What's NFC?
NFC is a short-range wireless technology that opens a large array of possibilities and diversified uses.
It's up to everyone to own this technology. NFC actually means: Near Field Communication
It's up to everyone to own this technology. NFC actually means: Near Field Communication
Where can I get NFC tags?
You can get check this page to find everything you need to start: List of recommended NFC chips
It is recommended to buy universal NFC tags to avoid compatibilities issues like the NTAG21x.
It is recommended to buy universal NFC tags to avoid compatibilities issues like the NTAG21x.
Is my device NFC ready, and how do I activate it?
You can go to Android Settings, in “Wireless and Networks”, then “More...” where you can activate NFC capabilities. Also, you can visit this website to check if your device is compatible with your NFC tags: http://devices.nfc.help/
How do I read NFC tags?
Open NFC Tools on the “Read” tab and slide your NFC tag along the back of the device.
How do I write information?
Go to the “Write” tag of NFC Tools, then add as many records as you wish with the “Add a record” button.
When you're done, tap “Write” and slide the NFC Tags along the back of your device, it's that simple.
When you're done, tap “Write” and slide the NFC Tags along the back of your device, it's that simple.
How can I write an URL on my NFC tag ?
Here is a how-to video to explain how to write an URL on your NFC tag : https://youtu.be/DtzMie4U8RM
How do I write tasks?
The process is the same than with the previous question, but in the “Tasks” tab instead of the “Write” tab.
Why can’t I read (or write) my NFC tag ?
There are multiple reasons why you can’t read your NFC tag, here is the most popular answer :
- Your device is not compatible with this sort of NFC chip
- Your NFC chip is read-only, protected by password or locked
- Your NFC chip is corrupted
- Your chip is not a NFC chip (RFID doesn't mean NFC)
- 42 (universal answer)
Why does my NFC tag indicate “Not supported” ?
This means that your device does not support your NFC tag technology.
Eg: Your device can’t read Mifare Classic chips.
Eg: Your device can’t read Mifare Classic chips.
I can't write to my NFC Tag.
Your tag may not be compatible with your device. Indeed, some NFC tags are not supported.
You can check with the “Read” tab if an NFC tag is supported.
You should favour tags like the NTAG21x or the Topaz512.
However, you can use our additional plugin NFC Tools Plugin - Reuse Tag : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wakdev.nfctools.plugin.reuse for re-use / re-tag your NFC tags which are read-only or not supported by your device
You can check with the “Read” tab if an NFC tag is supported.
You should favour tags like the NTAG21x or the Topaz512.
However, you can use our additional plugin NFC Tools Plugin - Reuse Tag : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wakdev.nfctools.plugin.reuse for re-use / re-tag your NFC tags which are read-only or not supported by your device
Once I lock an NFC tag, can I go back?
No, you can't unlock an NFC tag once it's been locked, it's the reason why you get an alert message when you decide to lock a tag.
How can I set a password on my NFC tag ?
It’s only possible on chips like the NTAG21x, or the Mifare Classic.
Here is a how-to video to explain how password protection works : https://youtu.be/rDgQgOpm8g8
Here is a how-to video to explain how password protection works : https://youtu.be/rDgQgOpm8g8
Is the password protection secure ?
On NTAG21x, there are 4 bytes allocated to the password.
The range is 00 00 00 00 to FF FF FF FF, it means 4 294 967 296 possibilities.
For example, on an NFC reader which takes 200ms to communicate with the chip, it will take approximately 27 years to brute force the password.
The range is 00 00 00 00 to FF FF FF FF, it means 4 294 967 296 possibilities.
For example, on an NFC reader which takes 200ms to communicate with the chip, it will take approximately 27 years to brute force the password.
Is it possible to save my NFC cards (bus, bank, door, ...) inside NFC Tools and use my device to emulate those cards ? Is it possible to copy / emulate my access card ?
No sorry, it’s not possible because these sorts of cards are generally read protected for security reasons.
Imagine if everyone could copy your access cards or your credit cards, It would be very dangerous.
With NFC Tools, you can only emulate NDEF record located in “Write” tab.
Imagine if everyone could copy your access cards or your credit cards, It would be very dangerous.
With NFC Tools, you can only emulate NDEF record located in “Write” tab.
Is it possible to unlock my device with my NFC tag ?
Yes, it’s directly available from Android 5, this feature is called “Smart Lock”.
Go to your device settings - Security - Smart Lock.
Go to your device settings - Security - Smart Lock.
What's the difference between the “Tasks” and the “Write” tabs?
With the “Write” tab, you can put standard information onto your NFC tag, so that you can read the tag with another NFC capable device -which doesn't need to run Android, it also works with Windows Phones for example. The “Tasks” tab require for NFC Tasks to already be installed on your device.
Why do I need NFC Tasks for my tasks to work?
Yes, you do need another app to run the tasks on your NFC tag. Having the proper permissions, NFC Tasks will run all the tasks recorded on your NFC tag. NFC Tasks is an extra app which runs tasks recorded by NFC Tools.
Why a separate app?
Running tasks require a lot of permissions, I wanted to keep as little required permissions as possible on NFC Tools (only NFC) in order to accommodate the people who don't want to use tasks.
Can someone else run tasks recorded on my NFC Tag?
Yes, if they have NFC Tasks on their device.
What happens if someone who doesn't have NFC Tasks on their device try?
The NFC tag will automatically redirect to Google Play in order to download NFC Tasks.
Once the app is installed, they'll be able to read the NFC tag and run the tasks.
Once the app is installed, they'll be able to read the NFC tag and run the tasks.
Why are some tasks only running on a rooted device?
Android prevents some Settings from being changed by apps.
So, in order to put your device in Aeroplane mode you need to have root access on your device.
These tasks are highly dependent on your device software and hardware. It may sometimes not work at all.
So, in order to put your device in Aeroplane mode you need to have root access on your device.
These tasks are highly dependent on your device software and hardware. It may sometimes not work at all.
Why can’t I use all the tasks located in the Root category ?
Advanced commands need a privileged access to the Android system, this is why some tasks requires a rooted device for work properly.
How can I edit my NFC tag records or tasks ?
Yes, go to “more option” menu and select “Import from an existing NFC tag”.
Then you can edit, add or remove records / tasks and write again on your NFC tag.
Then you can edit, add or remove records / tasks and write again on your NFC tag.
Is it possible to control another app with NFC Tools ?
You can open an app, you can execute a shortcut, and you can send an intent to this app.
But if your app doesn’t offer any way to accept external control, it’s not possible.
But if your app doesn’t offer any way to accept external control, it’s not possible.
Tasker doesn't have android permissions?
Check if external access in Tasker is enabled. If it still doesn't work, try to uninstall/reinstall NFC Tasks (Tasker needs to be installed before installing NFC Tasks).
Any more questions?
Please feel free to contact the support, they will try to give you an answer as soon as possible.
