NFC stands for near-field communication, and it allows android and other phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices to share data with other NFC-equipped devices easily. It evolved from radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID is behind those security scan cards that get you into the office every day or bypass that tollbooth on your morning commute.
NFC is very much like RFID, but NFC is limited to communication within about 4 inches, which is why you have to hold your phone so close to the contactless reader if you’re using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Most people consider NFC’s small radius a major security benefit, and it’s one reason why NFC has taken off as a secure alternative to credit cards. The technology can be used for more than buying coffee at Starbucks, however. NFC can also transfer data like videos, contact information, and photos between two NFC-enabled devices.
How does NFC work?
Unlike Bluetooth, NFC doesn’t require any manual pairing or device discovery to transfer data. An NFC connection is automatically started when another NFC device enters into the previously specified 4-inch range. Once in range, the two devices instantly communicate and send prompts to the user.
Check NFC Support with Third Party App
NFC Check (Free) is an app on the Play Store that does only one thing. As soon as you launch the app, it checks your phone for NFC capabilities and tells you whether or not your phone has NFC.
Checking NFC Support Natively
Go to Settings. Under “Wireless and Networks“, tap on “More“. Here, you will see an option for NFC, if your phone supports it. If the option isn’t there, your phone does not have NFC capabilities.
SEE ALSO: How To Enable Dark Theme in Google Search
List of Some Phones that Support NFC
Check if Your Android Phone Has NFC Capabilities
NFC is a technology that can be put to use in a myriad of ways, automating tasks from basic things like triggering an SMS, to opening a web URL, placing a call, or doing basically anything that you can program onto an NFC tag. Contactless payment systems, like Android Pay, use NFC functionality to allow making payments without touching your device, or having to swipe a card. The possibilities are endless. Anyone can buy NFC tags for cheap, and program them to do whatever they want, allowing for endless innovation.
So, does your Android smartphone have NFC capabilities, and if so, what use have you put it to? As always, if you know of any creative uses of NFC tags, do share them with us in the comments section below.