What are they?

An NFC (Near Field Communication) tag is a small, batteryless sticker or card containing a microchip and antenna that stores data. When tapped with an NFC-enabled smartphone, it instantly triggers specific actions like launching a website, sharing contact details, or toggling smart home devices

How do they work?

Power Source: They are passive, meaning they draw a tiny electrical charge directly from your phone's NFC reader when tapped.

Range: They require close proximity, typically operating within 4 cm (1.5 inches).

Types: Tags like the NTAG213 or NTAG215 hold a small amount of data (usually 144 to 504 bytes) and can be password locked or repeatedly rewritten.

Programming?

NFC Tools: A free mobile phone application that makes programming NFC tags very simple to configure.

Macrodroid: A paid for application that works in conjunction with NFC Tools that enables advanced features to build complicated tasks for specific needs.

Tag Cost?

They can cost as little as 12 pence each. This depends which tag you want to buy and how many you buy in one go. On Amazon, 50 x 25mm circular Ntag 215 will cost under £9.

Examples

Indexing Folders - I have all my most important documents stored in folders which are held in those "Really Useful boxes". Each box contains around 15 folders in no particular order, and all kept above head height and are very heavy. I've placed a tag on the front of each box and when I place my phone against it, it will list exactly what folders are in each box. I could go one step beyond and itemize the content of each folder, but that would be insane and each tag has a limited memory.

Android Auto - Using Macrodroid, I have my phone configured to tell me when Bluetooth in the car is connected, and automatically sets up Google Maps and Spotify for me, without selecting the applications on my phone. I could configure it to do a host of tasks as I enter my car, but personally, I don't need it to pre-open any other applications prior to driving away.

PDF Manuals - I have several credit card type tags that are programmed to link me to a online version of instruction manuals. Simply touching the card to my phone, will download and display the instruction manual for a device, appliance or guide. This saves me carrying around huge amounts of paperwork and a Google search.

Phone Muting - I think some phones already have this option built in. A tag next to my bed sets my phone to silent and tapping another in the morning, restores the volumes to normal. No more text bleeping in the night.

Location Text - I use a tag to send my wife a text message with my present location in Google Maps. Handy if anyone has restricted use of a mobile phone. Just touching the credit card type tag, sets up the contact number, my location in map form and sends this without me doing anything else. can be executed whilst driving without physically holding your phone.

Phone Alerts - Using Macrodroid, i can configure my phone to inform me, either by message or speech, that my phone needs charging, its fully charged or the battery level at various percentages, without looking at the screen.

Website Links - I have various tags, some held within an endless array of 3D printed items, which when tapped against the phone, sends you directly to a website address or social media page. This has the same effect as a business card or QR code. Tags just simply tap against your phone whereby QR codes must be scanned.

Emergency Data - Tags can hold an array of important data with a simple touch to the phone. I have one on the sun visor in our motorhome. All in one tag, it contains emergency numbers for breakdown, insurance contact etc, lists their phone numbers in the UK and in Europe. all I have to do is select from the list and the number is dialed automatically. I even add my reference numbers, VIN and Registration index as notes. all at hand without searching for paperwork.

Lost Keys Tag - I have a tag on my keys incase they should become lost. The tag, when touched against an NFC enabled phone, will display a contact phone number and text me to indicate its been found. I cannot send a location like before, as the finders phone must have Macrodroid installed too.

Lost or Stolen Phone - I have a credit card type tag in with my other cards, in my phone's case, whereby setup with instructions to the finder, how to contact me and details of a reward if reunited with its owner.