The Apple Home app and Siri are incredibly useful for managing your smart home. However, there may be times when you want to avoid shouting a command or spending time searching for a specific accessory. In these cases, you can turn to NFC tags. With just one tap on your iPhone you can turn on your lights, check the temperature or even open your garage door, if you have a tag in your car. We'll show you how to program your NFC tag to control your HomeKit home.

While it may sound complicated, using Near Field Communication to control your HomeKit accessories is quite simple. All you need is a compatible NFC tag, an iPhone 7 or later with NFC capabilities, and a few steps to create a shortcut. There are a plethora of affordable NFC tags, cards, and key fobs available, and you may already have one at home. If you own one of Apple's item trackers, you can use the AirTag as NFC triggers for automation including HomeKit with this guide. However, not all NFC tags are compatible with iPhones. We've had success with many NTAG 213 and 215 types, but if you're unsure, look for specific mentions of iPhone compatibility while shopping around.

The last thing you need for this process is the latest version of iOS. Updating your iPhone ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, making the process as smooth as possible. Programming your NFC tag for use with your HomeKit accessories is done entirely in the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. During this process, you create a personal automation, scan your NFC tag, and then assign a HomeKit action to it.

Launch the Shortcuts app.

Tap Automation on the navigation bar.

Tap the Add button in the top right corner of your screen.

Scroll down and tap NFC.

When the Ready to Scan message appears, tap Scan.

Hold your NFC tag or card near the top of your iPhone.

Type a name for your NFC tag, then tap OK.

Tap Run after confirmation or Run immediately, as desired.

Tap Next.

Tap the search field and type Home.

Tap Control at Home.

Tap Scenes & Accessories.

Choose the devices or scenes you want to activate with your NFC tag.

Tap Next.

Tap your scene or accessory and set the status you want.

Tap Done.

Tap Done again to save your personal automation.

That's all there is to it. Now when you scan your NFC tag with your iPhone, your HomeKit scene or accessory will come to life if you choose Instant Run during setup. If you choose Run after confirmation, you must authorize the Personal Automation via an alert before it can run. Whichever method you choose, you must first unlock your iPhone with FaceID or TouchID before it recognizes your NFC tag.

In addition to controlling your HomeKit scenes and accessories, you can also scan an NFC tag to get the status of your HomeKit home. This option includes getting the current temperature of a room, checking if a door or window is open, or verifying the energy status of a smart plug.

Launch the Shortcuts app.

Tap Automation on the navigation bar.

Tap the Add button in the top right corner of your screen.

Scroll down and tap NFC.

When the Ready to Scan message appears, tap Scan.

Hold your NFC tag or card near the top of your iPhone.

Type a name for your NFC tag, then tap OK.

Tap Run after confirmation or Run immediately, as desired.

Tap Next.

Tap the search field and type Home.

Tap Control at home.

Tap the search field at the bottom of your screen.

Type Get Home Status and tap it when it appears.

Tap Accessory Status.

Choose the device whose status you want to query with your NFC tag.

Tap the default status that appears next to your accessory.

Tap a condition (current temperature, contact sensor, power status, etc.).

Tap Done.

Tap Done again to save your personal automation.

Once you program your NFC tag, you will receive a shortcut notification with the status of your HomeKit device immediately after scanning. Once you're comfortable with the process, you can try adding additional shortcut commands, such as having Siri speak your results or recording them to a file to keep track of them. Of course, controlling your HomeKit home is just one of many cool ways to use NFC. With the right gear, you can play your favorite songs, share your location, and hand out Wi-Fi credentials. Bring your HomeKit Smart Home to life with just one tap. With a quick and easy programming process and wallet-friendly prices, NFC tags are a perfect addition to any HomeKit home. Whether on a key ring, hidden behind a light switch cover or on your bedside table, you can control or monitor your home with just one tap.