# Simply NFC - Tag Writer/Reader — Simply the NFC app you need. > NFC tag reader and writer with extensive content support and automation features. (iPhone/iPad app by Lakeside Llama LLC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) - Category: Utilities, Productivity - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.08/5 from 183 App Store ratings · 53 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.6 · 5 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2017-09-20 - Data updated: 2026-08-17 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews.md ## What is Simply NFC? Simply NFC is a powerful, accessible, and easy-to-use NFC reader and writer for iPhone. Scan NFC tags instantly, create programmable tags, trigger HomeKit scenes, automate workflows, and create spoken text tags for visually impaired users, all without external hardware. Built with accessibility in mind: * Full VoiceOver support throughout the app * Spoken text tags that read aloud when scanned * Great for labeling household items, storage, medication, equipment, and more * Accessible scanning and writing workflows for blind and visually impaired users Features: * Scan NFC tags instantly * Read raw tag information * Save scan history automatically * Multi-tag scanning * Apple Watch remote scanning support Write and program NFC tags directly from your iPhone: * Text tags * Text-to-Voice tags * URL tags * HomeKit scene tags * Wi-Fi setup tags * Contact cards (vCard) * Email, SMS, phone, and FaceTime tags * Custom URI and app-launch tags * Location tags Advanced NFC features: * Import tag records * Configure write passwords * Edit and rewrite compatible tags * Export history as CSV or tab-delimited text * Integrate scans with your own web services HomeKit support: * Trigger HomeKit scenes from NFC tags * Background NFC support on compatible devices * Great for smart home and accessibility automations Siri Shortcuts and integrations: * Start scanning with Siri * Launch single or multi-scan modes * iMessage extension for sharing scan history Developer features: * URI scheme support: simplynfc://reader simplynfc://scan simplynfc://multiscan simplynfc://writer * Callback support for apps and websites * Send scanned tag data directly to your server * Build NFC workflows into your own apps and services Simply tap “Read NFC” and hold your iPhone near a tag. It’s that simple. Simply NFC is designed for beginners, power users, accessibility needs, smart homes, inventory systems, and NFC development workflows. We love hearing from our customers, so feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, issues, bugs, suggestions, or feature requests. We are always looking for ways to improve Simply NFC. ## Key features - Read and write NFC tags - Supports text, URL, vCard, SMS, email, phone, app launch, custom URI, location, HomeKit, and Wi-Fi tags - Trigger HomeKit scenes - VoiceOver accessibility - Siri Shortcuts integration - Widget and iMessage extension - Export scanned history ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Pro Version | $4.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of Simply NFC? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 👍 Simplicity and minimalism - 👍 Easy to use - 👍 Decent design for a utility app - 👍 Works well for simple things like URLs - 👍 Good for understanding NFC chips - 👍 Great for automation with iOS shortcuts - 👍 Fast NFC reading - 👍 Handles various tag types - 👍 Good UI and user experience - 👍 Works with VoiceOver (accessibility) - 👍 Responsive application - 👍 Useful for managing multiple messages - 👍 Reads vCards and opens websites **Cons** - 🐛 Wifi option does not work - 🐛 Wifi record doesn't work - 🐛 Not all functions available in free version - 🐛 Paid version has limited URL schemes - 🐛 Does not read certain NFC tags (e.g., Mifare ultralight) - 🐛 Does not work on iPhone XR - 🐛 Not scanning for some users - 🐛 Does not read NFC215 tags - 🐛 Fails with different brand NFC tags - 🐛 Hasn't been updated in a long time - 🐛 Privacy policy not updated - 🐛 Error connecting or too much information when writing - 🐛 HomeKit scenes don't work - 🐛 White buttons on white background (dark mode needed) - 🐛 Cannot write HomeKit enabled tags on iPhone - 🐛 Does not read bus card - 🐛 Awkward for i6s with Apple Watch (blocking users) - 🐛 Pro version not working for some - 🐛 Restore purchase not working - 🐛 App says it won't work with specific iPhone models (e.g., 6SE) **Commonly reported bugs** - Wifi joining option fails - Phone does nothing when tapping Wifi tag - App stops telling device to speak loudly after a few scans - App does not read tags at all - NFC tag not read after 5 minutes - Fails with different brand NFC tags - Privacy policy not updated - Error connecting or too much information when writing tags - HomeKit scenes do not work, redirect to developer's website with 404 error - White buttons on white background (visibility issue) - Pro version not working for some users - Restore purchase feature does not work - App states it won't work with specific iPhone models despite being listed as compatible **Most requested features** - Improve Wifi tag support - Fix issue with 'speak loudly' feature stopping - Preview Pro upgrade records - Allow custom URL schemes in URI Record - Long term tag save area for review, edit, and rewrite - Add more languages (e.g., Russian) - Improve VoiceOver support for tag selection and reading results - Support writing HomeKit enabled tags on iPhone - Add dark mode option for better visibility ## Recent user reviews (10 of 53) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews.md ### 2/5 — Wifi option does not work *2025-03-30, version 2.1* I enjoyed the simplicity and minimalism of this app. I also believe that many options in it work, I only tried URL & Wifi. I’d recommend downloading nfctools which is free. My wife talked me into buying this app in hopes that the Wifi joining option would work, as it didn’t within nfctools. My only reason and interest (in NFC tags) was to allow visitors to join my wifi without me having to get or remember the password. Both this app and nfctools work as expected for simple thinks like URLs, not for Wifi. When I write a tag with the WiFi options, the phone does nothing when tapping the tag, not even a notification. If you care about wifi option, good luck! I’d recommend the free option, you work too hard to spend unnecessary $. ### 4/5 — Works well *2025-02-17, version 2.1* I use NFC tags in my small brewery, I have tags on my kegs and barrels which I can scan to tell me what the keg/barrel contains. I have labels on but they are not always visible. This app is perfect for the job. The only issue I have is I write the tags to speak loudly when scanned. This works for a few scans then it stops, telling me I my device should not be on silence mode, it isn’t. I close the app and reopen it again and it works for a couple of scans then stops again. If this could be fixed this would make this app perfect ### 5/5 — Sarah Loammy costta Ferreira *2024-04-16* Sarah Loammy costta Ferreira ### 1/5 — Wifi record doesn’t work *2024-04-02, version 2.1* Don't buy if you need the wifi option, it doesn’t work. ### 5/5 — Super genial Einstellungen Tipp top *2023-08-03* Großes Kino ### 5/5 — Hi how are you to day *2021-12-30, version 2.07* Were are you frome ### 1/5 — Не видит ключ *2021-12-08* Не реагирует вообще. ### 1/5 — Disappointed *2021-08-10, version 2.07* Only able to use for shortcuts with paid version. Could not see if this was useable for my intended requirements with free version - since there were hardly any functions in the free app; a result I uninstalled it. ### 1/5 — Не работает *2021-05-16* Не работает ### 3/5 — Easy to use and decent design for a utility app *2021-05-09, version 2.07* Easy to use and decent design for a utility app. Had no issues reading and writing NFC tags. Wish you could preview what you can write with the Pro upgrade records. I had assumed that the URI Record would allow me to input custom URL schemes but you’re stuck with a set number of them. Probably would have not upgraded if I had know that. ## Frequently asked questions about Simply NFC ### What does Simply NFC do? Simply NFC is an application that allows you to read and write to NFC tags using your smartphone. It supports a wide variety of tag content types, enabling you to store and retrieve information like text, URLs, contact details, and even trigger HomeKit scenes. ### What types of NFC tags can this app handle? The app supports numerous tag content types including Text, URL, vCard (contacts), SMS, Email, Telephone, App Launching, Custom URI, Location, HomeKit Scenes, and Wi-Fi Configuration. This versatility allows for a broad range of uses. ### Is Simply NFC free to use? The application is available for free with in-app purchases. This means you can download and use the core functionalities without upfront cost, with optional purchases available for advanced features or content. ### What devices is Simply NFC compatible with? Simply NFC is designed for mobile devices. While the description doesn't specify exact operating system versions, it mentions features like Siri Shortcuts, widgets, and iMessage extensions, indicating compatibility with recent iOS versions. ### How can I use Simply NFC for automation? You can use Simply NFC for automation by writing specific content to NFC tags. For example, you can create tags that trigger HomeKit scenes, open specific apps, or prefill SMS messages, allowing for quick, tap-based actions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3 — 2026-06-10 Here is what has changed in Version 3! • Pro feature: Password protection for NFC tags. Set, remove, and manage tag passwords directly in the app. • Pro feature: Import tag contents into the editor. Pull NDEF records from a real tag and edit them in-app. • Reader improvements: Read outloud text tags now automatically start speaking once scanned in multiscan mode. This allows one to check multiple tags at once for accessibility. • Tag Info: You can now scan a tag and view it's raw info such as the bytes and type of tag! • Writer and layout polish: Cleaner button layout, smoother write animations, and password controls moved to a much better spot. • Small improvements: Added UTF-8/16 support for text tags, removed duplicate and obsolete options, and cleaned up various UI hiccups. A tiny note • Password protection and tag import are available in Pro mode. Thanks for using Simply NFC. If you run into bugs, weird behavior, or have feature ideas, let us know and we will chase it down. ### 2.2 — 2025-06-05 Version 2.2 -Removed Analytics tracking. -Wifi tags are not out of beta! They will work on all devices now and not just iOS ones. Note that Apple does not allow background scanning on iOS so on iOS devices you will need a NFC app, like this one, to read a wifi tag. Non iOS devices will be able to read the tag in the background without an app. -Various small bug fixes and updates. ### 2.1 — 2022-01-11 New in Version 2.1 -Added Background Audio and Background readable text tags. This allow one to tag items and have the contents read out loud to them. -Added the ability to edit tags writeable records. If you tap on the record to add, you can now edit it instead of previously having to delete it and re add it. -Added a writing URI scheme allowing one to launch Simply NFC to write text or URL tags. -Fixed coloring on the contact picker for contact cards. -Made Uri tags able to add custom Uri schemes instead of being forced into ones in the picker. -Various other bug fixes. -Possible other small features I forgot Coming up -Fully featured Wifi Tags -Copy Tag ### 2.07 — 2020-01-24 Version 2.07 Changes -Made some changes to in app purchase to help when the app is forced closed during a purchase. -Added the currency symbol to the in app purchase price. -Fixed the display of the write page for iPhone 7 and 8. Know Bug: -Wifi tags currently only work if read and written using Simply NFC. We are making changes to make this work with different ecosystems in a coming update. Previous Changes -Added support for Shortcut, FaceTime, FaceTime Audio, URI, HomeKit Accessory Setup, and Apple Maps tags to be written. All of the mentioned tags support background NFC reading. -Fixed issues with Tel, SMS, and Mailto tags not being read with background scanning. They will now work. -Fixed issue with contact cards not being read on different ecosystems. -Fixed issue with location tag not being read on different ecosystems. -Added haptic feedback on some buttons. -Added the ability to erase a tag. -iOS 13 Users will be able to write to NFC tags! -Write NFC NDEF messages for text, URI, HomeKit, SMS, Telephone, Email, Location, Wifi, and Contact tag types. -Added ability to lock the NFC tag to make it read only…. WARNING this cannot be undone. -Fixed an issue that caused the Apple Watch App to crash the parent app when used. -Added support for universal links for Homekit tags. This will allow you to scan the Homekit tag without Simply NFC being open on devices that support background NFC tag reading such as the iPhone XS. To use, simply write a tag in the format "https://lakesidellama.com/app?hk=SCENE_NAME" where SCENE_NAME is the name of the Homekit scene you want to run. -Added rewarded videos ads as an option to unlock the pro version without paying for the in app purchase. To unlock the pro version, simply watch two rewarded ads per day for 7 days total! You will then have access to the pro version with no ads! Any additional watched ads at this point is considered a donation and is greatly appreciated as it helps support the app. -Added Voice Over Accessibility Support to better read what is on the screen. This was suggested in a review. -Added Siri Shortcut manual add screens to the settings menu. This will allow you to manually configure Siri shortcuts for scanning single or multiple tags. Siri shortcuts are only available on iOS 12 and above. -NEW! iPhone XS and XS Max can now perform background NFC scanning. Simply unlock your phone and press it to the tag to perform a scan! Only works with mail, sms, phone, url tags, and properly formatted Simply NFC Homekit Tags. ### 2.06 — 2019-10-24 Version 2.06 Changes -Fixed shortcut tags not properly handling spaces in the name. Rewrite shortcut tags with this new version to fix them. -Fixed invalidate after first read setting for the NFC reader. Know Bug: -Wifi tags currently only work if read and written using Simply NFC. We are making changes to make this work with different ecosystems in a coming update. Previous Changes -Added support for Shortcut, FaceTime, FaceTime Audio, URI, HomeKit Accessory Setup, and Apple Maps tags to be written. All of the mentioned tags support background NFC reading. -Fixed issues with Tel, SMS, and Mailto tags not being read with background scanning. They will now work. -Fixed issue with contact cards not being read on different ecosystems. -Fixed issue with location tag not being read on different ecosystems. -Added haptic feedback on some buttons. -Added the ability to erase a tag. -iOS 13 Users will be able to write to NFC tags! -Write NFC NDEF messages for text, URI, HomeKit, SMS, Telephone, Email, Location, Wifi, and Contact tag types. -Added ability to lock the NFC tag to make it read only…. WARNING this cannot be undone. -Fixed an issue that caused the Apple Watch App to crash the parent app when used. -Added support for universal links for Homekit tags. This will allow you to scan the Homekit tag without Simply NFC being open on devices that support background NFC tag reading such as the iPhone XS. To use, simply write a tag in the format "https://lakesidellama.com/app?hk=SCENE_NAME" where SCENE_NAME is the name of the Homekit scene you want to run. -Added rewarded videos ads as an option to unlock the pro version without paying for the in app purchase. To unlock the pro version, simply watch two rewarded ads per day for 7 days total! You will then have access to the pro version with no ads! Any additional watched ads at this point is considered a donation and is greatly appreciated as it helps support the app. -Added Voice Over Accessibility Support to better read what is on the screen. This was suggested in a review. -Added Siri Shortcut manual add screens to the settings menu. This will allow you to manually configure Siri shortcuts for scanning single or multiple tags. Siri shortcuts are only available on iOS 12 and above. -NEW! iPhone XS and XS Max can now perform background NFC scanning. Simply unlock your phone and press it to the tag to perform a scan! Only works with mail, sms, phone, url tags, and properly formatted Simply NFC Homekit Tags. ## Apps similar to Simply NFC | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfccool-tools-tag-reader/id1249686798) | 4.5 (6,647) | Free | Utilities | | [NFC Tools & RFID Scanner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tools-and-rfid-scanner/id6444315014) | 4.4 (320) | Free | Utilities | | [NFC Tools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tools/id1252962749) | 4.6 (13,422) | Free | Utilities | | [Smart NFC Tools: Read & Write](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-nfc-tools-read-and-write/id1527587931) | 4.6 (469) | Free | Utilities | | [NFC - Reader & Writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-and-writer/id1527949024) | 4.3 (95) | Free | Utilities | | [NFC Reader - Tag Scanner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-tag-scanner/id1324286598) | 3.7 (43) | Free | Utilities | ## More apps by Lakeside Llama LLC - [Yes / No Button](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yes-no-button/id593299519) All apps by Lakeside Llama LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444 ## Related topics [cliqtags nfc writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cliqtags-nfc-writer) · [planktovie nfc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/planktovie-nfc) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-17.*