functionality.

27. NFC passport

The NFC Passport is a secure and convenient way of traveling with your passport. It’s a small NFC device that attaches to the back cover of your passport, so you can use it to access information about yourself whenever you need it.

How does it work?

You simply tap your phone against an NFC-enabled reader and the relevant data will appear on the screen: name, DOB, nationality, photo, etc.

28. NFC Key Fobs

An NFC key fob is a small tag that can be carried around in your pocket or purse. You can use an NFC key fob to unlock doors, start cars, or even pay for things at stores with it.

Because these tags are so small and portable, they’re ideal for storing information such as passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs). This makes them useful if you find yourself in a situation where you need access to something but don’t have physical access to your smartphone (for example, if it’s been stolen). You could also use an NFC tag as a digital wallet: simply store credit card information on the tag and swipe your wrist over payment terminals at participating retailers!

29. Anti-face brand protection

NFC tags can be used to protect your brand.
NFC tags can be used to prevent counterfeiting.
NFC tags can be used to protect intellectual property.
NFC tags can be used to protect personal information.
NFC tags can be used to prevent fraud

Conclusion

You can use NFC tags for a lot of different things, and each one will be just as exciting as the last. You can use them to automate your home, control your smartphone with a tap of a tag, or even start your car with an NFC-enabled watch. If you’re interested in learning more about the uses of NFC tags, then check out our blog post on how to make an emergency call using an NFC tag!

How NFC works and the uses of NFC

September 8, 2022 No Comments

Most of us are used to using smartphones as bank cards, but few know what the technology behind contactless payments. Tech RFID presents a detailed guide to NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology. It can be used to exchange data between devices at a distance of about 10 cm. NFC is a radio-frequency communication at 13.56 MHz, so it does not require the Internet to work. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC does not require manual pairing or discovery of devices to transmit data. The connection automatically starts when another NFC device enters a previously specified range.

NFC supports three modes of operation: read and write, peer-to-peer communication, and card emulation. In the first mode, the devices work like smart cards, for example, when making a payment. In the second (Peer-to-peer) mode, two NFC-enabled devices communicate with each other to exchange information and files. For example, in peer-to-peer mode, users can exchange Bluetooth connection settings, Wi-Fi settings, or photos. In the third mode, the devices read information in NFC tags or tags embedded in smart posters and displays or write information on them. This mode allows you to read transport schedules, tourist tags and routes.

NFC devices consist of a reader and an antenna, or a tag and an antenna. The reader generates a radio-frequency field which can communicate with the tag or with another reader, it operates in active communication mode. This type of communication is used in peer-to-peer mode. The tag is an NFC device which operates in passive communication mode. This means that the device with the tag uses the field that the initiator device has generated. This type of communication is used in all modes of NFC operation.

What is NFC used for?

The technology is not only used for contactless payments and reading tags, NFC is also used in smart home devices, cars, and even as keys.

For payment

NFC chips are used in plastic cards for contactless payments, as well as rings or bracelets with embedded chips. Usually, the bank’s payment application is embedded in the chip and interacts with the seller during the transaction through the payment system, as well as the customer’s personal payment data. They are stored in encrypted form. The NFC module in the card provides a contactless connection to the card reader.

When the card is simulated on a smartphone, the data is stored in a TSM (Trusted Service Manager) with an integrated service provider and secure component chip. It is a hardware-software complex that provides secure boot and secure management using wireless cellular technology (wireless, OTA.) TSM allows you to install and configure applications in the secure element of the phone and then maintain them.

For identification

NFC is used for access control or authentication. In addition to the usual access control, the technology allows to pay for services and accommodations, create passes, verify identity or grant other permissions. The simplest example of using NFC is an intercom where a tag with a key is sewn into a key chain and a tag reader is installed in a device on the door.

Hotels also use NFC to control customer flow and privilege-based access. Guests at these locations do not need a physical key as they can use their smartphones only to enter their rooms or access other areas. Their credentials are generated in real time and all transactions are processed on the smartphone to avoid information leakage or theft.

Trade

The company offers users the ability to store their bonus and gift cards and membership cards in an “eWallet” application so they don’t have to carry them around. With Google Pay, loyalty cards are integrated directly into the payment app, allowing you to pay for purchases contactlessly using NFC. Some stores also allow you to link coupons in their own apps. At the same time, the card data is stored in the smartphone’s secure element (Secure Element or SE) to prevent it from being erased.

For transportation

NFC-based contactless transit cards are used for transportation, as well as elevator systems and elevators in ski resorts. You can usually recharge the card at a transit ticket booth or online. It can also be integrated with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

For car protection

The app on NFC-enabled devices lets you use your smartphone as a car key. Bring it to the driver’s door handle to lock and unlock the doors. In the cabin, the smartphone is placed in a special place on the dashboard, which is also a wireless charging pad that allows you to turn the ignition on and off.

In 2020, the Car Connectivity Consortium, which brings together automotive and mobile device manufacturers, released the Digital Key Release 2.0 specification. It includes support for vehicle locking and unlocking, engine start, user authentication, digital key revocation for other users, digital key exchange and key restriction. The latter is stored in the SE of the smartphone. NFC sensors in the car are mounted on the driver’s door handle and front panel.

Apple introduced its NFC car key. car Key can be linked to the Wallet app, which allows you to unlock and start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch, and can also be shared with others.

For medicinal

NFC can provide secure access to medical information. The technology is used to control access to computers, tablets and other devices.

Medical bracelets with NFC allow you to track a patient’s movements. Staff can know in real time where the patient is, when the nurse last visited him or what treatment plan the doctor has prescribed. The bracelet can be connected to a smartphone or tablet to transmit data to the treating physician. Smart NFC wristbands also help track patients with life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, asthma or allergies. In emergency situations, the bracelet provides detailed information to emergency physicians. healthID Profile has released a similar device.

Finally, add an NFC tag to a drug’s packaging or label to verify its authenticity, view detailed dosing information or learn about side effects. The tag can also contain a web link to the manufacturer’s website.

For games

In the gaming industry, the technology is used in the form of tags that record data to be imported into game applications in the form of heroes or playgrounds. activision released the game Skylanders: Spyros Adventure, in which characters are associated with real physical figurines equipped with NFC tags. Figurines must be purchased and placed on special portals in order for the hero to appear in the game. Nintendo has also implemented this strategy in Amiibo games.

Iot(Internet of things)

IoT systems use devices and sensors with different interfaces and connectivity mechanisms. By integrating the NFC interface into an IoT gateway or microcomputer that acts as an aggregator for all devices, you can connect them seamlessly. At the same time, an NFC-enabled smartphone registered in the gateway can be used to send commands to the device and change its settings. In addition, the technology even lets you control devices that don’t have an interface – light bulbs, security sensors, or sockets.

NFC can also act as a tag. They operate without power and are small enough to fit into posters, tickets, business cards, stickers, bracelets, key chains, pens, tags, and more.

The microchip in the tag can store small pieces of data that can be read by an NFC-enabled device. nfc tags can store URLs, contact information, and even commands and settings that the device will execute when contacted. To read or write data to an NFC tag, you will need a special application, such as NFC Tools.

NFC is not only on the phone

NFC World maintains a list of smartphones with technical support. According to him, all iPhones since the iPhone 6 support it. The latest iPhone 12 also supports NFC tags through the Launch Center Pro app.

NFC has also been added to the iPad lineup, starting with the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and third-generation iPad Mini.

Every device running Android 4.0 or later supports NFC. for example, Samsung has separately released its list of NFC-enabled smartphones and technical specifications.

NFC functionality is also built into smartbands, such as the Xiaomi Band series. Smartwatches with NFC work just like smartphones with the same chip. Usually they have limited functionality and are only used to pay for purchases and services.

In addition, there are NFC rings for payment of purchases. The ring can be used to pay for public transportation as well as for ID cards. To use the ring, you need to install the application provided by its developer on your smartphone.

How to determine if your phone has NFC

For Android smartphones, you need to go to Settings and enter “NFC” in the “Search” line, then connect the option. In Quick Settings, the N-shaped icon is usually located next to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons. In addition, some companies place the NFC symbol on the smartphone battery. Finally, you can install a free NFC-enabled app from the Google Play app store. It scans the device and if the chip is integrated into the smartphone, the message “NFC Yes: Supported” will appear on the screen. If the chip is not provided, the program will display the message “NFC is: unsupported”.

On iOS devices, you don’t need to do any configuration – just bring the phone to another device. However, you will need to set up billing for various services using your Apple ID signed into iCloud. iPhone 6 and 7 models support NFC payments for up to 8 cards, while newer models can activate up to 12 accounts on a single device for payments.

How to use NFC on Android

The most popular NFC feature is still contactless payments. On your Android smartphone, you can use Google Pay or Samsung Pay to pay for goods and services.

Google pay

Google Pay (formerly known as Android Pay) lets you make purchases and transfer money. You can also use loyalty cards, gift cards and travel cards in the app. You will need a Google account to use it.

First, you will need to set up Google Pay. after downloading from Google Play, you will need to select your country of residence, your Google account and enter your phone number. Then, you need to enter the code in the message to authenticate. Adding a debit or credit card is done from the Insights tab in the bottom right corner of the screen.

To add a membership card, gift card, or transit card, you need to tap the credit card icon in the upper right corner of the app’s home screen.

You can link your bank account to Google Pay to replenish your balance. To do this, go to the Insights tab, select “Google Pay Balance” and “Top up”, then enter the desired amount and click “Add Bank Account”.

To pay for your purchase, you need to ensure that NFC is turned on and then hold the back of your device close to the payment terminal for a few seconds. After the payment is completed, a blue check mark will appear on the screen.

Samsung Pay

Unlike Apple Pay and Google Pay, Samsung Pay uses MST or Secure Magnetic Transmission in addition to NFC technology and can be used almost anywhere – even on older terminals that have not been updated to on older terminals that have not been updated to support contactless payments. However, in 2021, support for this feature begins to be phased out, starting with Galaxy S21 phones. Samsung Pay is available in 29 countries, including Russia. It is also available for the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Gear and Gear Sport smartwatch series.

To set up the service, you need to launch the app, log in to your Samsung account, and then register a PIN or scan your fingerprint. You can add credit and debit cards from Mastercard, Visa and MIR payment systems to Samsung Pay, as well as make money transfers. In addition, up to 100 membership cards can be uploaded to the service.

To make a payment, you need to select a card on the main screen of the application, then place your finger on the fingerprint scanner or enter the PIN code. After that, you can connect the back of your phone to the payment terminal. A pop-up notification of the transaction will appear at the top of the screen.

How to use NFC on iPhone

As mentioned earlier, the NFC feature in iPhone is turned on and off by the app that needs it. To link your card to Apple Pay, you’ll need to go to the Wallet app, tap “+” and follow the instructions. As of 2021, Russian users will be able to link their Mir cards in addition to Visa and Mastercard.

To pay, you need to place your finger on Touch ID or authenticate via Face ID and bring the top of your iPhone to the contactless card reader. The smartphone itself will activate NFC.

While the original iPhone 6s with NFC only allowed payments via Apple Pay, iPhone 7 and newer models use technology to read NFC tags through third-party apps. In addition, starting with iOS 13 and the release of the iPhone XS and XR, they can also encode blank tags using third-party apps like GoToTags. Finally, from iPhone XS to iPhone 12, smartphones are able to read tags in the background. So users no longer need to install third-party apps: Simply touch the iPhone to the NFC tag and it will read it automatically. The system automatically searches for the tag near the screen each time it is turned on. Once a tag is found and matched, it displays a notification that the user can submit the data to the app for processing. However, background reading is disabled when using Wallet or Apple Pay, the camera, when the device is in airplane mode, or when it is locked after a reboot.

To enable additional NFC features on iPhone, you need to launch the Command app, open the Automation tab, tap + in the upper right corner, find NFC, and select the NFC tab. You will then need to turn on your Bluetooth headset or other wireless device, connect them to your iPhone, bring the device with the tag to the back of your smartphone and wait a few seconds. Once connected, you need to open the “Script” menu, select “Set Play Location” and specify your iPhone; then select the connected device from the list and uncheck the “Ask when executing “box. This process must be repeated for each device.

How secure is NFC technology?

In the early 2000s, NFC modules were considered invulnerable to hackers. However, programmers later described a number of theoretical attacks that could be used to steal information and infect smartphones with viruses. 2012 saw the discovery of the first critical NFC vulnerability. At that time, MWR Labs demonstrated the process of spreading a virus, infecting a device and taking full control of a smartphone in just five minutes. To do this, the device was simply placed on a tag containing malicious code.

To date, NFC signals are encrypted using encryption algorithms, while new encryption protocols are being developed. In addition, in mobile applications of banks, payments usually require additional confirmation by PIN, fingerprint or iris picture.

However, experts recommend following the following rules.

Make contactless payments in verified places: gas stations, supermarkets, cafes and shopping centers.
Keep your smartphone away from NFC tags in public places, including advertising.
When using NFC-enabled kiosks, check for stickers or other foreign objects.
Do not share your smartphone with others or place it near other devices in public places.
Scan your smartphone for viruses and update the payment application.
Turn off the NFC function when you don’t need it.

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