NFC Setup Guide
NFC Setup Guide
Thank you for choosing an Etchline NYC item with an optional NFC tag.
Your NFC tag works like a tap version of a QR code. Someone can tap your NFC-ready item with a compatible smartphone to open the link you choose. It can be used instead of, or alongside, a QR code.
Simple idea: Instead of printing a QR code, handing out a business card, or repeatedly sending a link, your NFC item lets someone tap and open your chosen link instantly.
Depending on what you choose to program, your NFC tag can link to a website, Instagram page, TikTok page, portfolio, contact card, email, Google review link, menu page, photo album, emergency contact page, medical information page, allergy information page, pet information page, lost-and-found page, luggage contact page, business page, Zelle payment link, or another custom URL.
Etchline NYC does not program private information onto your NFC tag. You will program the NFC tag yourself after receiving your item by following this guide.
1. What You Need
- A smartphone with NFC. Many newer smartphones can read NFC tags, but compatibility may vary by phone model, settings, and case thickness.
- For iPhone, iPhone XR / XS or newer can usually read NFC tags by tapping.
- Your Etchline NYC NFC-ready item
- The link you want your NFC tag to open
- An NFC tag writing app, such as NFC Tools
Product detail: Etchline NYC currently uses NTAG215 NFC tags with 504 bytes, which are best for opening a link or simple tap-to-open action.
Download the NFC Tools app here:
For iPhone:
Download NFC Tools from the Apple App Store
For Android:
Download NFC Tools from Google Play
Please note: Etchline NYC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the NFC Tools app. We recommend it because we have found it to be one of the easiest NFC writing apps to use. Customers may use NFC Tools or another NFC writing app they prefer.
2. Easy NFC Setup Steps
Quick setup: Programming your NFC tag to open a website link can usually be done in under 3 minutes. Need a visual? Watch this quick 48-second NFC setup video.
Please note: These steps and the video are for programming a URL / website link onto your NFC tag. If you want to use other functions inside the NFC Tools app, there are many helpful YouTube videos available by searching “how to program NFC tags” or “how to use NFC Tools app.”
- Download and open the NFC Tools app.
- Tap Write.
- Tap Add a record.
- Choose URL / URI.
- Paste the link you want the NFC tag to open.
- Tap OK or Save.
- Tap Write.
- Hold your phone near the NFC tag area on your Etchline NYC item.
- Keep the phone still until the app confirms the tag was written successfully.
- Test it by tapping your phone to the NFC item.
3. Where to Tap
Tap your NFC-ready item the same way you would use Tap to Pay or mobile wallet checkout. The NFC reader location depends on your phone model.
- On many iPhones, the NFC reader is near the top back area of the phone.
- On many Android phones, the NFC reader may be near the middle or upper back area.
If it does not read right away, slowly move the phone around the NFC tag area and try again. Remove thick phone cases, wallet cases, MagSafe accessories, or metal attachments if needed.
4. Popular NFC Uses
Your NFC item can be useful for:
- Business cards
- Social media pages
- Instagram or TikTok profiles
- Artist portfolios
- Vendor menus
- Restaurant menus
- Google review links
- Payment links
- Photo albums
- Family photo sharing
- Luggage contact pages
- Pet information pages
- Lost-and-found pages
- Emergency contact pages
- Medical information pages
- Allergy information pages
- Senior care information pages
- Child safety information pages
- Special needs information pages
- Custom website links
5. Privacy + File Control
Only program information you are comfortable sharing when someone taps your NFC item.
NFC tags are best for opening a link. For larger files, such as photo albums, menus, documents, medical info, emergency contact details, allergy information, portfolios, or forms, upload the file somewhere you control first, such as Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Drive, your website, or another shareable page. Then copy that URL and add it into the NFC Tools app.
This keeps your files stored in a place you manage, so you can update, replace, remove, or change access to the file at your own discretion.
For medical info, emergency contact info, allergy info, child safety info, senior care info, pet info, luggage info, or lost-and-found use, we recommend linking to a page or document that you control and can update later.
Do not store passwords, bank login details, account numbers, private financial information, or anything you would not want someone else to see.
You may also have the option to lock the NFC tag inside the NFC Tools app after writing it. Only lock the tag if you are sure the link is final, because locking may prevent future changes to that NFC tag.
Etchline NYC provides the NFC-ready item and setup guidance only. Customers are responsible for choosing and programming their own NFC content.
NFC setup is customer-managed after purchase. Etchline NYC does not collect, store, or program your private information onto NFC tags.
6. Troubleshooting
If your phone does not read or write the NFC tag:
- Remove thick phone cases, wallet cases, MagSafe accessories, or metal attachments.
- Move the phone slowly over the NFC tag area.
- Hold the phone still for a few seconds.
- Make sure NFC is enabled in your phone settings if your phone requires it.
- Try using a different compatible smartphone if available.
- Make sure you selected the NFC version of the product when ordering.
NFC performance can vary depending on phone model, phone case thickness, phone settings, and tap location.
7. Please Note
Etchline NYC items are handmade and 3D printed in small batches. Slight layer lines and small variations may occur.
8. Shop NFC-Ready Etchline Products
Looking for an Etchline NYC item with NFC tap-sharing? Browse our current NFC-ready products here:
More NFC-ready designs may be added over time.