I created the ultimate Wi-Fi password key with the most unexpected gadget – how it works

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One of my favorite technologies is NFC. I’m fascinated by the fact that I can write data to a tiny chip and then access it using a phone or tablet. I’ve embedded NFC tags in all kinds of things, from documents to business cards to 3D-printed objects.

And it’s easy!

what you’ll need

You need two things:

• NFC tags: They come in all shapes and sizes stickers To key chain disk To plastic card. I go for NTAG215 Compatible TagsBecause they are widely available, cheap, have enough on-board memory for my needs (504 bytes should be enough for anyone), and they have a data-retention lifetime of at least 10 years or 100,000 write/rewrite cycles. you can find NTAG213 NFC Tag They are cheap, but they are limited to 137 bytes, and I have website URLs that exceed this length.
• NFC reader/writer app: I use NFC Tools, available on both iOS And Android.

how to make nfc tag

It’s fine to write a few dozen tags with a smartphone app, but if you have to write a lot yourself, you’re moving into the realm of an industrial setup. Sato CT4-LX.

Too: I found AirTags alternatives that are tough, fast, and compatible with Android phones

You have the tags, the app is installed, and you’re ready to write your first tag. To write a webpage opening tag, tap Compose, then Add a record, tap URL/URI, enter the address of the web page you want to open in the box, and tap OK.

Now, to write on the tag: Tap Write, then bring the tag to the back of the smartphone. It should detect the tag and write data into it. it’s that easy!

How to test your NFC tag

To test the tag, exit the app, bring the tag to the back of the smartphone, and it should pick up and prompt you to go to a web page.

Too: Finally, Bluetooth trackers for Android users that work even better than AirTags

But your work is not complete. Remember that NFC tags are rewritable, and you wouldn’t want other people tampering with the tags you put on things, as this could be a big security issue.

You have two options, both available in the NFC Tools app. You can password protect the tag or lock it.

With stickers, I lock these, because it’s faster (you don’t need to create or remember a password), but for reusable tags and cards, the password option allows future reuse.

The choice is yours, but you have to do something to keep the tags from changing.

And there you are. Done. NFC is very easy to work with.

Pro Tip: An Easy Way to Use NFC Tags

You can create an NFC tag to share your Wi-Fi password. If you want to do this, in NFC Tools, you need to add a record for the Wi-Fi network and enter the details of your network. I find this a very useful way to share the password for my guest Wi-Fi.

Too: How to know if an AirTag is tracking you – and what to do about it

Experiment with what the app offers; There’s a lot out there.