What is NFC? What is NFC on a phone and why is this technology needed? The NFC module does not work.

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Manipulation of secure NFC tags, such as those on subway cards, hotel cards, and various key cards. Reuse write-protected NFC cards such as hotel key cards, access cards, price tags, elevator cards, key fobs...
You can use this application to bind different functions (for example, turning off WiFi, turning on Bluetooth, turning on/off mobile data, launching a navigator, running a task in Tasker, launching any installed application, using media buttons, calling a specified number , adding a tag, calendar entry, running text-to-speech) to an NFC (near field communication) tag using the application's built-in database. You can set actions to use tags sequentially - your NFC tag will do different things with each new scan.
(Works with any tags supported by Android = both rewritable and write-protected)

Using NFC ReTag, you don't need to write anything to the tag (it uses the tag ID, which is ideal for small tag data sizes and one-time tags) and no data is sent to the internet. Additional recording options (for ease of management, use of device-independent labels, ...) are also available. Importing history of beaming tags is also supported.

Plugin "Expert mode for NFC Retag".
Some activities will require root and/or security permissions due to standard Android security concepts. To keep core apps clean and secure, but providing advanced features for power users right away, NFC ReTag provides this free plugin.
To work, you must have the main NFC Retag application (FREE or PRO, 2.4 and higher)!
Root is needed for the following activities
Expert mode:

Close application
On\Off GPS
Airplane mode (JB 4.2+)
On\Off NFC module
Do not turn off while charging (JB 4.2+)
Location data
Improved Time Stamp activity
Call

Download the NFC ReTag app for Android you can follow the link below.

Today in the mobile industry there are many interesting technologies, including NFC. Most smartphone users have not yet figured out this function and do not know what NFC is in the phone, why this module is needed and how to understand whether it is present in a certain device.

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. Translated, this means “close communication”. The main nuance is the small radius of action, this figure is no more than 10 cm.

This function allows you to exchange information contactlessly. It is important that when transmitting data, the devices are close to each other, for example, a smart card, a payment terminal, etc.

NFC is based on RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification. The technology is radio frequency identification, which identifies various objects automatically. In this case, a special radio signal is used to read the required information contained in the transponders, which are defined as an NFC tag.

The main features of the presented technology include the following points:

small sensor size;
allows you to exchange any information with smartphones and passive gadgets;
does not require a lot of energy to operate;
low speed at the time of information exchange;
pairing with the desired device takes no more than 0.1 seconds;
low cost of technology.

Due to its small size and low power consumption, this function is popular and can be easily installed in many devices.

Is there a difference between NFC and Bluetooth?

NFC on a phone is often compared to Bluetooth. This is mainly due to contactless transmission and short range. At the moment, these functions are being implemented directly into new smartphones.

There are significant differences between the technologies presented. The main nuance is the speed of work. For example, NFC is much slower, but uses little power, and pairing is instant and automatic, unlike Bluetooth.

For example, to use Bluetooth, you will need to turn it on, then open the list of available devices, select the one you need and wait for the phone to connect to it. While Near Field Communication takes less than a second to get started on its own, you only need to touch your cell phone to the desired gadget.

The next difference is the transfer speed. For example, NFC has a speed of 424 kbps, and Bluetooth, version 2.1, has a speed of 2.1 Mbps. At the moment, Bluetooth version 3.1 is being introduced into some smartphones, which reaches speeds of up to 40 Mbit/s.

The third difference is the field of action. For Bluetooth, this figure is no more than 20 cm, and for NFC - no more than 10. This is an advantage for this communication, because such a small radius will guarantee that you will not connect to an unnecessary gadget.

The presented communication is built not only into phones, but also into other gadgets, for example, payment terminals. The receiver itself does not require much space; it is mainly mounted in the free space between the smartphone battery and the cover. But if the phone cannot be easily disassembled and you cannot look at its insides, then how can you determine the presence of NFC?

Please read the external signs on your phone carefully. Often developers indicate a small emblem in the form of antennas directly on the cover of the mobile phone, indicating the presence of the technology. The icon will also be located in the top pop-up menu of the phone.

At the moment, NFC is being implemented in all Android smartphones with a version of at least 4.0. Another way to find out about the presence of communication is to go to settings, select the “Wireless networks” column, then click “More”. If the function is listed there, check the box next to it.

This option is also often found in cards designed to pay for travel, or in bank plastic. In addition, it began to be built into household appliances, this includes new refrigerators with the “Smart” option.

Since the release of this technology, some users have been wondering what uses there are. The device can operate in two modes.

Active. Implies that two gadgets have NFC technology.
Passive. The working field of only one of the devices is applied.

The presented communication is designed as a chip that operates in two modes. The first is intended for mutual data exchange between devices. The second one is usually used on special work passes, metro cards, etc.

The most popular use case is contactless payment. Link your bank card to your smartphone, and when paying, touch your phone to the terminal. This method guarantees protection from scammers. Attackers will not be able to intercept the signal due to the small field of action of NFC.

You don't need to carry the card with you; you can pay in stores by touching your phone to a terminal that supports contactless payment. How to use the function?

You must have a special bank card that supports the paypass option.
Install the application from your bank.
Log in to your personal account and go to the main menu.
Select the NFC column.
Then place the card on the back of the phone. This is required for the sensor to read information on it.

Information exchange

The second use case involves information exchange. To do this, you need to install the Android Beam application. This software will allow you to transfer various files to another smartphone.

Do not forget that the transfer speed will be extremely low, which is why it is recommended not to send heavy files, but to limit yourself to sending messages or links.

To use this feature, you must enable NFC in settings. The activation point is located in the “Wireless networks” column. Then specify which connection you require.

The last option is not recommended due to the low transfer speed. To send the necessary data, you must touch your phone to another. Next, the system will ask you to confirm the operation; place your finger on the screen. When the sending is complete, you will hear a signal.

Reading marks

The third method of use involves reading labels. Its operating principle is similar to scanning a QR code. True, in the case of NFC, it is not a mobile camera that is used, but a sensor under the cover.

The presented function is especially useful for home life. Creating your own tags will require installing a special application that can be downloaded from the Play Market. You can independently assign a specific task to a specific label, for example, “send a message,” “call,” “write a letter,” etc.

Popular programs include:

ABA NFC. Allows you to create a simple symbol;
useful software for connecting to Wi-Fi without a password. That is, your guests do not need to search for wireless Internet and enter a password; they just need to touch it to a phone connected to this network;
SmartTag Maker. The presented application is suitable only for those who have Sony smartphones.

Such tags are passive. This is explained by the fact that they do not require power to contain information. They have a very small volume, only sufficient to store the required command. These tags are commonly called TecTiles. To read them, just bring the gadget up, after which the command will be activated.

Smartphones can not only read data, but also save it. The main nuance is to install a special program. Download the application of the developer who released your phone, or find it on third-party resources. Software for creating records can be paid or free. Before installing it, be sure to read the description. It is important that it supports the brand of your smartphone.

You can also purchase TecTiles as a smart card, key fob, fitness bracelet, electronic key or sticker. It is worth noting that such gadgets have a larger volume. Experts recommend not saving when purchasing this technology. The quality of communication must be high, then it will last for a sufficient time.

Pros and cons of the module

Among the main advantages are low energy consumption, reasonable price, ease of use and safety. But before you start using NFC, you need to familiarize yourself with some nuances.

Let's look at the main disadvantages of NFC.

Small work radius. This brings some discomfort when using. Although, at the same time, this indicator creates maximum protection. You will not be able to accidentally issue a command, pay for a purchase, etc.
Uncontrolled creation of modifications for NFC. For example, the developers of Sony and Haomi set about refining the transmission technology. They independently make consumables that work only with their company’s gadgets. In other words, to use all NFC options, you will have to purchase only specific brands of smartphones. This also includes the installation of special applications from the same developer.

Some of the shortcomings are being corrected gradually. The developers do not abandon their technology and constantly make various improvements.

Conclusion

Today NFC is a modern solution designed for sending information. But not all smartphones support this technology. If your phone is not modified, then you can purchase a special antenna yourself. Install it under the cover of the gadget or take the spare parts to a service center, where a specialist will do everything for you.

Another way to get hands-on with NFC is to buy a special accessory. Today, many companies offer to purchase memory cards and SIM cards with built-in NFC.

NFC adoption hasn't been spectacular, but that won't last long. Nowadays it is mainly used for making monetary transactions, although there are other areas of application. The main advantage of the modification is safety. Its operating principle eliminates accidental transfers of data and money to other devices.

With the help of technologyNFC you can not only transfer data from one cell phone to another, but also pay for purchases(for example, purchasing food products in a supermarket).

The decoding is simple - NearFieldCommunication, which, when literally translated into Russian, means near-field communication or communication in nearby space.

Initially, this technology was used for fast contactless payment. Now NFC replaces the plastic bank card and Bluetooth and combines them in one system, which is a fairly practical invention to use. Do you want to make the process of paying for purchases or transferring files easier? Let's figure out how to find out if your phone, tablet or laptop has NFC.

The history of the appearance of technology in the telephone

It is believed that this is a relatively young development. Its appearance dates back to 2004: it was during this period that three famous companies Nokia, Philipps and Sony organized the “NFC Forum”, and three years later they integrated the first NFC tags into a Nokia phone.

Smartphone models that support NFC

It should be noted that not all phones support this data transfer technology. It is known that the following devices have NFC support:

Apple iPhone (from 6S and 6S Plus models);
new items from the Galaxy line from Samsung and smartphones from other manufacturers on the Android platform (starting from Android0).

Checking the device for NFC

Would you like to try the technology in practice, but don’t know if this is possible on your device? Let's check.

To do this, carefully open the back cover of the smartphone or tablet, in a situation where it can be moved away without damage, and inspect the gadget’s battery.

When NFC development is present, you will see this abbreviation there. If the cover of the phone/tablet is not removable, the corresponding icon or abbreviation will be located on the outside.

If for some reason you do not want or cannot remove the cover, you can make sure that this method of communication is available in the device settings.

Find the “Wireless Networks” tab, then “More...” and if NFC is available on the device, then there will definitely be a corresponding item there.

How it looks, look at the photo above or in video instructions on how to How check correctlyNFC on the phone:

NFC activation

If you find it on your device, you need to activate access to the technologyNFC. You can do this as follows:

go to the “Settings” section and then “Wireless networks”, “More...”, where previously you could verify the presence of NFC;
confirm by clicking on the item “Allow data exchange when combining > device name > with another”;
Android Beam is immediately activated on your Android smartphone. If this does not happen, click on it and select “Yes” so as not to disrupt the system;

NFC can also be activated in the quick menu, in the same place where Wi-fi is turned on. This is done by touching the NFC tag.

Watch the video for more details:

What should I do if my device does not support NFC?

Don't worry if you don't find the built-in feature, there is a way to connect NFC to your device. But this can only be done if the panel cover on the back and the SIM card hole on your smartphone/tablet are removable . Installing NFC in this case will not be difficult.

Installing an NFC module

The optimal solution is to install a special module - an external communication device. It is compatible with almost all smartphones, is easy to use and gives access to NFC without purchasing a new phone.

Types of modules and methods of their implementation

Main types: chips, SIM cards, external devices, stickers. The latter of them come in two types: passive - which do not allow the exchange of data, and active - they use Bluetooth and Wi-fi communication channels for transmission, which significantly increases energy consumption.

Such stickers are attached to the outer shell of the phone, which is also not very practical.

The most popular of them are:

NFC SIM card. Now available for purchase from most mobile operators. You can find out about the availability of such a SIM at a communication store. You just need to install the finished card into your phone or tablet. This type of module is the most affordable and easiest to install.
NFC antenna. The second method for which you will need to purchase an NFC antenna. This can be done in a communication salon. Next, the antenna is attached to the SIM card and inserted into the device.

As you have already seen, install the module quite simple and safe : You don't need to download any additional apps or programs. However, these services do not completely replace the Android Pay app, but are just some of its many functions.

How to use an NFC tag

An NFC tag is a miniature device in the form of a chip that can be attached almost anywhere: from a phone to insertion under the skin!

We won't use such radical methods, but it's worth noting that contacts, settings, a URL, and other data and commands can be placed on the chip. All gadgets can support the tag.

Data exchange via NFC

The technology can also be used to transfer files.

To transfer data you must take the following steps:

make sure that you have completed NFC and Android Beam activation;
unlock the device, exit “sleep mode”;
check the devices are detected with each other;
connect;
transfer data between devices;
at the end a specific sound signal will sound.

However, not all types of files can be transferred this way. For example, applications cannot be sent.

Advantages and disadvantages of NFC

The main advantages are:

low price;
small dimensions of the device;
high transmission speed;
Support on almost all mobile devices.

It is worth highlighting the disadvantages:

relatively short range;
Not all devices are equipped with an NFC chip.

So, with these notes, you've learned quick and easy ways to test your device's ability to communicate and communicate with other devices using Near Field Communication. By following the simple instructions in this article, you can also find out for yourself whether your smartphone has this technology, be able to integrate NFC into your phone and transfer the necessary files at high speed.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a type of wireless communication that operates at a very close distance - all new and modern smartphones, as a rule, have it on board when they leave the factory. However, you can’t expect the presence of a corresponding chip from older devices or low-budget devices. What benefits does the NFC chip bring?

First of all, NFC makes sense to use for everyday activities, since every day the user must repeatedly change certain settings, for example, adjust the sound, activate Bluetooth or WLAN, turn GPS on and off.
NFC automates changes to settings because you can store the relevant information in so-called NFC tags. Then you simply read the desired tag with your smartphone and the saved settings take effect.
NFC is also excellent for automatically launching applications, also in combination with an NFC tag, on which you can save a command, for example, turn off Bluetooth and WLAN in the evening, while simultaneously opening the alarm clock application.
NFC can also be used as a business card or greeting card. In the first case, you can save all the necessary personal information on your NFC card, to which you can attach links to a website or social media channels. The other user can then simply hold their smartphone over the NFC card and receive all your contact details directly.
It makes sense to send a personalized digital greeting card primarily in combination with a real card. So, for example, you can not only congratulate a friend on his birthday in a letter, but also put an NFC tag in the envelope, with which the recipient can watch a video on YouTube or a couple of pictures saved in the cloud service.
For all fans of order, NFC also offers one extremely interesting option: for example, when moving, you can stick tags on boxes and then view its contents with just a touch of your smartphone. Tags are also great for keeping your basement or attic tidy.
Well, in the end, NFC makes it possible to pay wirelessly via a smartphone, even if payment systems such as Android Pay or Apple Pay are not available.

Installing NFC - the first option

In general, you have three different options to equip your smartphone with NFC functionality. Of course, none of them can completely replace the NFC chip integrated by the manufacturer, since such an upgrade is possible only with restrictions.

Perhaps the simplest option is to simply glue the NFC tag to the back cover of the smartphone or, if it is not too thick, hide it under the case.
The phone will then be able to control and manage the NFC tags in a completely normal way, since the tags can “talk” to each other. In addition, this method has one advantage: in this form, the function does not consume battery power.
Of course, no other settings can be applied, since the system cannot connect to the NFC tag.
For this reason, you won't be able to use apps like NFC Tools because they require system access to the NFC chip.
Of course, you can use other devices equipped with an NFC module to read information from the NFC tag on your smartphone.

Installing NFC - the second option

The second option for equipping your phone with NFC is several years old, but it is extremely effective.

An SD card with an NFC chip is used. Of course, your smartphone must have a Micro-SD card slot for this option to be considered at all.
The advantage of this method: the system can access the chip and then the use of the above-mentioned applications becomes possible.
The supplier of this kind of Micro-SD cards is a company called Moneto.
But a mobile payment service provider like DeviceFidelity, for example, offers similar solutions with which you can not only make payments, but also use the rest of the NFC functionality.
However, there are often problems with MicroSD card availability, so this option may be difficult to implement.

Installing NFC - option three

Installing NFC: NFC cover

And finally, there is still the option of replacing the back cover of your smartphone yourself.

Be careful: when performing this procedure, you may completely void the warranty on your smartphone, especially if you damage anything inside the device.
If you do decide to replace the back cover, then the main task is only to install the back cover with an integrated NFC chip.
After this, the system will gain access to the chip, and therefore the full range of NFC functionality will become available to you.
Whether such a back cover exists for your smartphone, you can check, for example, on Amazon.com.
Removing the back cover is different for each device. Depending on the model and manufacturer, you may even need an additional tool.
Given all this, you should only start replacing the back panel of your smartphone if you understand exactly what will need to be done and take into account what difficulties may arise along the way.
Therefore, this last method is not the most comfortable, but for smartphone connoisseurs it may be worthy of attention.

On May 23, the Android Pay service will be launched in Russia. Its analogues - Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Alipay - are already working in Russia, in addition, some banks and payment systems have applications that allow you to pay in stores using a smartphone. Firstly, it’s convenient - you don’t need to carry plastic with you, and secondly, it’s safe - you don’t need to “shine” your card and enter a PIN code for small purchases. However, for most users of inexpensive smartphones, contactless payments through apps are not available for the unfortunate reason that their devices do not have an NFC chip. It is necessary to pair a smartphone with a payment terminal and transfer transaction data.

With the help of a small life hack, you can add support for contactless payments to any smartphone, even without NFC. However, in this case, the payment will be made not through the application, but by a bank card (necessarily with support for MasterCard PayPass or Visa payWave). Our task is to hide it in a smartphone and not violate the rules of use established by the bank.

You can install the card in a smartphone in one of two ways - between the battery and the back cover or under the protective case. Obviously, in the first case, the smartphone must have a collapsible case, and be prepared for the fact that the cover will be deformed and in the future will not fit tightly enough to the battery, which is why the device may turn off inadvertently. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a cover in advance, which will replace the deformed one after you have played enough with contactless payments or decide to get rid of the device.

Keep in mind that if you put a case on your smartphone, the card most likely will not be read by the terminal, since the waves from the NFC chip will not be able to penetrate the barrier. Some terminals do not support contactless payment, and in this case it is better to have a backup card that is not hidden in your smartphone.

If the case of your smartphone is non-separable, there is not enough space inside for a card, or you are not ready to spoil the back cover, the card can be placed under the case. It is better to choose an opaque case or bumper made of a soft material (plastic, silicone, leather, etc.) To prevent the card from falling out, glue it to the case or case using stationery glue or thin tape - it holds well, but you can get it out if you want card without damaging it.

As an option, you can use a book case with compartments for cards and simply lean it against the terminal when paying for goods. It is important that the case is not thick and dense - in this case, the NFC chip of the card will not be read. If there are several branches, leave only one bank card in them.

It would seem that it would be much easier to hide not the entire card, but only the chip, in a smartphone or under a case, but the fact is that you cannot cut the card. You risk damaging the antennas of the NFC chip; in addition, the seller has the right to refuse to accept payment if you cannot show the entire card with the number, security codes, name, surname and signature. A bank card is the property of the bank and the seller can confiscate it (even if it is cut off) and call the police to clarify the circumstances. Of course, such cases are extremely rare, but it is better not to take risks and not conduct illegal experiments with payment instruments. If the card is intact, there will be no claims against you.

What's inside the contactless card:

This seemingly dubious way of paying has several advantages. Firstly, most likely, your smartphone is always with you, which means you will always have money with you (if it is on the card). Secondly, even if the smartphone is discharged, the card will work. And thirdly, unlike banking and payment applications, a plastic card works without the Internet. Even if you use mobile Internet, in some stores there may be no connection (for example, due to thick walls or location in the basement): you would not be able to pay through the application, but you could easily pay with a card in your smartphone.