Data on nfc. What is NFC in a smartphone and why is it needed? Transferring information from one Android device to another using Android Beam

AT recent times you can increasingly hear the mention of a certain NFC technology in the context electronic payments via smartphone. Many use it without knowing either the name or the principle of operation. There are a lot of rumors around NFC regarding the security of personal data, Money and sometimes health. It is to explain these questions that this article was written.

NFC in the phone - what it is, how it works and where it is used

Deciphering the abbreviation NFC is literally translated into Russian as "near contactless communication." From the name, one can immediately conclude that one of the main features of NFC is that data is transmitted at a very close distance, up to 10 cm. Of course, nothing prevents the exchange of information at a distance of several centimeters via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but here it is worth understanding the details .

The principle of operation of NFC is based on the phenomenon of magnetic field induction, through which a short-range high-frequency data transmission between two devices at a frequency of 13.56 MHz is realized.

One reason for the existence of this technology is the need for security. It is logical that it is purely physically difficult to "break" a contact occurring in a small area, unlike the rest wireless connections. But what is the use of such technology if it cannot be used to communicate with a device even ten meters away? It's simple: NFC has a completely different focus. From the obvious - contactless payment by bringing the smartphone to the terminal. But this is far from the only area in which NFS can be used.

Examples of using the NFC chip:

  1. Transfer media files, contacts or settings between smartphones.
  2. Cashless payment. Perhaps the most popular use of the system, which is widely used in Russia. There are also various options: paying for travel, providing personal data by touch, etc.
  3. Reading information. NFC tags in smart cards and other objects allow you to instantly enter information into your smartphone, for example, from a business card. NFC chips are small enough to be embedded in almost any item.
  4. Some Sony TVs have a function one touch Mirroring, which allows you to display video from the phone's memory on the TV screen.
  5. Access control to various services or objects where a device with an NFC chip is used instead of a key.

The first phone equipped with NFC appeared back in 2006 (Nokia 6131), but the mass similar devices received only in recent years, and now NFC can be found not only in flagships, but also in models of the middle price segment, and even budget smartphones.

Benefits of NFC

  • Instant connection. NFC allows devices to connect without additional manipulations, entering settings and other things, it is enough to bring two gadgets with NFC chips to each other.
  • Safety. As already mentioned, the short range greatly complicates the process of hacking, but this does not mean that NFC does not have other means of protection. In addition, having lost a bank card, the risk of losing money on it is much higher than in the case of losing a phone, where funds are protected not only by a password, but also by the need to confirm access to the gadget itself.
  • Ease of use. You can add several bank cards to the smartphone’s memory at once and pay with them from one device, in addition, NFC works not only with bank cards, but also with transport and discount cards.

Which devices support NFC

Majority modern smartphones has support for this technology, but old or completely budget solutions may be deprived of it. Some manufacturers put the name of the technology on the surface of the device case, but there are more effective way check if it is in your smartphone:

  1. Open the device settings menu.
  2. Go to " Wireless networks” or “Connected Devices”.
  3. Open More.
  4. Find the NFC item.

And of course, you can always just google the name of your smartphone by adding NFC next to it, and everything will become clear.

How to pay by phone

The most popular way will be discussed here. using NFC- card emulation. Using emulation, you can create a virtual duplicate of the card and pay from your phone, as if from MasterCard PayPass or Visa Paywave cards, which are simply applied to the terminal to debit funds.

Smartphones with an NFC chip running Android OC make contactless payments using android apps Pay, which can be downloaded from Play market at the following link. Samsung phones work with a proprietary application Samsung Pay, which is usually pre-installed in the operating system out of the box. The principle of operation of both applications is completely identical.

A user who has never used a password, gesture, or fingerprint unlock device by running Android Pay will be forced to establish secure access to the device for the first time. This is a prerequisite for using contactless payment.

How to use Android Pay:


If you have connected more than one card, then you must first select the one that will be used for payment, if it is not set by default. Transactions are confirmed at the time of unlocking the smartphone using a code, pattern or fingerprint scanner. Payments in the amount of more than a thousand rubles, at the request of the seller, may need to be confirmed by entering a PIN code from bank card in the terminal or signature.

For quick access to NFC, pin the activation icon for this function in the notification shade so as not to look for it in the wilds of settings every time you need to pay.

How to pay with a smartphone in the subway or bus? This is done in a similar way: we launch Android Pay, confirm authorization and pay for the trip by touching the smartphone to the turnstile. In the same way, you can pay for admission to museums, exhibitions and similar places, without having to stand in line for a ticket.

Sharing data and files via NFC

Android Beam (or Samsung Beam on devices from the same manufacturer) is used to transfer files from smartphone to smartphone via NFC. Let's figure out how to send files via NFC:


Similarly, you can transfer other information, such as a list of contacts, which makes life much easier when switching from an old smartphone to a new one.

Conclusion

Since most smartphones have long been equipped with an NFC module, today the basis for changing the system of electronic payments is being formed. And despite the rather high popularity of NFC as a payment method, the demand for this technology (relative to its potential) is very small. In the future, NFC may become an integral part of our lives, as smartphones themselves once did, since it is really convenient to pay with your phone.

Initially, Near Field Communication technology ( NFC) has gained maximum distribution as a technology for making contactless payments. You can use a smart card with an embedded NFC chip as a public transport ticket, as a payment card in retail establishments, as a smart business card or as a contactless key card.

However, in recent times, this technology has been increasingly used in devices such as smartphones and tablets: almost all major manufacturers began equipping their mid-range and high-end models with NFC adapters.

What is NFC?

If we translate the name of the Near Field Communication technology from English, we get the phrase "near field communication", which can be deciphered into ordinary language as wireless communication over short distances. Thus, we see that two NFC-enabled devices can communicate with each other when they are nearby. And indeed - the "range" of NFC is only a few centimeters.

In mobile devices, NFC technology can be used for various purposes. You can, for example, turn your phone into a virtual bank card, use it as a pass to a pool or a business. You can also quickly share files and links, and even, using special applications, read and write information to programmable NFC tags or NFC smart cards.

AT operating system Android, NFC support appeared in android versions 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - Its built-in Beam feature allows you to share files between devices.

Why do you need NFC if you already have Bluetooth?

As you remember, NFC is most often used when paying for various goods or services, and in this case, Bluetooth is not quite suitable. Firstly, because of its large range (there is a possibility of interception of your payment data). And secondly, the connection between two NFC devices, unlike Bluetooth, occurs almost instantly.

Does your device support NFC?

Not all phones and tablets have NFC adapters. Does your tablet support NFC? How to check if it exists?

Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, place the Near Field Communication logo directly on the battery of their smartphones, while others, such as Sony, place the NFC logo on the device.

However, the easiest way to check for an NFC adapter in your phone or tablet is through its settings menu:

Go to the settings menu of your Android device

In the "Wireless networks" section, click "More ..."

Here you should see the NFC settings items:

NFC activation

If your tablet or phone has an NFC adapter, you need to allow it to be used to exchange data between other NFC devices.

Go to Settings -> Wireless networks -> More...

Check the box "allow data exchange when combining the tablet with another device"

This will automatically turn on android function Beam.

If Android Beam doesn't turn on automatically, just tap on it and choose "Yes" to turn it on.

When Android Beam is disabled, it limits the ability to share NFC data between smartphones or tablets.

Sharing data using NFC

Once you have activated NFC, you can use it to transfer data. For successful data exchange between tablets and phones, please note the following:

Both the sending and receiving devices must have NFC enabled and Android Beam enabled.

None of the devices should be in sleep mode or have a locked screen.

When you bring two devices close enough to each other, you will hear sound signal, indicating that the devices have found each other.

Do not separate the devices until the data transfer is complete and you hear a successful beep.

Data transfer via NFC

Place the back panels of the devices against each other.

Wait until confirmation appears that both devices have found each other and the sender's screen shows "click to send data":

Click on the screen and the data transfer will start:

You will hear an audible confirmation, both at the beginning and at the end of the data transfer.

Application Sharing

With NFC, you cannot exchange APK files. Instead, the sending device sends the other device a link to this app on Google Play Market, and the recipient opens a page in the Market offering to install it.

Web page sharing

Just like in the previous case, the web page is not transferred from one device to another, but only a link to it is exchanged, which the recipient tablet or phone opens in its web browser.

Exchange youtube video

Again, when sharing a YouTube video, there is no transfer of the file itself - just a second device will open the same video on the YouTube site.

Using NFC tags.

In addition to sharing information between tablets and phones, you can use your device to read (and write) data from NFC tags and smart cards equipped with an NFC chip.

NFC chips are small enough that they can be embedded anywhere - in business cards, bracelets, product labels, stickers, price tags and other items. They can contain information about a person, a URL, information about a product, and even commands that your phone or tablet will have to execute when you tap these tags.

To read data from NFC tags (or to write information to them), you will, of course, need a special application.

For example, using the Yandex.Metro program, you can find out how many trips are left on a one-time Moscow Metro card, and the NFC App Launcher program will allow you to program your phone or tablet to perform certain actions by placing the relevant information in an NFC tag.

Conclusion

Most of today's Android phones and tablets are already equipped with NFC adapters, but so far this feature has little demand and its use is still limited, mainly by the ability to quickly share content and contactless payment for services. However, in the future, NFC can penetrate into all areas of our lives, sometimes even completely unexpected ones.

Technologies do not stand still, every day there are new additions, functions in the phone that make its operation more comfortable and efficient.

NFC (Near field communication - “proximity field communication”) - technology wireless communication high frequency, created for the exchange of information between devices. It works in the same way as the now obsolete infrared port.

This technology is not at all new, as it might seem at first glance. Its announcement took place in 2004. It was created by the joint efforts of Nokia, Sony and Philips.

It didn't have much effect on society back then. Some see the reason that Apple is the main driver of new technologies. mobile communications, did not recognize this technology.

What is NFC in a smartphone and why is it needed?

NFC is considered a branch of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology. This is a technology that is based on the same idea - the use of radio waves to receive and transmit information. At the same time, NFC technology has two pleasant differences:

Phone with nfc performs two-way data transfer (RFID only in one direction);

Supports much more data.

First mobile device with NFC support appeared back in 2006. It turned out to be smartphone NOKIA 6131. ​​But due to the lack of infrastructure - special terminals, NFC tags, the technology has not gained much popularity.

NFC in the phone

nfc functions in the phone

There are 3 main purposes of nfc in the phone:

  1. Carrying out contactless payments. A phone with an NFC module is designed to read and emulate (that is, simulate work without losing functionality for making a payment) your bank card, identity card. This payment method is convenient because it is always at hand. You can easily leave a card or wallet at home, but most people never part with their phone. In order for this to work, you need to have three conditions: a smartphone with an NFC chip, special program for payment and storage of your data: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay or any other payment system, you need to enter the payment details from the card into it, and the system does everything else automatically, the terminal in the store that accepts contactless payment.
  2. Data transfer (peer-to-peer). In this way, you can connect two devices to transmit this or that information. For example: transfer Wi-fi settings to mobile phone or tablet. You can also print photos by bringing the camera to the printer (the only condition is that both devices support the NFC function).
  3. 3. Scan mode. In this case, the device acts as a reader for NFC tags that carry various information. For example, you can get all the necessary data about food products (for example, about a carton of milk - the date and place of manufacture, composition, expiration date) just by bringing your smartphone to a special label. It is located on the box (like a barcode, but easier to read information). It must be remembered that for correct operation nfc in the phone, this function must be enabled.

You can also find such tags on smart posters and posters. Bringing a smartphone to them, you can get all necessary information about the event or view interactive ads.

NFC technology is developing rapidly and enters different spheres of life. Also, the NFC module for the phone is actively used:

  • file transfer (photo and music);
  • electronic key (NFC technology for accessing confidential data);
  • identity card (NFC-chip with information about the owner);
  • transfer of funds (by touching smartphones to each other);
  • NFC tags (to save information: address, phone, bank hours).
  • electronic ticket purchase;
  • travel cards;
  • mobile trading;
  • electronic money;
  • initialization of wireless connections.

Pay with NFC on your phone

Most The best way– contactless payment using a bank card that has a built-in NFC antenna. When making a purchase, the amount will be automatically withdrawn upon contact with the terminal.

You can also use your phone as a bank card. The payment scheme is as follows: bring the smartphone to the terminal, and the payment will be made.

Making a payment

So, now it has become clear what nfc is for.

You also need to list the positive qualities of the technology.

Pros and cons

NFC has its pros and cons. It is worth evaluating them in order to understand whether such a function is needed for this phone.

Advantages:

  • eliminates the loss and interception of data;
  • convenient way to transfer financial data;
  • Unlike bluetooth work, device connection time is almost instantaneous;
  • low energy consumption;
  • the chip is very small, it can be used in a wide variety of items;

Embedded chip

  • the average frequency, which allows you to send and receive data using radio signals, not only from active, but also passive devices, is a frequency of 13.56 MHz;
  • allows you to establish instant communication;
  • works without powering any of the devices (switched off phone credit smart card).

Flaws:

  • Short range: data transmission is possible at a distance of no more than 10 cm.
  • Oddly enough, this same minus is also a plus, since the short range guarantees that the signal will not be intercepted. In general, nfc was created for this, because in bluetooth phone also transmits a signal, but it propagates too far.
  • Not available on every smartphone. We are also solving this issue, the number of models that support this technology is constantly increasing.
  • To pay using NFC, you need a terminal, but it is not available everywhere, especially if the owner of the phone lives in a small village.

Safety

Contactless payment

After learning about the possibility of paying by phone, some may ask how safe it is.

Don't worry about anyone being able to steal. All information about the cards is not stored on the phone or SD card, but on a special chip embedded in the smartphone itself.

To create it, the same technology is used that is used in bank cards of the EMV standard. This standard was developed jointly by Europay, Visa and MasterCard in order to maximize the security of financial transactions.

During operation, they themselves encrypt the data, carrying out the authentication process and making payment transactions.

How the technology works

The NFC system is very complex, it is better to discuss it briefly and concisely.

There are two operating modes for the device:

  1. Active. There are two induction coils that must be attached to each device used. form a magnetic field and electricity, it turns into a signal. Devices in turn send electromagnetic fields, making their exchange.
  2. Passive. In this mode, one phone creates a field, and the second one receives it. Bank and other cards work in this way.

Please note that when the phone is locked or in sleep mode, the data transfer will be interrupted.

To get started, connect the devices with the back sides, bringing them as close to each other as possible. Hearing sound notification, allow data transfer.

Connecting data devices

Usage features:

This technology with open platform, has been standardized in ECMA-340 and ISO/IEC 18092.

The standards define:

  • transmission speed;
  • modulation schemes;
  • radio frequency structure of the device interface;
  • initialization schemes and conditions that are required to control conflict situations during the initialization process;
  • protocol for transmission, activation and data exchange.

NFC integrates many of the standards that have existed before. These also include ISO 14443, ISO 15693.

In addition, the NFC Forum created NDEF, a generic data format that can be used to store and transfer data elements (from a MIME object to ultra-short RTD documents like URLs).

NDEF is a compressed binary format in which each entry contains a different object class. The type of the first report determines the context of the entire message.

Data transfer

There are two types of coding for this:

  • modified Miller code with 100% modulation (relevant for information transmission at a rate of 106 kbaud);
  • Manchester (used in all other cases).

The data is quite easy to destroy by means of electronic warfare (jammers). It is difficult to prevent such an action, but it will result in the communication being terminated. Otherwise, no harm can be done in this way.

Supporting Devices

In addition to the above functions, NFC can pair many devices with the phone with one touch. In general, the list is very large, you can consider some of them:

  • column
  • bluetooth headphones;
  • door lock;
  • television.

NFC instead of a door key

It is clear that at the same time the objects support this function.

There is a more mundane way to apply this technology. Suppose the owner of the phone needs the smartphone to automatically launch the navigator in the car, get directions to work, turn on Bluetooth, turn on music and turn off Wi-Fi.

NFC technology - what is it, why did it appear in our lives, and do you really need a smartphone with this mysterious technology? We understand today on the page of our portal.

What is the thing and what is it eaten with?

So, let's go: NFC in the phone, what is it and how to use it? NFC is a wireless communication method, literally translated from English as "near communication" - Near field communication. This technology "came out" in 2004. (at the time of this writing, this is neither more nor less - (!); 15 years ago! However, it is safe to say that popularity came to her only 2-3 years ago.

The main scope of this technology is payments, then in popularity - reading information embedded in tags, and less often - data exchange. So, it is precisely because of the lack of payment terminals that supports contactless payment at first NFC function did not gain popularity.

What about today? According to a study by Alfa-Bank, in 2018, every ninth non-cash payment transaction was carried out using NFC (which is 5 times more than, for example, in 2017). Experts predict that in 2019 every sixth payment will be made with help NFC-module. 👍


Plus, phones with an NFC chip at the beginning of their history were no longer cheap at all, and Chinese manufacturers (whose smartphones are relatively inexpensive) generally ignored the emergence of such technology in the beginning. However, over time, the situation has changed radically, every year more and more people use the technology.

We have collected for you a small statistics of sales of phones with NFC in Russia (according to the Svyaznoy company).

Advantages :

  • almost instantaneous connection establishment (0.1 sec);
  • relatively inexpensive cost (here, by the way, someone can argue, because according to the data for 2018, the average cost of a smartphone with NFC was neither more nor less than 27,500 rubles);
  • compact size of the chip itself;
  • high level security (unlike Bluetoth).
  • easy setup(we will give instructions below).

Flaws:

  • very low speed transfers;
  • small radius of action (up to 10 centimeters), although this can be considered a plus, because this ensures the security of payments. The operation will take place only if the phone is tightly attached to the POS-terminal.

Payment by phone: setting up NFC

NFC module in a smartphone is most often used to pay for purchases. Perhaps this is the opportunity I use every day. You do not need to take your wallet with you, remember about the card, because the phone is always with you. Setting up NFC on your phone is very easy!

Please note that the card that you plan to link to your phone must be marked Paypass, which means "contactless payment". If there is no such mark on your card, you should contact the bank to reissue the card.

Now I show you step by step how to set up NFC (nfc) for payment on your phone and link a card.

  • If your phone is on Android system, You must first enable the NFC function on your phone. To do this, go to "Settings" - "Wireless networks". If you have an iPhone, you can skip this step, NFC is enabled by default there.
  • Iphone owners - you will need to go to the Wallet application (it is by default). If we talk about Androids, everything is the same there. For example, in Samsung immediately there is the SamsungPay application). Click on the plus in the upper right corner). By the way, I talked about it separately.
  • Let's start the process of adding a map. In the form that appears, add all the card data.
  • Next, click "Accept".

Contactless payment apps will definitely remind you to lock your phone with a PIN code to secure your finances.

That's all. Thinking about how to use nfc on your phone to pay in a store? Yes, nowhere is easier - you just put your phone to the payment terminal and confirm the operation with your fingerprint. True, for the first payment for the purchase by phone, I still took the card with me.

Fraud and other horror stories about NFC

Everything new is always scary and many still do not use contactless payments. consider this method unsafe. But let's think together - is it much safer to carry money in your pocket or a card? Of course not, just more familiar!

Even if sadness happens and the phone is stolen, it will not be possible to make a payment without you. After all, to make any payment via NFC, you need a fingerprint (Touch ID) or a face scan (Face ID). Yes! I also heard stories about a severed finger, but these are “tales” - nothing more :). I have not found a single confirmed case at the time of writing.

But if a card with a contactless payment function is stolen, the risk of losing money is higher, but it is limited to 1000 rubles. It is this limit of transactions that do not require a PIN code that is set in Russia. This is what scammers use in crowded places. The principle can be understood from the photo below. But again, the theft will be up to 1000 at a time.

NFC for data transfer

In addition to the possibility of payment, the NFC chip in the smartphone also allows you to transfer data. The opportunities for transmission are, of course, small. You can transfer only small files, links, in general, everything that you usually send via the Internet or, in extreme cases, Bluetooth. Moreover, as I wrote above, to transfer using NFC, you need to attach the phones very close to each other. In addition, you still need to install the application.

NFC differs from Bluetooth in several ways:

  1. Connecting via NFC is almost instantaneous. It is for this reason that the technology is used to emulate a bank card;
  2. Very, very small range. As we have already said, this is both a plus (provides more security), but also a minus - it may not always be convenient.
  3. The NFC sensor may be active even if the main device is turned off.

To be honest, I have never used NFC to transfer any files or information, although the NFC module is present in my smartphone, I just don’t understand why it is needed, if there is Mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, but this is my subjective opinion.

Reading information using NFC

Another area of ​​application of this technology, which, by the way, is gaining momentum, but so far seems to be a distant future - NFC tags. They can encrypt absolutely any information, and be considered by any device with an NFC module. This is something like a QR code that is scanned by a mobile camera and then information appears on your phone that was included in this code. (I wrote more about and even how to create them separately)

The NFC tag is a very tiny chip. Thanks to its compact size, it can be placed anywhere, even implanted into the human body, and such cases already exist.

Today, there are about 50,000 people worldwide who implanted NFC tags. Someone can not think if he took the keys to the house or his garage. There are also those who encrypt the data of their work pass, passport or medical card into the label. Imagine: I drove up to the barrier, put my hand - it opened. No need to look for anything, your hand is always there). In Russia, for example, there is a man who implanted an NFC chip from a Troika card in his hand. Now he will definitely not lose her and will not forget her at home. Convenience or fantasy? Call it what you want, but this is today's reality. More information about in our other article.

Another way is to go through the "Settings" section. There should be at least some mention of NFC, for example, in the "Wireless Networks" section.

If you have not found anything like this, then so far this technology has bypassed you.

The NFS module for the phone is installed in the model of the middle and high price segment. For example, in recent generations Galaxy and iPhone (starting with) creators have been adding this feature for several years now. However, in most countries, the use of tags is rather poorly developed.

Where is the chip located in a mobile device?

The NFC module in the phone is placed under it back cover, near the battery. It is with this part that it is more logical to attach the phone to another device.

What gadgets are equipped with an NFC module?

Well, of course, first of all, these are smartphones, and now they are being put in more budget models and in models Chinese manufacturers. You can find a list of smartphones with NFC support.

A very handy thing is a watch with NFC. Well, imagine, standing in the store, you do not even need to look for money, or a card, or a phone - after all, the watch is always on hand. I don't think it's more convenient! The probability of theft of such a device is small, and, by the way, even if the watch is removed from the hand, it will no longer be possible to pay with it.

Fitness bracelets with NFC technology are also gaining popularity. Such a gadget on Yandex.Market costs from 2500-15000 rubles.

An NFC ring is a less familiar thing for me and I didn’t have the opportunity to test such a gadget live. To be honest, it's embarrassing that it's very easy to lose him. If someone has experience using it, please share it with us in the comments.

In conclusion, I want to say once again to those who are interested in this technology: The NFC function in the phone, in the watch, in the bracelet, and anywhere - it's really very convenient, simple and safe! I hope that my material was useful to you.

Hello dear readers of this blog. AT this material I will talk about an interesting NFC technology. Many have already heard about this new product, but it was announced in 2004. The ability is most often used in smartphones on Android based or iOS, but there are many other devices where the technology is used, we will talk about this too.

NFC (Near field communication) - translates as "near contactless communication." There are several definitions. Used to provide communication between devices over a short distance, originally intended for contactless transactions. The actual interaction distance is 10 cm.

They said about the definition, now let's go directly to the analysis of all the nuances, history and places of use.

Content:

How NFC works

It would seem that the function is very different from other wireless models, and even inferior to them. The principle of operation of NFC is that a device with a built-in module of this technology operates at a speed of approximately 400 Kbps (clearly inferior to Wi-Fi), interaction takes place at a distance of 10 cm, that is, you practically apply devices to each other, although the time connections are usually instantaneous.

The NFC module is very compact, so it can be integrated not only into smartphones, but also into watches. It does not consume much energy. For the module to work in the right direction, the device must have an antenna. On phones, it's usually on the back. Thus, contact with devices should provide instant contact. If a device with large dimensions, for example, a tablet, then it is already more difficult to find the point of interaction.

As for security, the creators did not think about it at all. Security must be implemented at the device level 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 the phone is lost or stolen, you will be to blame if you have not set at least the minimum level of protection as an unlock, 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 scenario, 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, let your imagination run wild and you can create a lot of interesting things.

By the way, I never said that the NFC function is based on RFID identification. Usually these are so-called tags that allow you to automatically identify the device using a radio signal. This feature allows you to communicate with both active devices (running on batteries) and passive devices (which do not need power).


What is the peculiarity of the technology and where is it applied

Affecting smartphones, there are several applications from of this type devices:

  • Use as payment system(binding credit cards, gift and discount cards);
  • Data transfer between two devices (remember, the distance between devices is at least 10 cm);
  • Use as user identification;
  • Bluetooth connection for data transfer;
  • Reading RFID tags to obtain any information, for example, from bulletin boards.

As already mentioned, NFC is most often used in smartphones and tablets on or iOS. The thing is that we almost never part with our phone, so embedding wireless technology was aimed primarily at mobile devices.

In the future, NFC technology will be used not only in mobile, but also in electronic keys, with a unique identifier, which, possibly, cannot be faked, when buying air 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 technology built into it. high frequency communication. From any device (for example, a phone), you can enter the appropriate label that will open the door when presented. You can look for such a little thing in Chinese online stores like Aliexpress.



Surprisingly, there are so-called smart locks. They have not only a key hole, but also a built-in NFC module. It can send a notification to your phone when you open the door (or someone tried to open it), and also if someone knocked. The lock can be connected over the network and remotely controlled. You can make 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. With it, you can transfer contact information and do not need to carry any cards with you. And it can also be used to open the same locks.

If there is no electricity in the house (and the lock is powered by it, or by 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 carry out. It is enough to link the card with an application, such as Android Pay or Samsung Pay.

Fare payment

To pay for travel in the subway or go through the turnstile, the same NFC will help you. To pay, you will need a special SIM card that supports this technology. Most likely, now most operators support it, but you 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 also 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, rather related to the compliance of standards in some devices.

What about security in devices with NFC

It has been repeatedly mentioned the use various methods unauthorized access to data via NFC. For example, in 2012, an exploit was created that allows you to inject into a smartphone malicious code and to 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 through NFC, of ​​course, with some skill, you can achieve wiretapping at a maximum distance of several meters. An important fact is that a device powered by energy is easier to listen to than a passive version.

Through experiments, a violation of the communication of devices was revealed, by jamming the signal. The 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 it easy to intercept the signal, as well as a short access time. NFC connects to the device almost instantly.

NFC - which phones have it and how to enable it

I will show with an example android phone. When buying, you probably read the specifications of the smartphone, and for sure there was a line “NFC support”. If you don't remember, you can see it in the system settings.

To get started, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. It's possible that you'll see an "NFC" option there.

If there is no function in the notification curtain, then go to the settings. I have Android 7.1.2 with the LineageOS shell, so I'll show it with an example. In chapter " Wireless networks» press the button « Yet».

We got to the section where the NFC subsection is displayed, where it can be enabled. There is also an Android Beam feature that allows you to exchange data between devices and contactless payment, where you can choose the main payment method.

How to use labels with an Android device

First you need to find NFC tags. They can be used to run any android application. For example, you are driving, and it is not convenient for you to search every time desired application and take your eyes off the road. This is where the label comes to the rescue, by attaching it to the smartphone, the application will instantly start.

To write the necessary data to the tag, you need to download the NFC ReTAG application. With it, you scan the label, 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 the small range and the minimum probability of interception will provide you with this.

In addition to the standard file transfer with using Android Beam can be passed:

  • Open link in the browser;
  • Data from Google Maps (of a specific route or place);
  • Contacts - sent without a photo;
  • Applications from Google - a link is sent;
  • Any type of files - from text to media.

Create labels

To create labels, you will need a blank, the form factor can be for every taste. Ordinary 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 information to the label?). I can suggest TagInfo or TagWriter.

The second utility can write the necessary data to the label, we will need it today. The first reads information. Anything can be written, but since the label has a very small amount (usually in bytes), some data, such as contacts, cannot always be written. 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 this application.

That's all, now you know what NFC is, which phones have it and why it is used at all. AT Everyday life might be a good help. If you have any questions, be sure to post in the comments.