How to read and write NFC tags

This article provides information on how to read and write NFC tags, as well as the best NFC tag reader and writer apps for Android and iPhone.

How to read NFC tags

Reading NFC tags requires a device that supports NFC technology. Most modern smartphones come with NFC built-in, allowing you to read NFC tags easily. So you can read NFC tags with your phone, provided it has NFC capabilities. Both Android and iOS devices support NFC technology, but the steps to enable and use it may vary. Besides, you can also read NFC tags on a computer.

Here's the overview of how to read NFC tags. You can:

• Read NFC tags on iPhone
• Read NFC tags on Android
• Read NFC tags on a computer

How to read NFC tags on iPhone

Ensure your iPhone model supports NFC reading. All models from the iPhone 7 onward can read NFC tags, but older models like the iPhone 6 and 6S do not have this capability. Besides, the NFC tag must be compatible (e.g., NDEF formatted).

To read NFC tags on an iPhone, follow these steps based on your device model:

• For iPhone 7, 8, and X:
  1. Open the "Control Center" and tap the NFC icon (available in iOS 14 and later).
  2. Hold your phone close to the NFC tag until a notification appears.
  3. Tap the notification to access the encoded content (usually a URL).

• For iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, and newer

  These models support background NFC scanning, meaning you can simply hold your phone near the tag without needing to open an app or activate a reader manually. The phone will automatically read the tag and display the associated content.

• If you are using an older model (like iPhone 6 or earlier), you may need to download a third-party NFC tag reader app, such as NFC Tools. This app allows you to read and write NFC tags easily. It is user-friendly and can be found in the App Store.

How to read NFC tags on Android

Most modern Android smartphones come equipped with NFC. You can check if your device supports it by navigating to "Settings" > "Connections" and looking for the NFC option. If your phone has NFC, ensure it is turned on.

Then follow these steps to read an NFC tag:

1. Simply hold your phone close to the NFC tag (usually a few centimeters away).
2. The phone should automatically recognize the tag and display its content or prompt you with an action (like opening a URL or saving contact information) depending on what the tag is programmed to do.

For more advanced functionalities like writing to NFC tags or managing them, you can download various NFC tag reader apps from the Google Play Store. One of the popular apps is NFC Tools, which allows reading and writing of NFC tags, offering over 200 tasks for automation.

Can computers read NFC tags?

Computers can read NFC tags, but you will need specific hardware and software to do so. Here are the requirements for reading NFC tags on a computer:

• NFC reader (hardware): You need an external NFC reader/writer that connects to your computer, typically via USB. Examples of such readers include ACR122U NFC Reader and Identiv SCR3310v2. These devices are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Software: After connecting the NFC reader, you will need software to manage the reading and writing of NFC tags. A commonly recommended application is NFC Tools, which is available for multiple operating systems. Another recommended application is MIFARE Classic Tool. These programs allow you to scan, store, and manipulate the data from NFC tags. If you don't use software, you can also use a development environment (like Python libraries) to interact with the NFC tags.

With the right NFC reader and software, computers can effectively read and write data to NFC tags just like mobile devices.

Here are the steps to read NFC tags on a computer.

1. Connect the NFC reader

   Plug your NFC reader into a USB port on your computer. Ensure that any necessary drivers are installed.

2. Install NFC software

   Download the NFC Tools software from a trusted source. Then follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to set up the software.

3. Using the software

   Open the NFC Tools application. Then place the NFC tag on or near the reader. The software should automatically detect the tag and display its contents or allow you to perform actions based on the tag's data.

4. Writing to NFC tags

   If you want to write data to an NFC tag (e.g., URLs, text), you can use the same software. Select the "Write" option in the application, input your desired data, and place the tag on the reader to program it.

What are the best NFC tag reader apps for Android? 

Here are some of the best NFC tag readers for Android devices, focusing on their features and usability. These apps provide a robust set of features for managing NFC tags on Android devices, catering to both casual users and those needing more advanced functionalities.

How to write NFC tags

Writing NFC tags requires an NFC-compatible device, such as a smartphone, and an app or software that can program the tags. You can write various types of data to your NFC tags for different applications, such as sharing URLs, contact details, or automating tasks. Here’s a guide for both Android and iPhone users on how to write to NFC tags.

You need to choose NFC tags that are blank and not write-locked, as locked tags cannot be rewritten. Then download an NFC tag writing app like NFC TagWriter by NXP (available for both Android and iOS), NFC Tools (available for both Android and iOS), or Smart NFC Tools (iOS only).

With the NFC tag and the NFC tag writing app ready, follow these steps to write an NFC Tag:

1. Enable NFC

   For iPhones (7 and newer), NFC is typically enabled by default. For Android, go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "NFC", and toggle it on.

2. Decide what to write on the tag

   NFC tags can store various types of data, including URLs, contact information, text messages, Wi-Fi credentials, and commands for smart devices.

3. Open the app and start writing

   Open the NFC tag writing app, select the data type (URL or text), and enter the data you want to store.

4. Write the data to the tag

   Place the NFC tag near the back of your device, tap the "Write" button in the app, and hold the device still until the app confirms the writing is complete.

5. Test the NFC tag

   After writing, scan the NFC tag with your device to ensure the data was written correctly.

What are the best NFC tag writer apps?

Here are some of the best NFC tag writer apps available for both Android and iOS devices. These apps cater to different needs, from simple tag writing to complex automation tasks, making them suitable for both casual users and professionals looking to leverage NFC technology effectively.

What is the NFC Tools for?

NFC Tools is a versatile mobile application designed for Android and iOS that allows users to interact with NFC tags. Here’s what you can do with NFC Tools:

• Read NFC tags

  The app can read various types of NFC tags and display detailed information, such as the tag's manufacturer, type, serial number, and available technology.

• Write to NFC tags

  Users can write different types of data to NFC tags, such as text, URLs, contact information, phone numbers, GPS locations, email addresses, and custom data.

• Program tasks

  NFC Tools allows users to automate actions by programming tasks on NFC tags, such as turning on/off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, setting alarms, launching specific apps or URLs, changing sound profiles (mute, vibrate, normal), and configuring network settings.

• Automation

  Users can create complex automation workflows using conditional blocks and user variables, enabling them to perform multiple actions with a single tag scan.

• Copy and erase functions

  The app also supports copying data from one tag to another and erasing existing data on NFC tags.

NFC Tools features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and advanced users. NFC Tools is ideal for anyone looking to explore the capabilities of NFC technology for personal convenience or productivity enhancement. Here are some practical applications of NFC tools:

• Automate daily tasks like switching your phone to silent mode at night or turning on Wi-Fi when you arrive home.
• Easily share contact information or social media profiles by tapping an NFC tag.
• Quickly access frequently used URLs or applications without navigating through menus.

How to use NFC Tools on Android?

NFC Tools is a versatile app that allows users to read, write, and program NFC tags on Android devices, enabling various applications from simple data sharing to complex automation tasks. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use NFC Tools on Android.

1. Install NFC Tools

   Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, Search for NFC Tools and download the app developed by Wakdev.

2. Enable NFC

   Before using NFC Tools, go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "NFC" and ensure that NFC is enabled on your device.

3. Launch the app

   Open the NFC Tools app from your app drawer. You can familiarize yourself with the main tabs: "Read", "Write", "Tasks", and "Records".

4. Reading NFC tag

   Tap the "Read" tab, then bring the NFC tag close to the back of your device. The app will detect the tag and display its information, such as content type and data.

5. Writing to NFC tag

   Select the "Write" tab, then tap "Add a record" to choose the type of data you want to write (e.g., URL, text, contact info). After adding your desired record, tap "Write" and then hold the NFC tag against your device to write the data.

6. Configuring actions

   In addition to basic data, you can also configure actions like launching an app or sending a message. You can do so by selecting the appropriate action type when adding a record in the "Write" section.

7. Testing Your NFC tag

   After writing data or programming actions, tap your phone on the NFC tag to test if it performs as expected.

By following these above steps, you can now easily use NFC Tools on your Android device for various tasks and automations. Additionally, you can also use the "Copy to NFC" feature to duplicate existing tags, or Explore the "Tasks" tab for automation options which allow you to set up complex actions triggered by scanning tags.

How to use NFC tags to connect to Wi-Fi?

Using NFC tags to connect devices to a Wi-Fi network is a convenient way to share Wi-Fi credentials without manual entry.

NFC tags can store various types of information, including Wi-Fi credentials. When an NFC-enabled device scans the tag, it can automatically connect to the specified Wi-Fi network, simplifying the process for guests or users who need access to the Wi-Fi network.

By following the steps below, you can effectively program NFC tags for Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy for users to connect with just a tap.

1. Choose an NFC tag that is rewritable and has at least 128 bytes of memory for storing Wi-Fi credentials.
2. Install an NFC programming app, such as NFC Tools (Android/iOS) or NFC TagWriter by NXP (Android).
3. Open the app, choose the option to create a new record or task, typically labeled as "Connect to Wi-Fi" or similar.
4. Enter Wi-Fi credentials, such as SSID (Wi-Fi network name), password and encryption type (WPA, WPA2, or Open).
5. Write this information to the NFC tag near your phone by following the app instructions, such as tapping the "Write" or "Program" button in the app.
6. Place the NFC tag in a convenient location, like near the router or in a common area for guests.
7. Bring your NFC-enabled device close to the NFC tag. The device will read the stored Wi-Fi credentials and prompt a connection request. Confirm the connection and your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.