Modern smartphones are high-tech devices with a huge range of features. Among them are both the usual light sensors, a bluetooth transmitter and a gyroscope, as well as quite exotic things like the face unlock option. There is a special technology in the phone - NFC. What is it and how to use it? We will definitely tell you about this very useful option. Let's start with its description and history.
What is NFC?
The abbreviation NFC comes from the English language. This is short for Near Field Communication. Literally, this translates as "near contactless communication." This technology allows devices to exchange data at higher speeds. But only within 10 centimeters.
Currently, this technology is mainly used for contactless payment. There are special terminals that canwork with these things. NFC chips are installed exclusively on flagships and mid-range smartphones. Budget-level devices are equipped with such chips very rarely.
For the first time, NFC appeared in the iPhone. Even the most advanced users did not know how to use it. But soon the manufacturers published detailed instructions. However, consider other features of NFC technology.
Advantages of this technology
Like everything else, this technology has its advantages and disadvantages. The ratio of these indicators shows how advanced this or that function is considered. And in the case of NFC, the advantages are much greater than the disadvantages.
Here they are:
- high data rate;
- the ability to save smartphone settings in NFC tags and their automated and instant application;
- possibility of contactless payment;
- option to store all payment receipts electronically;
- the ability to use an NFC card as a business card or postcard;
- transfer data between two devices using the P2P protocol;
- quick setup of NFC chip by system options;
- the ability to use NFC even if the smartphone does not have a chip (with some restrictions).
In fact, the advantages of NFC are quite a lot. But none of the smartphones can use this technology "to the fullest". On iPhones, shegenerally used exclusively for contactless payment. How to use the NFC system on the phone? We will definitely answer this question, but first we will consider the disadvantages of this technology. They are much less than the benefits.
Flaws
Don't think that the shortcomings of this technology in any way affect security or create problems when using it. It's just possible under certain circumstances. But the chance of encountering them is extremely small.
Here is a list of known issues with NFC technology:
- the maximum distance for data transmission is strictly regulated and extremely small;
- it is possible to access data during transmission by intercepting the signal (but for this you need to be at a distance of a meter from the smartphone);
- you can interrupt the transmission using a regular cellular jammer (such cases are extremely rare).
That's it. There are no more shortcomings. And now it's time to consider how to use NFC on your phone to pay. Examples with specific models will be considered.
Use on Samsung smartphones
These devices were among the first to be equipped with an NFC chip. However, there is this miracle only in flagships and devices of the middle price category. But you need to know everything about how to use NFC on a Samsung phone. This can definitely come in handy in everyday use. Consider the use of a chip fordata transfer between two smartphones. Everything is extremely simple here:
- First open the file you want to transfer.
- Now you need to combine the two devices almost back to back. Back covers. Moreover, the transmitting device must be on top.
- It will take some time to detect the connected smartphone. After the operation is completed, a notification will appear.
- To start the transfer, just tap the screen.
- An audio notification will be applied when the process is completed.
That's it. This is the answer to the question of how to use NFC on a Samsung phone. For contactless payment using this chip, you will first have to link the card to the phone. On this account, in any device there are corresponding instructions. Now consider other smartphones.
Use on Huawei smartphones
This option is not very common in Huawei phones. It is mainly equipped with flagships. But you still need to know how to use NFC on a Huawei phone. In principle, there is nothing complicated about this. The algorithm is similar to the one used in Samsung devices. You just need to first enable this same NFC.
This can be done using the following algorithm:
- Open the "Settings" menu using the corresponding icon on the smartphone's desktop.
- Move to the wireless settings block.
- There, click on the "More" item.
- Celebratingtick the item "Allow data exchange when combining a smartphone with another device".
- Next, turn on Android Beam by checking the appropriate checkbox.
- Starting data transfer.
Now NFC has been successfully activated. As for the process of data transfer on Huawei phones, it is exactly the same as on Samsung devices. Therefore, you can use the previous instruction.
Let's move on to the features of other smartphones and NFC in the phone. What is it, how to use it and why is it needed on other devices?
Use on Honor smartphones
In these budget devices, the NFC chip is present exclusively for contactless payment and interaction with tags. You cannot transfer files on Honor devices. Nevertheless, it is worth sorting out the question of how to use NFC in an Honor phone.
NFC tags are certain stickers with an embedded NFC chip that contains certain settings. With their help, you can automate some actions on your smartphone: distribute Wi-Fi, turn on the alarm, turn off the sound, and so on. But first the label needs to be programmed. This will help special applications that are in the "Market" on "Android".
So, the algorithm of actions for the operation of a smartphone with a label is as follows:
- Open the "Market" and download the application for programming tags.
- Purchasing the tag itself.
- We bring the smartphone to the label and program it using the instructions provided by the application.
- Stick the label in any convenient place.
- If you need to use it, just bring the device to the label.
That's all wisdom. Thus, you can fully automate the routine actions of managing your smartphone. A very handy thing.
However, there are other smartphones. From a well-known company that unrealistically inflates the price of their products. How are things with NFC in the phone? What is it and how to use it in the understanding of Apple? Let's try to figure it out.
Use on Apple smartphones
There is basically nothing to tell here. The fact is that the guys from Apple artificially limited the capabilities of the NFC chip in their smartphones. On iPhones, it can only be used for contactless payments. No tag work. No option to share data between smartphones.
Android smartphone owners have been using all the possibilities of this technology for a long time, and only devoted iPhone fans suffer from infringement of their rights. Be that as it may, if a person wants to use all the possibilities of NFC technology, then "apple" smartphones are categorically not suitable for this. It is better to look for something on Android. And the owners of iPhones have detailed instructions on using the chip for Apple Pay. There is no point in considering it here.
Conclusion
So, we analyzed the NFC option in the phone. What it is, how to use this technology is already clear. Now the matter is small - to purchase a smartphone with an integrated chip. Only then will it be possible to use this technology to the fullest. And those who already have such devices will definitely appreciate the advantages of this method of data transfer and automation of routine actions on a smartphone. Setting the option will not take long.
