iOS: Writing and reading NFC tags with NFC21 Tools

After opening the app, we are automatically taken to the All overview. Here, we can use the bar at the top of the screen to filter which tags we want to see: All, Read, Written, Drafts and Favorites. Entries can be deleted from this list by selecting Edit. Alternatively, you can also swipe right over the desired entry. Written NFC tags can be favourited and/or saved as drafts so that they can be accessed again later. This is particularly useful for NFC tags that are to be written with an email, text message or text, for example, to save repeated typing. Each NFC tag (regardless of whether it is read, written or a draft) can be saved as a favourite by tapping on the star in the top right-hand corner.

By selecting Read NFC tag, an NFC tag can be read, which then appears in the overview under Read and All. By selecting this entry, further information and actions can be accessed, which vary depending on the type of tag. For example, with an email tag, you can compose a corresponding email, with a location tag, you can start navigation, etc.

Note: Under Settings, you can set the app to read an NFC tag immediately upon starting the app. In addition, the Infinite reading function allows you to read one tag after another without having to reopen the dialogue box. Another important function is Activate text to speech. This allows the content of the NFC tag to be read aloud after scanning. This function is particularly helpful for people with visual impairments.

By selecting Tag-Types at the bottom of the screen, you can choose which tag types to describe. The Tag-Types are divided into Standard Tag-Types, Extended Tag-Types and Expert Tag-Types.

Note: When describing a tag, we can select the lock icon. By selecting the lock icon, we can decide whether the NFC tag should be locked. This means that the tag cannot be overwritten afterwards. This step cannot be undone!

For these Standard Tag-Types, simply enter the desired URL, phone number or FaceTime address to write it to the NFC tag using Write to NFC tag. All Standard Tag-Types can be read on iPhone XS and iPhone 7 or later without the need for an external app.

For these Standard Tag-Types, a Receiver must be entered in order to then write them to the NFC tag using Write to NFC tag. For E-Mail and SMS, you can also enter a template text. This can be saved by tapping Save as draft so that you can retrieve it again for later use.

Note: With the tag Shortcut, already existing or self-created shortcuts can be written to an NFC tag. The input and the existing shortcut must have the same name. This guide explains how to create shortcuts using a simple example.

Extended tag types can be read with a suitable NFC app (like this one) from iPhone 7 on: The following extended tag types can be described with Write to NFC Tag as follows:

• Text Enter any text.
• Address Enter any address. Alternatively, you can simply copy the current address from the preview.
• Location Navigate with familiar gestures Via the map and set the location by tapping on the map to any point.
• Contact Add a contact from your address book to write on the NFC tag.
• WLAN Enter the name and password of a known wireless network so that other smartphones can connect to this network using NFC tags.

A new data tag can be used to describe individual data on the NFC tag, which can be processed by an application designed for this purpose.

With the Bluetooth tag, a direct connection to the Bluetooth device can be established by entering the MAC address (e.g. that of the Bluetooth speaker). This type of tag is currently not supported by the iPhone but works on Android.

In Settings you can set that an NFC tag should be read directly when the app is started. In addition, the function Infinite Read allows to read one tag after the other without having to reopen the dialog. It is possible to save any NFC tag, whether read, written or draft, as a favourite by tapping on the star in the upper right corner. Favourites are visible in the overview Written in the upper right tab.

By selecting the lock symbol, you can decide before each labeling whether the NFC tag should be locked. This prevents the tag from being overwritten afterwards. Note: This step cannot be undone.