How does NFC work?
NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and transfers data at up to 424 Kbps over a distance of typically 1–4 cm. It is based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology but adds two-way communication capability.
An NFC tag is a passive device — it has no battery. It draws power from the electromagnetic field generated by an NFC-enabled reader or smartphone when brought close. This is why NFC tags can last indefinitely with zero maintenance.
Works out of the box. All Ubitap NFC tags are NDEF pre-formatted and NFC Forum compliant. Simply tap with your Android or iOS phone — no app needed for basic reads on modern devices.
Phone generates a field
When NFC is active on your phone, it emits a small electromagnetic field at 13.56 MHz.
Tag powers up
Bringing the tag within 4 cm inductively powers the chip — no battery required in the tag.
Data is transmitted
The chip sends its NDEF-formatted data back to the phone. The phone acts on it instantly — opening a URL, saving a contact, connecting to WiFi and so on.
NFC Chip Types — Which one do I need?
Different NFC chips offer different memory sizes and features. The right chip depends on how much data you need to store and whether you need extra security features.
| Chip | Memory | NFC Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTAG213 | 144 bytes | Type 2 | URLs, social links, business cards Most Popular |
| NTAG215 | 504 bytes | Type 2 | Amiibo, games, larger payloads |
| NTAG216 | 888 bytes | Type 2 | Large data, multiple NDEF records |
| NTAG203 | 144 bytes | Type 2 | Legacy compatibility |
| Ultralight | 48 bytes | Type 2 | Simple URL redirect, cost-sensitive projects |
| Topaz 512 | 462 bytes | Type 1 | General purpose, good range |
| Mifare Classic 1K | 1 KB | Type 4 | Access control, transport cards, loyalty |
| DESFire EV2 | 2–8 KB | Type 4 | High-security applications, payments |
Not sure which chip to pick? The NTAG213 is the right choice for 90% of everyday use cases — sharing a URL, a vCard or WiFi credentials. Only go larger (NTAG216) if you need to store significant amounts of data in a single tag.
What can you do with NFC tags?
NFC has an enormous range of applications — from personal productivity to enterprise-scale deployments. Here are the most common use cases.
Share Links & Contacts
Tap to open a website, share your vCard, WiFi credentials or social media profile — instantly, without typing.
Business & Marketing
Google Review cards, restaurant menus, product info sheets, loyalty cards and digital business cards.
Access Control
Door locks, gym check-in, event entry wristbands — fast and reliable with no battery in the tag.
Asset Tracking
Tag equipment, tools or inventory. Tap with your phone to log location, status or maintenance records.
Smart Home & Automation
Trigger routines — switch to driving mode, toggle smart lights, or launch apps with a single tap.
Product Authentication
Embed tags in packaging to verify product authenticity and fight counterfeiting at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Android phones from 2013 onwards include NFC. For iPhone, NFC reading is available from iPhone 7 running iOS 11+, with full background reading on iOS 13+. On Android, check Settings → Connections. On iPhone, it is always on for compatible devices — just hold the top of your phone near the tag.
No app is needed to read a basic NFC tag on Android — just tap and the phone acts on it. On iPhone, URL tags open in Safari automatically. For writing or programming tags you will need a free app like NFC Tools (available on Android and iOS).
NDEF stands for NFC Data Exchange Format. It is the standard format for storing data on NFC tags so any NFC-enabled device can read them correctly. All Ubitap tags are pre-formatted with NDEF so they work straight out of the packaging without any setup.
Yes — unless you lock them. Most NFC tags (NTAG213, NTAG216 and so on) can be rewritten thousands of times using any NFC writer app. You can also permanently lock a tag so its content can never be changed — useful for product authentication where tamper-evidence matters.
NFC tags have no battery and no moving parts. The chip itself is rated for 10+ years of data retention and 100,000+ write cycles. Actual lifespan depends mostly on the physical material — a hard tag or card will outlast a paper sticker in harsh outdoor environments.
Typically 1–4 cm for standard tags. On-metal tags are designed for metallic surfaces and may have a slightly shorter range due to the shielding layer. The range also depends on the antenna size of the tag and the reader or phone being used.
NFC is a subset of RFID that operates specifically at 13.56 MHz and at short range (under 4 cm). Standard RFID can operate at various frequencies and longer ranges. NFC also adds two-way communication and standardised data formats (NDEF), which is why it works seamlessly with smartphones.
Yes. iPhone 7 and later can read NFC tags running iOS 11+. From iOS 13 onwards, NFC tags are read in the background — you simply hold the top of the phone near the tag without opening an app. Writing to NFC tags on iPhone requires a compatible app such as NFC Tools Pro.
Shop NFC Tags in Malaysia
All tags are NDEF pre-formatted and NFC Forum compliant — ready to use out of the box. No minimum order quantity.