Near Field Communication (NFC) is quite handy for transferring data between two devices.
Whether you want to send photos, videos, files or make a payment, NFC can make it easy.
But how does it work and how do you use it? We’ll explain the important things you need to know about using NFC.
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What is NFC and how to use NFC on Android?
The name of the technology reveals how it actually works.
You have two NFC-capable devices, and they are able to communicate with each other if they are close to each other (i.e. «near» each other’s «fields»). Communication occurs via radio frequencies.
In the mobile scene, NFC is marketed primarily as a data exchange tool and as a payment method.
The presence of NFC on an Android device also allows the same device to read and/or write to programmable NFC tags.
Unlike Bluetooth, NFC does not require any manual pairing or device discovery to transfer data.
With NFC, the connection is automatically initiated when another NFC device enters that pre-specified four-inch range.
Once within range, the two devices communicate instantly and send alerts to the user.
There is enormous potential with NFC. Here are three main ways we already use NFC between devices.
Do you have NFC?
NFC is available on almost all high-end and many mid-range phones, but not all mid-range and low-end phones.
One way to check if your phone has NFC is to look for the NFC imprint, which is usually found on the back of the device.
Also, and more simply, you can check your phone’s settings menu:
1. On your Android device, tap on «Settings.»
2. Select «Connected Devices.»
3. Select «Connection Preferences.»
4. You should see the «NFC» options.
If you can’t find them, open the settings menu, tap the icon or search box at the top and type «NFC». If your phone has it, the NFC option will appear.
Configure in my device the NFC
If your device has NFC, the chip must be activated so you can use NFC and to activate it we have to do the following:
1. Configuring and activating NFC mostly depends on how your mobile brand has modified the Android operating system and its customization layer.
In most brands it is as easy as swiping down your home screen, as this is where the quick shortcuts of the notifications screen are.
This way you just have to press the icon with the NFC symbol to activate or deactivate it and be configured to work.
2. If not, you will have to click on the gear icon that you can find at the top right of the screen, and enter the System Settings menu.
You look for «Connection and Sharing» or something like Wireless and Networking.
After this you go down until you find an NFC activation key, clicking on it will activate it.
When can I use Mobile Nfc on Android?
There are many situations where you can use the Nfc of your phone or smartphone on Android, these are the most important ones;
1. Send a photo
Snapchat is not the only way to quickly send a lewd or not lewd photo to someone, you can also use NFC. Open the photo you want to send in your favorite image viewer and put the phones together.
When is it useful?
When you’re next to someone who wants a photo you have on your phone.
2. Send a document
This can be a bit of a complicated process. For example, if you try to send a PDF document that you are reading, it will most likely stream the PDF viewer app instead of the PDF file itself.
In these cases, you have to use Android Beam. Navigate to the file you want to share, tap the three caps (hamburger) icon, tap Share and then select Android Beam. You can now join the devices together.
When is it useful?
When you want someone to have a copy of a document and you don’t want it to go over the network in general.
3. Direct someone to your new favorite app.
«Hey, that weather app looks really cool, what is it?» just let me press my phone on yours and you’ll find out.
Yes, with NFC you can direct your fellow Android fans directly to the Play Store to download your favorite apps or games.
While you’re using the app or game at the time, NFC will direct the recipient to the app’s Google Play page.
When is it useful?
When someone sees you playing a great Android game and wants to get in on the action.
4. Send a phone number.
«Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, so here’s my number, via NFC» as the hit song of yesteryear goes.
NFC is the simplest way to give a person your numbers because you don’t have to type in any numbers.
Just go to a contact in your address book (it can be yours or someone else’s) and tap your phone to reach the recipient’s phone. When the phone says «tap to transmit», you just tap the screen.
When is it useful?
When you’re too drunk to type numbers.
5. Send directions
There are many times when you are required to explain directions to someone, but with NFC you don’t have to.
Use Google Maps to create some directions and then tap your phone against another. Very cool.
When is it useful?
Well, it’s not useful when you’re directing someone to your location.
They’d already have to be right next to you to complete the transfer….
6. Make a payment
NFC can also be used to make mobile payments from your smartphone or smartwatch.
Download Google Pay via the following link, add your credit or debit card details and use it at any store with a contactless payment terminal.
7. Launch an app on someone else’s phone.
If you’re using an app or playing a game that’s already installed on another device, you can launch it for them.
Let’s say you’re using Google Photos and your friend wants to see their photos too, but can’t find that app: tap the phones together and do it.
When is this useful?
Well, the use cases for this are pretty limited; it’s more for fun than anything else. Unless a person has a million apps and can’t find the one they need, but you can.
When you have guests over, don’t give them your Wi-Fi password. Instead, use an NFC tag to share it. This method is more secure since your guests won’t know the password.
9. Program NFC Tags
NFC tags are small devices that can be programmed to do specific things when swiped.
For example, program these devices to perform simple actions such as activating the wireless connection, launching apps depending on their location, dimming the phone screen at bedtime, turning off notifications, or setting alarms and timers.
You can also configure more complicated processes such as PC startup.
Programming an NFC tag is easy and you’ll need to download an app to do so. Many are available in the Google Play Store.
You can also embed an NFC tag in your business cards so that new contacts can save your information in the blink of an eye.
