NFC — this module in your smartphone stands for Near Field Communication («Close proximity proximity communication»). NFC works (what is it?) only at small distances — Up to 10 cm. And this is its main difference from the usual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Security related limitation. In order to work together, the devices must be in close proximity to one another.
How to use NFC
«Smart» gadgets communicate with each other exactly with the help of NFC. Just bring your smartphone to the tag and it will execute one or more commands. Change profiles, turn off sound and GPS — no need to go to the settings every time.
You choose the desired modes in the app, bring your smartphone to the sensor of the microwave, the washing machine, etc., and everything runs. «Plus» You can use more programs and modes than stored in the memory of the device.
Some NFC-enabled gadgets work passively without a power source. Energy is transmitted by the principle of electromagnetic induction — as in wireless chargers.
How to check if your phone has NFC
Look for NFC icon on Android shortcut bar. Some manufacturers mark their devices’ batteries with a stylized «N».
You can find out if your phone supports contactless communication in three clicks:
- Go to «Main Menu» → «Settings» → «Connected devices» → NFC.
How to use NFC to send data
Android smartphones support NFC from the 4th version of OS. The technology is called Android Beam. Among its features — Quickly exchange links, contacts and apps.
How proximity contactless works.
- Two devices with the screens on are pressed against each other.
- Activate the desired content on the transmitting smartphone: start an application, open a link, start a music or video.
- Once the connection is established, the data is duplicated on the second device. In this case, there is no file transfer. Instead of downloading an app, for example, its Google Play page will open.
How to pay with your NFC phone
NFC on your phone to pay instead of a credit card — Practical. Bankers say: pay via NFC — Not only convenient, but fast. The payment goes through in 0.1 second.
Here’s how to activate contactless payments on Android smartphones.
- Download Google Pay from the market.
- Adopt a privacy policy and add your first card.
- Enter the data on the phone bank card. → Specify expiration date and secret code. Sometimes it requires an SMS confirmation or a call to the bank’s hotline.
- Set up a screen lock if you haven’t done so before.
When you set up Google Play with your bank, unlock your device and bring it to a contactless payment terminal. Here you go!
The card number is not transmitted anywhere, instead a virtual account number is used.
See video, what is NFC and how to set it up
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