How to use NFC tags to connect to Wi-Fi

This article explains how to use NFC tags to connect to Wi-Fi, providing detailed guides for Android devices and for iPhone. Android devices can scan NFC tags to auto-connect to Wi-Fi, while iPhones can only use NFC to trigger a shortcut that displays Wi-Fi credentials and opens Wi-Fi settings but won’t auto-connect to Wi-Fi.

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

Using NFC tags to connect Android 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 Android 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.

3. Open the NFC Tools app, select the "Write" tab, then tap "Add a record".

   

4. Scroll down and choose “Wi-Fi network”.

   

5. Enter Wi-Fi credentials, including SSID (Wi-Fi network name), password, authentication type and encryption type. You can simply choose the same authentication type and encryption type as in this example.

   

6. Tap the “Write” button in the app.

   

7. Then hold the NFC tag against your device to write the data.

   

8. The app will indicate when the writing process is complete.

   

9. After writing data, place the NFC tag in a convenient location, like near the router or in a common area for guests.
10. 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.

These above steps are suitable for Android devices. For iPhone users, it's a much different way to use NFC tag to connect to Wi-Fi on iPhone since Apple does not currently support setting Wi-Fi networks automatically via NFC.

What is the NFC protocol for Wi-Fi?

The NFC protocol for Wi-Fi follows a standard defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) via NFC. This protocol enables Wi-Fi configuration through NFC, allowing devices to connect to a wireless network by simply tapping an NFC tag or another NFC-enabled device.

When writing Wi-Fi credentials to an NFC tag, tools like NFC Tools use an NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) message containing SSID (Network Name), Authentication Type (WPA/WPA2/WEP/None), Password/Key and Hidden flag (optional).

This information is packaged in a WSC-specific NDEF record, usually of MIME type:

application/vnd.wfa.wsc

Here’s how it works in practice when connecting to Wi-Fi with an NFC tag.

1. A tag or device contains an NDEF message with Wi-Fi credentials.
2. Another NFC-capable device reads the tag.
3. The system (Android) recognizes the “application/vnd.wfa.wsc” record.
4. The phone prompts the user to join the specified network (or connects automatically).

How reliable is NFC for connecting guests to my Wi-Fi network?

Using NFC to connect guests to your Wi-Fi network is quite reliable and secure, especially for quick, user-friendly access. It's Reliable with many Advantages.

• Simple for Guests
  Just tap their phone on an NFC tag—no need to type long passwords. It's great for non-tech-savvy users (e.g., in homes, cafés, offices).
• Accurate
  No typos like with printed passwords. The NFC chip transmits exactly what you program.
• Secure
  NFC has a very short range (≤4 cm), which limits exposure to nearby attackers. You control what’s programmed onto the tag.
• Fast
  Instant connection if the device supports it properly (especially on Android).

However, there are a few technical and practical limitations.

• Platform Support
  Android supports Wi-Fi via NFC; iPhones do not (as of iOS 17, they can read NFC tags but won’t auto-connect to Wi-Fi).
• NFC Must Be Enabled
  If guests don’t have NFC turned on, it won’t work.
• Not All Tags Work
  Cheap or incompatible tags may fail. Use NTAG213/NTAG215/NTAG216.
• Read-Only Risk
  Once a tag is locked (write-protected), it can’t be changed. So test it thoroughly first.

How to use NFC tag to connect to Wi-Fi on iPhone?

iOS cannot auto-connect to Wi-Fi via NFC (unlike Android). A fully automatic Wi-Fi connection via NFC on iPhone is not supported by Apple due to privacy/security policies. So you must go through Shortcuts or QR codes, and the best practice is to use NFC to trigger a Shortcut that displays Wi-Fi credentials and opens Wi-Fi settings.

To use an NFC tag to connect an iPhone to Wi-Fi, you need to ensure your iPhone model supports NFC reading, and then use the iOS Shortcuts app to encode the NFC tag, which will trigger a Shortcut when tapping an iPhone to it and guide the user to join a Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Shortcuts App, go to the Automation tab at the bottom and choose "Create Personal Automation".
2. Scroll down and choose "NFC" as the Trigger. Tap Scan, hold your iPhone near your blank NFC tag and name it (e.g., "Home Wi-Fi").
3. After scanning your tag, you'll be taken to the action screen where you need to Add 2 Actions.

   • Action 1: Show Wi-Fi Details

     Tap "Add Action" and search for "Show Alert". Enter a message like:

     Wi-Fi: MyNetworkName
     Password: myStrongPassword123
     Tap OK to open Wi-Fi Settings.

   • Action 2: Open Wi-Fi Settings

     Tap "Add Action", use "Open App" and choose the Settings app. This brings the user to iPhone Settings where they can tap Wi-Fi.

4. After setting the actions, toggle "Ask Before Running" OFF and tap "Don’t Ask" to confirm.

It's Done! Now, when you tap your iPhone to the NFC tag, it will display your Wi-Fi name and password, and prompt you to open Wi-Fi Settings so you can manually join the Wi-Fi network.

A simpler way to connect to Wi-Fi, even without an NFC tag

There is a simpler way to connect to Wi-Fi without an NFC tag: Wi-Fi Easy Connect.

Wi-Fi Easy Connect allows a device to connect to Wi-Fi by simply tapping it against another device or an NFC tag that contains the Wi-Fi credentials. It can absolutely work without an NFC tag. The NFC tag is optional and just one of several ways to initiate the secure connection.

Here are the main methods to use Wi-Fi Easy Connect. You can choose QR Code or App-based Setup to use Wi-Fi Easy Connect without an NFC tag.

QR Code Scanning

One device (like your phone) generates a QR code containing Wi-Fi credentials. Another device scans it to join the network. It is supported on Android 10+ (most phones), some smart devices, and some routers.

These are the steps:

1. On your Android phone, go to your connected Wi-Fi network.
2. Tap the gear icon > Share (authenticate with PIN or fingerprint).
3. A QR code appears with the Wi-Fi info.
4. Use the other device to scan the QR code (e.g., with its camera or Wi-Fi setup menu).

Device-to-Device Setup via App

Some devices (especially smart home devices or routers) let you configure Wi-Fi credentials via a companion app that uses Bluetooth, Temporary Wi-Fi AP (access point) or Local network discovery (mDNS, etc.). This still uses the Wi-Fi Easy Connect protocol under the hood, just without needing QR or NFC.

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.

What NFC tags are rewritable?

A rewritable NFC tag is an NFC tag that allows you to write, erase, and rewrite data multiple times (typically up to 100,000 cycles). These are ideal for projects like Wi-Fi sharing, smart business cards, home automation triggers and event check-ins.

Here are some popular rewritable NFC tags.

Here’s how you can check if your tag is rewritable.

1. Open the NFC Tools app and tap "Other" > "Read".
2. Look at the "Writable" field in the tag data. If it says Yes, it’s still rewritable. If No, it’s locked and permanent.