how I use NFC tags around my apartment (the ones that actually stuck)

Overview

The video explains how the creator uses NFC tags (near-field communication)—often inexpensive Amazon sticker tags—to automate everyday routines around their apartment and phone.

The core idea: an NFC tag contains a microchip + antenna. When a modern smartphone scans it, the phone can trigger actions through apps (especially iOS Shortcuts), such as:

• Opening apps
• Setting Focus modes
• Blocking distractions
• Controlling smart home devices

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What are NFC tags?

NFC = near-field communication.

Each tag typically includes:

• A built-in microchip you can program
• an antenna so phones can read it and perform programmed actions

Phones read NFC tags using built-in NFC support. The creator references phones that can perform wireless payments as an example of NFC functionality.

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How the creator buys and installs tags

• Tags are purchased on Amazon, usually as stickers
• Stickers can be peeled and placed anywhere
• Alternatively, tags can be placed without sticking by cutting/using the backing

Example pricing mentioned:

• ~30-pack for CAD $9.99
• cheaper options suggested for larger quantities

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Main use cases & “tutorial-style” automation examples

1) “Homemade brick” social media blocker (main inspiration)

Concept: Replace a physical blocker (like a fridge magnet device) with an NFC-triggered workaround.

Setup:

• An NFC sticker placed on a marble holder in the hallway
• When scanned, it blocks social media apps (e.g., Instagram/TikTok won’t open)

How it’s built:

• Using the Focus app for customizable app blocking
• Tailored to distracting apps, while still allowing access to needed tools (camera, email/text, work tasks)

Review/analysis angle: The creator argues the value isn’t only “blocking”—it disrupts “autopilot scrolling” and encourages reflection on habit loops. They also mention needing a “balance” to avoid constant discomfort.

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2) Automating sequences with Shortcuts (iOS)

The creator says Shortcuts makes NFC setups easy, particularly:

• Automations triggered by NFC scan
• running multiple actions at once when the tag is scanned (instead of step-by-step manual setup)

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3) Work routine NFC tag

An NFC sticker inside a top office drawer triggers a sequence when scanned:

• Vibration feedback (automation runs even if you aren’t checking the screen)
• Turns on Work Focus until 5:00 PM
  • Work notifications only (e.g., email)
  • tailored home screen/app layout for work
• Starts a 30-minute timer
• Opens YouTube for background instrumental music

Emphasis: makes starting work feel like “seconds,” not setup.

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4) Reading mode NFC tag (step-by-step guide)

Goal: launch a “reading procedure” and reduce interruptions:

• No messages/calls (Do Not Disturb / Focus)
• Opens reading-focused apps in one place (Libby/Fable referenced; the creator mentions Fable)
• Plays reading music via YouTube

Concrete setup flow (via Shortcuts):

1. Create a shortcut named something like “reading procedure”
2. Add actions:
   • Vibrate
   • Set Focus: “I’m reading” (until turned off)
   • Search/open YouTube for reading music (not Google)
3. In an Automation:
   • Add NFC scan
   • Scan the tag
   • Run immediately without confirmation
4. Place the tag physically behind a Coobo case so you can tap it from the ebook cover area

Optional extensions mentioned:

• add timers
• open a book reading app
• send a “busy reading” text

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5) Sleep routine NFC tag (smart lights)

An NFC sticker by the bedside table triggers:

• Turning off apartment lights
• Turning on a bedroom lamp using Philips Hue bulbs
• Switching into “sleep mode” behavior (e.g., dimmed home screen, notifications off)

The creator contrasts this with voice control (e.g., Alexa steps) and prefers the one-tap NFC trigger.

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6) Entrance NFC tag for “lock mode” + transit info

An NFC tag at the door triggers:

• Home “lock mode”
• Turning off smart lights (mostly Philips Hue)
• Immediately opening the TTC app to check subway delays/closures (so plans can be adjusted, including using Uber/Lyft if needed)

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7) Planner integration: journaling / idea capture via NFC

An NFC tag placed in a physical planner (weekly planning section) opens:

• a journaling mode
• timer + planning music
• quick access to a “life management guide” (the creator mentions a downloadable template linked in the description)

How they describe their system:

• a physical planner for weekly to-dos
• a second, more digital “second brain”-style system for ongoing life management and tracking

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8) Creative/notes workflow: voice note → Notes app

A handmade leather mini diary bookmark contains an NFC tag.

When scanned, it starts a voice note dictation flow:

• speech → text
• text added to a notes app called “thoughts on the go”

Designed so they don’t have to hunt for the shortcut manually when ideas happen “on the go.”

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9) Notes + social media link lookup

An NFC tag behind artwork opens a centralized note repository containing:

• social media links/URLs in one place

The creator highlights saving “precious seconds” by avoiding repeated searching for URLs/apps.

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10) Reminders / grocery list workflow (NFC quick-add)

An NFC tag triggers a smart grocery list flow in Reminders.

Behavior mentioned:

• items typed (apples, milk, cheese, etc.) are automatically sorted into categories (produce vs dairy)
• scanning at the fridge speeds up adding items during shopping prep rather than manual entry

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11) Plant watering reminder + calendar event

An NFC tag under a watering can:

• when scanned, creates a calendar event: “plants have been watered”

Benefit: instead of remembering or manually logging, you can answer “Did I water the plants?” by checking calendar history.

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Overall theme / takeaway

The creator’s takeaway is that NFC tags are powerful because they turn small physical actions (tapping/scanning) into:

• behavioral nudges and automation
• reduced friction (“save seconds”)
• disruption of bad habits (social media)
• improved follow-through (watering plants, planning)
• centralized workflows (notes, links, reading mode)

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Main speakers or sources

• Main speaker: the video creator (demonstrating NFC tags and their automations)

Referenced tools/apps/vendors:

• Apple Shortcuts
• Focus / Focus modes
• Philips Hue
• Alexa (used for voice control comparison)
• TTC app (Toronto transit)
• Fable / Libby / Kindle / Kobo/Everand (reading apps referenced; Everand includes a promo mention)
• YouTube (reading/work background music)
• Reminders (grocery lists)
• Calendar (plant watering events)