What are NFC Tags? Understand The Types and How to Use Them in Daily Life

As we know, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology has become part of modern life. The development of this technology has resulted in NFC tags.

NFC tags have a wide range of uses, from contactless payments and access to data verification. They can even be used to automate various daily activities by working with the smart home ecosystem.

This article will help you understand how to use NFC tags and provide practical ideas that you can apply.

What are NFC Tags?

An NFC tag is a sticker or electronic label that can store data and transfer it wirelessly to other NFC-enabled devices, such as smartphones. These devices can send data simply by being touched or brought close together. 

This technology is used for various functions, including contactless payments, information sharing, access control, and task automation. NFC tags can be installed in various locations, and with simple settings through an app, they can perform automatic tasks when your phone touches them.

NFC tags work by sending commands to your phone to perform specific tasks, such as changing phone settings, opening apps, or even starting navigation. This technology is highly flexible and easy to use, making it suitable for a wide range of everyday needs.

5 Types of NFC Tags

1. NFC Tags Type 1

Type 1 NFC tags are common tags with read/write capabilities and are often configured as read-only.

Type 1 NFC tags are often used to store small amounts of data, such as URLs, phone numbers, or email addresses.

Type 1 NFC tags use the ISO 14443A standard, ensuring compatibility with all NFC-enabled devices that comply with this specific regulation.

With 96-byte memory and a transmission rate of 106kbits/s, Type 1 NFC tags are only capable of storing simple information.

Type 1 NFC tags are often used in retail stores for customer loyalty programs or to track inventory. They are also compatible with Innovision and Topaz systems.

2. NFC Tags Type 2

Just like Type 1 NFC Tags, Type 2 NFC Tags are based on the ISO 14443A standard and have read/write or read-only capabilities depending on how they are configured.

They are also equipped with an elaborate data conflict protection mechanism, which prevents data from being overwritten or corrupted.

Type 2 tags have 48/144-byte memory and a transmission rate of 106kbits/s. TLV lock control makes them ideal for storing more valuable information, such as credit card details.

Additionally, it is based on the NXP MIFARE Ultralight tags, one of the most popular platforms for contactless payments. Its high-security features make it ideal for applications where data security is a priority, such as access control and identity management.

3. NFC Tags Type 3

Type 3 NFC tags are based on the Sony FeliCa platform and use the industry standard (JIS) X 6319-4 to communicate.

Type 3 NFC tags come with read/write capabilities and 1/4/9 kilobytes of storage. The Sony FeliCa platform is used in public transportation systems in Japan, such as the Suica card.

Type 3 NFC tags have several security features that make them ideal for storing sensitive information, such as credit card details or medical records. The data on these tags is encrypted and can only be accessed by authorized devices.

Additionally, these tags boast 212 or 424kbit s/s data transmission speeds. This is fast enough for real-time applications, such as e-ticketing and contactless payments.

Moreover, you can configure it to be read-only or read/write. This flexibility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications.

4. NFC Tags Type 4

Type 4 NFC tags are based on NXP DESFire tags and are 100% compatible with SmartMX-JCOP. They are governed by ISO 14443A and B standards and come with read/write or read-only capabilities.

Type 4 NFC tags can store 4Kb/32Kbs of data with impressive transmission rates of 106kbit/s, 212kbits/s, or 424kbits/s.

Typically, Type 4 NFC tags are used in applications that require high memory and high security. They are often used in electronic ticketing, access control, and identity management.

5. NFC Tags Type 5

Type 5 NFC tags have significant improvements geared towards better data storage and faster transmission speeds. They are based on the ISO 15693 standard and have read/write capabilities.

Type 5 NFC tags come with 256 bytes/ 896 bytes/ 1280 bytes/ 2528 bytes high data storage capacities, which are ideal for storing loyalty points, medical records, and other valuable information. The tags also have a data transmission speed of 53kbits/s.

Additionally, Type 5 NFC tags are compatible with ICODE SLI-Xseries/TI 2K/ST LRI2K. They have read-only or read/write capabilities and are used in a variety of applications, including telemarketing.

How to Use Them in Daily Life

Using NFC tags in your daily activities will make you more practical and efficient. There are many creative ways to optimize this technology as an automation tool. Here are some interesting ways to use it:

1. Set your phone to automatic mode

One way to use NFC tags is to set your phone to the mode you need automatically. You can program the tag to automatically change your phone settings to silent, vibrate, or night mode every time your phone touches it.

You can attach NFC tags in strategic places, such as on your desk or near your bed. Then download supporting applications such as NFC Tools or NFC TagWriter from the Google Play Store or App Store to read the tag. 

That way, you can easily set your phone mode with just one touch. You no longer need to open the settings manually, making it more practical and efficient.

2. Perform automatic navigation

If you often travel to the same place, such as the office or home, NFC tags can help save time by setting up automatic navigation. Simply attach the tag to your car or motorcycle, and the program will open a navigation app, such as Google Maps, with a predetermined destination.

That way, every time you touch the NFC tag with your phone, the navigation app will automatically open and display the route to your desired destination, without having to manually type in the address. This will certainly make your trips to frequently visited routes more practical and efficient.

3. Instantly connect audio or Bluetooth devices

For music or podcast enthusiasts, NFC tags can speed up and simplify the process of connecting audio devices. Simply program the tag to automatically connect to your audio device. Place the tag near your favorite Bluetooth speaker or headphones.

That way, every time you touch the NFC tag with your phone, the device will instantly connect to your speaker or headphones. You no longer need to search for and connect devices manually in the Bluetooth menu. This certainly makes listening to music or podcasts quick and easy.

4. Automatic reminders at work

Are you forgetful? Try creating reminders at work using NFC tags. Program the tag to open your to-do list app or display important notes, then place it on your desk. When you want to open your task list or work notes, simply tap your phone on the NFC tag on your desk. The app will then open automatically.  

This can be an efficient automation solution, as you don’t need to access your task list or important information by manually searching for the app. This small tool can help you increase your productivity at work.

5. Managing WiFi usage for guests 

The use of NFC tags can help restaurant or cafe owners manage WiFi usage for guests. Guests often ask for internet access, which can be inconvenient.  

Therefore, you need to program NFC tags to store WiFi network information, such as the network name (SSID) and password. Then place the tags in the guest room or common area. That way, guests can easily get internet access just by tapping their phones on the tag.

This method will certainly make it easier for restaurant or cafe employees to provide WiFi information to guests. From the visitor’s side, it will also be easy to automatically connect to the internet network without having to enter a password manually.  

6. Smart home automation

For those of you who have smart devices at home, NFC tags support easy control of these devices. You can program the tag to connect directly to a smart home application. Then place it around the house to automatically control smart devices at the same time. 

For example, you can tap your phone on the “sleep mode” tag to automatically turn on the air conditioner and turn off the lights. In the morning, when you want to open the windows and turn on the AC, simply tap your phone on the “wake-up mode” tag. This feature makes it easy to control your home with just one touch. 

These are some ways you can use NFC tags to simplify your daily activities. Not only do they save time, but tag automation also makes your life more convenient. [UN]