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How to create an NFC tag for Foursquare check-ins

Here's a way that allows you to check in to Foursquare in a matter of seconds.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani
2 min read

Creating an NFC tag that allows customers, friends, or even yourself to quickly check in to a venue on Foursquare is easy.

To begin, you will need an NFC-capable device, some blank NFC tags, and an app to write to the tags. In a previous post, I went over where to find the tags and what app to use if you are on Android.

Today, I will be using the same app, NFC Task Launcher, on the Galaxy Nexus to program the tag for a Foursquare check-in.

    Click to enlarge Screenshot by Jason Cipriani
  1. Before we can program the tag to initiate a check-in, we will need to get the venue ID for the venue we will want to check in to once the tag is scanned. To get the ID, visit the venue's Foursquare page from any browser. The ID is at the end of the URL. I have highlighted the ID in the URL above. You will need to take note of the ID, either by sending it to your device or keeping it close by to enter it when we get to that step.

  2. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani
  3. Launch the NFC Task Launcher app on your Android device. Select Create Task and add a new action. From the list of actions, select Social Networking.

  4. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani
  5. Under the Foursquare section, either paste the venue ID into the field, or type it in by hand. Once the ID is entered, press the + sign next to the box.

  6. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani
  7. Confirm that the venue ID is correct under the pending tasks. If it is, select Write Tag.

  8. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani
  9. I would suggest checking the box to lock the tag. By checking this box, you will prevent any unwanted reprogramming of the tag. Touch the tag to the back of your device to write the Foursquare venue information to the tag.

Going forward, anyone with an NFC-capable device (currently only Android is supported by the Foursquare app) and a Foursquare account can tap on the tag and will then be presented with the Foursquare check-in screen for the venue.