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NFC Write

Compose and write NFC messages, or perform advanced tag operations (device dependent).

Compose: start from Saved Tags, import/export via QR, or add records.
Imported Message Ready: write an imported NDEF message as-is.
Advanced: copy, erase, lock, format, or multi-write.

Overview​

NFC Write lets you create an NDEF message (a set of records) and write it to a compatible NFC tag. It also includes an Advanced tab for operations like copy, erase, lock, format, and multi-write (device and tag dependent).

Table of Contents​

Tabs​

  • Compose
  • Advanced

Compose Tab​

Compose is where you build what you want to write:

  • Saved Tags: open your saved tag library and choose Write now or Load to composer.
  • Import QR: import NFC data from a QR code.
  • Export QR: export the current message as a QR code (when a message exists).
  • Add Record: add one or more records to the message.

Depending on your state, Compose can show:

  • An empty state (no records added yet)
  • A record list (when records exist)
  • An imported message view (when imported QR data provides a full message override)

Record Types​

When you add a record, you can choose common NDEF-friendly types:

  • Text: plain text with an optional language code.
  • URL: a website (or app link).
  • Email: email address (optionally with subject).
  • Phone Number: a phone number.
  • SMS: phone number and optional message body.
  • Contact (vCard): simple contact card fields (name, phone, email). Includes an Add from Contacts button that imports data from the iOS Contacts app.
  • Wi-Fi: network SSID, password, and security type (None, WPA/WPA2, or WEP).
  • Location: latitude and longitude (encoded as a geo: URI). Includes a Use Current Location button and an interactive map picker where you can tap to select coordinates.
  • Custom Data: a simple custom payload (treated as text).

Add Record​

Tap Add Record to open a 2-column grid of record type tiles, each showing an icon, name, and description. Select a type to enter its details.

Add a Record: pick a record type.
Record details: enter the data to encode on the tag.

After records are added, Compose shows a record list where you can:

  • Tap a record to edit it.
  • Swipe to delete records.
  • See an estimated total message size and clear all records.

Imported Message (QR Import Mode)​

When you import NFC data from a QR code, NFC Write switches into Imported Message mode:

  • The composed record list is cleared to avoid mixing formats.
  • The Imported Message Ready state appears.
  • Write writes the imported NDEF message as-is until you clear the imported message.

Use View Imported Data to inspect raw record bytes (type/identifier/payload) before writing.

Import And Export QR​

Use QR import/export to move NFC messages between devices or share a composed message.

Export QR Code: scan on another device to import into NFC Read/Write.

Writing A Tag​

When you tap Write, iOS opens the system NFC writing session. Keep the NFC tag close to the top of the device until the operation completes.

If an error occurs, Lirum shows a detailed error sheet with sections for: Summary, Context, Failure Reason, Recovery Suggestion, Technical Details (domain, code, userInfo), Additional Info, Underlying Errors, Debug Description, and Raw Error. A Copy to Clipboard button lets you share the full error for troubleshooting.

Advanced Tab​

Advanced includes operations such as:

  • Copy Tag: read a tag and duplicate its NDEF data onto another tag.
  • Erase Tag: delete NDEF data (make the tag blank).
  • Lock Tag: permanently write-protect a tag to prevent further changes (tag dependent).
  • Format Tag: initialize a tag to NDEF format (tag dependent).
  • Copy to Multiple Tags: continuously write the same data to many tags (multi-write workflow).

These operations run through the system NFC session and may not be supported by every tag type.

Copy To Multiple Tags (Multi-Write)​

Multi-write mode helps when you want to write the same message to many tags. While active, the status card shows an "Active" label with a spinner, success/failure counters, last write feedback text, a Stop button, and a Reset Counters button.

The Advanced tab also offers a Copy to Multiple Tags operation that reads a source tag once and then continuously writes its content to subsequent tags. This is distinct from the compose-based multi-write, which uses your composed message.

Multi-write: repeat the same write across many tags with status tracking.

Safety Notes​

  • Lock and format/erase operations can be permanent. Only use them if you understand what your tag supports.
  • Start with a spare tag when experimenting.

Permissions And Requirements​

  • NFC is only available on supported devices and OS versions.
  • iOS may prompt you for NFC permission the first time you use NFC Write.
  • Some record types (for example Location helpers) may require additional permissions (like Location) to prefill data.

Notes And Limitations​

  • NFC availability depends on device model and OS.
  • Some tags are read-only or do not support writing/locking/formatting.
Last updated on by Rogerio Hirooka