Programming NFC tags is how you do it (roadmap)

In this blog, I'm going to talk about programming NFC tags. We get a lot of questions about this topic, so I think it would be a good plan to explain it in great detail.

To clear up any confusion, NFC programming is not difficult and can easily be done by yourself. Although the term ''programming'' sounds complex to the ears, it is actually not that difficult. Before I give you the step-by-step guide on how to program NFC tags, I'm going to talk about the ways in which you can program NFC tags.

What are the ways to program NFC?

You surely know the saying: there are several roads to Rome. This saying also applies to programming NFC tags. There are several ways to program NFC tags. There are mainly two ways that are frequently used, the most popular being programming with a cell phone. This can be either an Android or Apple device. Previously, NFC programming was only possible with an Android phone, but since Apple's update (IOS13), it is also possible with an Apple device. In addition, programming is also possible with an NFC Reader/Writer, which is a device with a USB input that can be connected to a computer. With the included software you can easily write NFC tags.

What devices can I program NFC tags with?

There are not only multiple ways to program NFC tags, but also multiple devices with which you can do this. As you read in previous paragraph, it is possible to program with both an Apple and Android device. But beware, not every Apple device supports this feature. Only Apple devices with the software ios13 or higher accept this function. In contrast, Android does not suffer from this. You can write NFC tags with any Android device.

What applications are suitable for programming NFC?

In previous paragraphs, we talked about the ways you can program NFC tags and which devices you can do so with. When you choose to program NFC tags via a cell phone, you have a choice of applications.

Apple Store Do you have an IPhone? Then make use of the NFC Tools application. With it, you can easily read and write NFC tags.

Play Store Are you using an Android phone? Then we recommend two popular applications for reading and writing NFC tags, namely:

-NFC Tagwriter
-NFC Taginfo

How do I program NFC tags?

Time required: 5 minutes.

How do I program NFC tags?

1. Turn NFC 'ON' on your smartphone
   Android
   Go to SETTINGS -> WIRELESS AND CONNECTIONS -> ON.
   Don't worry this setting does not affect your battery life. So you can just keep the NFC feature ON.
   
   Apple
   You don't have to do anything! Apple has NFC turned on by default.
   
2. Download the NFC app
   Android
   Go to PLAY STORE -> search for NFC TAGWRITER -> DOWNLOAD
   
   Apple
   Go to APPLE STORE -> Search for NFC TOOLS -> DOWNLOAD
   
3. Open the NFC app
   Open the NFC app on your smartphone
   
4. WRITE-> NEW DATA SET
   Then click "Write" and then "New data set".
   
5. Choose the data
   Click on the data you want to program on the NFC tag, such as a Link, Contact Details, Bluetooth, Phone, Text, SMS etc. In this example, we are programming a link on the tag.
   
6. Fill in the data
   Leave the description blank. Under URL, enter the link you want to program on the tag with the title.
   
7. WRITE -> CONFIRM OVERWRITE -> WRITE
   Click write, then confirm overwrite by pressing write again.
   
8. Program the tag
   Hold the NFC tag against your phone and you will get the message: SAVE COMPLETED. Finally, press CLEAR.
   
   Good, your NFC tag is programmed!

Programming with an NFC writer

An NFC writer is a device or software that can store data on an NFC tag. It allows you to easily put information on an NFC tag, such as contact information, URLs, events or commands.

To use an NFC writer, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have an NFC tag and an NFC writer.
2. Put the NFC tag near the NFC writer.
3. Launch the NFC Writer app on your device.
4. Enter the desired data in the NFC writer app.
5. Click 'Write' or 'Program' to save the data on the NFC tag.
6. Remove the NFC tag from the NFC writer when programming is complete.

Why use an NFC writer?

There are some reasons why you might use an NFC writer instead of a mobile application to program NFC tags:

1. Speed: an NFC writer is faster at programming NFC tags than a mobile application.
2. Reliability: some NFC writers are specifically designed for programming NFC tags and thus offer more reliability than a mobile application.
3. Versatility: some NFC writers can not only program NFC tags, but also read and manage NFC cards or keys.
4. Convenience: an NFC writer is usually easier to use than a mobile application and does not require connection to a smartphone or tablet.

However, it is also true that mobile applications like NFC Tools offer a lot of flexibility because you can use them anywhere you have a smartphone or tablet. So it depends on the specific situation and personal preference which option is best for you.