Paying with your smartphone has long been the norm. One movement replaced a whole chain of events: take out the card, insert it into the receiver, enter the password.

But this is not the only possible application of modern wireless technologies. For example, NFC is ready now to reduce the time spent on routine activities to almost zero.

Now I will tell you how I use this function of the smartphone.

What is NFC and how to use it?

At the heart of NFC is a continuation of the familiar RFID - an automatic identification method in which data stored on tags are read or written using radio signals. That is, this is another way of transmitting information over a radio channel.

NFC devices are able to both receive and transmit data at the same time. Thus, they can monitor the RF field and detect inconsistencies if the received signal does not match the transmitted one.

Among the main features and benefits of NFC:

• work in passive mode without user intervention;
• short connection setup time (even compared to Bluetooth);
• short range (less than 20 cm);
• compatibility with existing RFID structures;
• the ability to work with devices that are not supplied with power sources.

NFC-enabled devices: readers and tags

In order to actively use the technology in life, devices that support it are required. Although NFC has clear advantages, there are not so few devices that support it.

Smartphones have become the main carriers of NFC. They pretend to be a card (pass or payment), read passive tags (Tag) or information from unsupported cards (Troika and analogues), communicate and exchange information with each other.


The latter function is not widely used due to the low exchange rate. And attaching smartphones to each other to exchange a link takes more time than sending in a messenger.

Locks using NFC cards instead of a key are quite common in the West. However, NFC can emulate the work of conventional RFID passes. And if they are in use in your office, you can write information to Google Pay and use your smartphone (but not always).


Occasionally, there are other devices equipped with NFC. Most of them use technology to establish fast communication between devices (further devices reconnect to a faster communication protocol, NFC is used only to exchange key information).

This list includes wireless acoustics some brands, smart Appliances, computer peripherals (printers, routers).


About bonus and payment cards, I think you already know everything. A very convenient function: put a smartphone, logged in with a fingerprint, paid or confirmed the action.

At home or other non-professional places, it makes no sense to use pass access systems or smart locks - they are very expensive.

Another thing is the use of NFC tags in the form of stickers with a chip similar to an RFID tag, as well as similar key fobs and rings.


These small programmable information zones are capable of giving information to the attached smartphone, launching certain applications for trusted devices, and even launching a whole sequence of actions, serving as a kind of trigger for running a macro saved on a mobile phone.

My home scripts

I use NFC quite actively. Many scripts may seem redundant and even stupid - nevertheless, they make life easier for me, corresponding to certain habits and peculiarities of thinking.

Perhaps some of them will be of interest to readers. Some may seem strange. Let's discuss?

Entrance hall and common access

As my main home router, I use Xiaomi R1D with built-in 1TB storage and additional USB storage. A factory NFC tag is hidden under the top cover of the device.

The router is placed in the hall closet in such a way that it is easily accessible, but the device remains out of sight. It's not just about aesthetics.

The NFC tag reveals the home password to guests. WiFi networks with the granting of rights to read the shared folders of the internal storage of the router. Archives of family photos, useful distributions and educational materials are stored here.

At work

My three-meter desktop is a treasure trove of hidden NFC tags. Each corresponds to a specific trigger, or a whole sequence of actions.

The main one is hidden in the smartphone holder: it turns on Wi-Fi and starts a chain of exchange processes - software updates, synchronization cloud services, archiving photos and files downloaded from your smartphone to your home NAS.


It also stops the playback of any content on the smartphone, be it music, a movie or an audiobook.

The second zone of the table is occupied by a 3D printer and a soldering iron. Nearby is a label that forces the smartphone to turn on loud calls and automatically receive incoming calls. It also launches the Electronic Components Reference Application.

Another label is designed to test new smartphones. It provides an administrator password for Wi-Fi, saves photos and screenshots from the device to a file exchanger, and starts downloading a software package for testing.

Front of the TV

A label is hidden in the armrest of the sofa, which puts the smartphone into vibration mode and turns on the MiTVAssistant program to control the TV.

The zone next to it hides another label that turns on Bluetooth, pairs the smartphone and the TV box, and then plays music in Google Music.

In the bedroom

Everything is incredibly simple here: the label lies on bedside table. I put my smartphone down - the sound turned off, wireless interfaces turned on, the economical power supply turned on.

And an alarm clock, of course, which starts the reverse process.

Now I plan to glue another one next to the crib. When touched, it will have to launch a separate program with a children's audiobook.

In the kitchen

The kitchen is conditionally divided into 2 zones: the dining room and the actual place of cooking. Accordingly, the layout of the labels is more complicated than in the bedroom.

The first label hangs on the refrigerator at the entrance. If you touch it, the smartphone communicates with the wireless speaker.

The other two are hiding next to the common table. One is for my wife's smartphone, it includes audio books. The second is mine, and it forces the smartphone to open the application with the latest news and weather forecast.

In transport

I don't use a car as all my travels are now handled by public transport and taxis. Costs several times cheaper.

The bike is another matter. An NFC tag is also hidden in the smartphone holder on the steering wheel. I fixed the smartphone - the navigator started, Bluetooth (connection with headphones), vibration turned off.

Personal items

Triggers are so convenient that they have a place in clothes and bags and even a diary. The latter has 2 of them: a label is hidden under the front side, which turns off the sounds on the smartphone and turns on the application for creating tasks. On the back - a label that returns everything back.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless high-frequency communication technology (up to 10 cm) that allows contactless data exchange between devices located on short distances: e.g. between reading terminal and cell phone or plastic smart card.

NFC technology is based on RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification, radio frequency identification - a method for automatically identifying objects in which data stored in so-called transponders or RFID tags are read or written using radio signals), that is, a technology for transmitting information over a radio channel that supports both active and passive devices.

For example, Sony NFC key fobs do not require additional power to work (read data), that is, they can work completely passively.

There are three most popular uses for NFC technology in mobile phones:
- emulation of cards - the phone pretends to be a card, such as a pass or a payment card;
- reading mode - the phone reads a passive tag (Tag), for example, for interactive advertising;
- P2P mode - two phones communicate and exchange information.

The "carrier" of the NFC chip is often mobile phone- the device is as massive as it is individual, and most importantly, inseparable from its owner, acting as:
- means of payment (virtual wallet),
- a means of identifying the owner,
- key,
- bonus card
- ticket.

At present, NFC solutions are already being applied in many areas.
For example, this technology is used to book and sell electronic tickets, pay for travel to public transport and car parking, NFC technology is also actively used in the service and entertainment sector, in the field of security and access control.

The maximum radius of action is about 10 cm.
The module operates at a frequency of: 13.56 MHz.
Data transfer rate: 106 Kbps - 848 Kbps.

What is the fundamental difference between NFC and Bluetooth technology

The most important advantage of NFC is the shorter connection time, one tenth of a second.
In addition, NFC has a shorter range, which makes this method of transmitting information more secure.
NFC allows you to transfer data at a speed of 424 Kbps, which is much less than Bluetooth.

The development of contactless payment technology has led to the emergence of such cards as Visa PayWave and MasterCard PayPass, which have a built-in antenna and work according to the NFC standard.

The development of this market has led Google, MasterCard, Citibank, Sprint and First Data to create Google service Wallet, which is installed on some Android phones.
The application allows you to turn your phone into credit card, which can be paid in any terminal that supports PayPass.

You have probably already heard about such a feature as NFC in the phone. It is quite common today, many flagship devices (smartphones, watches, etc.) are equipped with it, gradually getting to inexpensive devices. Manufacturers and sellers often focus on NFC, attributing the most unusual and useful features. However, not every user knows what NFC is, what are its main functions in the phone and other devices. Today we will try to tell in detail and intelligibly about this technology.

NFC in the phone - what is it

NFC was first talked about back in 2004. At that time, the three giants of the mobile industry Nokia, Philips and Sony set out to create a wireless interface that would work when two devices were close. A forum was organized, work began.

NFC, Near field communication ("near contactless communication") - technology wireless transmission data, hallmark which is a small radius of action (up to 10 centimeters).

In fact, the technology is based on contactless cards made according to the ISO 14443 standard. Such cards are used to differentiate access to various premises or pay for services. NFC has become a simple extension of this standard, aimed primarily at mobile phones.

Technology Specifications

To better understand the concept NFC technology, can not do without the technical characteristics of the technology. Don't worry, it's pretty simple:

• The key standard is ISO/IEC 14443 which describes the frequency ranges, modulation methods and communication protocols for proximity proximity cards based on magnetic field induction.
• Two NFC devices use telecoils to communicate
• NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz
• The data transfer rate is not more than 400 Kbps
• It only takes 0.1 seconds to establish an NFC connection
• NFC has a very compact size and low power consumption, which allows the interface to be used in a wide variety of gadgets.

Why do I need NFC in a phone or other device

If many users turn a blind eye to dry specifications (although you should read it), then they are unlikely to miss information about why NFC is needed in modern smartphones.

• Firstly, a phone or other NFC-enabled device can replace a contactless card for subway fares or indoor access or other similar purposes - just tap the device on the turnstile.
• Secondly, NFC is used to pair a phone with another phone that also has this interface; the second device today is other devices - even washing machines; pairing makes it possible to transfer data between devices, however, due to the low speed, this method is irrelevant (such a speed is enough to transfer any commands from the device to the device).
• Finally, thirdly, a phone or watch with NFC can replace cash or a bank card. How? It's very simple: many terminals in stores today support contactless payments, that is, you only need to attach a smartphone to pay for purchases. Very convenient, but in our country the technology is just gaining popularity.

Why is NFC needed if there is Bluetooth and other interfaces

Many users equate NFC and Bluetooth with the same kind of interface, which is somewhat incorrect. Yes, we have two wireless technologies, and the second one is more popular. The key difference is the range. If in the case of Bluetooth we have tens of meters, then NFC in phones transmits data to a few centimeters (that is, the device needs to be brought quite close to each other). So Bluetooth is better?

Not really. A large range is not always necessary, and in some cases it even becomes a disadvantage of the interface. Do you remember that NFC in your phone allows you to pay for purchases? At the same time, the device practically touches the terminal (the range is small), which guarantees maximum protection of the transmitted data of your bank card. When using interfaces with a more serious radius, which can cover tens of meters around, there is a danger of intercepting information.

About the same can be said about the transfer speed, which in the case of NFC is really low by today's standards. However, the technology is not aimed at transferring large files, as when using Bluetooth. And this has at least two pluses - reliability and lower power consumption. A low data transfer rate will not allow attackers to quickly “pull out” important information from your smartphone.

Another obvious advantage of NFC in phones is low power consumption. The technology consumes much less energy than other interfaces, saving precious minutes of smartphone life.

Speaking about the advantages of NFC in the phone, one cannot fail to note the low cost of introducing the interface into devices. It's amazing that it's still so rare.

disadvantages

Despite the advantages, which at first glance, just a huge amount, like any technology, NFC has a number of unpleasant disadvantages. The most obvious are the transmission speed and range, which every user will have to put up with. But, as already noted, these features can rather be attributed to the advantages of NFC.

There are more serious problems associated with technology. The first of these can be considered its wide distribution. What's wrong with that? The fact is that every large company, having noticed the potential of NFC, began to independently modify the interface, presenting proprietary developments in their products. It is clear that the changed standards cannot boast of universality - they work only with their own kind. Users suffer from this.

No matter how hard developers try to improve NFC, holes are constantly being identified that can be exploited by attackers. So, in 2012, at one of the conferences, security system specialists managed to download a special exploit (), which took control of the device. Naturally, since that moment the vulnerability has been fixed.

From time to time, other information about NFC vulnerabilities appears on the Web. Most of the time they are bogus. For example, there is an opinion that with the help of jammers (electronic warfare equipment) it is possible to modify the data on the device, but this is practically unrealizable due to the impossibility of establishing a connection in this way.

As a result, it can be concluded that NFC in the phone is one of the safest technologies. At least, so far there have been no massive attacks by intruders through interface vulnerabilities.

How to check if your phone has NFC

So, we figured out what NFC is, its specifications and features. Now let's move on to checking your smartphone for support for this technology. There are several ways to do this:

• View specifications devices on the Internet or on the official website of the manufacturer - pay attention to the section "Interfaces" or "Communication" (as a rule, the manufacturer does not lose the opportunity to once again declare support for NFC).
• Usually, if the smartphone supports NFC, the corresponding item appears in the " Wireless connections» in the phone settings.
• Some models of smartphones that have a collapsible body allow you to personally see NFC. As a rule, the transmitter is placed under the cover, connecting with special contacts to the battery. Look for an identification mark - it could also be a wireless charging receiver.

Often in the case of tablets, smart watch and other equipment, you can find a special pointer on the case, which confirms the presence of NFC. By the way, when pairing, it is necessary to bring the second device to the place of the image.

Which phones have NFC

Almost every recent flagship has NFC, more and more often the interface can be found in the middle segment, if you wish, you can even find budget smartphones with technology support. For example, here are some models:

• Among the flagships: iPhone starting with iPhone 6S; samsung galaxy S starting with S3, LG starting with G4 (and a number of K-series solutions), Sony's Xperia X line; and any other well-known manufacturer has at least a couple of flagships with NFC.
• Among the available segment(up to 20,000 rubles) : latest models Samsung smartphones Galaxy A and J, Honor 8, Huawei Nova, Nokia 5 and 6, and many more.
• Among the most accessible: nokia 3, ASUS ZenFone 2, (one of the cheapest smartphones with NFC), also many Chinese phones support NFC.

How to use NFC on your phone

Let's move on to using NFC. To get started, we need to transfer the technology to an active state. To do this, follow the following instructions:

1. go to "Settings" of your phone;
2. go to the "Wireless connections and networks" section;
3. turn the toggle switch to the active state opposite the “NFC” item.

Everything, after that we can use the interface.

Transfer files using NFC

As already noted, the NFC interface is not very suitable for transferring large files due to low speed. And besides, not everyone wants to hold smartphones opposite each other while the film is being transmitted. However, NFC is great for small files (notes, links, contacts, addresses from maps, and so on), which is facilitated by the high pairing speed.

For data transfer via NFCboth phones must support the technology, in addition, it must be active. Also, none of the smartphones should be locked.

The transfer process is somewhat reminiscent of the times of Siemens and infrared ports:

Until recently, only flagship smartphones, and not every company, could boast of the possibility of contactless payment. The fact is that for this function to work, you need not only NFC, but also the appropriate software.

On the usedApple Pay- a very common payment method in America, and in Russia it is gaining immense popularity.Samsungalso one of the first to present its own payment system with an uncomplicated nameSamsung Pay. In addition to these market giants, some other companies have branded payment systems.

More recently, a significant event took place for users of Android devices - the Android Pay application was introduced. It has become universal, that is, it allows you to pay from any Android phone with NFC.

How to add a card to Android Pay to pay for purchases through your phone

1. to pay by phone and NFC, we will, of course, need a special application;

It can be branded, mentioned above, or universal Android Pay. All are available for free in online stores. We'll take a closer look at Android Pay.

1. when installing the application, you must grant it the required permissions, connect to account(you can use Google);
2. now we need to add bank cards from which payment will be made;

You can find out about the participating banks that provide services by opening the context android menu Pay (three dots on the top right) and select the desired item.

1. to add a card, click on the plus at the bottom right;
2. from the options offered (“Add a debit card”, “Add a loyalty card” and “Add gift card""), select the desired one;
3. in a new window, which will be presented as a camera application, you need to place your card in the frame;

You can also enter the card number and other data manually by clicking the appropriate button.

1. having specified all the required information, Android Pay will offer to confirm the link (for this, an SMS message is used in which your bank will send a code, or a proprietary application, for example, Sberbank Online).

That's it, you can save your wallet from one card, which is no longer useful to you. Add other cards in the same way so as not to carry them with you in vain.

How to pay with Android Pay and an NFC phone

Everything is very simple here. Even a child will cope, as they say, the main thing is that NFC is supported in the phone.

Just pay attention to the fact that the terminal must support the contactless payment function. It is designated special character(Android Pay uses a distinctive green robot). As a rule, such terminals already exist in every major shopping center, but still not everywhere.

Payment occurs in two steps:

1. unlock phone with NFC;
2. bring it to the terminal;
3. hold until a tick appears.

If everything goes well, a corresponding notification will appear on the terminal. As soon as possible, your bank card will be debited. Write-off is made from the card that is set as the main one.

As you can see, paying with NFC on your phone is very easy. You are not even required to enter a password (not always).

If the purchase price is more than 1000 rubles or payment is made for the fourth time in a row with using Android Pay, the system will ask for a password. This was done, as you might guess, for security purposes.

NFC technology (sometimes spelled NFS) in recent times on hearing. It is being introduced into phones and smart watch, tablets and cars, in locks and audio equipment, in communications and security, in wearable gadgets. What is NFC in a smartphone and how to use it, we tell in our article.

A special wireless communication 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 - "Communication at a short distance." The last limitation is important for two reasons.

1. The most important function of NFC is financial transactions, so it is important that an outsider cannot interfere with the information transfer process. And at a short distance, it's easy to make sure that no one brings gadgets close while you make a payment.
2. There are passive NFC modules (tags or Tag) that do not have their own power supply. More specifically, these are NSF-compatible RFID tags. When active module nearby creates an electromagnetic field, the Tag-tag reacts to 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 smartphone. But this technology only works with close contact.

Short range is an advantage of Near Field Communication. Sometimes this technology is used in unexpected ways. For example, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, an Adidas Telstar ball with a built-in NFC module was used to transmit 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! Another technology like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi would not provide such accurate information.

Use cases for NFC

So, you have found out that your smartphone has an NFC module, if you do not know how to do it, read below. Now consider the possibilities and how you can put it into practice.

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

For this:

1. Contactless mode must be activated on the terminal.
2. Make sure your phone's nfc feature is enabled.
3. Launch your payment application. It could be Google Pay Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or your bank's application (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 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 NFS 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 using Android Beam

In this mode, not NFC itself is used for data transfer, but Bluetooth technology. The function of the first is to quickly transfer all the information for a quick connection. So you don't have to search for devices manually, enter verification codes and go through the hassle of setting up a connection.

Today, both individual programmable NFC tags and ready-made gadgets with built-in tags are available. In the latter case, their function is predetermined. The function of programmable labels can be set manually, it looks like this:

1. Install a special application for working with tags. 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 connecting.
3. Position the label where you want. For example, if you place it in a car, you can automatically connect to the on-board audio system. If at home, you can quickly turn off Mobile Internet and switch to Wi-Fi. Etc.

Devices with built-in tags include electronic locks, Bluetooth speakers and headphones, electronic product certificates of authenticity, and so on. The technology has spread to a wide variety of device classes. You can now hold your smartphone close to the lock to unlock it, or touch your 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 section " Wireless networks" or " General access& Connection".
3. Click "More" to see all subsections.
4. If there is NFC in the settings list, then support is present.

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 in 2019 smartphones with a removable cover and battery are practically disappearing from the market. In older devices, however, this icon can be found on the battery or on the back of the cover.

Oddly enough, not all recent devices have the NFS function. Often they are neglected by manufacturers from China. It’s just that Chinese payment systems use a QR code as a carrier of information, which must be displayed on one smartphone and scanned by a camera on another. And this NFC technology does not require. The exception is manufacturers that aim to become world leaders (for example, Huawei / Honor, Lenovo). And, for example, in most Samsung Galaxy devices, Sony Xperia or LG, the NFC module is installed. Xiaomi, for example, installs NFS in Mi flagship smartphones, but not in budget Redmi ones.

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

Enable NFC on Android

How to enable NFC and set it up in 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 switch next to NFC is turned on.
5. Turn it on if you want (or better, keep it active all the time) android mode Beam. As a rule, it is included in the same subsection.

Often direct access to the NFS on Android is in the settings menu in the drop-down curtain. Just click on the icon and make sure that the switch is in the active position. However, the exact implementation of access varies by manufacturer and shell.

Enable NFC on iPhone

Even if you carefully study the wireless settings in iOS 12, you will not find the “Enable NFC” item there. However, managing its inclusion is still simple. For February, 2019 the NFC technology in iPhone does not reveal the potential and serves only for payments through Apple Pay therefore it is possible to connect it in section Wallet and Apple.

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

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

Interestingly, in iOS 12.2, Apple is going to implement a passive NFC mode for travel or student cards. Thus, pay for travel with iPhone it will be possible, even if his 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 modern smartphone. But it simplifies life and increases security, because it allows you to make payments without using cards at all. Labels can be used to automate common actions. So it's better to have this feature in your phone than not to have it. Now you know what it is and how to use NFC.

Some statistics: retailers have calculated how many NFC-enabled smartphones were 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 use of 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 shape of the letter 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 there should be a function enable button on the quick access toolbar. 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 an Android phone is enabled in the 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;
• item "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. Open for information transfer. desired file or link, the devices are brought close to each other so that the NFC chips are next to each other. 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, a special application is installed on the smartphone. Transport apps report trip counts, fare 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