Emergency NFC Keychain: Step-by-Step Guide
With this keychain, you can make important emergency information quickly and easily accessible. Follow this guide to set up your NFC tag—no technical knowledge required.
Step 1: Create Your Emergency Info in Notion
Tip: Use our free template!
Open Notion TemplateYou need a free Notion account. Sign up here if you don't have one yet.
- Create a new page or duplicate our template with your emergency information
- Include important details such as:
- Full name and date of birth
- Blood type (if known)
- Current medications
- Medical conditions and allergies
- Emergency contact persons and their phone numbers
- Insurance information
- Preferred hospital or doctor
Important: Only enter information you want others to see in an emergency!
- Click Share in the top right corner of your Notion page
- In the popup window, click on the Publish tab
- Click the Publish button
- Make sure Allow search engines to index this page is toggled OFF
- Click Copy URL to get the public link for your page
Step 2: Program & Use Your NFC Tag (iPhone)
- Install NFC Tools app
Download from App StoreDownload for iOS
- Erase the tag first
- Open the NFC Tools app on your iPhone
- Tap on the Other tab at the bottom of the screen
- Scroll down and tap Erase tag under the "Other" section
- When prompted, hold your iPhone near the NFC tag until you feel a vibration and see a confirmation
- Write the link to the tag
- In the NFC Tools app, tap on the Write tab at the bottom of the screen
- Tap Add a record to create a new entry
- From the list of record types, tap URL/URI
- Paste your copied Notion link into the URL field
- Tap OK to save the record and then tap Write at the bottom
- Hold your iPhone near the top edge to the NFC tag until you feel a vibration and see a confirmation message
How to use the tag (iPhone):
- Unlock your iPhone
- Hold the tag to the top edge of your iPhone (where the cameras are)
- When the iPhone detects the tag, the emergency info opens automatically in your browser
- No app needed to read - works with any modern iPhone!
Step 3: Program & Use Your NFC Tag (Android)
- Install NFC Tools app
Download from Google Play StoreDownload for Android
- Erase the tag first
- Open the NFC Tools app on your Android phone
- Tap on the OTHER tab at the top of the screen
- Find and tap Erase tag in the menu
- When prompted, hold the back of your phone against the NFC tag
- Keep the phone steady until you see a confirmation that the tag has been erased
- Write the link to the tag
- In the NFC Tools app, tap on the WRITE tab at the top of the screen
- Tap Add a record and select URL/URI from the menu
- Paste your copied Notion link into the URL field
- Tap OK to confirm
- Tap Write at the bottom of the screen
- When prompted, hold the back of your phone against the NFC tag
- Keep the phone steady until you see a confirmation message
How to use the tag (Android):
- Make sure your Android device is unlocked
- Hold the NFC tag against the back of your device (the exact location varies by model)
- Your device will vibrate or make a sound when it detects the tag
- The emergency information will automatically open in your browser
Tips for Use
- Always test after programming: Scan the tag with both your device and someone else's to ensure it works properly
- Keep information updated: Create a reminder to review and update your emergency information every 3-6 months
- Make it visible: Place the keychain in an easily visible spot on your keyring or bag where emergency responders might notice it
- Add visual elements: In your Notion page, you can add photos of your ID, insurance card, or medical alert information
- Consider translations: If you travel internationally, consider adding your information in multiple languages
- Tell others about it: Make sure friends and family know about your emergency NFC tag and what it contains
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need internet for the tag?
Yes, an internet connection is required to view the emergency info. The NFC tag only contains a link to your online information, not the information itself.
Is the tag waterproof?
The keychain is splash-proof, but not fully waterproof. It can handle rain and brief water exposure, but shouldn't be submerged for long periods.
Can I reprogram the tag?
Yes, you can rewrite the tag with new info as often as you like. Just follow the same programming steps with your new information.
Do I need a special smartphone?
You need a smartphone with NFC capability:
- For iPhone: iPhone 7 or newer with iOS 13 or later
- For Android: Most Android phones from the last 5-6 years support NFC
Can emergency services access my information?
Yes, as long as they have an NFC-capable smartphone with internet connection. Emergency responders are increasingly trained to look for medical ID devices, including NFC tags.