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NFC is a function that enables the exchange of data over very short distances. The technology is used primarily in smartphones, tablets or credit cards.
What is behind the NFC function
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. This is a wireless technology that you can find primarily in smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, credit cards and other portable devices.
- The NFC function enables the exchange of data over very short distances. Typically, this is less than 10 centimetres.
- The technology is based on electromagnetic induction. It allows two NFC-enabled devices to exchange data quickly and securely without a physical connection. One device can act as an active transmitter and the other as a passive receiver.
- One of the main advantages is speed. Data transfer takes place in seconds. The function is also particularly simple and no pairing or complicated setup is necessary.
- Security is also an important factor. Data transfers with NFC are limited to short distances and often encrypted. This keeps your data safe.
The applications of NFC
NFC has become established in various areas of daily life. The most common applications include:
- Contactless payment: NFC is used in mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. You hold your smartphone or NFC-enabled credit card against a payment terminal and the payment is processed in a few seconds.
- Data transfer: NFC enables the quick exchange of information between two devices. This includes, for example, sharing contacts, photos or files. To use this function, hold two NFC-enabled smartphones together.
- Public transportation and access control: NFC is used in transportation tickets, access cards, and key cards. With an NFC-enabled device or card, you can, for example, gain access to offices or homes or use public transportation.
- Smart tags: NFC tags are small chips that can be programmed to perform certain actions when they come into contact with an NFC device. Examples include setting the “Do not disturb” mode when you go to sleep or turning on the Wi-Fi.
How do you use the NFC function?
The NFC function offers a number of advantages that you can easily use with your smartphone, among other things. Depending on the model, you may need to make some settings or you can use NFC directly:
- Most modern smartphones are NFC-enabled. To activate the function on Android, go to Settings ☻ Connections or Connected Devices and turn on NFC. On newer iPhones from iPhone 6 onwards, NFC is active by default and does not require any manual activation.
- To make a contactless payment, open your preferred payment app, such as Google Pay or Apple Pay, which is linked to your online banking. Now hold your smartphone close to the NFC-enabled terminal. Authenticate yourself (via fingerprint, facial recognition or PIN, depending on the device) and the payment will be completed in a few seconds.
- To use the data transfer, NFC must be activated on both devices. Now select the file you want to transfer. Hold the devices close together until the transfer begins. A good example of this is AirDrop between two iPhones, which already works automatically.
