Using a Toothbrush’s NFC chip to Unlock a Computer
A tech enthusiast has successfully repurposed the NFC chip from a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush to unlock an Apple MacBook, demonstrating an unconventional use for the tracking technology.
Many electric toothbrushes, including the Philips Sonicare used by [Circuit Helper], contain NFC chips in their replaceable brush heads. These chips track usage data such as brushing time, pressure, and when to replace the brush, with information accessible through the handle or base station.
The NFC chip can be easily read and written using a PN532 NFC reader and ESP32-S3 microcontroller unit, revealing data fields for brush type, total runtime, and expected lifetime. This accessibility invites experimentation with how different usage patterns affect these metrics.
Creative Repurposing
The most innovative application demonstrated is using the extracted NXP NTAG213 IC chip to unlock an Apple MacBook. While perhaps too niche for widespread adoption, the project showcases the potential of repurposing everyday technology for unconventional purposes.
Perhaps salvaging just this one part of the brush is the more practical and hygienic option, as who doesn't like building up a strategic supply of 'free' NFC chips?
Extraction Process
The process involves removing the NFC chip and antenna from the toothbrush head, which the developer found to be quite simple. This extracted component can then be integrated into various projects, providing a cost-effective source of NFC technology for hobbyists and tinkerers.
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