How to Set Up TapNest: Turn a Simple Tap Into Your Everyday Routine
TapNest is more than a place to dock your iPhone.
With MagSafe magnetic docking and three built-in NFC touchpoints, TapNest lets you turn everyday actions into simple, physical shortcuts. Tap your iPhone to a spot, and your favorite app, playlist, or personalized routine can start automatically.
The best part? You can customize every tap to fit the way you live.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Create Your Shortcut
TapNest works with Apple’s Shortcuts app, which lets your iPhone perform one or more actions automatically.
First, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Let’s say you want one of your TapNest spots to open TikTok.
Create your shortcut:
- Tap the + button to create a new Shortcut.
- Give your Shortcut a name.
- Tap Add Action and search for Open App.
- Select TikTok.
- Want a little extra feedback? Search for Vibrate Device and add it to your Shortcut.
- You can also add actions such as Set Volume so your audio starts at the level you want.
You can combine multiple actions to create your own personalized routine.
For example:
Tap → Vibrate → Set Volume → Open TikTok
Or get more creative. Your Shortcut could open a playlist, set a timer, adjust your volume, launch an app, or perform several actions in sequence.
Once you’re finished, tap the Shortcut icon to test it and make sure everything works as expected.
2. Link Your Shortcut to TapNest
Now that your Shortcut is ready, it’s time to connect it to one of TapNest’s three NFC spots.
Here’s how:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Go to Automation.
- Tap + to create a new automation.
- Select NFC.
- Tap Scan.
- Hold the top edge of your iPhone against the center of one of your TapNest NFC spots.
- Give the NFC spot a name so you can identify it later.
- Select Run Immediately and turn on Notify When Run if you want a notification when the automation runs.
- Choose the Shortcut you created.
- Tap Done.
That’s it.
Your Shortcut is now connected to your TapNest spot.
From now on, simply bring the top edge of your iPhone toward the center of the NFC spot to trigger your routine.
You can repeat the process for all three TapNest spots and give each one a completely different purpose.
Three spots. Three shortcuts. Your own little control center.
3. Don’t Want to Build Everything Yourself?
We’ve got you.
Visit ooraliving.com to explore the OORA Shortcuts Gallery.
We’ve created a collection of everyday routines, playlists, and ideas that you can download directly to your iPhone.
Once you’ve downloaded a Shortcut, simply follow the steps above to connect it to one of your TapNest NFC spots.
And this is only the beginning.
Once you get familiar with Apple Shortcuts, you’ll discover that you can create routines for almost any part of your day.
Your morning playlist.
Your workout.
Your bedtime routine.
Your favorite app.
Your focus mode.
Or something completely personal to you.
TapNest gives you the physical trigger. You decide what happens next.
How to Tap Better
Having trouble getting your TapNest to respond consistently?
Don’t worry. NFC can be sensitive to positioning, phone cases, and even different iPhone models. A few small adjustments can make your experience much smoother.
1. Unlock Your iPhone
For security reasons, Apple may require your iPhone to be unlocked before certain NFC-triggered Shortcuts can run.
If your TapNest doesn’t respond, unlock your iPhone first and try tapping again.
2. Use the Top Edge of Your iPhone
Your iPhone’s NFC reader is located near the top edge of the phone.
For the most reliable tap:
Top edge of iPhone → Center of TapNest NFC spot
Hold your phone in position for around 2 seconds and wait for your Shortcut to respond.
3. If It Doesn’t Respond
Simply move your phone away and try again.
Rather than quickly swiping across the NFC spot, approach it slowly and gently.
Small changes in position can make a big difference.
Think of it less like swiping and more like:
Approach → Tap → Hold → Trigger → Move away
4. Check Your Phone Case
Some phone cases and accessories can interfere with NFC communication.
Thick cases, metal components, and certain magnetic accessories may reduce NFC performance.
For the most reliable experience, keep the top edge of your iPhone as close to the TapNest NFC spot as possible.
If you’re experiencing repeated issues, try tapping without your case or with a thinner case.
5. Give Each Tap a Moment
If you’re using multiple TapNest spots, avoid moving your phone rapidly from one spot to another.
Give each NFC trigger a moment to register before moving on to the next one.
Tap → Wait for the trigger → Move away → Next tap
This helps your iPhone recognize each NFC tag correctly.
6. Give Your iPhone a Moment After Restarting
After powering on or restarting your iPhone, some system features and automations may take a little time to become ready.
If your Shortcut doesn’t respond immediately after a restart, give your iPhone a few minutes and try again.
7. Older iPhones May Respond Differently
NFC performance can vary depending on your iPhone model, iOS version, phone case, and accessories.
Some iPhones may take slightly longer to recognize an NFC tag than others. This can be normal.
If you’re experiencing inconsistent triggering, try adjusting the position of your phone and following the tapping technique above.
The Perfect Tap
Once you get familiar with the gesture, using TapNest should feel completely natural.
Top edge of iPhone
↓
Center of TapNest
↓
Hold for ~2 seconds
↓
Shortcut triggers
That’s it.
No searching.
No scrolling.
Just a simple physical tap that starts the thing you want.
Tap. Trigger. Enjoy your moment.
Keep Exploring
Your TapNest can become whatever you want it to be.
We’re constantly exploring new ways to combine technology with the little moments that make up everyday life.
Follow @ooraliving on TikTok and Instagram for more NFC tips, shortcuts, tutorials, and creative routine ideas.
Note: TapNest uses Apple’s Shortcuts and NFC automation features. Available functions and behavior may vary depending on your iPhone model, iOS version, phone case, and accessories.
