With the iPhone you can read NFC tags to, for example, request information or perform an action. Since iOS 13, using NFC tags has become a lot more interesting. In addition to reading information from the tags, you can also create your own automations with Apple’s Assignments app. If you want to get started with this, we explain how it works below. What are NFC tags and what do you need them for? And how do you use your own NFC tag?
- What are NFC Tags?
- What do you need NFC tags for?
- Suitable NFC tags for iPhone
- Create NFC tag
- Use NFC tag
Which iPhones can read NFC tags?
To use this tip, you must have one of the following devices:
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iPhone 13 series or newer
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iPhone 12 series
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iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE 2020
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iPhone X Series (X, XR, XS, XS Max)
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iPhone 8 series
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iPhone 7 series
Enable NFC reader
On the iPhone XR and later, the NFC reader runs in the background and automatically activates when an NFC tag is detected. On the iPhone 7 to iPhone X, you still have to add the NFC reader to the Control Panel. This works as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Control Panel.
- Scroll down and tap the plus sign next to NFC Tag Reader.
What are NFC Tags?
NFC tags are small items that can transmit information. They can also be used to initiate an action, such as a contactless payment with Apple Pay or checking in on public transport. A wireless bank card and your public transport chip card also contain an NFC chip. You can read general information about NFC technology in our explanation about NFC!
It becomes even more fun if you come up with applications for it yourself. For example, you can start all kinds of automations by tapping your iPhone against an NFC tag. An example: hold the iPhone against a sticker that you have placed near the front door or on your bedside table. You can then ensure that all lights are switched off, the heating is lowered and the alarm system is switched on.
Especially if you also use HomeKit devices at home, there are all kinds of options.
You can purchase the tags for a low price; you pay around €5 for five pieces. The NFC tags we used for this tip are provided by 123NFC.nl. You buy these products via Bol.com. You can also find them at NFCsupport, also on Bol.
What can you use NFC tags for?
There are several uses for NFC tags. You can do simple things with it, like turn the lights on and off. If you want to perform some more advanced actions, you can do that too. Since iOS 13, using NFC tags has become much more accessible. Apple has provided the built-in Assignments app with NFC tag support. Every iPhone with iOS 13 or later has this app installed by default. Using the Assignments app you can activate HomeKit scenes, among other things.
These are useful applications for NFC:
Activate HomeKit devices and scenes
If you stick an NFC tag at the front door, you can hold your iPhone against it when you get home. If you have a HomeKit door lock, it will lock automatically. The lamps and the television also switch on. Ready for a relaxing moment! You must of course have suitable devices at home for this. You can also stick an NFC tag on your bedside table. This allows, for example, to activate your alarm clock while all the lights go out.
In the car
You can also stick an NFC tag inconspicuously in the car, for example somewhere under your steering wheel. This allows you to automatically open a route to, for example, your work. Handy if you want to check whether it is better to take a detour due to traffic jams, or if you often have to go to work from different locations.
If you have a Tesla you can take it one step further. For example, this Redditor made an NFC tag that allows him to open and close his trunk on the front of the car.
System functions
You can also trigger simple tasks with NFC tags. This way you can turn on your flashlight, or automatically open a certain app. You can also quickly start Do Not Disturb and energy saving mode by holding your iPhone against the tag. You do need a specific usage scenario for this, but it is good to know that it is possible. Of course, it is not always necessary to hold your iPhone against an NFC tag if it can also be done with a quick action on the screen.
Much more
The handy thing about NFC tags is that they can be programmed very widely. So you can use them for a lot of things. If you are a bit handy with a Raspberry Pi, for example, then there is a world of possibilities at your feet. NFC tags can be set for very specific actions, so you’ll have to find out for yourself what might be useful for you. Do you have actions that you perform daily, but could perhaps be automated? Give it a try! You may not be able to think of anything, but you probably won’t miss anything.
https://www.iculture.nl/gids/homekit-deurslot-deurbel/
Suitable NFC tags for your iPhone
What you may not notice at first glance is that there are different types of NFC tags. Not only in size, but also in technical details. The iPhone recognizes a wide variety of NFC tags, including NFC Forum Type 2 tags with chips from NTAG, MIFARE, and ICODE. If you choose NTAG it will almost always work. We have different types of NFC tags in stock, including a small, rectangular sticker and a drop for your keys. They can be purchased for a low price; for the stickers below you pay about €5 for five pieces.
We used these tags:
- NTAG213 White NFC Tags 25mm
- NTAG213 Transparent NFC Tags 30mm
- NTAG213 Micro NFC Tags
- NTAG213 NFC Key Fob
Since the iPhone 6, the iPhone has an NFC chip, but note: you can only use the NFC tags with an iPhone 7 or newer. This has to do with the technical specifications that make Apple choose the iPhone 7 as the minimum requirement. Do you have an iPhone 7, 8 or X? Then you need a separate app to read NFC tags. Since the iPhone XS, your iPhone can also do this without a separate app. You can find a suitable NFC reading app by searching for NFC in the App Store. There are many free apps, such as NFC Tools.
This is how you prepare an NFC tag for use
You can use various apps to prepare your NFC tag. Since iOS 13, the most obvious app is Apple’s built-in Shortcuts app. This allows you to activate all automations with the NFC tag. You can also have multiple actions performed at the same time with one action. However, this only works for you, so others will not benefit from your NFC tag. You can read how to create an automation in our explanation. This is how you associate an NFC tag with actions:
- Open the Assignments app.
- Open the Automation tab.
- Create a new automation with the plus sign (+) in the top right.
- Choose Personal automation.
- Scroll down and select NFC.
- Tap NFC tag, scan your tag and give it a name.
- Add all the desired tasks in the correct order, then tap Next.
- You may want to turn off Ask before running for faster action.
Every time you hold your iPhone against this NFC tag, the actions will be performed in the order you have determined. You can always make adjustments in the Automations tab, so you don’t have to redo it every time you make a mistake.
Do you want others to be able to use your NFC tags? For that you need to install third party apps. We prefer Smart NFC. This allows you to open links, make phone calls and connect to Wi-Fi networks. You can then also lock the NFC tag so that it cannot be tampered with. Apps are regularly made that allow you to tailor NFC tags to your liking, so it sometimes pays to search for NFC in the App Store.
This is how you use an NFC tag
Using an NFC tag with your iPhone is basically the same for all tags. Whether they belong to you or someone else. Note that you need an iPhone 7 or newer to read NFC tags, and an iPhone XS or newer to do so without a separate app. You can easily find a suitable app by searching for NFC in the App Store. This is how you use an NFC tag:
- Unlock your iPhone.
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iPhone 7, 8, and X only: Open an NFC reader app.
- Hold the top of your iPhone against the NFC tag.
- If necessary, tap the notification that appeared and tap Execute (or a similar message).
So you see, setting up an NFC tag might take some work, but once done it’s very simple to use.
