Everything You Need to Know About Your Android’s NFC Chip

PDF download Download Article
A beginner’s guide to NFC on an Android phone or tablet
PDF download Download Article

Are you wondering what the NFC option means on your Android? NFC is a wireless feature that allows your Android to connect to and securely exchange data with nearby devices. NFC is most commonly associated with making touch-free payments but has many other uses. Read on to learn everything you need to know about NFC on your Android, including the best ways to use it, and whether you should turn it off.

NFC on Android: Fast Facts

NFC on your Android allows your phone to securely communicate and exchange data with other devices at a very close range (4 cm). You can use NFC to make contactless payments with Samsung Pay or Google Pay, share photos and videos, pair devices, read NFC smart tags, and more.

Section 1 of 5:

What is NFC?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your Android can use NFC technology to communicate with other devices that are very close by (4 cm or less). [1] The most common way to use NFC on an Android is to make contactless payments, connect to some screenless devices, or transfer content with a tap.
    • NFC is a refined form of RFID with a lower transmission range. Whereas RFID works over a large range, NFC needs a close range of a few centimeters or touch to work.
    • Because NFC requires such a close range, it's considered more secure than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

What is NFC used for?

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can take many forms, including:
    • Wireless and contactless payments, including sending or receiving money with Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Square
    • Transferring files with Android Beam, Nearby Share, or Samsung Quick Share
    • Reading NFC tags containing advertisements, App Clips, or smart business cards
    • Checking in at certain locations, such as at a concert or the gym
      • You can also make your own NFC tags if you want to automate some things, like starting a Spotify playlist when you scan an NFC tag.
    • Gaming (think QR-codeless Nintendo's Amiibos )
    • Unlocking smart locks, like those in some hotel chains
    • Tracking items
    • Paying contactless public transit fares
Section 3 of 5:

Does my Android have NFC?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're unsure, you can open your Android's Settings and search for "NFC." If you find an NFC toggle, your Android supports NFC.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

How to Turn On NFC on Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. The menu options for turning on NFC might be worded differently for various phones, but you can always search in Settings for "NFC" if you can't navigate through the menus.
    • You can also swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel and turn on NFC by tapping the icon.
  2. It's next to a blue Wi-Fi icon.
    • You'll see this option on a Samsung phone, but it may be called "Connection preferences" or "Connection & sharing" on some other devices.
  3. This is next to a toggle and will open more options.
  4. Once NFC is on, you can start using NFC with GPay and Samsung Pay . [3]
    • Keep your payment information safe and secure by only using NFC tags that you trust. Avoid using NFC with vendors you don't know.
    5. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Should NFC be on or off?

PDF download Download Article
  1. NFC doesn't significantly drain your battery like other Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so there's no harm in leaving it on. The NFC chip in your Android only activates when it comes in close contact with an NFC reader (like a card reader with Google Pay) or another NFC chip (as if you're sharing data with another device).
    • Unlike other technologies, your personal information cannot be skimmed with NFC since it has such a small range. You'd have to knowingly tap your phone to something for the NFC to trigger.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Widgets on Android
      How to
      Check What Android Version You Have
      How to
      Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
      4 Simple Ways to Turn Off Safe Mode on Any Android
      3 Ways to Unlock an Android Tablet
      How to
      Find Your Phone Number on Android
      How to
      Block All Incoming Calls on an Android Phone
      How to
      Connect Android Phone to Computer
      How to
      Copy an Entire Text Conversation on Android
      How to
      Hide Apps on Android
      How to
      Change Number of Rings on Android
      6 Ways to Fix "Insufficient Storage Available" on an Android
      How to
      Disable Parental Controls on Android
      A Guide to Copying and Pasting with the Android Clipboard
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/nfc
      2. ↑ https://sentryinteractive.com/solutions/software/nfc-vs-bluetooth/
      3. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-is-nfc-and-how-do-i-use-it/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 238 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement