How2: Using NFC in different situations

NFC has established itself as a standard function in all relevant smartphones. Beyond payment, NFC technology enables advanced functions. From simply reading a URL to the use of NFC in apps for automation or data processing, there are no limits to what is possible. In this section, instructions for using NFC with smartphones are listed and continuously expanded.

How2: Android

Read & write NFC tags

Android: Activate NFC function

Enable NFC function on Android smartphones

Android: Read NFC tags

Read NFC tags with Android

Android: Write NFC tags

Writing NFC tags with different data types with Android

Reading the memory of an NFC-Tag

With the right App the memory contents of a NFC-tag are revealed easily

Android: Read UID with Android

We explain how the worldwide unique UID of an NFC tag can be read for Android.

Android: Write and edit an NFC Display

NFC-Display mit verschiedenen Datentypen mit Android beschreiben und bearbeiten

Android: Label the NFC Cube

Write your Stickers for the NFC-Cube with Android.

Everyday applications with NFC

Android: Automation with NFC

Create automations and tasks and trigger them with an NFC tag.

Android: Trigger tasks with conditions with NFC

Here we explain how conditions can be created for specific tasks.

Launch app with a NFC tag

In this How2 we explain how to launch an app on an Android smartphone directly with an NFC tag.

Android: Read text aloud with NFC

Learn how you can have texts read aloud to you just by scanning the NFC tag and using Android!

Sharing WLAN with NFC and an Android smartphone

This How2 describes how to make a WLAN network shareable with Android via NFC tag.

Android: Share Spotify Playlist

Make Spotify Playlist divisible by an NFC tag with Android

Create a timer with an NFC-Tag

Smart timers made easy: Find out how to automize tasks by creating timers with the NFC Tasks app and a NFC tag for Android. Perfect for everyday life!

Android application example: Activate "Car mode"

In this How2 we present a concrete application example based on the knowledge of automation with the Android smartphone.

How2: iOS

Read & write NFC tags

Reading NFC tags with iOS 14

Since iOS 14: NFC without an app! Learn how to read NFC tags on older iPhones using the advanced control centre. From URLs to shortcuts.

Read NFC tags with iPhone XS or newer

iOS: Read NFC tags with NFC21 Reader

With the NFC21 Reader app on your iPhone, you can discover how easy NFC can be – from opening web links to composing emails.

iOS: Writing and reading NFC tags with NFC21 Tools

Discover the NFC21 Tools app for iOS: Easily read, write, and personalize NFC tags!

iOS: Read UID with iOS

We explain how the worldwide unique UID of an NFC tag can be read for iOS.

iOS: Write and edit an NFC Display

Write and edit NFC display with different data types with iOS

iOS: Label the NFC Cube

Writing NFC-cube stickers with your iPhone.

Simple & easy applications with NFC

Basics: Creating short commands and triggering them with NFC tags

This How2 introduces the app shortcuts for iOS 13 and shows how smartphone actions can be performed automatically by an NFC chip.

Search for ready-made shortcuts and save them to an NFC tag

In this How2 we introduce the Apple shortcut gallery and explain how to use it.

Start app with NFC tag

NFC tags - Learn how to open apps directly on your iPhone using shortcuts and an NFC tag.

iOS: Read text with NFC

Learn how you can have texts read aloud to you just by scanning the NFC tag and using an iPhone!

Set alarm clock with NFC tag

Wake up effortlessly and save time: Set your alarm clock with NFC - Here's how to do it in 4 minutes for iOS users!

Create toothbrush timer via NFC

Time for healthy teeth! Create your personal toothbrushing timer in 7 minutes with an NFC sticker. Simple and effective!

iOS: Share Spotify Playlist with NFC

For music lovers: Save the link to your Spotify playlist to an NFC tag in 2 minutes and share it with friends.

Launch fitness app via NFC

Fitness on the Go: Launch your sports app with a simple scan of an NFC tag!

Start a stopwatch with an NFC tag for iOS

Find out how you can set up and automatically run your stopwatch in just 5 minutes with an NFC tag!

Share WLAN with NFC and an iPhone

Quick Wi-Fi sharing via NFC: Save, scan and share access data with ease using an NFC tag!

Send image as PDF via email

Quickly and easily take a photo as a PDF with an NFC tag and send it directly by email!

Calculate travel time and send via messenger

Optimise your journey home: scan the NFC tag, calculate your travel time, send it via messenger! All in just 7 minutes!

Start music playback via a Bluetooth box with NFC

This How2 explains how an NFC chip can automatically play music from a playlist on a Bluetooth box.

Create an NFC automation with the AirTag in Shortcuts app

Use your AirTag as an NFC tag to save time in everyday life! Learn how to open URLs or start your home route. Find out more now!

Advanced applications with NFC

Advanced: Performing actions through an automation

Do more with your iPhone! Our How2 shows you how to add more actions to existing automation processes. In just 10 minutes!

Create complex automations

In this How2, an example scenario is used to explain how different actions can be linked together in a meaningful way.

Mute all notifications by timeout with NFC

In this How2 we explain how to mute all notifications with only one NFC scan around an individual timeout.

Filter contacts directly with an NFC-tag

Efficient contact management with NFC: How to create a tag that filters your contacts based on individual criteria. Ideal for quick access!

Save current location with NFC tag

Use NFC and shortcuts to save your location in a flash! Simply scan, name places and save them in notes – find out more here!

Automatic reminder of an expiration date using NFC tags

In this How2 we explain how an NFC tag can be used to set an expiry reminder.

How2: General

UID

Configuring the ACS1552U Reader as a UID scanner

Find out here how you can quickly and easily use a reader as a UID scanner!

Reading UIDs with the iPad using an NFC reader

Find out here how you can quickly and easily read UIDs with your iPad.

NFC lock

Using IKEA Rothult with NFC tags

In this How2 we explain how the NFC lock can be opened and closed with foreign NFC tags.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ: NFC with the Smartphone

Frequently asked questions about NFC and iOS, or NFC and Android

How2: Windows

Read & write NFC tags

NFC21-Reader - Read NFC-Tags in windows

With the NFC21-Tools Reader, NFC tags can be read with a Windows system in the background.

NFC21-Writer - Write NFC-Tags in windows

We explain how several NFC tags with different data types can be written with a Windows computer.

Reading the UID with Windows

We explain how the worldwide unique UID of an NFC tag can be read for Windows.

Everyday applications with NFC

Windows login with a NFC card / NFC tag

Windows login without a password? Possible with NFC chips! Learn how to do it with CodeB for more security. Get the instructions now!

NFC-Tag: Read UID in Excel with Windows

NFC-Tags at a glance! Find out here how you can have your UID read out in Excel with a Windows computer!