Writing NFC Tags and Cards
The easiest way to write data to an NFC tag or card is by using your smartphone. First, make sure NFC is enabled. On Android, go to 'Settings' and look for the 'Connected devices' section to turn on NFC. For iPhones, NFC is usually enabled by default. Once that's done, download a free NFC app and you're just a few clicks away from encoding your tag or card.
Android Phones NFC Apps
- NFC TagWriter by NXP: This is a free app that not only lets you write URLs but also enables device tasks like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth toggles. It even has advanced programming features, full documentation is available in a PDF file.
(Example of writing a website URL to a NFC Card using TagWriter App on Android Phone)
- NFC Tools: Available as a free download on both Google Play and iTunes, this app is another general-purpose NFC writer.
- NFC Task: Exclusive to Android and free, this app specializes in automating tasks when your smartphone scans a specific NFC Tag.
- NFC TagInfo by NXP: This free app is for advanced reading of the NFC chip memory, allowing for data extraction and analysis.
iPhone and iPad NFC Apps (iOS)
- NFC TagWriter by NXP: Similar to its Android counterpart, this free app lets you write URLs.
- NFC Tools: Also free and easy to use with various commands available.
(Example of writing a website URL to a NFC Card using NFC Tool App on iPhone)
- Smart NFC: Exclusive to iTunes for $1.99, this professional app allows special features and also supports ICODE SLIX.
- NFC TagInfo by NXP: This free app is for advanced reading of the NFC chip memory, allowing for data extraction and analysis.
Desktop device (Windows / Mac)
If you're using a computer, you'll first need an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer, as computers don't come with built-in NFC sensors.
- TagXplorer: Developed in collaboration with NXP, this software is free and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows even uncommon types of writing and programming, like password protection and scan counters. It works with a limited range of readers, the cheapest being OMNIKEY 5022, priced around £55-£65. Note that ACR122U is not compatible with TagXplorer.