The Joan Badge gets new display content over Bluetooth Low Energy from the Joan Workplace mobile app, and its NFC chip (NXP MIFARE DESFire EV3C) lets it work as an access card. The badge has no Wi-Fi and no internet connection of its own. Below: how badges are added and updated, NFC access control, battery life and the hardware specification.

## Which wireless technologies does the Joan Badge use?

The Joan Badge uses two separate wireless technologies for two separate jobs:

| Technology | Purpose | Details |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bluetooth Low Energy | Adding the badge and updating the display content | BLE 5.1 |
| NFC | Access control credential | NXP MIFARE DESFire EV3C, 8 kB, 13.56 MHz |

Bluetooth and NFC work independently. Bluetooth changes what the badge displays. NFC lets the badge act as an access card with compatible readers. NFC does not change the badge's display content.

## How do I add a badge to my Joan account?

Badges are added to your Joan account through the **Joan Workplace mobile app**, in one of two ways:

- Scan the code on the badge's screen.
- Enter the badge's MAC address manually.

To find the MAC address, long-press the button on the back of the badge. The display shows the MAC address and the current battery percentage. The MAC address is also printed on the badge's box.

## How does the badge content update?

All Bluetooth communication with the badge goes through the Joan Workplace mobile app. When content changes, such as a name, role or visitor details, the app sends the new image to the badge over Bluetooth.

This means:

- A phone or tablet running the Joan Workplace mobile app must be within Bluetooth range of the badge for it to update.
- The badge has no Wi-Fi or cellular connection and does not connect to the internet on its own.
- The Bluetooth range is up to 12 m. Walls, bodies and other obstacles reduce it.
- A new image takes about 10 seconds to appear on a standard visitor badge.

**Updating badges during an event:** You can change badge content during an event, provided a device running the Joan Workplace mobile app is within Bluetooth range of the badges when the change is pushed.

## Can the badge be used for access control?

Yes. The badge contains an **NXP MIFARE DESFire EV3C (8 kB)** NFC chip and works with your access control system like a standard access card.

### How do I set it up?

Set up Joan badges the same way you set up standard access cards. Contact your access control vendor and share the chip details below. They'll tell you how to proceed.

| Item | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Chip | NXP MIFARE DESFire EV3C |
| Memory | 8 kB |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |

Usually, the vendor loads your system's security keys onto the badges. After that, the badges work with your access control system.

You can then unpair or remove the standard cards that the Joan badges replace from your access control system.

If you run into problems, contact our [support team](mailto:support@getjoan.com) or your Joan sales contact.

Door access is set up separately from the badge's display. NFC does not change what the badge shows, and Bluetooth updates do not change door access.

Like other NFC credentials, the badge must be held close to the reader to be read.

## Battery and charging

| Item | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Battery | 3.7 V Li-ion, 155 mAh (573 mWh) |
| Charging | Qi wireless charging |
| Battery life, no display changes | \~49 days |
| Battery life, 2 display changes per day | \~48 days |
| Battery life, 5 display changes per day | \~46 days |

With 10 display changes a day a charge lasts about 43 days, and with 20 about 38 days. The badge sends a Bluetooth signal every half second, so a phone or tablet can find and update it quickly. This uses most of the battery, so a badge lasts about 7 weeks on a charge whether its content changes often or rarely. The e-paper display keeps its last image even when the battery is empty.

A badge charges from empty to full in about 2.5 hours, or from about 20% in about 2 hours. It always charges at the same rate, so a 10 W or 15 W charger doesn't charge it faster than a 5 W one. Charging stops automatically when the battery is full. For charging many badges at once and the chargers we recommend, see [How to charge Joan ePaper badges](/help/joan-devices/how-to-charge-joan-epaper-badges).

## Hardware specification

| Item | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Display | 4-inch, 4-colour e-paper |
| Protection rating | IP68 |
| Height | 104 mm |
| Width | 66.25 mm |
| Depth | 2.8 mm |
| Weight | approx. 30 g |