what is it and how to use it

NFC (near field communication) has been a common acronym for high-tech devices for many years. NFC technology, often represented by the “N” logo, has become an important part of smartphones and smartwatches. NFC is also present in smart speakers, tablets, and gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch. NFC works silently in the background and enables contactless payments through Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Apple Pay. Before we explain the use case, let’s learn more about this proximity-based wireless communication standard.

NFC basics

NFC is a wireless communication technology that allows nearby devices to automatically link and communicate with each other. It has a short range (about 4 inches) and works best when the distance between devices is only 1 to 2 inches. NFC technology comes in many forms, but is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and affordability.

NFC was introduced in the early 2000s and is built on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). It uses the 13.56 MHz radio frequency ISM band to facilitate communication and data sharing.

Let’s take contactless payments as an example. When you activate Google Wallet on your phone and place it near an NFC reader, a current flows through the coil, creating a magnetic field. It detects the coil on your POS system and passes your encrypted information to complete the payment instantly.

Active NFC and Passive NFC

NFC technology can be either active or passive. Active NFC technology can send and receive data, but requires power and additional hardware. Passive NFC technology, typically found in NFC tags, consists of a simple coil with a microchip that can transmit information to an active NFC source without requiring power. Active and passive NFC technologies often work together.

Do Android smartphones have NFC?

Usually yes. Mobile devices of all kinds are equipped with NFC technology, and this has been a common feature for many years. Some mobile phones, such as Samsung phones, may indicate NFC technology with a small logo. Your phone’s settings may also have an NFC section where you can turn the feature on or off.

It’s not limited to Android. iPhones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops are equipped with this technology. However, NFC technology should not be confused with certain applications, such as the now-defunct Android Beam.

Most Android smartphone manufacturers enable NFC by default, allowing you to choose a default app to process payments on the go.

Google explored the idea of ​​sharing data with Android Beam using NFC. Due to NFC’s limited range and slow transfer speeds, the feature never gained traction among consumers. The software giant has since replaced it with Fast Share (rebranded to Quick Share). Fast Share leverages Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to deliver fast data transfer speeds within a reasonable range.

Why is NFC important?

The NFC method of transmitting data is secure and has a limited range, so your device won’t come into unwanted contact with NFC-compatible hardware. Therefore, it is ideal for quick scans to exchange important data.when I saw Swipe The feature that allows users to complete the process by holding their phone over the device likely uses NFC technology.

NFC is popular because it works well and is relatively easy to integrate into manufacturing processes. It can be added to all kinds of existing technology and things we carry around, like cards. Combining frequently used devices, such as card readers, with automation can be useful. It also consumes little (or no) battery life.

How is NFC used?

NFC technology is used in many industries. Some of the most common examples include:

contactless mobile payment

You can swipe your phone to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, which are available on Square and a variety of other transaction brands, for example. Many credit or debit cards include NFC tags that offer similar benefits. This technology is used in point-of-sale systems, public transportation, and authentication and payment locations.

On Android, banking apps can access NFC hardware on the device to provide mobile payment services. Apple limits mobile payments using NFC to Apple Pay.

Fast data transfer

Phones may be able to share contact information, URLs, or other types of data with a simple tap or by holding the phones close to each other. NFC is not an ideal method for transferring large files. Instead, use Quick Share (Android) or AirDrop (iPhone) to exchange media files. Additionally, it is inconvenient to hold a cell phone at close range for long periods of time.

item tracking

Valuables or important items may contain NFC tags so that they can be scanned and identified. This allows for more features than RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to accurately track shipments and identify stolen goods.

game

NFC doesn’t have many gaming applications, but it does have one big one. Nintendo’s Amiibo is an action figure equipped with NFC technology that allows gamers to link profiles and carry bits of character information with them.

Setting up other devices

If you’re unpacking your router, smart speaker, or other consumer device for the first time, you’ll likely see instructions for connecting your phone and setting up your device using an NFC link. It saves time compared to QR codes etc.

NFC only plays a role during device setup. This speeds up the pairing process over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Tap your smartphone to his NFC chip on a new item and it will pair automatically. Your phone can’t connect to compatible accessories via NFC. Your phone will switch back to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to communicate with your accessory.

Unlock your home or hotel

Smart devices such as smart locks can be controlled more securely than Bluetooth. NFC stores digital keys to unlock your office, home, or hotel. However, you must use one of the compatible smart locks. At supported hotel chains, you can receive your digital key on your phone, saving you a trip to the front desk.

public transport

NFC-based cards have become standard on public transport in major cities such as London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. You can also add these cards to your Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet to pay for tickets on the go.

car digital key

Android Digital Car Key and iOS Car Key allow you to lock and unlock your car within range. Only a few car manufacturers support digital car keys via NFC. It may take time for automotive OEMs to implement this feature in their products. Check out our separate guide to learn more about Android digital car keys.

Does NFC have any drawbacks or privacy issues?

NFC is limited to short-range connections and can only handle small amounts of data. It cannot be used for streaming such as Bluetooth or Internet connections such as Wi-Fi. It’s functionally great, but its range is limited.

Privacy and security are even more complex issues. NFC has limitations that make it safer to use than other wireless technologies. Additionally, data can be encrypted before being transferred with NFC payments, so even if your data is stolen by eavesdropping hacks, it won’t do you any good, as most mobile wallets do.

There are concerns that hackers could use short-range readers to obtain NFC chip information without the owner’s consent. For example, someone could bump into you in a crowd and scan your NFC credit card in your pocket or upload a malware link to your phone.

In reality, this rarely happens. Hackers need to know where your wallet or phone is at a glance, and they need to stay near your pocket long enough to establish an NFC connection. This is not an ideal way to steal data. But in theory, the automatic nature of NFC could cause problems.

If you’re concerned about NFC hacking, turn off most active NFC features in your phone’s settings.

Where will NFC go in the future?

The most obvious applications for NFC-enabled devices are already in use, such as payment terminals. But with everyone carrying around his NFC reader, brands are eyeing even more uses for it, especially if it helps differentiate them from the competition. This includes:

• Interactive store displays and automated ordering in physical stores.
• Links to tourist destination maps and guides.
• Verify your identity on forums or at school.
• A UV sensor that tells you when it’s time to stop tanning.
• More remote control for smart devices. For example, swipe your smartwatch to a light switch to turn on the light.

NFC is now ready

The next time you swipe to pay with your digital wallet or card, you’ll know the technology behind the feature. NFC is a short-range wireless technology that enables several features on your device. Manufacturers are considering implementing UWB (Ultra Wide Band), which is said to be the successor to NFC, in the future. For more information on the new communications standard, check out our dedicated guide.