Use an AirTag as an NFC tag

Your AirTag isn't just a tracker; it's also an NFC tag. This technology is what makes tap-to-pay work: You wave your iPhone over the tag, which triggers some pre-planned action. In this case, you can set up your AirTag to run any automation you want in Apple Shortcuts. For example, this Redditor uses it to remind themselves to take their medication; if they don't scan their AirTag, which they've stuck underneath the lid of their medication bottle, they'll receive a reminder. To start setting up your AirTag as an NFC tag, open Shortcuts on your iPhone, then choose the "Automations" tab.

Here, tap the (+) in the top right, then scroll down and choose "NFC. " Tap "NFC Tag — Scan," then wave your iPhone over your AirTag. This can be a bit tricky, just as it can be difficult to get tap-to-pay to work. But I've found pointing the top of my iPhone at the AirTag to work best. Once it takes, name the tag whatever you want, then hit "OK.

" From here, the world is your oyster; you can choose any app or shortcut to run when you scan your AirTag.