< Return to Questions

Do i need a UID scan ?

I'm ordering some nfc tags for use at a trade show and I'm not sure if I need a 'UID scan' or not ? What actually is a UID Scan !
Reader - 16 Sep 2023
Answers
1
Generally no.

Each NFC chip such as the popular NTAG213 has a unique ID number built into it during manufacturer. On genuine chips this cannot be changed. It will look something like '04AB12CD230180'. Technically it's a 7 bytes which equates to 14 hexadecimal characters.

A UID scan means that we scan all the tags before we send them to you collate the UID numbers in a spreadsheet and send the spreadsheet to you typically as CSV or excel file.

Some specialist software - for example asset management or round management software - may use this UID to identify each NFC tag. In some very rare cases this UID needs to be loaded into the software so that the software knows what UIDs to expect.

It's important to know that the UID of the chip can only be accessed by mobile phones using an app - it's not presented to the phone using non-app native tag scanning.

So. Unless you are using specialist software and that software requires the UID in advance - then you alm
Seritag - 23 Sep 2023
Add a comment
Add an Answer or Comment

what is an nfc tag
What is an NFC Tag ?
A quick intro to NFC tags - what they are, how they are used and the different types of tags
options price list
Options price list
Pricing for our encoding, scanning, ID printing and batching services.
encoding services
NFC Tag encoding
Details of our NFC tag encoding services.
id print services
ID printing
How to order ID / QR code printing on your NFC tags.
uid scan service
UID scan
How you can order a UID scan of your NFC tags.

Latest Articles

Phone scanning NFC tag in a Church for a donation
Using NFC
Using NFC Tags in Churches for Donations and Interaction
Discover how churches are using NFC technology to increase donations, interact with the younger generation and interact with their community.
Industry News
How will adding RAIN RFID to mobile phones impact the market ?
A discussion on RAIN UHF in mobile devices
Phone with Seritag new NFC App
Using NFC
Seritag Encoder App
Learn the key features of our new Seritag Encoder App. Encode, read and lock NFC tags yourself using your mobile phone for free!
Android phone scanning an NFC tag
NFC Tech
How to Read NFC Tags With An Android Phone
Follow our simple step by step guide on how to read an NFC tag using our new Seritag Encoder App.
image of an nfc keyfob next to a cactus plant
Using NFC
The Ultimate Guide to NFC Keyfobs
Learn which NFC keyfob is the right keyfob for your project.
Using NFC
A Guide to NFC: NFC Asset Tags and Asset management
A guide to NFC Asset tags and Asset Managment
NFC & QR Code Management
Contact
©Copyright 2025 Seritag.
Seritag is a trading name of TabDesk Ltd, a UK Registered company 10474154. VAT Registration Number GB256328005.
Seritag
£