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

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A beginner’s guide to NFC on an Android phone or tablet
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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?

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    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]
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Section 2 of 5:

What is NFC used for?

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    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?

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    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.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Turn On NFC on Android

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    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.
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    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.
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    This is next to a toggle and will open more options.
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    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.
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Section 5 of 5:

Should NFC be on or off?

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    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.

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      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/

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