What is this NFC in the phone, what is the purpose of the small chip? Let's discuss the functionality of the technology, talk about the features and capabilities. Read our review to find out all the information you need and find out if you should buy a device equipped with this option!

What it is

Let's start the review with a definition and figure out what NFC is in a smartphone.

Near Field Communication or literally “near field communication” is a special interface for wireless communication between several devices. It looks like a tiny electronic chip that is placed inside the device, the connection is provided by induction inside the magnetic field.

What does NFC mean in a phone, we figured it out - let's look at the features of the technology available to each user.

  • The minimum range is only 10-20 centimeters;
  • Ability to exchange passive labels;
  • Super compact size;
  • highest degree data security and encryption;
  • Low power consumption;
  • Not high speed data transmission;
  • Connection time - up to 0.1 seconds;
  • Low cost.

The NFC module for a smartphone on Android is hidden under the body - it is its small size that allows you to put it even in small phones. The range is enough for high-quality connection of several devices.

A little more detail is worth dwelling on the security parameter.

  • It is a short distance that reduces the risk of losing important data;
  • It is almost impossible to steal and intercept information - vulnerability from external connections missing;
  • Special encryption keys allow you to simultaneously receive and transmit data - devices compare information and do not allow connection if there is a mismatch;
  • Contactless payment requires user confirmation (fingerprint, code or face scan). Even if the smartphone is lost, the attacker will not be able to use the money and personal data.

What is it - an NFC module in a phone or other device, you already know. It's time to talk about what opportunities it gives users!

Technology functionality

You just need to find out what NFC is for if you want to purchase a technology-enabled device. Many users mistakenly assume that the main purpose is contactless payment in stores, but you should not stop there!

NFC technology in smartphones is used for comfortable operation of the device - you can get the maximum benefit without any extra effort!

Emulation bank cards or NFC payment - the most common feature, as mentioned above. You can link a bank card to the device and pay for purchases with one touch! What needs to be done?

  • Make sure your card is labeled "PayPass";

  • Make sure that the payment system application is installed on the device - for example, Apple Pay or Google Pay;
  • Link your bank card to your device.

That's all - now the NFC function in the smartphone comes into play:

  • Wait for a signal from the bank terminal;
  • Attach the phone to the terminal;
  • If necessary, enter a password or scan your fingerprint.

Ready! The money was debited, the purchase was paid - everything is very simple and accessible even to a beginner. By the way, the option can be used to scan any cards and electronic keys, passes.

Please note that such an operation is safe - the device does not use card details, only a unique encrypted digital key is transmitted.

The second possibility is data transfer, an alternative to the usual bluetooth. This is where high speed connections play an important role. low speed data transfer - that's why NFS is used to transfer small files. Most commonly used:

  • Map coordinates;
  • Contacts;
  • Links;
  • Notes.

The technology is used only to connect phones, the documents themselves are transmitted wirelessly or using Bluetooth.

How to transfer data using NFC to another device

To connect two devices, it is better to attach smartphones with their back panels to each other. Let's see how to use NFC to transfer data:

  • Open the settings on your smartphone;
  • Find the NFS option in the "Connections" section (the section name may be different, try to find the option in the search bar);
  • Open the block and find the icon "NFC and payment";
  • Move the toggle switch opposite the line to the "On" position;
  • Place the phones next to each other and wait until a connection message appears;
  • Select desired file or link and wait for the confirmation tone.

The third option, which can be used at any time, is the scanning and programming of tags. Why are these labels needed?

  • For more information about a product or service. Scanning a tag allows you to get data that at first glance seems hidden;
  • To automate user actions - enabling applications, sending messages, changing the sound profile. For example, you can program a label for launching the program when the device is moved into the car - the application will load automatically, without additional steps.

The option works by analogy with reading the quar code. Tags can be programmed using special applications for the phone - they can be found in the Google Play Market for free or for an additional fee. Choose a program from the list below or look for your own option:

  • NFC Tools;
  • WiFi Tap WiFi NFC;
  • Smart Tag Maker;
  • ABA NFC.

We discussed in detail what NFC means in a phone, why this chip is needed and how to use it. Time to move on to the next part of the review! Let's look for the chip in your device and make sure it works.

Watch in the video detailed description module:

How to check if an option is available

Previously, the NFC chip was built only in expensive flagship phones - but now the situation has changed. The function is supported by most devices, even the cheapest and simplest ones.

How to independently find out if there is NFC support in the phone? You can check availability as follows:

  • Open phone settings;
  • Go to the section with connections or wireless networks;
  • Sometimes the option is hidden in the block " Additional features»;
  • You will see a line with the appropriate name, next to it is a toggle switch for activation or deactivation.

You can also verify that a feature is supported in the following ways:

  • The NFC icon can be found on the panel quick launch at the top of the screen;
  • Sometimes a blue icon is placed on rear case device;
  • You can find the corresponding marking on the gadget's battery;
  • Just type the phone model name into the search bar of any browser and read the instructions with a detailed description.

But what if there is no NFC on the phone? You can transfer data via bluetooth - this is familiar and enough fast way. And you can pay in the store with a plastic card with Pay Pass technology.

Possible problems

If you found a chip in your device, it's worth discussing possible difficulties that anyone encounters.

  • Sometimes a thick phone case gets in the way - remove it, especially if it is made of metal materials;
  • Make sure you have activated the option in the settings - above we have detailed instructions;
  • Do not forget to charge the battery - the power saving mode negatively affects performance certain programs;
  • It would be useful to restart the gadget in case of minor difficulties.

If an error occurs while making a payment, we recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters:

  • Make sure that there are enough funds on the card balance;
  • Try restarting your smartphone;
  • Check if the payment system application is installed;
  • Attach the device a little tighter to the trading terminal or vice versa, move it a little further;
  • Make sure you don't turn on airplane mode;
  • It is advisable to unlock the gadget before use.

Separately, it is worth saying a few words about Xiaomi phones, whose firmware blocks the operation of the chip - such difficulties can only be solved in service center. The specialist will take the necessary steps to expand user rights and update the firmware - you will get the opportunity to use the technology.

We have explained in detail what is the NFC function in the phone and how to use it for maximum user convenience. Bookmark our review so you don't lose helpful tips- there will always be an instruction manual for the electronic chip at hand. Use your phone to the maximum, make life comfortable and easy!

Some statistics: retailers have calculated how many smartphones with NFC support sold in 2018. The Svyaznoy and Euroset companies, united into one network, reported that last year the number of phones sold with NFC was more than 11 million, which is 65% of the number of devices sold in 2018. This is due to the growing popularity of contactless payments using the phone, which are carried out by activating NFC sensors.

What is NFC in the phone and why is it needed

What is NFC in a smartphone? NFS is a contactless communication technology, it helps to exchange data at close range. For the first time, NFC technology was launched in 2006, but at that time there were no conditions for using the function, so the popularity came later, after 5 years.

Phones that support contactless payments are actively sold, and the scope of NFC technology has expanded: the owner of a smartphone pays for purchases by touching the terminal, receives information from NFC sensors, buys travel tickets, plays multimedia files and transfers information from one device to another.

The NFC function is provided by a pre-built sensor that receives information by sending and receiving a radio signal at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The chip is built in by the smartphone manufacturer at the factory, NFC cannot be "downloaded" to the phone through software installation.

The NFC support of the phone makes it easier for the user to perform daily tasks, and for additional benefits, the smartphone owner must understand how to use this feature and how to find out if the phone has NFC.

How to find out if your phone has NFC and how to turn it on

Despite the widespread wireless technology, the NFC chip is not placed in all phones. You can find out about the availability of a function in your phone in several ways:

  • some smartphone manufacturers place a small image of the NFC icon in the form of an N on the back panel or battery if the cover is removed manually;
  • the instructions for the product indicate a list of smartphone functions, indicated as Near Field Communication or NFC, they write what NFC means in the phone and how to enable it;
  • in the phone settings, in the item " Network connections» or on the panel quick access there should be an enable button. Some manufacturers put brief instructions directly to the phone.


If none of the points is fulfilled, then this means that the NFC function is not available in the phone and it is impossible to use this advantage. After buying a new phone that supports contactless technology, the owner should check for NFC in the smartphone.

On Android

NFC on the phone Android based enabled in settings. The name of the menu items depends on the smartphone model and operating system, there are two ways to enable the function: through the settings in the menu and using the shortcut buttons.

In settings:

  • in the main menu, the "Settings" or "Options" button;
  • paragraph " Wireless connections and networks” or “Connections”;
  • enable the NFC function.

Shortcut button:

  • pull down the "curtain" with notifications at the top of the screen, open the quick access panel;
  • press the NFC button.

The function does not consume device memory and does not use battery resources.


On iPhone

No additional steps are required from the iPhone owner to enable or disable the NFC function. It works by default on iPhones from iPhone 6 onwards. To work, the user simply brings the smartphone to the device, which itself reads the necessary information.

How to use

Owners of devices with Android OS can count on the following application of NFC:

  • transferring data from one device to another: files, links to web pages and applications;
  • reading and creating NFC tags;
  • payment for purchases by touching the payment terminal;
  • withdrawal of cash from the card at ATMs.

iPhones greatly limit the work of the NFS: in the iPhone 6, 6s, 7, this chip only works to pay for purchases with a touch. The following models can no longer only pay for goods, but also read tags, the rest is not yet available.

To share information

Devices that support this function may participate in data transmission via NFC. Minimum android version on both devices - 4.0. To transfer information, the desired file or link is opened, the devices are brought to each other so that the NFC chips are located nearby. After connecting, you can hear sound signal, and the user taps the screen to send the information to the second device.


In this way, you can transfer information: contacts, passwords or keys, GPS coordinates or routes, multimedia. But keep in mind that the NFC transfer rate is 400 Mbps and large files will take a long time to transfer.

For labels

NFC tags are a tool that facilitates everyday activities. With labels, the user can:

  • launch and activate the alarm clock, calendar and other application on the smartphone;
  • read information from a preprogrammed label.

To read some labels on the smartphone is set special application. Transport apps report trip counts, travel amounts, and other information, while store apps show product details.

To read NFC tags, your smartphone is factory-equipped with an NFC chip. There are no restrictions for Android, while iOS only allows it on iPhone 8 and above.

Android phones can not only read information from tags, but also program them. To do this, the user installs on the phone special program, purchases an NFC tag from a store, and programs the sensor to perform the desired action.

For payment

Touch payments are a common payment method in stores. In this case, the smartphone is used instead of a card, as a means of payment.

The following conditions must be met for payment:

  • included NFC function;
  • payment application: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay or banking programs;
  • card connected in this application.


How to use NFC on your phone to pay:

  • the cashier punches the amount on the terminal;
  • the buyer selects a card and puts the phone to the reader;
  • money is debited from the card automatically.

It is important for the client that the application used for payment is reliably protected from outside interference. Some programs require the introduction of security passwords and a fingerprint before paying. These measures help to avoid unauthorized debiting of funds.

Video - what is NFC in the phone

With the growing number of different mobile devices and devices, it became necessary to provide fast wireless communication between them. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies actively explored new niches in last years, making it possible to transfer data, share files and upload them to social networks. Today, even cameras are equipped with a Wi-Fi module so that you can quickly share pictures and videos. However, these technologies still require a certain amount of time to set up the connection and pair the devices. Therefore, NFC technology was born, which allows mobile devices to connect in just 0.1 seconds, and then transfer the necessary data. Many Russians are already using this technology without even knowing what it really is and how it works.

Principle of operation

The principle of operation of NFC is based on the induction of a magnetic field: the devices have two compact antennas located within a short range relative to each other. Accordingly, when the devices approach each other, an air-core transformer is formed. There is no need for registration, configuration and any additional manipulations - it is enough to bring two smartphones to each other, for example, and a stable connection is instantly formed between them. The distance between compact antennas built into mobile devices or digital devices should not exceed twenty centimeters. Only in this case, you will get a reliable, wireless connection between devices.

In fact, NFC can be considered, in fact, the continuation of the already well-established radio frequency identification technology RFID. As we know, RFID is ubiquitous in contactless cards and tags. However, NFC can not only read information from any passive electronic tags, but is also capable of providing two-way wireless communication between devices.

Therefore, NFC immediately attracted attention as a technology with significant potential. After all, it can be used not only in phones, but also for making electronic payments and in other areas. The development of its own standard for this technology began in 2004, and the first specifications were published two years later. It took some time before NFC was fully ready for commercial use.

Today, the technology is based on the ISO 18092 standard. At the same time, the NFC Forum organization also develops specific requirements for the use of technology, develops it and implements it in various areas activities. NFC uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz to transmit information, the data transfer rate reaches up to 424 Kbps. It is important that the connection between compatible devices is established instantly. This has its advantages not only in terms of convenience, but also to provide increased security and prevent unauthorized connections.

Advantages

How is NFC fundamentally different, for example, from Bluetooth, which is also a short-range technology and is actively used in modern phones? In fact, NFC has a lot of advantages, including the following:

- Fast connection setup speed

As we have already noted, NFC compares favorably with all other wireless communication technologies by the speed of establishing a connection. Communication between compatible devices is established in less than one tenth of a second (against about six seconds with Bluetooth). For the exchange of information is not required "pairing" devices. Not needed manual settings to identify devices, the connection is established in automatic mode when placing devices at a certain distance from each other. At the same time, it should be noted that NFC is inferior to the same Bluetooth in terms of data transfer speed - 424 Kbps versus 2.1 Mbps. However, given the scope of this technology, this circumstance is not a critical disadvantage.

— Convenience

For users, the use of NFC greatly simplifies many operations. For example, to transfer digital pictures or other files, just touch one device with another. The same procedure can be followed to make an electronic payment or transfer of funds. Thus, all actions are carried out literally with one touch.

- Safety

On the one hand, a short range (up to 20 centimeters) is a disadvantage, and on the other hand, it has a positive effect on the security of information exchange. This circumstance makes the NFC connection suitable for use in crowded spaces or crowded places where data interception or accidental connection is possible. Also thanks to the increased security small device with an NFC chip, it can function as a work pass, electronic keys to an apartment or a hotel room.

– Versatility

Unlike Bluetooth, this technology is compatible with contactless solutions and RFID structures. In addition, it can work even if one of the compatible devices is not supplied with a power source (in particular, the phone is turned off).

- Support for other wireless technologies

NFC can be used to initiate faster connections, making it much easier to set up the same Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

— Openness

NFC is open and compliant with widely accepted ISO, ECMA and ETSI standards, making this technology suitable for a wide range of commercial areas and uses.

To date, NFC chips are installed in a wide variety of devices, but, above all, we are talking, of course, about smartphones and communicators. NFC technology generates huge interest from companies mobile communications and providers. However, the scope of NFC is not limited to this. In the next part, we will look in more detail at the various applications of this short range wireless technology.

Application

The main area of ​​application of NFC technology, of course, is its implementation in various mobile devices - from smartphones to tablet computers and compact cameras. The first phone equipped with an NFC chip was introduced in 2006. It was a simple Nokia 6131 clamshell for today. At the moment, hundreds of mobile phones and communicators with an NFC chip, thanks to which it becomes possible to wirelessly transfer data from one device to another with just one touch. Some modern digital cameras are also equipped with Wi-Fi, coupled with NFC, to instantly transfer captured photos and videos to your tablet.

With the help of NFC, it became possible to play on the TV screen the video that is stored on the smartphone. To do this, you just need to bring your smartphone closer to the TV remote control. For example, in Sony TVs such a function is called one touch mirroring. Of course, in order for it to work, you must have a built-in NFC chip both in your smartphone and in the remote control itself. As we can see, the scope of NFC technology in mobile devices and household appliances is very diverse, but even greater prospects have opened up for this technological solution in other areas, such as banking.

Card emulation

NFC is very attractive for making electronic payments and, accordingly, banks, since it supports the so-called emulation mode. That is, using this technology, you can emulate the work of a well-known bank card. In particular, the user only needs to bring his smartphone with an integrated NFC chip to the terminal and he can easily make any payment. Thanks to NFC, you can create your own electronic wallet. The advantage here is that the technology can be implemented in almost any device, be it a smartphone or a key fob.

An example is the work of PayPass technology. Its essence is as follows. If the user has a phone with an NFC chip and his NFC bank card is activated in the SIM menu, then he can approach any terminal that supports the MasterCard PayPass payment function, present the phone to it at the required distance (20 centimeters) and the payment will be made. Everything is very fast and convenient. You don't even need to interact with the payment terminal by browsing through its menu. Sound and light signals will confirm that the required funds have been debited from the bank card account. All that a person needs to implement such a solution is that, in addition to the NFC chip, his phone also has data on bank accounts filled in. It should be noted that the main drivers of NFC distribution are mobile operators. After all, the more such services are loaded into a smartphone, the more likely it is that the client will not refuse the services of this operator.

Mobile trading, electronic ticketing, electronic payments - all this is relevant for NFC technology.

Reading data

In addition to card emulation, NFC can work in the information reading mode. And here there are plenty of opportunities for its application. Suffice it to say that NFC can be successfully used to read information from electronic boards, and also serve as electronic keys from a car, hotel room or home. The NFC chip embedded in a mobile device can read data from various objects through smart tags. Thanks to this, in particular, the user can get Additional information from a movie poster or from a product label on a store counter.

One of the most promising areas of application for NFC is fare collection systems. Thanks to the emulation mode, a smartphone with a built-in NFC chip makes it easy to buy tickets for trains or in public transport. You can generate a ticket purchase request by touching the phone to the NFC tag located on the smart poster. After that, a special application is instantly launched and a ticket purchase request is activated. In this case, the smartphone already works as a reader, reading the information that is stored in the label. Next, the user confirms the purchase, and the electronic ticket is downloaded to his phone. Moreover, the ticket data is stored in the security elements of the device, making it impossible to change them.

The ticket price is automatically deducted from the user's account mobile operator or from a bank card. Fare payment control can be performed using a turnstile or a controller already directly on the route. To do this, the smartphone is simply brought to the reader and the ticket data is instantly sent to the processing center, which provides the appropriate verification. After confirmation of authenticity, the turnstile opens. In such a simple and at the same time convenient way, the operation of the fare payment system for transport can be organized. Such systems are now beginning to be actively implemented.

The use of NFC-enabled smartphones is enabling the next generation of transport applications. In this case, the phone can act as a carrier of electronic tickets, which contains information about the user, his travel history and other useful information. transport company data.

NFC tags are the simplest devices that can operate without power and are used to transfer the data recorded in them to a smartphone. These chips are very inexpensive and come in a variety of forms: stickers, key chains, and even jewelry. The data that the tags exchange with a smartphone can be absolutely anything: from a link to a business card website and a phone number to a whole sequence of actions that must be performed on a smartphone. The result is the same - life becomes easier.

One of the most common use cases for an NFC tag is quick setup smartphone modes.

For example, when you get into your car, you usually turn up the screen brightness to maximum and run " Google Maps» to navigate. It takes a lot of work to do this. If you have an NFC tag programmed for these actions, then just touch it with your smartphone - and everything will happen by itself.

When you get home, you go to bed and want to read. You need to change the color temperature of the screen, lower the brightness, open the reader app with a book and, of course, don't forget to set the alarm. To do this in a fraction of a second, it is enough to have a label pre-programmed for these actions at hand and attach a smartphone to it. One-two - and you're done!

However, let's be objective. For the vast majority of users, the convenience of NFC tags will seem somewhat far-fetched, because on daily trips from home to work and back, a navigator is not needed, and you only need to program an alarm on your smartphone once - and that's it.

Contactless payment systems

Contactless payment technology is the most obvious benefit of NFC. The traditional magnetic stripe plastic card is unsafe and long lasting. Your money depends on the numbers on the front of the card, an outdated and vulnerable magnetic stripe interface, and a three-digit security code. The card is easy to lose, and you regularly “shine” its data in front of the cashier when you give him the card for payment.

With the advent of contactless technology Visa payment payWave and MasterCard PayPass, the transaction process has become faster, but the level of security has not increased. The rules of the game have really changed with the advent of NFC in smartphones and the technology of emulating a plastic card with the possibility of payment. You just bring your smartphone to the terminal like a regular card, and that's it - the purchase is paid. There are already several payment systems that turn a smartphone into a wallet. They are all free and no internet access is required to use them.

It seems that the days when you could notice the wide eyes of the seller at the checkout if you decided to pay for your purchase with a smartphone have already passed. Over the past few years, NFC technology has actively stepped into the masses (Apple played its role here with its own), but its main advantage turned out to be that the function is available not only expensive smartphones, but also to devices of average price segment. Let's take a look at some of them and see how this technology works.

NFC is a high-frequency wireless communication technology with a short (no more than 10 cm) range. It works thanks to radio frequency identification (RFID): using radio signals, data from transponders is read and written. The connection establishment time between devices does not exceed 0.1 seconds. The operating frequency for NFC is 13.56 MHz, maximum speed data exchange does not exceed 400 Kbps.

How NFC works

NFC is based on electromagnetic induction: at a frequency of 13.56 MHz transmitter reader with the help of an antenna constantly emits a signal in the form of a sinusoid. The sensor also has an antenna, and when the sensor and the reader are at a distance sufficient for NFC to work, a magnetic field is generated alternating current in the reader coil. After that, the current is created in the second coil - the sensor. This energy is easily enough for the latter to work, so NFC is able to work with passive devices.

In passive mode, the reader creates an electromagnetic field, the NFC tag modulates it and generates a response. That is, the tag does not need to be connected to a power source or have a built-in battery, so its size can be reduced to a minimum.

In smartphones, the NFC antenna is usually fixed under the back cover for a more stable signal. It allows the device to become not only a means of payment and a travel ticket, but also a key or loyalty card of the store. Moreover, technology is available, including budget smartphones: There is an NFC chip, for example, in , and .

What is NFC for?

There are currently three main areas of application for NFC. The first and most common is card emulation for contactless payments. An NFC-enabled smartphone can pretend to be a bank card or a subway ticket. At the same time, bank card data is not stored in the phone's memory, but on a special chip, similar to that used in EMV standard cards. It encrypts all data, manages the authentication process and starts payment transactions. The means of payment may be , or more .

The second area of ​​application for NFC is reader mode. In this mode, the smartphone acts as a scanner for NFC tags containing various additional information. Recently, NFC tags have begun to replace barcodes in Western stores. They can be found on food in supermarkets and, by bringing an NFC-enabled device, find out the expiration date and composition of the product. NFC tags are also used to display interactive advertising information.