Short answer: you need an NFC-capable phone, a writable tag (NTAG213, 215 or 216), and a tag-writing app. Open the app, choose what to write — a URL, Wi-Fi credentials, a contact — then hold the tag against the back of the phone near the top until it confirms. The whole process takes a few seconds.
Our NFC Write & Read Tags app covers the whole toolkit — reading, writing and automating tags. Once you have the basics down, see NFC tags for smart home automation for real setups.
What Are NFC Tags?
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small, unpowered chips that store data. When you tap your phone on a tag, it reads the stored information and can perform actions like opening a URL, sharing contact info, or triggering automations.
What You Need
- A smartphone with NFC — iPhone 7+ or most modern Android phones
- Blank NFC tags — NTAG213, NTAG215, or NTAG216 recommended
- An NFC writing app — NFC Write & Read Tags by Yalintech
Where to Buy NFC Tags
NFC tags are affordable and widely available:
- Amazon — search for "NTAG215 NFC tags"
- AliExpress — bulk packs at lower prices
- Specialty stores — GoToTags, NFC TagWriter
Price: $0.30–$1.00 per tag depending on type and quantity.
Which Tag Type to Choose?
| Tag Type | Memory | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NTAG213 | 144 bytes | URLs, short text |
| NTAG215 | 504 bytes | vCards, Wi-Fi, Amiibo |
| NTAG216 | 888 bytes | Long text, multiple records |
| MIFARE Classic | 1KB–4KB | Larger data storage |
For the full breakdown of what fits on each type — including iPhone and Android read/write support per type — see NFC tag types compared.
How to Write an NFC Tag
Step 1: Install an NFC Writer App
Download NFC Write & Read Tags — it supports 10+ data types and works on both iOS and Android.
Step 2: Choose What to Write
The app supports writing:
- URLs — open a website when tapped
- Text — display a message
- Wi-Fi — auto-connect to your network
- Contact (vCard) — share your contact info
- Phone number — dial a number
- Email — compose an email
- App launch — open a specific app
- Location — show a map location
Step 3: Write the Tag
- Open NFC Write & Read Tags
- Select Write mode
- Choose the data type (URL, text, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Enter the information
- Tap Write and hold your phone near the blank tag
- Wait for the success confirmation
Step 4: Test the Tag
Tap the tag with your phone to verify it works correctly. The app's Read mode shows exactly what's stored on the tag.
10 Creative NFC Tag Ideas
- Wi-Fi sharing — place a tag by your router so guests can tap to connect
- Business card — embed your contact info on a tag in your wallet
- Smart home trigger — tap to turn on lights, set thermostat, or start music
- Car dashboard — launch navigation, enable Bluetooth, start a playlist
- Nightstand — set alarm, enable Do Not Disturb, dim lights
- Front door — toggle smart lock, disable alarm system
- Office desk — launch work apps, connect to office Wi-Fi
- Pet collar — tag with your contact info in case your pet gets lost
- Laundry room — start a timer when you begin a wash cycle
- Kids' bedtime routine — trigger a series of smart home automations
Troubleshooting
Tag won't write:
- Ensure NFC is enabled in your phone settings
- Try a different tag — some may be defective or write-protected
- Remove your phone case if it's thick or contains metal
Data doesn't fit:
- Use a tag with more memory (NTAG216 instead of NTAG213)
- Shorten URLs using a URL shortener
- Reduce the amount of data
iPhone can't write:
- Make sure you're using iPhone 7 or newer
- Update to the latest iOS version
- Use a dedicated NFC writer app (built-in only reads)
Download NFC Write & Read Tags for Android or App Store for iPhone.
