How to Reprogram an NFC Card with NFC Tools

Learn how to rewrite an NFC card's link using the free NFC Tools app, step by step.

NFC cards are handy little tools. You can tap one with your phone and it opens a link, which makes them great for review requests, menus, business cards, or any other tap-to-open shortcut. The good news is that most NFC cards can be reprogrammed, so if you want to point an existing card at a new link, you usually don't need to buy a replacement.

This guide walks you through rewriting a card using the free NFC Tools app. The whole process takes only a minute or two, and you'll confirm the change at the end by tapping the card with any phone — no app required for that final check.

Before you start

Download the free NFC Tools app from the App Store or Google Play.

You'll also need NFC turned on in your phone settings. On Android, check that it's enabled. On iPhones, NFC is on by default, so there's nothing to switch on.

Step 1: Read the card first

Before you change anything, it's worth seeing what's already stored on the card.

1. Open the NFC Tools app and tap Read.
2. Hold the card flat against the back of your phone — near the top on an iPhone, or near the center on most Androids.
3. The app will show you what's currently stored on the card.

If the app reports that the card is Read-only or Locked, stop here. A locked card can't be rewritten, so you'll need a new one.

Step 2: Write your new link

1. Go to the Write tab and tap Add a record.
2. Choose URL / URI.
3. Type or paste the full link, including https://, then tap OK.
4. If an old record is listed above the new one, swipe or tap it to remove it, so only your new link remains.
5. Tap Write, then hold the card against your phone again.
6. Keep the card still until the app confirms the write has finished. This usually takes a second or two.

Step 3: Confirm the new link works

Tap the card with a phone to check that the new link opens. You can use any phone for this — no app needed.

A word of caution about locking

Don't tap the lock option unless you're absolutely sure you'll never need to change the link again. Locking is permanent, and a locked card can't be reprogrammed later.

You're all set

Once the app confirms your write and a quick tap opens the new link, your card is ready to use again. Reading first is the key habit here: it tells you whether the card is rewritable or locked before you spend time on the rest of the process.

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