Differences

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--- ntag [2026/02/16 17:08] – fe359075-9169-6b6a-53ef-1010575751a6
+++ ntag [2026/02/18 03:23] (current) – Adding in person event links 12051e99-67d2-6fab-c3b3-19b06be4bb57
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-==== 0. Introduction to NFC and NTAG216 ====
+=== 0. Introduction to NFC and NTAG chips, such as the NTAG215 and NTAG216 ===
-What is NFC?
+===== What is NFC? =====
 NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are brought within a few centimeters of each other. It is commonly used for contactless payments, access control, and data sharing between smartphones and NFC tags.
-Frequency Used by NTAG216
+**Common NTAGs**
-NTAG216 tags operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which is the standard frequency for NFC communication worldwide. This frequency enables fast and secure data transfer over very short distances.
+NTAG 213 (144 bytes): This variant is less common due to its small storage size. Often, it does not provide enough memory for common applications.
-Safely Using NTAG216 Tags for Custom "Tap on Phone" Actions
+NTAG215 (544 bytes): Widely used for consumer goods, product authentication, and popular for creating custom, reprogrammable Nintendo Amiibo figures due to its increased memory. We are customizing these at [[https://fencon.org|FenCon 21.]]
-Use trusted NFC programming apps like NFC Tools or NXP TagWriter.
+NTAG216 (888 bytes): Has the greatest number of bytes out of the 3 chips. Can be used for all sorts of applications without having to worry about limited storage space. We customized and gave these out at the [[https://mindstretchingfun.org/frisco-maker-faire/|Sci Tech MakerFaire]]
-Program only non-sensitive information or URLs that use HTTPS to ensure secure connections.
-Avoid storing personal or confidential data on the tags.
+**Frequency Used by NTAG213/215/216**
-Test the programmed tags on your own devices before sharing.
+NTAG chips/tags operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which is the standard frequency for NFC communication worldwide. This frequency enables fast and secure data transfer over very short distances.
-Inform users about what the tag does to avoid unexpected behavior.
-By following these guidelines, you can create reliable and secure "tap on phone" experiences that provide useful information or automate simple tasks.
+**Tips for Safely Using NTAG216 Tags for Custom "Tap on Phone" Actions**
-📘 Comprehensive How-To Guide
+- Use trusted NFC programming apps like NFC Tools or NXP TagWriter.
-Program NTAG216 NFC Tags on an Android Phone (Using Free Software)
+- Program only non-sensitive information or URLs that use HTTPS to ensure secure connections.
-. Check That the Android Phone Supports NFC
+- Avoid storing personal or confidential data on the tags.
-Most modern Android phones do, but it’s worth confirming.
+- Test the programmed tags on your own devices before sharing.
-How to check:
+- Inform users about what the tag does to avoid unexpected behavior.
-Open Settings
-Search for “NFC”
+By following these guidelines, you can create reliable and secure "tap on phone" experiences that provide useful information or automate simple tasks.
-If you see a toggle for NFC, turn it ON
+===== Comprehensive How-To Guide =====
-If NFC is missing, the phone cannot program tags.
-. Download a Free NFC Programming App
+**Program NTAG216 NFC Tags on an Phone (Using Free Software)**
+(Works for both iPhone and Android)
-Two excellent free apps support NTAG216:
+. Check That the Phone Supports NFC
-Option A — NFC Tools (Free, Easy, Beginner-Friendly)
+   Most modern phones do, but it’s worth confirming.
+   Modern iPhones (iPhone 7 and later) support NFC tag reading and writing with iOS 13 and above.
+   //How to check://
+   Open Settings
+   Search for “NFC”
+   If you see a toggle for NFC, turn it ON
+   If NFC is missing, the phone cannot program tags.
-Available on Google Play
+. Download a Free NFC Programming App (In this tutorial we will be using NFC Tools)
-Supports reading, writing, copying, erasing, locking NTAG216
+   Three excellent free apps support NTAG216:
+   {{:nfc_tools.jpg?400|}}
+   //Option A// — NFC Tools (Free, Easy, Beginner-Friendly)
+   Available on App Store and Google Play
+   Supports reading, writing, copying, erasing, locking NTAG216
+   Very intuitive for first-time users
-Very intuitive for first-time users
-Option B — NXP TagWriter (Free, Made by the NTAG Manufacturer)
+   {{:nfc_tagwriter.jpg?400|}}
+   //Option B// — NXP TagWriter (Free, Made by the NTAG Manufacturer)
+   Also free on Google Play and App Store
+   Extremely reliable for NTAG203/213/215/216
+   Great for writing URLs, text, WiFi configs, business cards
+   Either app works perfectly for NTAG216.
+   {{:nxp_taginfo.jpg?400|}}
+   //Option C// - NXP TagInfo
+   Available on the App Store
+   Developed by NXP, the manufacturer of NTAG chips
+   Provides detailed tag information and basic writing capabilities
+   Shortcuts App (Built-in)
+   Use Apple’s built-in Shortcuts app to create NFC automation
+   Program tags to trigger custom shortcuts that can display information, open apps, or perform tasks
+   Requires iOS 13 or later and iPhone XS or newer for writing capabilities
-Also free on Google Play
+. Prepare Your NTAG216 Tags
-Extremely reliable for NTAG203/213/215/216
+   NTAG216 tags are:
+   NFC Forum Type 2
+bytes usable memory
+   Fully writable and rewritable until locked
+   Make sure your tags are blank or not locked.
-Great for writing URLs, text, WiFi configs, business cards
-Either app works perfectly for NTAG216.
+**How to Read Data from an NTAG216 Tag (Using NFC Tools)**
-. Prepare Your NTAG216 Tags
+A. Open NFC Tools
-NTAG216 tags are:
+   Tap Read
+   Tap the NTAG to the Back of your phone
-NFC Forum Type 2
+   !Tip for Tapping!: If you have an iPhone, make sure to try tapping the top left
+   corner of your phone to the middle of the NTAG.
+   Other methods of tapping don't work for me and may not work for you.
-bytes usable memory
+**How to Write Data to an NTAG216 Tag (Using NFC Tools)**
-Fully writable and rewritable until locked
-Make sure your tags are blank or not locked.
-. How to Write Data to an NTAG216 Tag (Using NFC Tools)
-Step-by-Step:
 A. Open NFC Tools
-Tap Write
+   Tap Write
-Tap Add a record
+   Tap Add a record
 B. Choose what you want to write
-Examples:
+   Examples:
-Text
+   Digital Business Card
-URL
+   Contact Information
-Phone number
+   Quick access website
-Email
+   Email
-WiFi network
+   WiFi network
-Bluetooth toggle
+   App launch
-App launch
+   Geolocation
-Geolocation
 C. Add your content
-Type the text or paste the URL
+   Type the text or paste the URL
+   Tap OK
-Tap OK
 D. Write to the tag
-Tap Write
+   Tap Write
+   Hold the back of your phone against the NFC tag
-Hold the back of your phone against the NFC tag
+   Wait for the confirmation message: “Write successful”
+   If it fails, lift the phone and try again—alignment matters.
-Wait for the confirmation message: “Write successful”
-If it fails, lift the phone and try again—alignment matters.
-. How to Erase or Format an NTAG216 Tag
+**How to Erase or Format an NTAG216 Tag**
 In NFC Tools:
-Go to Other
+   Go to Other
+   Choose Erase tag or Format tag
+   This removes all NDEF records so you can start fresh.
-Choose Erase tag or Format tag
+**How to Lock an NTAG216 Tag (Optional but Permanent)**
-This removes all NDEF records so you can start fresh.
-. How to Lock an NTAG216 Tag (Optional but Permanent)
 Locking prevents further edits.
@@ Line 138: / Line 175: @@
 In NFC Tools:
-Go to Other
+   Go to Other
+   Tap Lock tag
-Tap Lock tag
+   Confirm
-Confirm
+**Warning: Locking is permanent on NTAG216. You cannot unlock it later.**
-⚠️ Warning: Locking is permanent on NTAG216. You cannot unlock it later.
-. Advanced Programming (Optional)
+**Advanced Programming (Optional)**
 If you want deeper control—full memory dumps, APDU commands, UID-changing magic cards, etc.—you can use:
@@ Line 152: / Line 188: @@
-. Troubleshooting Tips
+**Troubleshooting Tips**
 Tag won’t write?
-Ensure NFC is ON
+- Ensure NFC is ON
+- Move the tag slowly around the back of the phone.
+   Try the corners of the phone as well. Mine only works if the
+   top-left corner of the phone is touching the middle of the NTAG.
-Move the tag slowly around the back of the phone
+- Remove thick cases or metal plates
-Remove thick cases or metal plates
+- Make sure the tag is NTAG216 (not Mifare Classic)
-Make sure the tag is NTAG216 (not Mifare Classic)
 Tag writes but won’t trigger actions?
-Some actions (like toggling Bluetooth) require the NFC Tools: Tasks companion app
+- Some actions (like toggling Bluetooth) require the NFC Tools: Tasks companion app
-URLs must start with https://
+- URLs must start with https:
-Some phones restrict automation unless the screen is unlocked
+- Some phones restrict automation unless the screen is unlocked
-. Quick Comparison Table
-Feature
-NFC Tools
-NXP TagWriter
+=== Printable Mini-Guide (Shareable) ===
-MTools BLE
-Free
+. Turn on NFC in Settings.
-✔️
+. Install “NFC Tools” from Google Play.
-✔️
+. Open the app → Write → Add a record.
-✔️
+. Choose Text/URL/etc.
-Beginner-friendly
+. Tap Write → Hold phone to tag.
-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
+. Wait for “Write successful.”
-⭐⭐⭐⭐
-⭐⭐
-Supports NTAG216
-✔️
-✔️
-✔️
-Write text/URL
-✔️
-✔️
-✔️
-Automation tasks
-✔️
-❌
-✔️ (advanced)
-Full memory dump
-❌
-❌
-✔️
-Best for
-Everyday use
-Business cards, WiFi, URLs
-Power users
-. Recommended Software for Programming NTAG216 on a Modern iPhone
-Modern iPhones (iPhone 7 and later) support NFC tag reading and writing with iOS 13 and above. To program NTAG216 tags on an iPhone, you can use the following apps:
-NFC Tools (iOS)
-Available on the App Store
-User-friendly interface similar to the Android version
-Supports reading, writing, erasing, and locking NTAG216 tags
-Allows creating custom "tap on phone" actions such as URLs, text, contacts, and more
-NXP TagInfo
-Available on the App Store
-Developed by NXP, the manufacturer of NTAG chips
-Provides detailed tag information and basic writing capabilities
-Shortcuts App (Built-in)
-Use Apple’s built-in Shortcuts app to create NFC automation
-Program tags to trigger custom shortcuts that can display information, open apps, or perform tasks
-Requires iOS 13 or later and iPhone XS or newer for writing capabilities
-Tips for Safe and Effective Use on iPhone
-Always use apps from trusted developers like NXP or well-reviewed apps like NFC Tools.
-Test your programmed tags on your own iPhone before sharing.
-Use HTTPS URLs for secure web links.
-Avoid storing sensitive personal data on the tags.
-By using these apps, you can create seamless and secure NFC experiences on your iPhone similar to Android devices.
-. Printable Mini-Guide (Shareable)
-. Turn on NFC in Settings.
-. Install “NFC Tools” from Google Play.
-. Open the app → Write → Add a record.
-. Choose Text/URL/etc.
-. Tap Write → Hold phone to tag.
-. Wait for “Write successful.”
 . Use Other → Erase/Format/Lock as needed.