With the arrival of the pandemic, payments by phone and by watch have become more popular, but do you know how this type of communication works, which works without the need to link to another device? All this is thanks to NFC mobile technology.
Most mobile phones come with this built-in technology, commonly known as NFC mobile technology. It is a type of wireless communication based on approximation. However, there are specific characteristics that differentiate it from regular communications, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and in this article, we are going to show you what NFC is, how this type of communication works, and much more so that you can, you can answer any question you have about NFC mobile technology.
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What is the NFC of my mobile?
You have probably heard about NFC mobile technology communication and the things that can be done with it, but what is the NFC of your mobile? NFC stands for near-field communication. Its function, as its name suggests, is to communicate wirelessly with other devices near it. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, NFC interaction is limited to extremely short ranges, about a range of about 10 centimeters.
NFC mobile technology has evolved from radio frequency communication (RFID). Despite its concise range, it is used in various fields and is being implemented more often, whether it is to pass the train toll or pay for the food you just put in your body.
Its short range makes the person feel more secure with this type of security, which is one reason why NFC mobile technology has taken off as a fast alternative to credit cards.
How does the NFC of my mobile work?
Unlike a Bluetooth connection, NFC mobile technology doesn’t require you to pair anything or locate any device to transfer data manually. With just proximity, NFC automatically activates to send data from one device to another. When two devices get close enough, they instantly communicate and perform their function.
As we mentioned before, NFC is the evolution of RFID communication. They both work on the principle of inductive coupling when in close range. This implies that the reader device generates a magnetic field by passing an electrical current through a coil. Once this field is created, when approached by an NFC tag with its wave, the field induces an electrical current inside the tag without wires or physical contact.
Once all these preparations are done, the data stored on the tag is wirelessly transmitted to the reader.
The main difference between NFC and RFID lies in their transmission ranges: the latter is usually used over long distances. An example of RFID communication is the labels that are generally placed on the windshield to be able to pay the toll remotely (approximately, it has a range of 15 meters).
Another feature of NFC is that it can be used as both a reader and a tag; It has the bidirectional capability and can both send and receive data.
In which services can NFC be used?
If you have a mobile phone with NFC, you can use it in various situations. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC doesn’t require devices to be paired or anything like that to transfer data. The NFC connection is automatically activated when another NFC device enters the range of 10 cm. When they communicate, the devices connect and send prompts to the user. Next, we are going to list some of the most common situations:
- Mobile payments. More and more supermarkets and service centers include the possibility of paying with the NFC of your mobile. By placing your mobile (after unlocking it and enabling your card) near the label, the payment will be charged, and you will receive a message with transaction information.
- Share data between Android devices. Android Beam allows devices with this operating system to share content thanks to Android technology. When two NFC mobile technology enabled devices are brought together, they sync up and can send data to each other.
- Passive NFC chips or stickers. They do not require power and can be programmed with applications such as Tasker to perform specific tasks. If you are a handyman, you can program one of these chips so that, for example, if you pass you are mobile nearby, you deactivate all notifications.
Does my mobile have NFC technology?
After reading this article, you may wonder if your mobile phone has this built-in technology. NFC mobile technology World maintains an up-to-date list of NFC-enabled phones to facilitate this task.
Does my iPhone model have NFC?
Since the iPhone 6 version, all mobiles have built-in NFC technology. Although Apple restricted the purchases that you could make with NFC for a long time, most of its models have this option incorporated, thanks to the Launch Center Pro app. Version 3 of this app includes NFC mobile technology activators to carry out actions through stickers Custom NFCs.
If you still have questions about whether your iPhone or iPad has a built-in NFC chip and its limitations, check Apple’s support page.
Does the Android version of my mobile support NFC?
All devices with Android 4.0 or later have support to use Google Pay and make purchases from your phone. If you have a Samsung device, you can also use Samsung Pay.
As mentioned before, models running Android version 4.4 to 9.0 can also use Android Beam to exchange messages or files. With Android Beam, you can send everything from YouTube videos to photos.
If you are interested in activating this function, you must go to your phone’s settings and click on connections, NFC mobile technology, and payment. Once inside, select NFC and tap on Android Beam. Know more about Types of routers: what you need to know.
