How to use NFC tags for Android and iPhone

In an increasingly connected world, the line between the physical and digital is blurring, and NFC tag technology is at the forefront of this revolution.

Whether you've tapped your phone to make a contactless payment, shared information with a simple gesture, or unlocked a smart door without fumbling for keys, you've experienced the seamless magic of NFC.

But what exactly are NFC tags, and how are they transforming the way we interact with our environment? In this article, we'll talk about what NFC tags are, how to use IFTTT to pair them with your smart home, and how to set up Amazon Alexa NFC tag routines.

What is an NFC Tag?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication and is common feature found among iPhones, Samsung phone and Google phones today. Similar to Bluetooth in function, NFC is used to for a shorter distance communication and can connect much quicker.

It lets your phone 'speak' to other devices just by tapping or being near an NFC enabled device. For instance, tapping your iPhone on the card reader to use Apple pay is an example of an NFC transaction.

What many people do not know is that most smart home devices on the market today are NFC-enabled, meaning you can take advantage of this technology in your daily routine. Whether it be turning on lights with your phone, or signing into an account, these NFC interactions can bring your smart home to the next level.

One of our brilliant product managers, Uchenna, put these videos together to help you set up NFC tags for your android or iPhone with IFTTT.

How to use NFC tags to automate your home with your iPhone

1. Pick up some NFC tags

2. Set up your IFTTT Applet 2a. Choose Button Press as your trigger 2b. Choose Smart Life as your action

3. Set up your iOS shortcuts app 3a. Choose “Create Personal Automation” 3b. Choose “NFC” and then scan your NFC tag 3c. Swipe up and scroll down to find your IFTTT app 3d. Click in and click “Trigger Applet” to choose the Applet you just created

Setup is complete! Comment on the video if you have any questions about setting up NFC tags or are running into errors.

How to use NFC tags to automate your home with your Android phone

1. Pick up some NFC tags

2. Set up your IFTTT Applet 2a. Choose Webhooks as your trigger 2b. Choose “Recieve a Web Request” 2c. Name the event name something easy that you can copy and paste. You’ll use it when you set up the event in Macrodroid. 2d. Choose Smart Life as your action

3. Set up Macrodroid

3a. Select “Add Macro”

i. Trigger and click on the + icon

ii. Search and search for “NFC”

iii. Click on NFC device tag and say “ok” to write a new tag

iv. Name the tag whatever you want, but remember to touch the NFC tag to the phone to make sure it's configured correctly

3b. Click the “Action” button and search for URL - Then click the “open website” button. Here you’ll need to add your personal Webhooks service URL

i. Go to your Webhooks service page, click documentation and copy the entire first key to the URL section in Macrodroid

ii. Update the {event} section in the URL to the name you used when you named the original tag. Save and name your macro.

Now your Android phone is set up! Comment on the video if you have any questions about setting up NFC tags or are running into errors.

And, you should be all set up. Test your creation and don't be afraid to reach out to our support team if you need guidance.

Ready to make some Applets? IFTTT is free to sign up and create your first automation.