Most modern phones, smartphones and tablets are equipped with a short-range communication chip. It can be used to make contactless payments and exchange various files with other similar devices. To use useful functionality you need to know how to enable NFC on Android.
Description of technology
NFC is a microchip that allows data exchange between two devices. Information is transmitted only over a short distance using radio frequencies. The chip is mounted directly into the body of a smartphone or tablet. The work is provided by a special Android Bim application.
Before you figure out how to enable the NFC function on Android, you need to determine the presence of the technology on the device. You can determine the presence of a chip in the following ways:
How to turn it on
Enabling NFC mode on your phone is very easy. To do this, you need to perform the following steps sequentially:
Do I need to enable NFC on my smartphone when paying?
When making contactless payments through a terminal using a smartphone, you do not need to go into the application and turn on the mode. The chip will automatically start working when you wake up from sleep mode and remove the lock.
Hello dear readers of this blog. In this article I will talk about an interesting NFC technology. Many have already heard about this new product, but it was announced in 2004. The opportunity is most often used in smartphones based on Android or iOS, but there are many other devices where the technology is used, we will also talk about this.
NFC (Near field communication) – translated as “short-range non-contact communication”. There are several definitions. Used to provide communication between devices over a short distance, originally intended for contactless transactions. The actual distance for interaction is 10 cm.
We’ve talked about the definition, now let’s move on directly to analyzing all the nuances, history and places of use.
| Content: |
How NFC works
It would seem that the function is very different from others wireless models, and is also inferior to them. The principle of NFC operation is that a device with a built-in module of this technology operates at a speed of approximately 400 Kbps (obviously inferior to Wi-Fi), interaction occurs at a distance of 10 cm, that is, you practically touch the devices to each other, although time connections are usually instantaneous.
The NFC module is very compact, so it can be built into not only smartphones, but also watches. It doesn't consume a lot of energy. For the module to work in the desired direction, the device must have an antenna. On phones it is usually on the back. Thus, touching the devices should provide instantaneous contact. If the device is large in size, for example, a tablet, then it is more difficult to find the point of interaction.
As for security, the creators didn’t think about it at all. Security must be implemented at the level of the device where the NFC module is used. In other words, if you use a payment system, then you don’t have to worry about the security of making payments. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will be to blame if you have not set at least a minimum level of protection as an unlocking option, for example, graphic key, fingerprint scanner or PIN code.
Of course, the difference between NFC technology and other wireless solutions is that the technology is essentially a script, unlike Bluetooth, which clearly states that it must receive and receive data, or be able to connect with headphones and other devices. In NFC, various methods can be created independently, which will be implemented using software. In short, give free rein to your imagination and you can create a lot of interesting things.
By the way, I never said that the NFC function was created based on RFID identification. Usually these are so-called tags that allow you to automatically identify a device using a radio signal. This feature allows you to communicate with both active devices (powered by batteries) and passive ones (which do not require power).
What is the peculiarity of the technology and where is it used?
Coming to smartphones, there are several use cases here from of this type devices:
- Use as payment system(linking credit cards, gift and discount cards);
- Transfer data between two devices (let me remind you, the distance between devices is at least 10 cm);
- Use as user identification;
- Bluetooth connection for data transfer;
- Reading RFID tags to obtain information, for example, from bulletin boards.
As already mentioned, NFC is most often used in smartphones and tablets running iOS. The thing is that we almost never part with our phone, so the integration of wireless technology was aimed primarily at mobile devices.
In the future, NFC technology will be used not only in mobile phones, but also in electronic keys, with a unique identifier, perhaps one that cannot be faked, when purchasing airline tickets, and indeed any tickets in general, and many other options.
Door locks and handles
By the way, now you don’t have to worry about losing the key to open the door, because there is a handle that has wireless high-frequency communication technology built into it. With any device (for example, a telephone), you can enter a corresponding tag that will open the door when presented. You can look for such a thing in Chinese online stores like Aliexpress.
Surprisingly, there are so-called smart locks. They not only have a key hole, but also a built-in NFC module. It can send a notification to your phone the moment you open the door (or someone tried to do it), and also if someone knocked. The lock can be connected via a network and controlled remotely. You can do a lot electronic keys with built-in tags and distribute to all family members or even friends.
NFC ring, what is it and how to use it
As already mentioned, if you have any thing with an NFC module, you can record almost any information. For example, you have a special ring. Using it, you can transfer contact information and do not need to carry all sorts of cards with you. It can also be used to open the same locks.
If there is no electricity in the house (and the lock is powered from it or from batteries), then the door can be opened with a key. In this case, you should play it safe and always carry the key with you when you leave.
Contactless payment
I have already written about this type of use of the above technology. Now in almost all cities of Russia, at least in one store, there is an ATM or reader that allows you to do so. You just need to link the card to the application, like Android Pay or Samsung Pay.
Fare payment
The same NFC will help you pay for your subway fare or go through a turnstile. To pay, you will need a special SIM card that supports this technology. Most likely, most operators now support it, but you’d better check.
Finally, you can use NFC in jewelry; some manage to embed it in tattoos, for example, to unlock a smartphone.
News on NFC Forum
Along with the development, a forum was founded where developers are trying to promote the technology in various household solutions, and smartphones, of course.
On the resource you can find the necessary information about NFC and news, most likely related to the compliance of standards in some devices.
What about security in devices with NFC
The use of various methods of unauthorized access to data via NFC has already been repeatedly mentioned. For example, in 2012, an exploit was created that allows you to embed malicious code and get full access to everything that is in it, including device management.
If an attacker has the necessary antennas, then there is a chance to listen to a person via NFC; of course, with some skill, you can achieve wiretapping at a distance of a few meters maximum. An important fact is that a device powered by energy is easier to listen to than a passive version.
Through experiments, a disruption in the communication of devices was identified by jamming the signal. A radio signal is known to be very easy to distort, and the RFID module is very sensitive to this.
Why can't I use Bluetooth to perform the operation?
Bluetooth differs from NFC in that it has a long range, which makes the signal easy to intercept, as well as a short access time. NFC communicates with the device almost instantly.
NFC – which phones have it and how to enable it
I'll show you with an example Android phone. When purchasing, you probably read the characteristics of the smartphone, and there was probably a line “NFC support” there. If you don't remember, you can look it up in the system settings.
To begin, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. It is quite possible that you will see an “NFC” option there.
If there is no function in the notification shade, then go to settings. I have Android 7.1.2 with the LineageOS shell, so I’ll show you with an example. In chapter " Wireless network » click on the button « More».
We are in a section where the NFC subsection is displayed, where you can enable it. There is also an Android Beam function that allows you to exchange data between devices and contactless payment, where you can select the main payment method.
How to use tags with an Android device
First, you need to find NFC tags. They can be used to run any Android application. For example, you are sitting behind the wheel, and it is not convenient for you to search every time the right application and take your eyes off the road. This is where a tag comes to the rescue; when you attach it to your smartphone, the application will instantly launch.
To write the necessary data to the tag, you need to download the NFC ReTAG application. Using it, you scan the tag, and then select the application that you want to launch when you bring it to your smartphone.
How to transfer files via NFC
Now touch the phone where you want to send the file and wait. In fact, this data transfer option is much inferior to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but if you need to transfer some top-secret data, then a short range and minimal probability of interception will ensure this.
In addition to standard file transfer from using Android Beam can be passed:
- Open link in the browser;
- Data from Google Maps (of a specific route or location);
- Contacts – sent without a photo;
- Applications from Google – a link is sent;
- Any types of files - from text to media.
Creating marks
To create tags you will need a blank; the form factor can be to suit every taste. Regular round tags can be purchased both in Russia and on the Internet, for example, on Aliexpress for 80 rubles.
Now you can install the application on your smartphone (do we need to somehow write the information onto the tag?). I might suggest TagInfo or TagWriter.
The second utility can write the necessary data to the tag, we will need it today. The first one reads the information. You can write down anything, but since the tag has a very small volume (usually in bytes), some data, such as contacts, cannot always be recorded. More precisely, the contact itself will be recorded, but the photo attached to it will not. In future articles, I will show you how to create an NFC tag using the mentioned application.
That's all, now you know what NFC is, which phones have it and why it is used at all. It can be quite helpful in everyday life. If you have any questions, be sure to post in the comments.
Hello everyone, today we’ll look at what NFC is. This technology has appeared in smartphones for quite a long time, but many users unfairly deprive it of attention. Why is it needed? What can it do and where is NFC used? All these questions will be answered in this article. First, let's figure out what this strange abbreviation NFC means. It stands for Near field communication, which translates as near field communication or near contactless communication.
The distance at which NFS technology operates does not exceed 10 centimeters. And the maximum transmission speed is only 424 kbit/s. The central frequency of NFC operation is 13.56 MHz. The technology has been developed since 2004, and the first specification of the standard was approved in 2006. And then the first device with NFC support was released – Nokia 6131.
In a nutshell, the principle of NFC technology can be described as follows. Each device contains an induction coil that generates an electromagnetic field. On another device there is another similar coil; under the influence of the field of the first coil, electricity is generated in it, which is subsequently converted into a signal. The devices take turns generating electromagnetic fields and exchanging them. This mode of operation is called active. And there is also a passive mode, this is when only one device generates an electromagnetic field. This is how cards or RFID tags work.
Now let's look at why we need NFC in a smartphone. The first and perhaps most common use is file transfer. There is one common myth here; many people think that the transfer is carried out directly via NFC. But in fact, the data is sent either via bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
NFC acts as a secure identifier for devices. For example, Google's Android Bin data transfer technology uses Bluetooth to transfer data, but for everything to work as it should, the devices first need to see each other via NFC. Samsung has its own implementation of sbin, it transfers data many times faster due to the fact that it already works over Wi-Fi.
The second application of NFC that has become increasingly popular is contactless payments. On this moment a number of banks and electronic wallets have learned to work with NFC in smartphones. As a result, now you can use NFS to pay for travel on public transport, lunch in a cafe or purchases in a supermarket. This payment method is good because it is very close at hand. If you can still forget the card, then we never part with our phone even in our sleep.
In order for all this magic to work, we need to have three things.
- Obviously a smartphone with an NFC chip
- Special software for payment and data storage (payment system card details).
- A terminal in a store that accepts contactless payment.
You probably have a question: “How safe are NFS payments?” Can any skilled person conduct a transaction remotely without your knowledge? Well, judge for yourself. In order to make a payment, the phone must be brought at a distance of about 5 centimeters to the terminal, and the smartphone must be unlocked. And the likelihood that these two conditions will be at least somehow rigged by a fraudster tends to zero. But even if the stars do not align in your favor, then the maximum payment amount will protect your wallet. In most payment systems and wallets, it is set by default to 10 - 15 bucks. The threshold can be removed if desired.
In addition to payments, NFC allows you to quickly pair with peripheral devices. You can connect bluetooth headphones, a speaker, or even a TV to your smartphone in a matter of seconds. For example, Sony has TV models to which you can connect your phone via NFC. If desired, the list of unusual things that can be connected via NFC can be continued for a very long time, and I will give just a few examples. The first thing that comes to mind is a door lock with an NFC chip, which can be opened from a smartphone, which is very convenient. You can also use an NFC ring for this.
You simply program the required action algorithm and attach it to the tag. You got into the car, placed your phone on the tag and your smartphone did everything you needed. You can come up with a whole bunch of similar scenarios both for work and at home. Fortunately, these tags are very inexpensive on Aliexpress. Most likely, this article does not describe all the ways to use NFC, and if you use this technology in an unusual way, share your ideas in the comments.
Let's say you find an NFC function on your phone - you don't know what it is, and you also have no idea what will happen when it is activated.
If so, the material below will be incredibly useful to you, and you will discover another dimension to its use.
If you already know about NFC technology on your phone, what it is and how to use it, we will try to expand the boundaries of your knowledge.
So, let's begin.
Abbreviation NFC
The mysterious figure of three Latin letters in yours is not a veiled curse word at all, but an indication of the use of technology, the full name of which is Near Field Communication.
It appeared relatively recently, but it became most widespread thanks to mobile technologies.
As it turned out, it is the optimal tool that makes it easier, and in some cases, speeds up the user’s life when used skillfully.
Conventionally, this abbreviation can be deciphered as “close connection.” She is close-minded in several senses.
Firstly, the transfer of information with its help can be carried out at a minimum distance between objects of interaction, which is no more than a couple of centimeters.
And secondly, the amount of information transmitted in the process is negligible, despite the fact that this technology is used by smart devices such as .
The abbreviation NFC is related to another abbreviation EMV, the name of which is not necessary to remember.
It, in turn, is the progenitor of the technology and describes the possibility of using smart cards for contactless transactions.
If desired, the process can be studied in more detail by looking through standard 14443.
But moving past the theory, in order to fully appreciate the advantages of the technology, let’s turn to practice and find out how to use NFC in a mobile device.
rice. 1 - NFC logo
Where is NFC being implemented?
Yes, indeed, NFC technology applies not only to phones, but also to other gadgets, for example, tablets can also have similar functionality, especially since the technology allows it.
The NFC transmitter/receiver takes up really little space and in some cases fits between the case cover and the .
Devices equipped with such a module can be recognized by the corresponding logo located on the case.
Please note: often a mark with the corresponding logo directly indicates the location of the corresponding antenna, and allows you to make a connection between objects much faster
As for other objects, other everyday objects can be embedded in reading and writing devices.
The same technology is used when paying with travel cards in public transport, for example, in the metro.
And among household appliances Modern refrigerators with smart functions stand out as leaders in the use of this technology.
The technology itself is not strongly limited by standards, therefore it has quite broad prospects for its development, and many manufacturers of equipment and new technologies are actively using this.
This applies to both hardware and software developers of devices, so new gadgets and applications appear every day that allow you to effectively use NFC.
Now let's look at how exactly they are used.
rice. 2 – Connection to Android system
Ways of interaction
The uniqueness of NFC technology is that it can be used in three different ways. These include:
- Data exchange.
- Reading and writing data.
- Emulation of smart cards.
The first interaction option involves the use of equivalent devices.
In the English version, the Peer-to-Peer characteristic is used for such interaction, which means that the data is transmitted from the same object.
In this case, both objects will have modules with receivers that can interact in two directions - reading and writing information.
A striking example of such interaction can be considered the transfer of data from smartphone to smartphone, or from smartphone to. The subjects of interaction in this case can be:
The second option for interaction—reading and writing data—can be carried out not only between devices.
Much more often it is used to create and read tags.
The peculiarity of these tags is that they are miniature hidden chips that do not consume a lot of energy.
The last interaction option is emulation.
It involves using a smartphone as a contactless device for paying for services such as payment cards used to pay for travel, but in a wider range of options thanks to services like Google Wallet.
NFC: what is it, what is it for, how does it work?
NFC function on the phone - what is it? What is it used for and how can it be used in everyday life. Description of the technology and features of its operation
Hidden disadvantages of technology
Along with such advantages of NFC as low power consumption and minimal cost of implementation, this technology has a number of disadvantages that appear immediately after the start of operation.
Some of them have to be put up with while waiting for the technology to improve, and some of them force us to limit the scope of application.
So, the first one is the short range of the signal.
This drawback, on the one hand, creates an inconvenience when, for example, the user needs to create a connection as quickly as possible, but on the other hand, it can also be assessed as an advantage.
The point is that this ensures a fairly high degree of security, which minimizes the likelihood of accidentally executing a command, for example, in the process of reading a code or link from a sticker tag.
But there are also more serious disadvantages.
Thus, the lack of clear standards leads to an uncontrolled increase in the number of technology modifications, which affects the consumer himself.
For example, some companies, such as Sony, are improving transmission technology and releasing their own Consumables in the form of TecTiles, compatible exclusively with devices manufactured by them.
And this leads to the fact that the user is driven into the framework of inconvenience.
However, there is another drawback that appears when you try to master the system on your own.
Of course, progress in recent years has led to the fact that the use of NFC is becoming more and more popular and more and more people are asking questions like what NFC is used for in a phone, what it is and what is the use of it.
NFC - use case, what is it for, where to buy?
Today I want to talk about possible scenarios for using NFC technology in everyday life. Payment systems and contactless payments are good, but in addition to the use cases imposed by market leaders, NFC can also be used in your own tasks. This is my personal experience and only my thoughts on this issue. Only the idea is important. How to use it is another question.
NFC technology(abbreviation for Near Field Communication) allows you to exchange data between your smartphone and other NFC-enabled Android phones using the Android Beam feature. The main feature of this technology is its short range (up to 10 cm), allowing contactless data exchange between devices located on the short distances: for example, between the reading terminal and cell phone or a plastic smart card. For example, you can transfer web addresses, map positions, applications from Google Play Market and contacts to other phones running Android OS. Among other things, it is possible to exchange photos, music and videos between phones Sony Xperia. As a user of a smartphone of this line, I will tell you using his example. Although other companies producing high-tech products are also actively involved in the development and implementation of NFC: Google, Intel, Samsung, Nokia, Visa, MasterCard, Citigroup, Barclaycard and others.
I use NFC in my smartphone for quick synchronization with Sony MDR-1RBT bluetooth headphones or wireless sound system Sony SRSBTM8. If you have never used NFC, you can activate this function on your smartphone and attach your metro pass to see information about it on the smartphone display. In order not to confuse you, it is worth noting that NFC has a significant advantage over Bluetooth - fast connection setup time. That is, instead of the process of “pairing” 2 devices when using Bluetooth, a connection between two NFC devices is established immediately (in less than 1/10 of a second), but data (for example, an audio stream in bluetooth headphones) will still be transmitted via Bluetooth. To avoid the long “pairing” process, NFC is only used to establish connections in wireless technologies such as Bluetooth.
As you already understood, as a “carrier” of the NFC chip mobile phone(smartphone) was not chosen by chance, since the device is widespread and is always close to its owner. The latest trend in the NFC field has been the parallel development of services based on smart cards and mobile devices:
Both of the above options provide the ability to build a universal NFC ecosystem, where a smart card or smartphone with an integrated NFC chip turns into multi-purpose devices, acting as:
- means of payment (virtual wallet)
- owner identification means
- bonus card
- ticket
The NFC chip can contain large amounts of data, encrypting it if necessary. Currently, NFC solutions are already used in many areas. For example, with the help of this technology, the booking and sale of electronic tickets, payment for travel on public transport and car parking are carried out; NFC technology is also actively used in the field of services and entertainment. By analyzing the capabilities of NFC, we can confidently predict its potential demand in the field of security and access control.
Contactless infrastructure and contactless payments are already quite well developed in the public transport system, and are quickly emerging in other industries. Telecom operators, mobile device manufacturers, the banking sector and other payment systems are increasingly seeking to use contactless payments.
The most common device in the world that can fully unleash the full potential of NFC technology is undoubtedly a mobile phone. In combination with NFC, it is able to combine all the functionality of options and services that the use of smart cards can provide.
Perhaps today the widespread use of NFC seems futuristic, but in the very near future this technology will firmly enter our lives - just like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB.
Into the existing functionality of Sony smartphones c NFC technology also includes the ability to scan an NFC tag. NFC tags are small programmable information zones that can be used in shopping and advertising areas: built into posters, all kinds of billboards, as well as on product shelves in retail stores. By touching the mark, you can get Additional information: maps, web addresses and trailers.
NFC function activated when two devices supporting this technology come into contact. The maximum reading distance is about 1 cm, which avoids false triggering of the function.
How to transfer a file using NFC technology? (using the example of Xperia P)
Transfer a contact to another phone using NFC
- To view contacts on your phone, go to home screen Tap the App Screens icon, then tap the Contacts icon.
- Select the contact you want to send.
- Place the sending and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition zones touch. Once the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short sound will be heard. sound signal. A thumbnail of the contact appears.
- Upon completion of the transfer Contact Information will be saved on the receiving phone and displayed on its screen.
Broadcast music file to another phone using NFC
- Make sure both phones are turned on NFC functions and Android Beam and that the screens of both phones are active.
- To open your Walkman™ player, go to main screen , tap the Apps screen icon, and then select WALKMAN.
- Go to the tab MY MUSIC to open your media library.
- Select a music category and find the track you want to share.
- Tap a track to play it. You can then tap the Pause icon to pause the track. Transfer is possible while the track is playing or paused.
- Place your phone and the receiving phone with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition areas are touching. Once the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. A thumbnail of the track will appear.
- Tap the thumbnail to start transferring.
- Once the transfer is complete, the receiving phone will automatically start playing the music file. At the same time, the file will be saved on the receiving phone.
Note. Copyrighted items may not be able to be copied, posted or transmitted.
Transfer a photo or video to another phone using NFC
- Make sure NFC and Android Beam are enabled on both phones and that both phones' screens are active.
- To view photos and videos stored on your phone, go to main screen, tap the Apps screen icon, then select Album.
- Tap the photo or video you want.
- Place the sending and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition zones touch. Once the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. A thumbnail of the photo or video appears.
- Tap the thumbnail to start transferring.
- Once the transfer is complete, the photo or video will be displayed on the screen of the receiving phone. At the same time, the object will be saved on the receiving phone.
Transfer a web address to another phone using NFC
- Make sure NFC and Android Beam are enabled on both phones and that both phones' screens are active.
- Tap the Apps screen icon on home screen.
- To open a web browser, select Browser.
- Load the web page you want to transfer.
- Place the sending and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition zones touch. Once the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. A thumbnail of the web page appears.
- Tap the thumbnail to start transferring.
- Once the transfer is complete, the web page will be displayed on the receiving phone's screen.
