NFC
How to Program Your NFC Patch
Use the guide below to write information or actions to your NFC patch using your phone. Choose your device to get started:
📱 iPhone (iOS 13 and Later)
Basic Writing with NFC Tools
- Download NFC Tools from the App Store.
- Open the app → Tap Write → Add a record (URL, text, etc.).
- Tap Write and hold your iPhone near the patch.
- Done! Scan it to test your setup.
Advanced Automations with Shortcuts App
- Open the built-in Shortcuts app.
- Go to the Automation tab → Tap + → Create Personal Automation.
- Select NFC → Scan your patch → Name it (e.g., “My Gear Tag”).
- Add your desired actions (open app, set focus mode, send message, etc.).
- Toggle off Ask Before Running if you want it to trigger automatically.
- Tap Done — now tapping your phone to the patch will run the automation.
Popular uses: open inventory logs, start playlists, run timers, log gear scans, trigger HomeKit scenes.
🤖 Android (Most Phones with NFC)
Basic Writing with NFC Tools
- Download NFC Tools from Google Play.
- Open the app → Tap Write → Add a record.
- Select your action (e.g., URL, text, app launch).
- Tap Write and hold your phone to the patch.
Your patch is now programmed!
Advanced Automation with NFC Tasks
- Install both NFC Tools and NFC Tasks.
- In NFC Tools, go to Tasks → Add a task (toggle Wi-Fi, send SMS, etc.).
- Stack multiple actions if needed → Tap Write.
- Hold phone to patch. You’re done!
Power User Options with Tasker
- Install Tasker.
- Create a Profile → Event → NFC Tag.
- Assign a Task (e.g., log to Google Sheets, open maps, start timers).
- Optionally restrict triggers by time, location, or Wi-Fi network.
Great for tradesmen, inventory logging, or tool kit checklists.
⚠️ Pro Tips
- Do not place patches on bare metal unless they're shielded NFC tags.
- You can lock your NFC patch to prevent overwriting (use NFC Tools).
- Most modern phones support reading tags instantly without an app — but writing always requires one.