NFC: What’s that on the mobile phone?

Find out more about what NFC is, how you can activate NFC on iPhones and Android phones, and what advantages the technology offers you.

What does the term NFC stand for?

NFC is a standard used for wireless data transmission. The abbreviation stands for “Near Field Communication”. Thanks to NFC, suitable devices can communicate wirelessly with each other when they are close to each other; usually the distance is a few centimetres. In industry, the NFC function is used for functions such as networking devices in the so-called Internet of Things. NFC is also becoming increasingly important in the mobile communications world as it offers numerous possible applications.

How does NFC work?

The NFC function uses electromagnetic induction to transmit information wirelessly. This only works over very short distances. But this is exactly what makes the process particularly secure. The transmission is quick and easy: You hold an NFC-enabled device close to the target device, and in a matter of seconds information such as payment details or files can be transferred from one device to another. This works with a maximum transfer speed of 424 kBit/s. Compared to a fast 5G tariff from Ortel Mobile, this may not be much, but it is more than sufficient for transmitting text, numbers and code.

NFC: What’s that on the mobile phone?

Mobile phones that support NFC must be equipped with a suitable chip.

  • Android smartphones have supported NFC since the introduction of Android version 4.0 in 2011.

  • Apple has equipped its devices with an NFC chip since the iPhone 6.

If you want to set up NFC on your phone, you need to activate the chip. Once you've done that, you can use your NFC phone for a variety of practical applications that will make your everyday life even more convenient.

Enabling NFC on an iPhone

If you want to enable NFC on your iPhone, it’s very simple. It is automatically active as soon as you use Apple Pay or an app that supports NFC. If you still want to check if NFC is enabled, follow these steps:

  • Open the Wallet app on your Apple iPhone.

  • Tap the plus symbol at the top of the display.

  •  Tap “Continue”.

Do you have an iPhone X, an iPhone 8 or an older Apple iPhone with NFC? Then you first have to download and install “NFC for iPhone” from the Apple App Store. You can then also use the NFC transmission standard on your model.    

 

Enabling NFC on an Android phone

For Android smartphones, the process varies depending on the model and manufacturer. However, most Android devices offer an easy way to enable the feature:

  • Open the “Settings” of your Android smartphone.

  • Select the option “Connections” or “Network & Internet”.

  • Look for the menu item “NFC” and activate it.

Tip: With the quick settings function, you can activate NFC even faster. To do this, swipe from top to bottom on the home screen of your Android smartphone. You will then see the NFC symbol – either as a lettering with four radio waves or as an N in a box. Tap the icon to activate the feature without going through Settings.

 

What can I use NFC for?

NFC offers numerous practical applications that can make your life easier. For example, you can

  • Pay with NFC: One of the best-known applications of NFC is contactless payment. You can use your NFC phone to pay in shops, at vending machines and on many public transports without a credit card, debit card or cash by holding your smartphone near the reader.
  • Transfer data from one phone to another: You can use NFC to quickly exchange files such as photos or contacts between two NFC-enabled smartphones. This is especially useful if you don't have an internet connection on site.
  • Control your smart home with your NFC phone: An increasing number of smart home devices use NFC. Using NFC and suitable devices, you can, for example, turn lights on and off or dim them, regulate the heating, or be informed when the washing machine is finished.
  • Use your phone as a car key: Many car manufacturers now equip the door handles of their vehicles with NFC chips. Using an app, the driver can register their smartphone in the car and use it as a digital car key. This even works in underground car parks, because NFC does not depend on a mobile network.
  • Use travel tickets and other passes: With NFC, you can store digital tickets on your smartphone in many cities and simply have them scanned when you board. Some organisers now rely on so-called NFC digital tickets. These passes, also known as mobile tickets, are stored on the mobile phone and allow users contactless access to events.
  • Use NFC for online identification if you have a current ID card in credit card format.
  • Pair Bluetooth-enabled devices even more conveniently: Many modern wireless speakers and headphones now offer not only Bluetooth but also NFC. The actual connection between such devices is established via Bluetooth. But so-called NFC tags ensure that you don't have to go through annoying menus or settings and enter a connection key.

 

What are NFC tags?

NFC tags are small, passive chips that store information and can be read with suitable devices. They do not require their own power source and are often offered as stickers or in the form of small cards. NFC tags can be used in a variety of ways to automate routine tasks in everyday life. You can trigger actions with a simple touch without manually navigating device settings. For example, you can

  • Program an NFC tag in the car that automatically activates Bluetooth and mobile data when touched with your smartphone to stream music
  • Place an NFC tag on your desk in the office that mutes your phone or activates a specific work mode

What you need for your own NFC tags

To create your own NFC tags, all you need is an NFC-enabled smartphone, blank NFC tags and a special app. You can get tags from local electronics stores or online shops; they usually only cost a few cents. You also need an app such as “NFC Tools”, which allows you to program NFC tags. And don’t worry: You don't have to be an IT expert!

Creating NFC tags step by step

You can create your own NFC tags on both an Apple iPhone or a mobile phone with an Android operating system. To do so, proceed as follows:

  • Install the NFC app: Download an app that supports programming NFC tags from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Prepare the NFC tag: Make sure the NFC tag is empty and you can use it for your purposes.
  • Describe the tag: Open the app and select the action you want to assign to the NFC tag (e.g. connect to Wi-Fi, switch the smartphone to silent, open a website).
  • Program the tag: Hold the smartphone close to the NFC tag to transfer the action.
  • Test the tag: Touch the NFC tag with your smartphone to ensure that the action you programmed is carried out as desired.

 

Paying with an NFC: How it works

One of the most important applications of NFC is contactless payment. You can now pay via NFC in many shops. It works like this:

  • Deposit payment method: First, you need to add a payment method in your wallet app. The options include mobile payment services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or similar apps. Follow the instructions to add your credit or debit card. Make sure that the payment service you choose works with your bank.
  • Enable NFC: As described above, you need to make sure that NFC is enabled on your smartphone.
  • Make payment: Hold your NFC-enabled smartphone near the NFC reader at the checkout. You may be asked to confirm the transaction using your fingerprint, PIN or Face ID.
  • Confirm payment: The payment is processed. Once it is completed, you will receive a confirmation on your smartphone.

There are good reasons for paying with NFC. You benefit from

  • Time savings: Paying with NFC is usually faster than with traditional payment methods. You can simply hold your smartphone to the reader and don't have to look for cards. You usually only have to enter a PIN for amounts over 50 euros.
  • Convenience: You have all your payment methods in one place. So you no longer need to carry a wallet around with you.
  •   Hygiene: Paying with NFC is quick and contactless. This combination reduces the risk of pathogens being transmitted during the payment process.
  • Security: When paying, a code is generated that is only valid for the transaction in question. This reduces the risk of fraud.

 

Near Field Communication: The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Whether in your own home or out and about: If you activate the NFC chip in your mobile phone, you will open up numerous practical usage possibilities. Essentially, there are no reasons not to set up the NFC function on your device. Below we have clearly listed the main advantages and the few limitations for you.

Advantages of NFC

  • Easy to use: NFC does not require complicated setup. You hold your smartphone near to another device and the connection is established immediately.
  • Speed: The information transmission via NFC takes only a few seconds. This is a major advantage, especially when paying with NFC.
  • Security: The range of NFC is limited to a few centimetres. The risk of data being intercepted is low. When paying larger amounts, you often have to confirm the transaction with a fingerprint or PIN.
  • Energy efficiency: NFC consumes very little energy compared to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This has a positive effect on the battery life of your smartphone.

Disadvantages of NFC

  • Limited range: Although the short range increases security, it can be impractical in some situations. The devices have to be very close to each other to transmit data.
  • Limited availability: Not all stores or systems support NFC. Therefore, in some situations you may need to resort to other payment methods.
  • Dependence on NFC-enabled devices: Not every smartphone has the NFC function. To use NFC, you need an NFC-enabled smartphone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NFC secure?

Is NFC the same as RFID?

How do NFC and Bluetooth differ?

Can I use NFC without an internet connection?

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