There is no shortage of NFC apps for Android phones. Some are made for reading and writing NFC tags, while others perform specific tasks like unlocking your smartphone, setting up a smart alarm, sharing WiFi, etc. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best NFC apps for Android. Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
1. NFC Tools
NFC Tools is a simple app that lets you read, write, or erase NFC tags.
Once you open the app, you see 4 tabs on the top – Read, Write, Others, Tasks. The Read option lets you scan and read the details of the tag such as the serial number and type of the tag. With the Write option, you can write information to the tags like – text, URL, phone number, etc. And taping on ‘Others’, gives you advanced options such as formatting the card, setting a password, etc.
Overall, NFC Tools is one of the best NFC apps for Android. It’s even available for iPhone.
Download NFC Tools
2. NFC TagWriter by NXP
Developed by the leading NFC hardware manufacturer NXP semiconductors, this app comes in handy for tasks like copying and formatting tags.
It is similar to NFC Tools and offers features like viewing the content of the tag, erasing it, or writing it permanently with it read-only. The advantage of this app is that if you have lots of QR codes lying around that you want to convert into NFC, you can use this to convert QR Codes into NFC data sets.
Download NFC TagWriter by NXPÂ
Tip: Learn how to scan a QR code from an image on an iPhone.
3. NFC ReTag
With this app, you can reuse the write-protected NFC card. No need to buy new NFC tags for small household purposes if you already have written protected NFC like metro cards, hotel cards, price tags, gift cards, etc.
This is possible because this app doesn’t write anything on the tag itself but remembers the tag ID of the tags (which is unique like the mac address of computers). Using this app you can do small tasks like toggling WiFi, and Bluetooth, call a phone number, open an installed app, run Tasker task, etc.
Download NFC ReTag
4. Sleep As Android: Smart Alarm
If you are not a morning person, this is the app you need.
Sleep As Android is a smart alarm app that works with NFC too. You can set an alarm that will only go off by scanning the NFC tags. And then place NFC tags away from your bed like in the bathroom or kitchen. And in the morning when the alarm will turn ON, you will have to get up from your bed and scan the NFC tag to turn it off.
It also provides intelligent sleep tracking using the phone’s sensor, but my favorite feature is that you can also set the app as an admin, so you can’t just close the app to bypass the alarm.
However, the steps to set up the NFC tag with Sleep As Android app is buried under settings. Tap on Set alarm in the app, create a new alarm, and tap on Captcha. Select NFC tag. Then, scan your NFC tag to link it with the alarm.
Download Sleep As Android (Free or 14 days)
Tip: Check out the best games to help you fall asleep.
5. NFC TagInfo by NXP
This app is useful if you want to look into tiny details of your NFC tags. Similar to NXP tag writer, it’s also developed by NXP Semiconductor. This app is particularly useful to the developers. Using this app you can analyze the complete tag memory layout, identify tag type, manufacturer, and how much memory is left in the card, and check the NDEF record on it. Check it out if you are an NFC developer.
Download TagInfo by NXP
6. Automate
Automate, as the name suggests is an app that lets you automate repetitive tasks using an NFC tag. If you have used apps such as Tasker, IFTTT, you’ll feel right at home with the Automate app. It takes Android automation to the next level.
The app uses flowcharts, and blocks to create complex automation processes, which can all be triggered by s simple tap on the NFC tag. It also integrates well with third-party apps and services like smart bulbs, smart locks, etc.
Download Automate
Tip: Check out the best Tasker alternatives for Android phones.
7. InstaWifi
InstaWifi helps you share your WiFi password using the NFC tags.
Instead of revealing your WiFi password, simply write it in the NFC tags and stick it near the router. Your guest needs to scan the NFC tag to get WiFi access. However, this app is only useful when your friends have NFC-supported smartphones and have this same app on their smartphones as well.
Alternatively, you can use the QR code feature built into this app. Your friend can log in by scanning this code from any QR code reader app, which they might already have and if not then they won’t mind it downloading.
Download InstaWifi
Use NFC Tags In the Best Possible Way
So, these are some of the best Android apps to use NFC tags. Before you go, check out some cool uses of NFC tags. Also, learn how to read NFC tags on iPhone.
