What is an NFC tag?
NFC stands for “Near Field Communication”. This is a wireless radio signal that only works when physically tapped with a reader such as a smartphone. The tags are inexpensive and can be placed almost anywhere. If you are unsure if your smartphone is NFC capable, check this list.
How can I use NFC automation in everyday life?
Using NFC tags can allow you to perform phone tasks with the tap of your phone. NFC tags offer a physical trigger as opposed to a digital, voice-operated, or location-based one. Utilizing NFC tags with Siri Shortcuts allows us to create personalized automation that only works with our individual phones.
NFC tags can also be programmed to perform tasks like open links, connect to wifi, and fetch system data. These skills are more advanced and will require a third party app such as NFC Tools.
This tutorial focuses on the use of NFC tags for personalized iPhone automation. For more resources on general NFC usage, click the button below
Examples of NFC automation
Setting an NFC tag on your night stand, in your kitchen, or on the front door to call a designated contact (like your mom), so you never forget to keep tabs
In this demonstration, I will show you how to program your NFC tag to text a designated contact a message with your current location, as well as your estimated time of arrival home.
You could also program your phone to open your GPS app, connect to Bluetooth, or switch to driving mode
Another helpful use of NFC tags includes setting the automation to start a timer for your laundry. By simply tapping your phone to the tag, your phone will open the timer app and begin a timer for a designated amount of time
Let's give it a try!
What you will learn in this tutorial:
You will learn to use Siri Shortcuts to program an NFC tag to perform a personal automation task that will send a text message to a designated contact that you are on your way home! The text message will include your message, your current location, and your estimated time of arrival.
What you'll need for this tutorial
- An NFC sticker
- iOS "Shortcuts" app
- An iPhone capable of reading NFC
Terms to know:
Actions: the individual commands you will ask your phone to perform
Action sequence: the set of actions in the correct order in order to perform the automation
Variables: the smaller input components within an individual action
Automation: the complete performance of an action sequence
Reflection: How can automations like this help you? a loved one?
How would you use NFC automation in your daily life?
Learn more about NFC tag uses, and find more learning materials in the links below
Credits:
Created with images by jirsak - "Home automation concept" • vegefox.com - "wireless network - Businessman holding 3D rendering group of blue people " • Raisa Kanareva - "old grandmother is talking to her grandchildren by phone, smiling and greeting them." • MclittleStock - "street girl map" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "Detergent bottle and towels on washing machine and green plant in bathroom" • F8 \ Suport Ukraine - "Beautiful young joyful woman using mobile phone and smiling while standing near window"