This means nfc support. What is NFC and why is it necessary to support this technology in a smartphone? How to set up the wireless module

Despite the fact that almost everyone has access to information, not every user of mobile devices knows what NFC is in a smartphone, what this technology is needed for and how to use it.

How does nfc

NFC is a renowned computer technology that allows you to make purchases in stores and pay for services without money (cash) and a bank card. This is a new and virtually secure contactless payment method. The communication interface is used in the smartphone. For payment, it is enough to bring the smartphone with the installed module to the terminal.

The principle of operation of the NFC module in a smartphone is the same as that of plastic cards with wireless communication.

There are several known ways to use the NFC interface on a mobile device. Most often, people use it to make contactless payments. A bank card is attached to the mobile device. It is difficult to intercept bank card data due to the small range of this module. More dangerous in this case are left unattended, lost or unlocked smartphones.

A payment transaction is carried out in several stages:

• Purchase and activation of a card with PayPass technology.
• Installing the application of your issuing bank.
• Activation of NFC technology on a mobile device.
• Attaching the card to the smartphone, starting the data reading procedure.
• Receiving a PIN code from the bank in SMS for performing transactions.
• Payment for goods and services using a smartphone and a payment terminal.

There is another, less common way of using NFC technology. Using the module, you can exchange data. Files are transferred from one mobile device to another, and a special Android Beam application acts as an intermediary. But exchanging data in this way is inconvenient, since the transmission speed is low and the range is minimal. The method is suitable for sending text messages, but no more.

The third way to use the technology is to write and read tags. The tag is assigned certain actions, for example, sending a message, calling a contact, or going online. The function is suitable for people seeking to optimize their personal time and automate their everyday life.

How to set up nfc for contactless phone payments

NFC setup consists of the following steps:

1. Module activation. The user enters the "wireless networks" settings section and puts a checkbox in front of the NFC name.
2. Choosing an agent. The user has the opportunity to select and install the application of the issuing bank of his card for data transfer.
3. Binding module. The user brings the device closer to the card with PayPass technology until the signal is triggered.
4. Confirmation. Receiving an SMS code for transactions.
5. Usage. Payment for goods and services in terminals with NFC technology.

Is it possible to buy a separate nfc module for the phone

There are several solutions to purchase a separate contactless communication module for your phone. Together with a mobile device, you can use a special SIM card or antenna. The SIM card works in the same way as its counterparts. It is produced by mobile operators and is installed in a smartphone in a special connector. A SIM card opens up all the possibilities of contactless transactions using a mobile phone at the Apple Pay or Samsung Pay level.

NFC-antenna- a radio device that performs the functions of an NFC module, but the user will have to install it on his smartphone independently. The antenna is glued to the SIM card and installed under the phone cover. On a model with a fixed cover, the modules are more difficult to install, but theoretically possible.

What are nfc tags

Writing and then reading tags is necessary to automate daily tasks. Tags are analogous to QR codes. When approaching the tag, the smartphone reads it using the NFC module and performs encrypted tasks. For example, it opens a video on YouTube, e-mail, SMS message or calling a contact from the phone's address book.

Smart ring or bracelet with NFC function is a new development from Chinese engineers, suitable for smartphones running on any operating system. The bracelet can be matched to any hand size (same with the ring). The device weighs quite a bit and fully supports NFC technology. The processor functions, for example, in the band 3 nfc model, are performed by a special chipset. Thanks to the chipset, the smart bracelet helps the smartphone to exchange data via a contactless channel, while maintaining the necessary security. Data on a device can be overwritten hundreds of thousands of times.

The bracelet stores billing information, notes, and other personal information. Viewing the information is easy - just bring the bracelet to the smartphone screen. The bracelet will instantly establish a connection with the phone and unlock the screen, as well as be able to perform the function of a "hot" button. For example, when you bring the bracelet to your smartphone, the camera, the Internet or a social network application will instantly open.

How to find out if the phone has nfc

The NFC icon, if this module is in the smartphone, can be found in the settings menu. In an Android device, you need to:

1. Open the "settings" menu.
2. Open the section "wireless networks".
3. Read a list of networks supported by the device. If the list does not include a network called NFC, then the smartphone cannot exchange data using this technology.

Is nfc technology safe? Money will not be stolen?

People who have been using contactless bank cards for a long time do not need to explain what NFC technology is. This payment method is safer than the standard method of activating a PIN card in the terminal, since no one sees the code. Even after a smartphone is stolen, an attacker will not be able to withdraw more than 1,000 rubles from the card due to the ubiquitous restrictions on the amount limit in contactless transactions.

Some media outlets have reported that attackers have developed terminals that are used in crowds, secretly writing off money. But this is only possible if the smartphone is not locked.

Advice: if the fraudster managed to write off the money illegally, the account holder can always contact the bank and ask the employees to track the movement of funds. The attacker's account will be quickly found and the money will be returned to the owner if he (the fraudster) has not yet spent it.

Programs for creating NFC tags

There are already many separate applications for creating NFC tags, but their number is constantly growing. The following specialized programs are in great demand:

• ABA NFC. The program creates standard labels for various purposes.
• WiFi Tap. The program quickly connects the device to the wireless network without entering a password.

Near Field Communication (or NFC for short) was originally popular only as a tool for contactless payments.

However, everything is much more extensive than it seems at first glance.

This technology provides high quality wireless communication with a very short range (up to 10 cm).

This connection makes it possible to carry out contactless data exchange between devices that are in close proximity.

So, using a SIM card with a built-in chip of this technology, you can use it as a payment card or, for example, a key card.

NFC is based on Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID). This is a radio frequency identification that works in automatic mode.

The data is stored in so-called transponders and is identified as NFC tags. And the radio signal reads and writes data.

The technology radio channel supports both active and passive devices.

So, for example, even key fobs can be adapters of NFC technology.

However, smartphones are increasingly becoming carriers of technology. Many manufacturers are complementing gadgets with high-end NFC adapters.

And although many still do not know what NFC is in a smartphone and how to use it, the function, at times, is very useful.

What is NFC?

If you translate the full name of this technology, then literally you get "near-field communication".

This is essentially a wireless connection that operates at a very close range.

That is why devices with NFC adapters are able to communicate with each other, but this only works if they are nearby (no more than 10 cm from each other).

This technology can be used for various purposes.

So, for example, a phone that has an NFC module can become a bank card or a pass to any institution.

In addition, the function is supposed to instantly exchange files or links.

However, for this, both devices must have a special application that reads NFC tags.

Or the phone must have a SIM card with an NFC chip.

Android phones have been able to use the NFC function since version 4.0.

Nowadays, devices with NFC tags are used more and more often in various fields. So, for example, with the help of the NFC adapter it is possible to book tickets, as well as to sell them.

Also, in some cities, using an NFC-enabled device, you can pay for parking or using public transport.

However, NFC chips are most actively used in the service sector and in the control and security of access to personal data.

Features of NFC in a smartphone

For smartphones, there are three most popular uses for NFC technology:

• Reading mode. This function allows you to read passive tags.
• Emulation of cards. With this option, it is possible to use the phone as a card (bank or pass card).
• P2P. This is a mode that allows two phones to exchange data by pairing with each other.

The fact is that only a phone with an NFC module can become a carrier of the technology. That is, the chip is built into the device.

In this case, it is assumed that he will be inseparable from the user, since the device may have extremely convenient functions.

After all, the phone is always at hand, but the payment card may not be nearby and then the smartphone with the module will replace it.

NFC also allows you to pay for purchases directly from the virtual wallet, which is even more convenient (because then there is no need to cash out the wallet).

It is also possible to use this function to identify the owner of various bonus cards or travel tickets.

NFC tags

Labels are used to refer to specific information areas that are programmed. Usually they are embedded in posters or billboards.

Also, sometimes they can be found on the shelves with products in large hypermarkets.

When you read them, you can get additional information, some links and even watch videos (for example, trailers to).

However, in addition to exchanging files and information between devices, the NFC function can be used to write and read data from various installed NFC tags, as well as SIM cards that have the same chip.

The point is that such chips are rather small.

This allows them to be built into various fixtures and fittings. They can be business cards, price tags of goods, stickers or labels, bracelets, key rings, etc.

However, the process of working with NFC tags assumes a certain algorithm of actions, which is performed through a special application on a smartphone.

However, there are many such applications and each of them is responsible for certain data.

And there are also applications that allow you to program information into a tag on your smartphone.

Scan marks

First of all, you need to enable the NFC function in your smartphone. After activate the screen.

After - you should touch the tag with the phone, but do it so that the NFC adapter in the smartphone touches the tag.

After that, the gadget automatically reads the information entered into the tag chip and automatically displays it on the screen. However, to view it fully, you will have to click on the screen.

Music file transfer

You need to enable the NFC function on both devices and activate the smartphone screens. Go to a file that stores multimedia content.

After opening the library, you should select the one you want. When the track is played, the file will automatically be streamed to the other device.

However, it should be borne in mind that to transfer the file, you need to turn the phones with their backs to each other and lean them so that the NFC tags are in contact.

After pairing, the phones vibrate, after which you need to move a little apart from each other, which will prevent reconnection, which can interfere with the transfer of files.

After transmission on the receiving phone, the media file will be played automatically, and you can find it in a special application.

However, it should be noted that if you stop the audio on the transmitting device, the transmission will also stop.

NFC or Bluetooth?

The fact is that Bluetooth and NFC technologies are similar in principle to each other. However, the difference in them is significant and quite tangible.

So, if we talk about NFC, then the connection time of this function is one tenth of a second, which is an undoubted advantage over Bluetooth.

In addition, the small range makes NFC much more secure.

However, NFC has a much slower transfer rate than that, and you will have to keep the devices close to each other (it can be compared to infrared ports on older phones).

That is why technologies are used for different purposes.

For example, Bluetooth is not used to pay for goods or as a pass, since such a connection is not reliable enough and there is a possibility that payment data will be intercepted.

In addition, the practical instant connection of devices with NFC does not waste a lot of time.

However, in the case of large file transfers, Bluetooth will be more suitable as its data transfer rate is much higher and it does not require the devices to be kept as close as possible for a long time.

In addition, the development of bank payments at the present time is quite progressive, which leads to the increasing use of NFC modules.

For example, global payment systems and banking corporations create cards with embedded NFC chips.

Not so long ago, a number of companies created a special Google Wallet service, which involves installation on smartphones based on.

This application will allow the user to turn the gadget into a credit card, which can be used to pay for purchases or pay in terminals.

However, for this, the terminals must be equipped with PayPass technology, which will read NFC chips.

How do I know if my smartphone has an NFC function?

The fact is that not every modern smartphone has a built-in NFC adapter. However, some do not even assume that such a function is available on their gadgets.

Some devices put Near Field Communication or just the NFC logo on the battery or phone case.

However, there is a way to check for an NFC adapter on your smartphone. To do this, you need to perform a number of actions:

• Go to the smartphone settings menu;
• Open "Wireless networks" and click "More ...";
• If the function is present on the phone, then you can see the NFC settings item.

Activating the NFC function

After you have decided on the support for the NFC function of the gadget, you must allow the use of the adapter, which will allow you to exchange data with other devices that support NFC.

To activate you need:

• Go to the settings menu;
• Then in "Wireless networks" click "More ...";
• And put a tick (on some devices toggle the toggle switch) on the item "allow data exchange when combining the device with other devices";
• After that, the Android Beam function should turn on automatically, but if this did not happen, then you must click "Yes" in the displayed window, which will activate this function.

Disabling Android Beam restricts NFC's ability to pair and transfer data between devices.

NFC and data exchange

After activating the NFC function, it can be used to transfer data (with payments, data is also transferred).

However, for a successful connection and data exchange, several points must be taken into account:

• Both devices must have Android Beam enabled as well as NFC;
• Both devices must have a screen activated, while being in sleep or safe mode is excluded;
• Both devices notify with a signal or vibration about a successful connection, but for this they must be brought close to each other by the place where the NFC chip is inserted;
• It is necessary to keep the devices nearby until the transfer is completely finished and the phone notifies about the end of the data exchange.

Data transfer

The fact is that regardless of the data that must be transferred, the way of using the Android Beam function is unchanged.

It also does not change depending on the received and transmitted device. Its algorithm is as follows:

• open the file (content) to be transferred;
• lean devices against each other with back panels;
• wait for confirmation of the connection by means of a signal or vibration;
• click on the screen "click to transfer data";
• click on the screen to start data exchange;
• wait for the notification of the start of the transfer;
• remove the devices slightly, but do not move them more than 10 cm;
• wait for the beep about the end of data transfer.

Application transfer

The big plus with NFC is that it provides the ability to transfer APK files. However, things are not so simple.

Instead of the file itself, the device sends a link to the application in the Play Store. After that, on the recipient's device, you can easily follow the link and download the application, and not search for it all over the place.

Transfer web pages

Just like transferring applications, the device only transmits a link to a web page, which allows you to quickly open it on the recipient's device using a browser.

This will happen automatically after receiving the link.

YouTube video streaming

You can guess that, just like in previous times, the device will only transmit a link, which will open automatically with a special program on the Android device and the video will start playing immediately.

NFC-enabled devices

The first device to support NFC was the Nokia 6131, which was released in 2006. However, at that time, this function was completely unclaimed and useless due to the lack of infrastructure.

However, at this time, more and more devices have the NFC function. One of them is the Sony Xperia S with a dual-core processor and an HD screen.

This phone is based on android and has two NFC tags called XPERIA SmartTags.

They allow you to program the execution and launch of certain actions when the phone is within NFC range.

More and more companies are embedding NFC chips in theirs or releasing certain devices (not always smartphones) with modules. So, for example, Intel plans and is already implementing production with NFC chips.

Samsung is also increasingly adding NFC functionality to its devices.

Given that such large companies are increasingly concerned about the availability of NFC devices among users, it can be assumed that soon such a function will appear in all smartphones, which will allow its mass use.

Important points of NFC

If we talk about what NFC is on a smartphone and how to use it, you should understand and find out a number of certain points, as well as the "downside" of using this function.

The NFC function makes it possible to significantly facilitate some areas and the use of a number of everyday objects that are sometimes not convenient to carry with you.

However, it should be understood that this technology also complicates some things to some extent, including the issue of security.

And although, in comparison with the same, the NFC function is more secure, however, it should be understood that not everything is so simple.

Since the technology works only at close range, turning it off is useless, but constantly turning the function on and off is also not very convenient.

So it turns out that we can ensure complete security of our data only after disabling the function, however, in this case, its convenience is significantly reduced and the function becomes almost useless.

The fact is that when using the NFC function as a mobile wallet, a password, pin code and other similar means of protection will not always provide complete data security.

So, for example, the loss / theft of a phone threatens that attackers can use another device with NFC, get your data, withdraw money from a mobile wallet, or pay them somewhere.

Although it should be understood that the loss of a wallet can lead to approximately the same consequences. That is, the function is relatively safe. It all depends on care and chance.

Output

Many Android devices already have built-in NFC chips. However, the use of this function is still significantly limited and not very widespread.

Now this function is used as a possibility of contactless payment for services, however, this application is not always possible and not everywhere.

It is worth knowing that NFC technology owes its appearance to such well-known companies as Sony and Philips.

The two corporations have teamed up to create the latest radio communication standard. After a while, it was named Near Field Communication (NFC).

However, before that, both companies made attempts to create this kind of technology. So until 2002, both companies had developments with the names MIFARE (from Philips) and FeliCa (from Sonya).

And although the technologies were similar, their compatibility was not possible due to a number of reasons.

After a while, both corporations realized their shortcomings and came to a common opinion that the combination of knowledge and resources would help achieve what they wanted, in the end it turned out to be so.

They combined all the advantages of previous developments and tried to reduce the shortcomings as much as possible. In addition, the main purpose of the development was the possibility of its application in practice.

NFC has always been focused on pairing and transferring all kinds of data between devices that are not paired with each other.

However, initially, only electronic media were supposed to become such devices, and later it became clear that the use of NFC is possible in various other devices and objects.

The technology also allows instant communication with devices in close proximity, which has led to a number of different applications of this technology.

In addition, data transfer occurs immediately after connection (only in some cases additional steps are required).

This technology is implemented in the simplest and most convenient form - a chip. It works in both active and passive modes.

That is, as active, the device works as a pass or key, and as passive - a transmitter of recorded / programmed information.

And although at the moment NFC technology is used extremely passively and in very limited areas, it can be assumed that not so much time will pass and it will receive extremely wide popularization all over the world.

Already now it is possible to understand that its use is possible in quite wide areas.

This means, most likely, technology will penetrate into the most diverse spheres of human life, perhaps even into those that cannot be imagined.

That is why smartphones with NFC will soon be on every corner, and their value will increase significantly.

Many corporations understand that the implementation of such a project will bring significant benefits in the future.

Save time

Hi lovers of new (and not entirely new) technologies. In modern society, people have begun to use NFC more and more actively, while many people still hardly imagine what kind of technology this NFC is and how to use it. Let's shed a handful of light on this question and figure it out what is NFC in your smartphone.

NFC in my phone. What is this?

I do not like to use boring terminology in my articles. Eh, how can I explain to you in simple Russian, what is NFC? It's like "hello" from people or it's like dogs, when they meet, first of all sniff each other's ass! In any case, all sentient beings somehow hook up before communicating with each other.

In the morning, when you come to work or university, you say hello to a friend. Thus, you identify your interlocutor and identify yourself in front of him. You kind of denoted “ Here I am! Pay attention to me". And after that, you start to exchange information (most often of little use).

Only a small amount of information (up to about 1000 bytes) can be transmitted via NFC chips. And if you need to transfer something weighty, for example, music or video, then NFC is used only for lightning-fast communication between gadgets, and the file transfer itself is carried out either via Bluetooth or via Wi-Fi.

Take, for example,. Some of them also have NFC chips installed, but, nevertheless, they did not become called NFC speakers because of this, right? They only use the NFC chip to quickly connect to another device. And that's all.

How do I use NFC on my smartphone?

You can use NFC technology in your smartphone in a variety of ways, depending on what you need to do. But the list of possibilities for its use is quite wide. Here are just a few of them: transfer content from one device to another, pay for metro fares, pay for purchases in a store (you need to bind a bank card to your smartphone), use your phone as a door key, and so on. And it seems to me that this list will only grow over time.

As an example, we'll look at how to use NFC to transfer content from smartphone to smartphone. Naturally, NFC technology must be supported by both smartphones and be enabled.

Similarly, you can use NFC on your smartphone, for example to transfer a bookmark (or link) from a browser, to transfer someone's phone number from your contacts, and so on.

How do I know if my phone has NFC?

Interested in a new technology and would like to know if your smartphone (phone) has NFC or not? Now it is supported by almost all models of modern dialers, even some. First of all, pay attention to the inscriptions on your smartphone. If your smartphone supports this technology, then you will most likely find a characteristic inscription somewhere on the body or on the battery. NFC(or NearFieldCommunication).

If you have not seen such an inscription anywhere on the case and under the back cover, then look in the phone menu. If you have an android smartphone, then lower the curtain and click on the settings icon. There go to the wireless settings and click on the button " Yet…". And if you have an NFC enable point here, then you definitely have it.

NFC tags for the phone: where to get it and how to use it?

I don't know, maybe it would be more correct to make a separate article about NFC tags for the phone ... Well, okay, I'll describe it in general right here.

WhatNFC tags for your phone? In fact, NFC tags are very small data storage devices (144 bytes - 1 kilobyte) and are capable of transmitting this information instantly over short distances.

This is what self-adhesive NFC tags look like

How do I use tags? In short, using a special application in your smartphone ( NFC ReTag, for example), you program a set of NFC tags for different tasks so as not to perform them manually each time.

A striking example - you get into the car and turn on the navigator in your smartphone every time. Using the tag and just programming it once, you stick the NFC tag directly to the phone holder in your car. Now every time you insert the phone into the holder, it will automatically start the navigator. Convenient, agree.

Another such example is sleep. In order not to turn off the sound on the phone at night (if you do so), glue the programmed mark on the place where you usually put the phone before going to bed.

Where to getNFC tags? The easiest way, of course, is to buy them. For example, this can be done in almost any electronics store (in a large city) or in an online store, it will be cheaper. And it will turn out even cheaper if you order them from China, but then they will have to wait a long time.

But buying isn't the only way to get hold of NFC tags. Any NFC chip from everyday use can be used as an NFC tag for the phone. For example, if you don't know, such chips are inside travel cards, inside bank cards with contactless payment technology, inside some electronic keys, and so on. If you have any of this that you no longer use for its intended purpose, then you can safely use it as an NFC tag. Again, don't forget about the NFC tag programming app.

Output

Yes, it turned out so globally to reveal the topic of using NFC in a smartphone (phone), but there is almost no specifics. Well, I hope this article shed some light on your questions. And if you still have questions, do not hesitate to ask them in the comments.

NFC technology (sometimes written NSF) has been on the buzz lately. It is being introduced into phones and smartwatches, tablets and cars, locks and audio equipment, communication and security equipment, and wearable gadgets. What is NFC in a smartphone and how to use it, we will tell you in our article.

A special wireless module that works similarly to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, only at very short distances - up to 10 centimeters - is called NFC. It stands for Near Field Communication. The last limitation is important for two reasons.

1. The most important function of NFC is financial transactions, therefore it is important that an outsider cannot interfere with the process of transferring information. And at a short distance, it's easy to make sure that no one is bringing gadgets close while you are paying.
2. There are passive NFC modules (tags or Tag) that do not have their own power supply. More specifically, these are RFID tags compatible with NSF. When an active module generates an electromagnetic field nearby, the Tag reacts to the induction and transmits data in response. This is convenient, since a bank card or key fob does not require a separate power supply: it is activated by a terminal or a smartphone. But this technology only works with close contact.

The short range is the advantage of Near Field Communication. Sometimes this technology is used in unexpected ways. So, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, an Adidas Telstar ball with a built-in NFC module was used to transmit the location. The field was also littered with NFC receivers. Thus, it was possible at any time to determine the position of the ball with an accuracy of 10 centimeters! Other technology, like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, would not provide such accurate information.

NFC use cases

So, you found out that your smartphone has an NFC module, if you do not know how to do it, read below. Now let's look at the possibilities and how you can apply it in practice.

Modern supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, transport (for example, metro, buses) often use contactless terminals with support for PayPass technology or its analogues. For payment, a technology is used that is based on NFC and works with passive tags installed in contactless bank cards. However, it can also be used in a smartphone.

For this:

1. Contactless mode must be activated on the terminal.
2. Make sure the nfc function in your phone is enabled.
3. Launch your payment application. This can be Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or your bank's app (if it supports this technology).
4. Confirm login with password, fingerprint or face scan.
5. To transfer funds, bring your smartphone to the terminal. If the payment does not go through immediately, swipe your smartphone along the terminal.
6. Wait for a response. As a rule, a message about a successful transaction appears on the screen, which is accompanied by a vibration.
7. Wait for confirmation from the terminal.

This technology does not require your smartphone to be connected to the Internet. The payment terminal is responsible for communication with external resources.

You can find out about support for NSF payments by the corresponding icon: it looks like a Wi-Fi symbol, but the waves on it diverge to the right, not up.

Transferring information from one Android device to another in Android Beam mode

This mode does not use NFC itself for data transmission, but Bluetooth technology. The function of the first is to quickly transfer all information for a quick connection. So you don't have to search for devices manually, enter verification codes and go through the complexities of establishing a connection.

Both standalone programmable NFC tags and off-the-shelf gadgets with embedded tags are available today. In the latter case, their function is predefined. The function of programmable labels can be set manually, it looks like this:

1. Install a dedicated labeling application. There are various options for such applications, but it is best to choose the one offered by the manufacturer.
2. Bring the tag to the smartphone so that it is recognized, and select what action the smartphone should perform when connected.
3. Place the label where you want. For example, if you place it in your car, you can automatically connect to the on-board audio system. If at home, you can quickly turn off the mobile Internet and switch to Wi-Fi. Etc.

Devices with built-in tags include electronic locks, Bluetooth speakers and headphones, electronic certificates of authenticity, and so on. The technology has spread to a wide variety of device classes. You can now bring your smartphone to the lock to unlock it, or to the headphones to instantly set up a Bluetooth connection.

How to check if your phone has NFC

If you have an Android device, then it is best to check as follows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Enter the "Wireless Networks" or "Sharing & Connection" section.
3. Click More to see all subsections.
4. If there is NFC in the list of settings, then there is support.

The body of the device may also have an icon in the form of a stylized letter N with rounded edges, similar to a horseshoe. We do not offer methods related to disassembling the device, since smartphones with a removable cover and a battery practically disappear on the market in 2019. In older devices, however, this icon can be found on the battery or on the back of the cover.

Oddly enough, not all fresh devices have an NSF function. It is often neglected by Chinese manufacturers. It's just that Chinese payment systems use a QR code as an information carrier, which must be displayed on one smartphone and scanned with a camera on the other. And this technology does not require NFC. The exception is manufacturers aiming to be world leaders (for example, Huawei / Honor, Lenovo). And, let's say, in most Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia or LG devices, the NFC module is installed. Xiaomi, for example, installs NSF in Mi flagship smartphones, but not in the budget Redmi.

It's easier for iPhone owners. The NFC function is available in all iPhones, starting from 6 and 6 Plus. True, it serves only for Apple Pay, but the company promises to unlock other data transfer options in the next iOS versions. In the App Store, however, you can already find more than one application for more advanced work with NFC - for example, reading tags or checking the balance of travel cards.

Enabling NFC on Android

How to enable NFC and set up on your Android phone, our instructions will help:

1. Open Settings.
2. Enter the "Wireless Networks" section.
3. Select the NFC section there (as described above).
4. Make sure the toggle next to NFC is turned on.
5. If you want, turn on (or rather keep it active all the time) Android Beam mode. As a rule, it is included in the same subsection.

Often, direct access to NSF on Android is in the settings menu in the drop-down curtain. It is enough to click on the icon and make sure that the switch is in the active position. However, the exact implementation of access is vendor and shell specific.

Enabling NFC on iPhone

Even if you study the wireless settings in iOS 12 very carefully, you will not find the "Enable NFC" item there. However, it is still easy to control its inclusion. As of February 2019, the NFC technology in the iPhone does not reveal its potential and serves only for payments via Apple Pay, so you can connect it in the Wallet and Apple sections.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down to the Wallet and Apple Pay section.
3. If no map has been added yet, add it.
4. Turn on the "Double click side button" switch.

Now, if you need contactless payment, you need to double-press the power button and go through identification to access your bank card. On modern iPhones, this takes no more than one to two seconds. After identification, just bring your iPhone to the terminal, and the payment will go through automatically.

Interestingly, in iOS 12.2 Apple is going to implement passive NFC mode for travel or student cards. Thus, it will be possible to pay for travel using the iPhone even if its battery runs out completely - in the tag mode or passive information transfer. Alas, Apple Pay does not support this mode, as it requires authorization before payment.

Pros and cons of NFC

Outcome

Not that NFC is an absolutely essential feature of a modern smartphone. But it simplifies life and increases security, since it allows you to make payments without using cards at all. Labels can be used to automate frequent actions. So it's better to have this feature on your phone than not. Now you know what it is and how to use NFC.

Modern smartphones are very functional and contain many different technologies, which are certainly useful and necessary, but not always clear to the common user. The same applies to Near field communication or "short-range non-contact communication". In the characteristics of the smartphone, the technology is indicated by the abbreviationNFC what's in the phoneFew know, so often when buying a new smartphone they doubt whether such a function is really necessary. Let's talk about this in more detail and figure out what kind of opportunity it is and how it will be useful to the owner.

NFC what's in the phone

So, NFC is a high-frequency wireless communication module with a limited range. In order to exclude data interception, the radius does not exceed 10 centimeters, and more often even less. To transfer information from one device to another, it is necessary to bring their sensors as close as possible.

The technology works at high speed (connection time between two sensors is no more than 0.1 seconds). In general, the work is based on radio frequency identification, data from transponders are transmitted via radio signals from one gadget to another.

Today, such a module is found mainly in gadgets on the Android platform, and it is being implemented not only in expensive devices, but also in a model of the middle price category. However, modules are often found on other device models, but their capabilities are often limited to one function. The data on the transponders can be different, due to which the phone can act in a variety of roles. This is very convenient, primarily due to the fact that the gadget has long become an integral part of a person's life and accompanies him everywhere.

How you can use your phone with an NFC module

The technology is still gaining popularity and is far from ubiquitous. Therefore, few today knowNFC what's in the phone... Nevertheless, even in small, remote from the central regions, settlements there are examples of the module's application.

As mentioned above, a transponder can contain different information and assign different roles to a smartphone. Here are some of the most common and common use cases.

Thus, it can act as a payment instrument, a means of user identification, a key for electronic locks, a bonus card, a ticket for any type of transport. The technology is actively used in those areas where greater security and confidentiality of data transmission is needed. And also you can often find examples of using the module in the field of services and entertainment.

How NFC works

So, NFC what's in the phonewe figured it out. Let's try to find out how this development works. Some users are aware that the technology can also manifest itself on passive devices, that is, it does not necessarily require an active power supply to exchange data.

This is due to the fact that the technology is based on electromagnetic induction. That is, the transmitter of the reader at a frequency of 13.56 MHz constantly emits a sinusoidal signal. The sensor is also equipped with an antenna and when the distance between the two elements becomes sufficient for the technology to work, a magnetic field is created by alternating current in the coil of the reading element. After that, the current arises in the second coil, a scanty charge is enough for NFC to work, so it does not require an additional power source.

Modern smartphones contain an NFC antenna under the back cover. And the place of its location, as mentioned earlier, is marked with a special icon. This location is very convenient as a deeper antenna can make communication more difficult.

What is the advantage of NFC over other wireless communication modules

Active smartphone users know that the gadget is equipped with several wireless data transmission technologies at once, so why need another one if there are already others. These are, of course, familiar and familiar to all Bluetooth and.

However, NFC has a lot of advantages over its counterparts, which mainly ensure the security of data transmission and the absence of the possibility of intercepting information.

• First of all, this is the shortest possible connection time. Complete data exchange takes place in one tenth of a second.
• The limited range makes the data transfer method more secure. The technology, according to the developers, operates within a radius of 10 centimeters, in practice it is significantly reduced.

The data transfer rate is significantly slower than that of Bluetooth, however, this does not spoil the overall impression of the development. In general, NFC is a very reliable and necessary transmission technology, precisely in those areas where it has found application.

To find out if the smartphone supports this technology, you can look for the corresponding inscription (Near field communication) on the gadget's battery or the corporate logo on the back of the device. The module is necessarily present in the smartphone settings, there it can be activated or, conversely, turned off. In addition, you can clarify the information in the accompanying documents to the phone. To use the technology, you will need to download additional applications, for example, to use a smartphone as a payment method, you will need Google Pay or Apple Pay.