Are you wondering about the world of NFC tags and how to program them? Near-field communication, commonly known as NFC, opens a kingdom of possibilities by allowing small chips to communicate with devices when they are close. These amazing little NFC tags can be carefully placed on a variety of products or containers. Technology accelerates a wide range of applications, from transferring data without problems to making rapid and problem-free payments and even sharing your contact information without difficulty.
In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of NFC programming tags using your Android or iPhone. At the end of this guide, you will be fine to explore the infinite possibilities NFC tags offer.
What is NFC Tag Programming?
NFC tag programming is the NFC label configuration process to perform specific actions or store specific information. These tags are like digital blank boards, waiting for you to give them any task to do. You can think about them as teaching your NFC tag what to do when it meets your smartphone.
Think about your NFC tag as a small and obedient assistant. When you program it, you officially command it to say: “When a device, like your smartphone, comes close, do this.” “This” can be anything from opening a website or an application, sharing your data on the Wi-Fi network, showing a message, or even payment.
In simpler terms, NFC tag programming is like setting up a small assistant that is always ready to perform a specific task or provide information every time your smartphone requests. It is about making your digital life more convenient with a simple touch.
To program an NFC tag, you will only need three main things:
- A blank NFC tag: begin with a blank NFC tag, which is like an empty digital note waiting for your instructions. You can find these tags at a very reasonable price on websites such as Amazon or other online stores.
- An NFC-enabled Android device or iPhone: you need a smartphone that can “talk” to NFC tags. Most modern Android phones can do this, but be sure to check the specifications of your phone to make sure. For iPhones, only the iPhone 7 models and the newer support writing on NFC tags.
- App for tag programming: you will need a special application on your phone to program the NFC tag. These applications are often available for free on the Google Play Store (for Android) or in the App Store (for iPhone). Some popular ones include applications such as “Trigger,” “NFC Tools” and “NFC Tag writer” by NXP. For this guide, we will use “NFC tools” to explain to you an example.
When you have these three items in place, you are almost ready to start programming your NFC tags.
NFC Programming for an Android Device
- Check your phone: First, be sure to have an Android phone with NFC capabilities and a blank NFC tag. These tags are like a small assistant waiting for your instructions. Make sure the NFC is turned on your phone. Unlike iPhones, most Android phones require you to activate NFC in your settings manually. In general, you can find this option in the “setting” application, but its location can vary according to your phone.
- Get the right application: you will need a special application to write information on the NFC label. We recommend using “NFC Pro Tools Pro.” However, be careful when looking for it on Google Play Store. Specifically, “NFC Tools Pro,” since there is a Chinese version that you want to avoid.
- Open the application: once you have an “NFC Tools Pro” installed, open the application and select “write.”
- Add information: you will find different options for what to write on your tag. Let’s use a website link (URL) as an example. Select the “URL/type” option and enter the web address you want to write. For example, you can use “https://www.google.com”. Then, click “OK”.
- Write to the tag: click “Write” and place your NFC tag in the location of the NFC chip of your phone. This action will transfer the URL to the NFC tag.
- Explore more: the application allows you to do more than just write URLs. You can erase the tag, lock it, make copies, set passwords, and more. Everything is simple and convenient.
- Add tasks: The application also allows you to add pre-established tasks. There are several tasks to choose from, but it is possible that you must download the “NFC” application for this function.
- Read a tag: To see NFC’s magical performance, bring your phone near the NFC tag.
- Read the details of the tag: if you are curious about the details of the tag, you can scan it. This will reveal information such as the type of label, the serial number, size, memory data, and format.
By following these easy and simple steps you can take the benefit of NFC technology and program your tags with Android devices. It’s really easy peasy!
NFC Programming for an iPhone:
Before starting, be sure to have an iPhone 7 or a newer model and a blank NFC tag.
- Get the right application: Start by downloading the NFC tools app from Apple’s App Play Store. Find it looking for “NFC tools.”
- Open the application: When you have “NFC” tools installed, open the application and tap “Write.”
- Add a record: select “Add a record”.
- Add a URL record: Now, you will find many options for what to write on your NFC tag. Let’s use a link to the website (URL) as an example. Select “URL/Type”.
- Enter your URL: Press “edit” and see different protocol options. Choose one and enter the URL you want to write. After that, hold “OK”.
- Write on the tag: Now, place your blank NFC tag on the back of your iPhone where the NFC chip is located. Press “Write”. Congratulations, the URL has been successfully written on the NFC tag.
- Read the tag: When you bring your iPhone near the NFC tag, your phone will respond to the function scheduled on the tag.
- Read the tag details: If you want to get more information about the tag, including its type, serial number, size, memory, and data format, you can do this through the application.
- Explore more: the application allows you to perform additional operations such as erase the label, lock it, and more. Everything is simple and easy to use.
By following these simple steps, you can make the most of the NFC technology and can program your labels with your iPhone.
If you are new to NFC tags, here are some practical ways to use them in your day-to-day life:
- At home:
Paste an NFC tag at your door or desk to facilitate everyday work. For example, you can program it by turning on wifi, turning off Bluetooth, or shutdown/dim lights.
Put an NFC label on your table at night and program it to silence your phone, configure alarms, turn off automatically synchronizing, and dim the screen to sleep properly at night.
- Prepare for work:
In your study or office, configure the NFC tags to optimize your work in the morning. You can program them to silence your phone, enable Wi-Fi, open your calendar, and start your favorite music or application.
- Share Wi-Fi access:
If you have guests in your home or office, create an NFC Wi-Fi tag. This allows your guests to connect to your Wi-Fi network without a password easily.
- Keychain NFC:
Attach an NFC label to your keychain and program it to perform the standard tasks. For example, you can quietly play your favorite song, or call a specific contact. It can be very helpful, especially when you are on busy public transportation.
These are just a few examples of how you can use NFC label programs to simplify your day-to-day work. There are countless other possibilities that are waiting for you to explore and discover. NFC labels are versatile tools that can make your life more convenient and efficient.
Possible problems with NFC tags: Simple solution
Programming Problems:
Nothing happens when writing: if pressing “write” doesn’t work, close the application and try again. This is a known issue for NFC tools.
- Red Exclaim Point: Touch “Write” again if you see this error. Try three times before exploring other solutions. Make sure the data is less than 256 bytes.
- Select the “URL/Type Personalized” option: when programming, use this option for most tasks. For custom cards or destination pages, follow the specific steps provided.
- The application does not detect the chip: be sure to hold the right place on your phone, considering that the iPhone and Android have different tap locations. Remove metal cases and try the “read” option with NFC tools. Restart your phone if the chip is not recognized.
- Compatibility of phone: Be sure your phone can read/write the NFC tags.
Test Problems:
- The phone did not detect the chip: press the correct location on your phone and make sure the NFC is enabled on Android devices. Remove the metal cases and check if the chip is scheduled using the “Read” option with NFC tools.
- For iPhone X, 8, 7, and 6: Open the Control Center and click on the lateral Wi-Fi symbol to read the NFC tags.
- Check your link: make sure there are no spaces before or after your link and include “https: //” or “http: //.” Reprogram if necessary.
- Redirect Problem: reprogram the chip if it directs to the incorrect website, following the same steps.
These simple solutions should help most NFC label problems.