NFC is something you may often hear mentioned with regard to new smartphones, but it's something which few people know about, or even use. Yes, it’s an acronym, but not all acronyms have to be scary. NFC is both easy to understand and can be incredibly useful. Here’s all you need to know about what NFC is and why you should use it.
What is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. Essentially, it's a way for your phone to interact with something in close proximity. It operates within a radius of about 4 cm and provides a wireless connection between your device and another. This allows for two-way communication, with both devices involved being able to send and receive information. This NFC connection does not rely on Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE or otherwise, and it doesn't cost anything to use.
How do I know if my Android smartphone has NFC?
It's very simple. Just open Settings > More or Settings > Wireless & Networks and see if there's an NFC option hiding in there. Most smartphones that have NFC place a small NFC logo on their rear panels, too.
How does NFC work on Android?
NFC transmits or receives data via radio waves. It's an established standard of wireless communication, so if devices stick to the NFC protocols they'll be able to communicate with each other. It differs from Bluetooth in that it functions through electromagnetic induction. This means there can be a passive device, such as a poster or sticker, requiring no power source of its own that can transmit data when an active device, like your smartphone, comes into contact with it.
As an active NFC device, a smartphone can send and receive data over NFC. It encompasses the full range - three modes - of NFC:
- Reader/writer (e.g. for reading tags in NFC posters)
- Card emulation (e.g. for making payments)
- Peer-to-peer (e.g. for file transfers)
Some problems with NFC on Android
- Not all devices carry an NFC chip, but they are becoming more and more common
- NFC chips are not all located in the same place, resulting in some exploratory rubbing between devices
- Cross-compatibility between devices is not universal, especially when it comes to specific file types
Get started with NFC on Android
First you need to enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices (Settings > More), then all you need to do is go to the file you wish to send, like a photo, and tap the devices together. That’s right, you don’t even need to select any “send via” options. Put the devices back-to-back, and when it asks to confirm the transfer just hit "touch to beam". You can also do this with the help of a dedicated app such as File Beam, and the result is a much simpler and faster way of sending files between two neighboring handsets.
What can I use NFC for?
1. Send a phone number
“Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, so here’s my number, via NFC” as the hit song goes. NFC is the simplest way to give a person your digits because you don’t actually have to type any digits.
Just navigate to a contact in your address book (it can be yours or somebody else's), then press your phone to the recipient's. When your phone says “touch to beam”, just tap the display.
When is it useful?
When you’re too drunk to type numbers.
2. Send a picture
Snapchat isn’t the only way to quickly send somebody a lewd picture - you can also use NFC. Open the picture you wish to send in your preferred image viewer, then bring the phones together.
When is it useful?
When you’re next to somebody who wants a picture you have on your phone.
3. Send a document
This can be a slightly tricky process. For example, if you try to send a PDF document you are reading, it will more than likely beam the PDF viewing app rather than the PDF file itself.
In these cases, you have to use Android Beam. Navigate to the file you want to share, tap the three tops (hamburger) icon, tap Share, then select Android Beam. You are now clear to bring the devices together.
When is it useful?
When you want to explain the Carcassonne "farmer scoring" rules and have a digital rule book open on your device.
4. Direct someone to your new favorite app
“Yo, that weather app looks great, what is it?” Just let me press my phone on yours and you’ll find out. Yes, with NFC you can direct fellow Android fans straight to the Play Store to pick up your favorite apps or games. As long as you are using the app or game at the time, NFC will direct the recipient to the app's Google Play page.
When is it useful?
When somebody sees you playing Alto's Adventure and wants to get in on the action.
5. Send directions
There are many occasions when you are required to explain directions to somebody, but with NFC you don't have to. Use Google Maps to create some directions, then slap your phone against another. Beautiful.
When is it useful?
Well, it's not useful when you are directing someone to your location. They would already need to be next to you to complete the transfer...
6. Launch an app on someone else's phone
If you are using an app or playing a game that is already installed on someone else device, you can launch it for them. Say you are using Google Photos and your friend wants to check their photos too, but can't find that app: tap the phones together and beam.
When is it useful?
Okay, the useful cases for this are quite limited; it's more for fun than anything else. Unless a person has a million apps and really can't find the one they need but you can.
7. Make a payment
NFC can also be used to make mobile payments. Download Android Pay via the link below, add your credit or debit card details, then use it in any store that has a contactless payment terminal.
Android Pay
Head to our Android Pay vs Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay article for more on contactless payment options and visit Google's dedicated Android Pay page at the link.
When is it useful?
When you're out of hard cash.
8. Connecting with NFC tags
NFC tags are small physical “tags” or “stickers” containing NFC chips that can be programmed to provide any kind of information to your smartphone. Typically, an NFC tag contains links to a web address, but it can also be set to perform certain actions with your smartphone, like turn on the Wi-Fi, or turn down the ringer. Where NFC presents an advantage over current QR technology is that there is no need for a “scanner app”: the information is immediately available.
When is it useful?
In the future, these tags could be embedded into just about anything. For example, an NFC tag could be used in a restaurant menu to make the most up-to-date version of it available immediately on your phone. All you would need to do is bring your smartphone into the proximity of the physical menu, and you could potentially browse more detailed information of certain menu items, like nutritional values or ingredients.
There you have it. NFC provides the quickest way to set up connections between electronic devices and provides the fastest solution for file transfer between handsets in close proximity. NFC is great for when you’re out of credit, out of 3G or LTE data, have no Wi-Fi or carrier signal, or don’t have a cable to do a PC transfer. It’s quick, easy, and bumping two phones together is fun.
Do you use NFC on your smartphone? What uses have you found for it? Let us know!
I thought this was awesome... years ago! Lumia's had NFC and Qi so long ago.
Just need these technologies to be built into more so people see the point of using them.
I use NFC to allow access to my security system and unlock doors.
Thanks Buddy, nice information
We should have more and more apps with NFC.
Tasker and various NFC task apps make NFC incredibly useful.
I use my NFC to transfer files between devices & to make payments via the EE cash on tap service which is relatively secure.
*edit #
I now have Android Pay set up to my bank account, the process of using tokens instead of my actual card details makes it again relatively safe. Obviously if my phone is stolen the thief can spend my money in £30 stages, but I would treat losing my phone in similar way as if I lost my bank card. I would immediately contact my bank and stop transactions. I would also send a factory reset to my device.
The process of using NFC to make payments is extremely easy and straightforward to use, I've yet to encounter any difficulties using it at various different pay points
Peace 🖖
Peace ✌
NFC good for file transfer but never used for payment
I doubt its security
It's actually more secure than using a reader.
iNTERESTING!
NFC comes in phone pre-installed or is it possible to get this service with the help of an app.
sadly there isnt an app to get NFC - your phone has to have it built in. If youre not sure if your phone has NFC check out the section in the article which explains how to see the settings or you can always try out an app like this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rexxars.nfcenabled
Yeah, I had an LG G Stylo I really liked but got rid of it for this reason alone, no NFC.
I use it sometimes to transfer pics from my cam to my phone.
Yes useful
Yeah
graeat tech. unfortunately in a developing country this kind of thing are still considered to be too risky. especially for paying stuff.
Ahh interesting. Yeah I think it's still yet to really catch on even in the West but I think it will before long. Especially not that Apple is started to make use of it
I'm using NFC in my car for make a call and turn on Bluetooth. For that doesn't need to search in menu, just bring phone to NFC tags. It's very useful.
Awesome idea thank you!
That's cool and useful...