NFC and QR Reader or Object Tagging? Understanding the Difference

Published: 13. May 2026

NFC and QR Object Tagging and the NFC and QR Reader can sometimes be confusing. Both features work with NFC tags and QR codes, but they are designed for completely different situations.

With NFC and QR Object Tagging, you can label items you use every day at home, in the office, or even in your backpack. The NFC and QR Reader, on the other hand, is designed for scanning public QR codes and NFC tags created by other people.

So what is the difference in practice?

Imagine you want to bake a cake, but you are not sure whether the container in your kitchen holds all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. This is exactly where NFC tags or QR codes can help.

Simply label the container using NFC tags or QR codes sold by BlindShell, save the description through Object Tagging, and your BlindShell phone will read the saved information aloud whenever you scan it.

You can use Object Tagging for many everyday items, such as medicine boxes, folders, spices, keys, or storage containers.

How to use NFC and QR Object Tagging

Stick the NFC tag or QR code onto an object
Open Vision Aids on your BlindShell Classic 2 or BlindShell Classic 3
Select NFC Object Tagging or QR Object Tagging
Choose Add Tag
Touch the NFC tag with the back of your phone or scan the QR code with the camera
Record or type a description

To read the saved label later:

Open NFC Object Tagging or QR Object Tagging
Select Read Tags
Touch the tag again or scan the QR code with the camera

If you have not tried NFC tags or QR codes for object labelling yet, you can also find them in the BlindShell e-shop.

A confused, blind woman holding two spice containers, trying to tell them apart. One is labelled Chilli and the other Cinnamon. On the left side of the image are BlindShell NFC tags in black, white, and orange. On the right side is a sheet of BlindShell QR codes. The NFC tags and QR codes can help distinguish between items that may otherwise be difficult to identify.

What is the NFC and QR Reader used for?

Unlike Object Tagging, the Reader is designed for QR codes and NFC tags created by other people and placed in public spaces.

Imagine you are visiting Prague Castle for the first time. While exploring St. Vitus Cathedral, your friend notices a QR code placed near one of the historical landmarks.

You open the NFC and QR Reader on your BlindShell and scan the code. Suddenly, an audio guide starts playing, telling you about the history of the cathedral and the people connected to it. How exciting is that?

That QR code was not created by you or stored in your phone. It was placed there by a museum, tourist organisation, restaurant, or another public service. And this is exactly the type of situation where the NFC and QR Reader is useful.

The same applies when scanning restaurant menus, opening websites, accessing event information, or listening to audio guides in museums and public places.

How to use the NFC and QR Reader

Download the Reader from the BlindShell App Catalog
Open BlindShell Productivity Tools
Select NFC and QR Reader
Scan the QR code or NFC tag

Sometimes users wonder why the Reader does not recognise their BlindShell Object Tags. The reason is simple. BlindShell Object Tagging works differently because the information is linked directly to your phone and your saved labels. The NFC and QR Reader is designed to recognise standard public QR codes and NFC tags instead.

A blind woman wearing sunglasses sits in a restaurant and scans a QR code on a menu using her BlindShell phone. The phone screen displays a QR code being recognised. The image demonstrates how the NFC and QR Reader on BlindShell can be used to access restaurant menus and other public information.

Both features are useful, but they are designed for different purposes. One helps you organise your personal belongings, while the other helps you discover information around you wherever you go. And if you are still unsure, you can find more information about both features in the manual or in "Tips and Tricks" section on our website.