Getting Started

The WayAround App is designed to be simple, accessible, and intuitive for anyone with any degree of vision loss. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to get you started using WayAround quickly and effectively.

What You'll Need

The WayAround App - The WayAround App is available free in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.

WayTags - You'll need WayTag NFC tags to attach to items around your home or office. With the WayAround app, you can add information to your WayTags and then read that information again and again. Visit our online store to purchase WayTags.

Use the resources below for ideas about which types of WayTags to use on different items:

Accessories like safety pins, rubber and silicone bands, labels and more can help you attach a WayTag to anything.  

How to Read a WayTag

Use these instructions to read the information on a WayTag using the built-in NFC reader on your iPhone 7 or above. Instructions for using a WayLink are in parenthesis.
  1. Open the WayAround app.
  2. Choose the Read button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. A "Ready to Scan" screen will pop-up from the bottom of the screen, letting you know the phone's NFC reader is engaged. (Skip this step if you're using a WayLink.)
  4. Hold the top edge of your iPhone (or the center of the WayLink) right over the WayTag. For best results, place the reader directly onto the WayTag. Keep your device steady for a moment while it reads.
  5. When the iPhone has read the WayTag, you will hear a faint double-click and the iPhone will vibrate. A blue checkmark will appear on the popup. The popup will automatically disappear after a couple of seconds. (If you're using a WayLink, the iPhone will vibrate once the WayTag has been read.)
  6. You will see the description and any details on the screen. If you're using VoiceOver, the iPhone will begin reading the description aloud as soon as the popup disappears. Swipe right to hear the next detail. Swipe left to hear the previous detail. Double-tap to repeat the current detail.

Write a WayTag

Use these instructions to add information to any type of WayTag: stickers, buttons, magnets, or clips. Start by adding a description, then add other details.

  1. Open the WayAround app.
  2. Choose the Create button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. A new screen will appear with a header labeled “Create A WayTag.” Near the top of the screen is a box to enter a description. Tap inside of the box to activate the keyboard. You may type in a description or use the microphone to dictate. Your description may be up to 2,000 characters—several paragraphs of information. Remember, this description will be displayed every time you scan this WayTag. When you have completed the description, select "Done" at the top right of the iPhone keyboard or click outside of the keyboard area on an Android device.
  4. At this point, you may either write the WayTag with just the description or add additional details. To write the WayTag with just the description, skip to Step 7. If you want to add more information, continue to Step 5.
  5. Select a Detail Template. You may choose from Clothing Care, Groceries, Files, Cleaning Supplies, Personal Care, Custom, and more. Once you select a Detail Template, related detail fields will appear.
  6. Enter as much Detail information as you would like. You may skip any detail field. Only fields where you enter information will be added to your WayTag.
  7. When you are ready to add information to a WayTag, choose the Write button at the bottom of the screen. If you are writing a WayTag with your iPhone a "Ready to Scan" screen will pop up from the bottom. If you're using a WayLink or an Android device, you will be taken to another screen that says "Ready to Write."
  8. Hold the top, center of the back of your iPhone or WayLink on top of the WayTag until you hear a chime and feel the phone vibrate. When the WayTag has been successfully written, the screen will display a message that says, "Success! WayTag Written." After a few seconds, you will be taken to the WayAround screen that displays all of the information written to that WayTag.

How to Edit a WayTag

You may edit a WayTag to add or change the information on it. There is no limit to the number of times you may edit a WayTag.
  1. Read the WayTag you wish to edit. You may also edit a WayTag immediately after writing it.
  2. Choose the Edit button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. A new screen will appear with a header labeled "Edit A WayTag." The existing information from the WayTag will appear in the description field. The previously selected Detail Template will appear under the Details section, and any detail fields containing information will be filled in.
  4. Tap inside the description box to edit the description text.
  5. To change the Detail Template, simply select a new Detail Template and enter new detail information. The previously stored detail information will be deleted when you write the new WayTag. You may also keep the same Detail Template and edit any detail information.
  6. When you are ready to add the edited information to a WayTag, choose the "Write" button at the bottom of the screen. If you are writing a WayTag with your iPhone a "Ready to Scan" screen will pop up from the bottom. If you are using a WayLink or an Android device, you will be taken to another screen that says "Ready to Write."
  7. Hold the top, center of the back of your iPhone or WayLink on top of the WayTag until you hear a chime and feel the phone vibrate. When the WayTag has been successfully written, the screen will display a message that says, "Success! WayTag Written." After a few seconds, you will be taken to the WayAround screen that displays all of the information written to that WayTag.