NFC Setup Guide

NFC Setup Guide

This guide shows you how to program your Etchline NYC NFC tag so it opens the link you choose — such as a website, Instagram page, payment link, Google review page, Google Photos album, emergency info page, medical info page, allergy page, pet info page, luggage contact page, or custom URL.

NFC tags are best used with simple links. The tag does not store photos, videos, long documents, or private files directly. It stores a link that opens the page or resource you choose.

Tap. Open. Update online when needed.

Before You Start

  • Use a simple URL link. NFC tags have limited storage, so links work best.
  • NFC tag capacity: approximately 504 bytes.
  • No app is required to access the information on most compatible smartphones. A person usually just taps the tag with their phone.
  • You do need an NFC writing app to program the tag the first time.
  • For SAFE Tags, test first, then lock the tag. Locking helps prevent someone else from erasing or changing the NFC tag.

What You Need

1. Your NFC Item

Use your Etchline NYC NFC-ready keychain, tag, card, bracelet, shoelace tag, bag tag, stroller tag, diaper bag tag, medical tag, or SAFE Tag.

2. A Compatible Phone

Most modern smartphones can read NFC tags. Some older phones may need NFC turned on in settings.

3. NFC Tools App

Download an NFC writing app such as NFC Tools from your phone’s app store to program your tag.

4. Your Link

Have the website, Google Doc, Google Photos album, payment page, review page, contact page, or custom URL ready before writing the tag.

What Should I Program Onto the NFC Tag?

For best results, program a URL link. This keeps the NFC tag simple and lets you update the information online without constantly rewriting the NFC tag.

  • Website link
  • Instagram or TikTok link
  • Digital contact card link
  • Payment link
  • Zelle payment link
  • Google review link
  • Restaurant menu link
  • Open house schedule link
  • Team schedule link
  • Google Photos album link
  • Google Doc emergency info page
  • Medical info page
  • Allergy info page
  • Pet info page
  • Luggage contact page
  • Stroller or diaper bag contact page
  • Babysitter or nanny instruction page
  • Senior support page
  • Custom URL

Why a Link Is Better

When your NFC tag opens a link, you can update the page behind that link whenever needed. The NFC tag can keep opening the same URL while you change the information online.

This is helpful for schedules, emergency contacts, allergy notes, babysitter instructions, nanny instructions, medical notes, open house schedules, team updates, menus, and event details.

No need to rewrite a whole paper note for a small change. No need to reprint flyers. No need to unlock and reprogram the NFC tag every time the information changes.

How to Program a Basic Website Link

  1. Download and open the NFC Tools app.
  2. Tap Write.
  3. Tap Add a record.
  4. Choose URL / URI.
  5. Paste your link into the URL field.
  6. Tap OK.
  7. Tap Write.
  8. Hold your phone near the NFC symbol on your item.
  9. Wait for the app to confirm that the tag was written successfully.
  10. Test the tag by tapping it with a compatible phone.

How to Create a Google Doc Emergency or Support Page

A Google Doc can be used as a simple information page for emergency contacts, allergy notes, medical notes, pet info, luggage contact details, student support notes, babysitter instructions, nanny instructions, stroller tags, diaper bag tags, senior support, or “if found” information.

Create the Page

  1. Open Google Docs.
  2. Create a new blank document.
  3. Give it a clear title, such as “Emergency Info,” “Allergy Info,” “Medical Notes,” “Pet Info,” or “If Found.”
  4. Add only the information you are comfortable sharing.
  5. Keep it simple and easy to scan.

Share the Link

  1. Click Share.
  2. Under general access, choose Anyone with the link.
  3. Set the role to Viewer.
  4. Click Copy link.
  5. Use that link when programming your NFC tag.

Google Doc Privacy Reminder

Anyone with the shared link may be able to view the page, depending on your sharing settings.

Do not include passwords, Social Security numbers, bank information, full insurance ID numbers, private financial details, account numbers, or anything you would not want someone else to see.

For emergency or support pages, keep the information clear, useful, and limited to what someone may reasonably need to help.

Helpful Information to Include for Medical SAFE Tags

If you are setting up a medical-style SAFE Tag, keep the linked page simple, clear, and easy to scan. Only include information you are comfortable sharing through a tap-access link.

  • Name or first name
  • Emergency contact name and phone number
  • Medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • Medication notes, if appropriate
  • Blood type, if you choose to include it
  • Caregiver or family contact information
  • Doctor, clinic, or care team contact, if appropriate
  • Communication needs or support instructions
  • Mobility notes or assistance needs
  • Preferred hospital or care instructions, if appropriate
  • “If lost” or return contact information

Avoid adding passwords, full medical records, insurance numbers, account numbers, private financial information, school login credentials, or anything you would not want accessible through a shared link.

SAFE Tags are support tools. They are not medical devices, GPS trackers, emergency service replacements, professional medical advice, or substitutes for supervision and caregiver judgment.

How to Create a Google Photos Album Link

A Google Photos album link is useful for party photos, team photos, school event photos, field trip photos, family albums, event recaps, and shared memories.

  1. Open Google Photos.
  2. Create a new album or open an existing album.
  3. Add the photos you want to share.
  4. Tap or click Share.
  5. Choose the option to create or copy a share link.
  6. Copy the album link.
  7. Use that link when programming your NFC tag.

Google Photos Privacy Reminder

Anyone with the shared album link may be able to view the album, depending on your settings.

Only share photos you are comfortable making accessible through that link.

How to Test Your NFC Tag

  1. After writing the tag, close the NFC writing app.
  2. Hold a compatible phone near the NFC symbol on the item.
  3. Wait for the phone to detect the NFC tag.
  4. Tap the notification that appears.
  5. Confirm that the correct page opens.
  6. Test again with the phone case on if that is how the item will usually be used.

NFC performance can vary depending on phone model, phone case thickness, phone settings, and tap location.

Where to Tap

Each item has its own tap location. Look for the NFC symbol on your Etchline NYC item.

  • Jersey keychains: tap near the back center of the jersey where the NFC symbol is located.
  • FIFA World Cup trophy keychains: tap near the base of the trophy where the NFC symbol is located.
  • Can tab opener keychains: tap near the back center of the keychain where the NFC symbol is located.
  • SAFE Tags: tap near the large visible NFC symbol.
  • Medical SAFE Tags: tap near the NFC symbol, which may appear near a medical symbol depending on the design.
  • Wallet card style tags: tap near the printed NFC symbol on the card.
  • Bracelet or shoelace tags: tap near the NFC symbol on the tag face.

Important: Locking SAFE Tags After Testing

For SAFE Tags, we strongly recommend locking the NFC tag after you have tested it and confirmed that it opens the correct link.

Locking helps prevent someone else from erasing or changing the NFC tag.

Do not lock the tag until you are sure the link works. Once locked, the tag generally cannot be edited again.

Future updates should be made on the page or document connected to your link — not by changing the NFC tag itself.

How to Lock an NFC Tag in NFC Tools

  1. Program the NFC tag first.
  2. Test the tag and confirm that it opens the correct link.
  3. Open the NFC Tools app.
  4. Go to the section for additional options or tag actions.
  5. Choose the lock or make read-only option.
  6. Follow the app prompts to lock the tag.
  7. Test the tag again after locking.

App wording may vary by phone and app version. Look for language such as Lock tag, Make read-only, or Protect tag.

When Should I Lock the Tag?

Lock It When

  • The link works correctly
  • The page is set up properly
  • You are using it as a SAFE Tag
  • You do not want someone else to erase or change the NFC tag

Do Not Lock It Yet If

  • You have not tested the link
  • You may want to change the NFC tag destination
  • The page is not ready
  • You are still experimenting with different links

Updating Your Information Later

The easiest setup is to use one stable URL and update the information on the backend when needed.

For example, if your SAFE Tag opens a Google Doc, you can update the Google Doc later without changing the NFC tag. The tag opens the same link, but the information on the page can be updated by you.

This is helpful when babysitters, nannies, grandparents, substitute teachers, coaches, camp staff, after-school staff, or caregivers change from time to time. It also helps when parents are busy and do not want to rewrite an entire paper note for one small change.

Phone Tips

For iPhone

  • Hold the top area of the phone near the NFC symbol.
  • Wait for the notification to appear.
  • Tap the notification to open the link.
  • Remove thick cases if the phone has trouble reading the tag.

For Android

  • Make sure NFC is turned on in settings if needed.
  • Hold the back of the phone near the NFC symbol.
  • Move the phone slowly if it does not detect the tag right away.
  • Remove thick cases if the phone has trouble reading the tag.

Troubleshooting

  • Nothing happens: move the phone slowly around the NFC symbol and try again.
  • The phone case is thick: remove the case and test again.
  • The wrong page opens: rewrite the tag before locking it.
  • The tag will not write: make sure you are holding the phone over the NFC chip area.
  • The tag is already locked: a locked tag generally cannot be changed. Update the information on the linked page instead.
  • The URL is too long: use a shorter link or a simple landing page URL.

Important Privacy and Safety Notes

Etchline NYC does not collect, store, or program your private information onto NFC tags.

Customers are responsible for choosing, creating, and programming their own NFC content after purchase.

Only include information you are comfortable sharing when someone taps your NFC item. Do not include passwords, Social Security numbers, bank information, full insurance ID numbers, private financial details, account numbers, or anything you would not want someone else to see.

SAFE Tags do not replace supervision, emergency services, official medical identification, school procedures, caregiver judgment, or medical advice. They are an added support tool designed to make approved information easier to access.

Need Help Choosing the Right Setup?

Contact Etchline NYC if you need help thinking through the best NFC use case for your keychain, SAFE Tag, medical tag, stroller tag, diaper bag tag, luggage tag, event favor, business item, or custom 3D printed piece.