Reconfiguring NFC Tags and NFC Cards (iOS - Apple device)

In this article we will go over the NFC Tag or Card criteria to reconfigure for iOS use, show some NFC Tag and Card examples, share where the NFC reader is typically located on an iOS device, cover downloading the NFC Tag Tools App, and go over how to reconfigure an NFC Tag or Card that was not pre-configured.

NOTE: All new NFC Tag and ID cards from Trackforce will come pre-configured, only pre-existing non-configured NFC Tags or ID Cards will need to be reconfigured.

• Criteria for NFC Tag and Card Compatibility with iOS
• What is an NFC Tag or NFC Card?

• Manufacture NFC Reader Schematics for iOS

• Downloading the NFC Tag Tools App
• How to Reconfigure an NFC Tag or Card (iOS)

Criteria for NFC Tag and Card Compatibility with iOS

There are 3 prerequisites for an NFC Tag or Card to be compatible with m-Post (iOS):

1. The NFC Tag or Card must be in an NDEF (NFC forum data) format
2. The UID (unique identifier) must be written as a text record​.
3. The NFC Tag or Card must be locked for security

NOTE: If the NFC Tag or Card does not meet these criteria you will not be able to scan the NFC Tag or Card with our app.

What is an NFC Tag and NFC Card?

An NFC Tag or Card is a small passive electronic device used for storing information. Their shapes, sizes, and colors can vary widely, but most often the ones used for our application are either small round plastic disc-shaped NFC Tags used for tours tags with adhesive backing for easier mounting or plastic credit card shaped NFC Cards used for ID cards.

Manufacture NFC Reader Schematics for iOS

The NFC reader is usually in the center of the device toward the top or camera module. Apple devices with NFC readers do not need to physically touch the NFC tag or card and should be hovered just above the tag or card.

Downloading the NFC Tag Tools App

In order to reconfigure an NFC Tag or Card you will need to first download the NFC Tag Tools app from the Google play store.

Install the NFC Tag Tools app on an Android device with an NFC reader.

Type NFC Tag Tools in the search bar and install the App.

How to Reconfigure an NFC Tag or NFC Card (iOS Apple Device)

To reconfigure an NFC Tag or NFC Card:

1. Open the NFC Tools App and tap the Read button. 

2.  Scan the NFC Tag or NFC Card you want to reconfigure.  (A blue checkmark will let you know the tag was successfully scanned.) 

3. Tap the Serial number button and then the Copy to clipboard option in the pop up window.  The first time you tap Save in the upper right hand corner you will get an app upgrade option.  Tap No, thanks! 

4. Tap the back to Menu at the upper left hand corner and then on the home page select the Write button.

5. Tap on the Add a record button then tap the Text - Add a text record option.

6.  Tap the Enter your text field and Paste in the serial number, REMOVE ALL COLONS AND SYMBOLS, and once completed, tap the OK option at the upper right hand corner.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remove all colons and symbols:

7. Select Write and then scan the Tag again until you get the blue checkmark.

8. Successfully scanning the tag will take you back to the main menu. On the Main menu tap Write and then Lock tag and in the pop up Warning! box tap Lock.