# Tag says inactive or already activated? How to fix | Taproo

> Why a Taproo NFC tag shows 'inactive' or 'already activated' — and how to fix it: release a claimed tag, reactivate it, or re-point one you own.

Source: https://www.taproo.com/help/reactivate-a-deactivated-nfc-tag

Help Centre · Tags

# "Inactive" or "already activated"?
Two different messages, two different fixes — and if the tag is already on your account, you can sort it yourself in under a minute.

Check my tag

## Inactive
Switched off deliberately — lost tag, refunded order or a recalled batch. We can reactivate it for the rightful owner.

## Already activated
Claimed by an account. Sign in and re-enter the code: if it's yours, you get the controls instead of an error.

## Yours already
Owners re-point a tag rather than re-activating it. The chip is never re-written.

## Step by step

- 1

### Work out which message you saw
'This tag is inactive' means it was switched off. 'This tag has already been activated' means it is claimed by an account — possibly yours.

- 2

### If it might be yours, sign in first
Go to taproo.com/activate, sign in, then enter the tag number and code. When the tag belongs to your account we show you its current destination and let you change it instead of blocking you.

- 3

### If it was claimed by someone else
Second-hand or gifted tags sometimes arrive already claimed. Email hello@taproo.com with the tag number and where you got it, and we will release it so you can activate it fresh.

- 4

### If it was deactivated
Deactivation is deliberate — usually a lost tag, a returned order or a fraud check. Email hello@taproo.com from the address on the order and we will reactivate it, or issue a replacement.

- 5

### Activate and test
Once released or reactivated, run through taproo.com/activate as normal: tag number, code, then choose a new page, one of your pages, or any https URL.

## Why we don't auto-release tags
A claimed tag may still be pointing at someone's Emergency ID (ICE) details or a family Lost & Found page. Releasing it on request alone would hand those details to whoever holds the chip, so we check first. If your tag has physically gone missing, see replacing a lost or damaged tag.

## Questions

### What does 'this tag is inactive' mean?

### It says 'already activated' but I never activated it

### Can I activate a tag twice?

### I bought a Taproo tag second-hand

### How do I release a tag I no longer want?

### Does releasing a tag delete the page it pointed at?

Try activation againRead the activation guideContact support