We have already explored almost everything about AirTags and shown in a simplified way what they are for and how we can use them in our daily life. However, and since the device is also an NFC tag, we can use the Shortcuts app to create automated routines that turn the AirTag into an action trigger.
Today’s trick will be to show how we can use AirTag to activate a function via NFC.
AirTag has other features
There is no doubt that AirTags have shaken the market up a bit, even though it is a simple device with "limited" use. Despite this, as more and more users receive and explore the location beacon, their usefulness increases. With the technology made available, it was discovered that AirTag can be used as an NFC tag for a variety of automations in the Shortcuts app.
Yes, we have already spoken of the possibilities of this device "out of the box", that is to say beyond what Apple has announced, with a "hack" made to the AirTag, as we said. 've already shown. But now the idea is different, it is about taking advantage of the features of iOS and this Tag with NFC.
The Dutch website iCulture discovered this feature. Basically, they have successfully tested the use of this accessory to be used as an NFC tag allowing them to create automated HomeKit (Casa) routines and much more.
As we really like the shortcuts in the app, we got down to business and left a how-to guide here.
Use AirTag with NFC to activate automations
1st step:
Let's go then open the Shortcuts app and click on the "Automation" tab then in the upper right corner on the "+" sign
Then we can create personal automation or automation for the Casa app. Let's choose Create Automation for Personal Use.
2nd step:
Scroll through the options until you find "NFC" and select it.
Scan your NFC tag (in this case an Airtag) and name it.
3rd step:
Now let's add an action. Click on the Add an action button and, among the different options, choose the one you want. For this guide, we're going to enable the Set Do Not Disturb option. That is, every time we pass the iPhone to this AirTag via NFC, the iPhone will go into do not disturb mode.
To be faster in choosing the option, we can use the search bar.
Click on “Next” and in the option that will appear we will use the Enable option and we can define when we want this option to be disabled. You can, for example, set a time when you want this option turned off, or when you end an event where you want your iPhone to be on. Do not disturb mode. But the options are varied, test to realize the potential of the tool. We have chosen for this guide Deactivated.
Remember to remove the Ask at run time option.
Alright, do that, every time the iPhone passes this AirTag, which now works as NFC tag with written action, it will activate the Do Not Disturb option on the iPhone.
The options are huge, we can create a wide range of automation with NFC tags (where AirTags also fit). Basically, we use an NFC tag editor to create a trigger for an action, routine, or automation.
Tell us what ideas might be useful for creating an NFC tag.
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