Understanding NFC: A Simple Guide to Using NFC on Your Phone

Despite frequent use, many people still have vague notions about NFC. So what exactly is NFC? If you're curious about its definition and uses, follow along with this article. Mytour has compiled detailed information about NFC for your reference.

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What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, a short-range wireless connectivity technology within 4cm. NFC technology utilizes magnetic field induction to establish connections between electronic devices. Through direct contact, or 'tap,' smartphones, speakers, headphones, and more can connect seamlessly.

The principle behind NFC technology relies on radio frequency signals. Its maximum data transmission speed is 424 Kbps. 

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Key Features of NFC

Currently, NFC is highly regarded for its numerous special advantages. NFC is commonly found in various aspects of daily life, with its convenience and simplicity most utilized in smartphones. Specifically: 

Phone Connection with Other Devices

This technology enables quick connections between phones and devices like TVs, laptops, other phones, and speakers. When both devices have NFC, users just need to touch them together to connect. You can then transfer or send various data such as music, images, videos, contacts, apps, etc. NFC doesn't waste time searching, making it widely used for its convenience. 

Electronic Payments

A notable use of NFC is in online payments. While still relatively new in our country, NFC is widely used in larger nations. Simply log in, activate your payment account on your phone to turn it into a 'digital wallet.' Then, for purchases like food or clothing, just lightly tap your phone on the payment device. 

Key Substitute

Many countries worldwide utilize NFC as a universal 'key.' Users just need to install NFC on their phones and the corresponding app at the door. Each time you come or go, simply tap and the door will automatically open or close. 

Personal Identification

This NFC function is widely used in attendance systems. Simply install NFC on your phone, then lightly tap the attendance device. 

Other Features

In addition to the aforementioned primary uses, NFC is highly praised for its utilities such as: 

• Counterfeit Detection
• Check-in
• Product Comparison while shopping

Many people perceive NFC as a data transmission avenue similar to Bluetooth but faster. However, NFC merely facilitates the data transfer process to be more straightforward. The transmission mechanism of NFC still requires passing through Wifi Direct or Bluetooth.

Guide to Using NFC on Your Phone 

Below, we provide detailed guidance on how to enable, disable, and utilize this feature from A to Z. Refer to and remember these steps accurately to apply it more effectively, specifically:

How to Enable NFC on Your Phone

Currently, NFC functionality is often integrated into Android-based devices. For example, products from Samsung, Sony, LG, etc. Although there are various models, the method of enabling this feature is quite similar:

• Step 1: Start the device, select the “Settings” option 
• Step 2: Click on “NFC and Payment” or “More” or “Share & Connect” 
• Step 3: Then, toggle the “On” button on your phone to enable NFC 

How to Disable NFC on Your Phone

If you no longer wish to use this feature, you can turn off NFC. The method to disable it is quite similar to enabling it. Specifically, you need to:

• Step 1: Start the device, select the “Settings” option 
• Step 2: Tap on “NFC and Payment” or “More” or “Share & Connect” 
• Step 3: Toggle the “Off” button on your phone to disable NFC  

How to Use NFC on Your Phone

To utilize NFC functionality, first, you simply need to enable NFC mode on your phone. Then, all you need to do is gently touch your phone to the device you want to connect to (which also has NFC capability). Additionally, you can use NFC manually as follows: 

• Step 1: Select the file you want to share > Tap on the “Share” option.
• Step 2: Choose the “Transfer via NFC” option. 
• Step 3: Proceed to touch the backs of the two phones together to automatically activate NFC. 
• Step 4: Tap on the screen to start receiving/sending files. 
• Step 5: Wait for the file transfer process via NFC between the two devices to complete. 
• Step 6: Click on “Open” on your device to receive/view the result.

Frequently Asked Questions about NFC Technology 

Which phones are equipped with NFC functionality?

Currently, there are quite a few smartphones on the market equipped with this modern feature. However, to be sure when using it, you need to check directly on the device using the following steps: 

• Step 1: Go to the “Settings” of your phone 
• Step 2: Click on “More” 
• Step 3: On the interface, if you see the NFC option, it means your phone has this feature. If not, you may need to purchase a different smartphone. 

Comparison between NFC and Bluetooth

NFC is a feature that supports connecting and transmitting data between two devices. Therefore, NFC still requires Bluetooth or WiFi Direct functionality. In terms of data sending and receiving speed, NFC is much faster than regular Bluetooth.  

How to Check if Your Phone Has NFC?

To check the NFC function on your smartphone, you need to follow these tips step by step. First, go to the “Settings” section > Choose “More” to proceed. 

Conclusion 

The article on Mytour has helped you understand what NFC is. It also highlights the prominent uses of NFC when used. Hopefully, you will remember how to enable or disable this feature to support your NFC usage process.