Frequently Asked Questions

A: These days, most major mobile device manufacturers (well, except one) include NFC in their flagship products. To be sure, please check with your device manufacturer as NFC capability for some model is optional. NFCWorld.com maintains a comprehensive list of NFC enabled phones here.

A: Various data can be written in your NFC tag such as URL, URI, plain text, contact (vCard), email, phone number, and SMS. These data is stored in NDEF structure. NDEF is a common data format for NFC tag.

Not all tags are NDEF-formatted from the factory. Some devices are not able to read or write tags which are not NDEF formatted (e.g. Windows Phone). We will take care of this for you. All our tags are NDEF formatted before we deliver them. If you don't want them to be formatted, please let us know.

By using certain applications, you can also store "actions" to be performed on your mobile device such as launching an app, turn on/off bluetooth, turn on/off ringtone etc. Rather than fiddling with your phone, you can save some time with a simple tap.

A: It depends on the chip on the tag. We list different chip types that we sell here.

A: Most mobile application that can write NFC tag will tell you how much memory your data need. You can download these apps, create a tag with your data just to see how much memory you'll need without having to have an actual tag.

A: The best way to encode NFC tags is by using an NFC enabled mobile phone together with one of many free applications that able to write NFC tags. However, if you need somebody to do it for you, we offer tag encoding service.

A: Simple, just tap your NFC enabled device to the tag and you will notice a response on your device. Data such as a website (URL) or a contact (vCard) can be handled natively by mobile device without any extra application. On Android device, if certain application is required to interpret the tag, you will be directed to Google Play to download the app.

A: A typical operating range of an NFC tag is approximately between two to four centimeters. Your device has to be close enough, almost touching the tag hence called "tapping action".

A: Yes, all NFC tags that we sell are rewritable thousands of times as long as you don't lock it.

A: Locking an NFC tag means making the tag read-only. This is a one-time and permanent action, nobody can unlock and rewrite it, not even your self - so be careful. If you plan to deploy NFC tags in public area, you might want to lock them to prevent unwanted person from rewriting it with inappropriate content.

A: NFC Forum Type Tag is a technical specification released by NFC Forum group to promote interoperability across NFC devices. It is important especially if you want to make sure that your NFC tag can be read by all NFC devices, current and future. Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 tag compliance is indicated in our product description if applicable.

Choose NFC Forum Type tags (NTAG203, Ultralight) if you want to deploy them in public area. All NFC-enabled device should have no problem to read them.

Mifare 1K tag which is not NFC Forum mandated tag is OK for your personal usage provided that your device supports it (Please contact your device manufacturer if you are not sure). Mifare 1K is widely used, holding a relatively large amount of memory and considerably cheap.

To know more about NFC Forum Type Tag, please find the technical specification here.

A: Some of our tags are to certain extend waterproof (Yes, we have tested them). You might want to consider these product if you plan to deploy your tag in outdoor environment.

• Token (with adhesive back)
• Laundry Token
• Key Chain
• PVC Card
• Wristband

A: You need a special on-metal tag for it. Regular NFC tag does not work on metal surface because it can cause interference to the signal. The same goes to some electronic devices. On-metal tag has a special shielding layer that protect the tag against this interference. We do sell on-metal tags in our store.

A: Yes, there are a few things that you should be aware of:

• Android: Newer Android devices (Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and possibily more in the future) do not read/write Mifare tags. Android ICS version 4.0.0 to 4.0.2 only support NDEF formatted tags.
• BlackBerry: All BlackBerry devices do not read/write Mifare tags
• Windows Phone: Windows Phone only support NDEF formatted tags.

A: You might have a faulty sticker. But it is worth to check your phone as well:

• Check the NFC setting, make sure it is turned on.
• NFC is working only when the screen is "awake" and unlocked.
• Some phone cases might interfere with the NFC signal especially if it has metal backing.
• On most phones, the NFC antenna resides within the battery or on the back cover. Not all replacement/third party accessories have this feature. Please check before you buy.