Near Field Communication technology allows devices to communicate with each other when they are close together. NFC tags are embedded with chips that store information NFC-enabled devices can read. You can program it using your iPhone to share your contact information, open websites, and launch apps.
If you want to program NFC tags on your iPhone, buy the tags from Amazon. Install and launch the TagWriter by NXP app on your iPhone and tap “New.” Choose “Link” from the list and select the “URL” type. Type the domain in the URL data field and “Save & Write” to encode your NFC tag.
This article will explore how to program NFC tags on iPhone with easy-to-follow instructions to help you get this done in no time.
Requirements for Setting Up NFC Tags in iPhone
The following are the requirements for setting up NFC tags on iPhones:
- Blank NFC tags: Make sure to buy them from a trusted source, such as Amazon.
- NFC-enabled iPhone: You need to use iPhone 7 or newer with the latest iOS installed.
- NFC writing app: Plenty of NFC tags apps are available in App Store, but make sure to use the most trusted and recommended one.
Programming NFC Tags on iPhone
If you are wondering how to program NFC tags on your iPhone, our 2 simple step-by-step methods will help you go through this process quickly. Before starting, make sure to buy the tags.
Method #1: Using the TagWriter by NXP App
The TagWriter by NXP is an app that allows you to write NFC code on your iPhone. Ensure the tags are blank before programming them, and follow these instructions afterward:
- Go to the App Store and search for the TagWriter by NXP app.
- Install and launch the app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “New” option at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Link” from the list of options and choose the URL type HTTP:// or HTTPS://.
- Type your domain under the URL data field and avoid adding a description.
- Tap “Save & Write,” and your NFC tag will be encoded.
Method #2: Using the NFC Tools App
NFC Tools is another app offering a simple and lightweight interface on iPhone to help you read and write the NFC tags in the following way:
- Install the NFC Tools app from the App Store.
- Launch the app and tap “Write.”
- Tap “Add a Record” and select URL/URI from the options.
- Type the URL you want to open and tap “OK.”
- On the previous screen, tap “Write,” approach your NFC tag, and that’s it.
- You have successfully programmed your NFC tag on your iPhone.
Besides adding a URL as a record, you can also select text, application, or custom URL/URI options.
Triggering an iOS Shortcut with Your NFC Tags
The Shortcuts app on your iPhone is the easiest and quickest solution for using the NFC tags.
To trigger an iOS shortcut with your tags, do the following simple steps.
Step #1: Launch the Shortcuts App
Head to the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the “Automation” tab. Select “Create Personal Automation,” scroll down to “NFC” and select it. Tap “Scan” and place your NFC tag near your iPhone.
Step #2: Add an Action
Type your NFC tag name and tap “Add Action.” Choose the action you want your iPhone to perform when you tap a tag and tap the “Next” option at the top right side of the screen.
Toggle the button next to “Ask Before Running” to turn it off and run your action automatically. Tap “Done” to confirm.
If you want to delete or erase an NFC tag, launch the NFC Tools app and tap “Other.” Tap “Erase Tag,” and the ready-to-scan screen will be displayed. Bring the tag closer to your iPhone, and this will delete the data.
Password Protecting NFC Tag Using Your iPhone
If you want to password-protect your NFC tag using your iPhone, follow these simple instructions:
- Launch the NFC Tools app on your iPhone.
- Head to “Others” and tap “Set Password.”
- Type a password, tap “OK,” and touch your NFC tag on your iPhone to set the password.
Which iPhone Device Features NFC Tag Reader?
iPhone devices running on iOS 14 feature NFC tags reader to help you scan the tags to read. You can also add it by navigating to Settings > Control Center and adding NFC Tag Reader.
On the other hand, iPhone devices running on iOS 15 have passive NFC readers that read the tags automatically when you hold them closer to your phone.
The following iPhone models have NFC readers:
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus
- iPhone X
The following iPhone models have passive NFC readers:
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, Pro, Max, and Mini
- iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, XS Max
Why Is My iPhone Not Reading My NFC Tags?
The following are some scenarios in which your iPhone might not read your NFC tags:
- An NFC trigger was generated, which is running and not finished yet.
- Your iPhone is locked after an update or reboot.
- The Camera app on your iPhone is running.
- You have enabled Airplane mode.
- Your Apple Pay wallet is open.
- On iOS 14 or older, the NFC reader is not turned on from the Control Center.
Summary
In this article, we’ve discussed programming NFC tags on your iPhone with simple step-by-step instructions. Moreover, we discussed the requirements for using NFC tags on iPhones and simple steps for triggering an iOS Shortcut for using these tags.
We’ve also explored how you can password protect your NFC tags on your iPhone and which iOS devices feature NFC readers. Also, reasons were discussed for why your iPhone is not reading your NFC tags.
Hopefully, you can now program NFC tags on your iPhone without facing any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best iPhone apps to program NFC tags are, TagWriter by NXP, NFC for iPhone, NFC Tools, and Simply NFC.
