What is NFC in a smartphone? How to enable NFC? How to add support for contactless payments to any smartphone

The combination “NFC” (Near field communication) is increasingly found in the specifications of modern smartphones and tablets. In this article we will try to consider this interface from the point of view of practical use, so that readers can independently draw their own conclusion about the need to have it on their phone.

In testing, we used two smartphone models that have already been reviewed in detail on our resource: Acer CloudMobile S500 and Sony Xperia acro S. We would also like to point out that most of the information, including the programs and use cases described, will only apply to Android smartphones. It is this operating system that is today the most “friendly” when it comes to working with NFC.

Introduction

At first glance, it may seem that numerous wireless interfaces today already cover all possible popular tasks and scenarios, so another option is simply not needed. However, if you look at the development of modern technologies, you will notice that more and more attention is being paid to energy consumption issues, especially when it comes to mobile devices. In particular, version 4.0 of the well-known family of Bluetooth protocols is precisely aimed at reducing battery costs. The second point worth mentioning is that not every task requires a long range. It happens even the other way around - you want to explicitly limit the distance between interacting devices. In addition to the obvious reduction in consumption, this also affects safety. And a similar remark can be made about the volume of transmitted data. So the idea of ​​a slow wireless interface that operates over short distances and is characterized by low power consumption has a right to exist.

The starting point in the history of NFC development can be taken in 2004, when Nokia, Philips and Sony announced the creation of a touch-based interface for the interaction of various devices with the aim of developing and standardizing the interface between various devices. However, the first versions of the specifications were created a little earlier. Perhaps, by modern standards, the technology can be considered very young (if you do not take into account the history of RFID), but it is already quite often found in real products and services. In particular, at the Mobile World Congress 2013 held at the end of February, many stands and demonstrations were devoted to this topic.

This sign can be found on devices with NFC technology

The formal characteristics of the interface are as follows: operation at a distance of several centimeters, maximum information exchange rate of about 400 Kbps, full-duplex data exchange is supported, operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, connection establishment time does not exceed 0.1 s, operating mode is point-to-point. It can be seen that these parameters radically distinguish NFC from other popular wireless interfaces.

If we talk about devices, then in addition to active controllers in NFC, there are also passive options (they are usually called tags), which receive power wirelessly from the active controller. One example is modern cards for travel on public transport. Tags are simply data storage, usually less than 4 KB in size. Most often, they only provide read mode, but there are also options with write support.

One of the simplest options for a passive NFC tag

The compact size of the controller and its low consumption allows NFC to be implemented even in such small designs as SIM cards or microSD memory cards. However, for full operation it is necessary to use a special antenna. In phones it is usually located on the back of the battery compartment cover or built into the back panel if the device does not have a removable battery.

The NFC antenna is often placed on the back cover of the smartphone

The short range can have a negative impact when using tablets - finding the right place to “position” may not be as easy as we would like. To solve this problem, some manufacturers mark the location of the antenna with a special sign. As for the range, in our case the connection worked at a distance of no more than four centimeters - both between phones and with a passive tag.

From a security point of view, the developers did not implement elements of protection against interception and relay attacks. This of course makes it difficult to implement secure solutions, since it requires the applications themselves to be protected at a higher level. Note that in fact, such a well-known protocol as TCP/IP behaves similarly. So from a practical point of view, losing a phone without additional protection with customized payment system programs seems more dangerous than intercepting communications.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about NFC today is that the interface itself does not provide any real practical use cases or solutions. Unlike, for example, Bluetooth, whose profiles clearly describe how to transfer a file, how to connect a headset or provide network access, NFC is only a base, and direct operating scenarios are provided by additional software that works through it. On the one hand, this opens up great opportunities for developers, but on the other hand, it is a problem for them when ensuring the interaction of different applications and devices.

Interestingly, any programs installed on a smartphone or tablet can register in the operating system as NFC-related event handlers, and then when called externally, you will see a standard menu “What do you want to do with this action?” Since some NFC use cases involve convenient automation of actions, it is advisable not to overload the device with such utilities.

The NFC Forum tries to help with this uncertainty by proposing standardization of protocols for certain scenarios (notably NDEF for storing short messages on tags and SNEP (Simple NDEF Exchange Protocol) for exchanging information between devices), but practically determining the compatibility of specific devices is usually hampered by a lack of detailed information from the manufacturer and diagnostic tools. Another assistant here is Google, which has offered its own development of Android Beam in the latest versions of Android. It allows you to exchange certain types of information between compatible devices.

Android Beam

First, you need to make sure that both devices have NFC enabled, Android Beam active, and their screens are unlocked. On the models we tested, NFC only works if the screen is on and the device is fully unlocked. But perhaps other devices will use a different algorithm. In any case, the active interface requires very little battery power to operate, and so far the described approach seems quite reasonable. One option to simplify your work is to disable the lock screen. In this case, to identify the tag, it will be enough to simply turn on the smartphone. Another inconvenience is the need to confirm the operation by touching the screen after the devices find each other. This is not always easy to do without disrupting communication, especially when both devices are in the hands of two different people.

The next step is to select one of the applications on the device from which you plan to transfer. In particular, these may be:

• Google Chrome - transfer the current open link;
• YouTube client - transfer of a video clip (as a link);
• Google Maps - transfer of a place or route;
• Contacts—transfer a contact card;
• Google Play - application transfer;
• Gallery - transfer of photos.

Next, bring the devices closer to each other. When a partner is detected, you will hear a tone on the sending device and the desktop image will shrink. At this moment, you need to touch the screen image and hold your finger until you hear the second signal - about a successful transfer.

We tried the options listed, and almost all of them really work. Even the fact that our devices were produced by different manufacturers did not prevent them from finding a common language. But a few comments are still worth making. There are no problems with routes in Google Maps, but the option with a place is not very interesting, since only the current map display is transmitted. The dot marked on the screen of the original phone does not reach the recipient. The situation can be corrected by using the Addresses application, which transmits data correctly. When sending contacts, the photo is lost, since from a technical point of view the transfer format corresponds to vcf text files. If we talk about applications, then you can send not only those installed on the phone, but also simply open cards on Google Play. Books and other content from the store are similarly supported. Naturally, we are talking about transferring links, and not the downloaded or, especially, purchased elements themselves. There was a problem with sending photos: the Sony device was unable to work with this type of data. The official wording is “The recipient's device does not support large data transfers via Android Beam.” Here is the first sign that the interface is young or that the technical specifications of the devices are insufficiently detailed. Formally, we have both NFC and Android Beam in two devices, but in practice their real capabilities differ significantly, and this can only be found out by checking. What can we say about less famous manufacturers - their version of implementing this technology can be completely unpredictable.

By the way, regarding the work of Android Beam itself. The description of the technology indicates that data transmission uses Bluetooth communication after initial coordination of settings via NFC. Considering that all working formats required a really small amount of transferred data, NFC speed was quite enough for them, but for photographs it would have been clearly not enough. So we can assume that Sony has not implemented the switch to a faster interface. It is not possible to understand whether this problem is software (remember that this device has Android 4.0.4 installed) or hardware.

We also tried to send our own music and videos in the same way from their respective apps, but nothing appeared on the receiver.

Reading and writing tags

The described Android Beam uses the ability to transmit and process short information messages. However, in reality, they can not only be transmitted from the phone, but also read from passive tags. In some ways, this technology is similar to the well-known QR codes that are read by a phone camera. At the same time, useful information (for example, a link to a website page) takes up literally several tens of bytes. Tags can be used by companies, for example, to promote their products or services. Considering the compact size of the passive tag (more precisely, its thickness is comparable to a sheet of paper - due to the antenna, the area will still be significant, no less than a five-ruble coin), it can be placed almost anywhere: on a box with a product, in a magazine, on an information sheet. counter and other places.

Passive NFC tags can be manufactured as key fobs

If we talk about making tags with our own hands, then this is a completely feasible scenario. To do this, you need to purchase clean blanks and use a special program for your phone to write down the required information on them. As an example, we bought several different options: a sticker of minimal thickness, a protected plastic circle and key chains. All of them had a very small amount of memory - only 144 bytes (there are also 4 KB options on the market). The number of rewrite cycles was not specified, but for most application scenarios this parameter is not critical. To work with tags, we can recommend NXP Semiconductors programs - TagInfo and TagWriter.

The first will allow you to read data from the tag and decrypt information according to the NDEF standard, and the second will help you create your own tags. Several NDEF sub-options are supported: contact, link, text, SMS, mail message, phone number, Bluetooth connection, geographic location, local file link, application launch, URI. Please note that when creating a record, you need to take into account the amount of data stored. For example, a contact photo can take up several kilobytes, messages or text can also easily exceed 144 bytes. By the way, the NFC TagInfo program from NFC Research Lab with a special plugin can read and show you a color photo from a biometric passport. With a data volume of one and a half dozen kilobytes, reading them via NFC takes about 20 seconds. An additional level of protection in this case is provided by the need to specify some passport details to read data from the chip.

Note that automatic processing of read tags depends on the content. In particular, sometimes additional confirmation is required to carry out the action itself. For example, in the case of SMS, a completed message form opens, but the user must actually confirm the sending. But the recorded web link can immediately open in the browser. Any automation is associated with a loss of control, so the described capabilities should be used carefully, since by simply replacing or reprogramming tags, attackers can redirect you to a fake site instead of the original one. We did not find any standard OS settings to limit such autorun (unless you disable NFC itself).

Another important point when using tags in public places is protection against overwriting. When recording a tag, you can set a protection flag that will block all attempts to change the information, but it will no longer be possible to remove it. So the label will be used in read-only mode in the future. For home use, in most cases this is not very critical.

Let's mention a few more programs for recording tags:

Using ready-made tags to control the device

One of the active participants in the NFC implementation process is Sony. Its devices come pre-installed with the Smart Connect program, which supports working with original Sony tags. If you wish, using the SmartTag Maker utility, you can create them yourself from blank blanks. The system uses the NDEF URI format with encoding of the label number/color in the text link. In total, the system provides up to eight tags, which are designated as “home”, “office”, “car”, “bedroom”, “listen”, “play”, “activities”, “watch”.

Variant of original Sony SmartTags

The Smart Connect program itself works not only with NFC tags, but also with other devices connected to the phone, including headsets, power supply, and Bluetooth devices. It’s quite convenient that the standard settings already correspond well to the above scenarios. In this case, the user can reprogram all circuits; each of them specifies a set of conditions and actions.

As a condition, you can use tag identification or device connection, and you can additionally limit the operating time of the circuit. The set of actions is quite wide, it includes launching an application, opening a link in the browser, starting music, adjusting volume and mode, connecting a Bluetooth audio device, sending SMS, making a call, managing wireless interfaces, adjusting brightness and other actions. Moreover, they can also be assigned to exit this mode, which is carried out by repeated recognition of the tag, by a new event/tag, or by the expiration of a specified time interval.

But in fact, it is not necessary to use Sony branded tags - you can also find use for ready-made tags that do not allow information to be overwritten. For example, these could be used transport cards. The fact is that each of them has its own unique identifier, which can be tied to certain actions using special programs. Possible reactions may include operations such as changing the profile, enabling/disabling interfaces, and many others.

There are several utilities for this scenario in the Play Store, let's mention a couple of them:

Let us remind you that you should not install several similar programs at once. This mode will not add any convenience, since when a tag is detected on the phone screen, a dialog box will appear asking you to select a program to process it.

While searching for programs for working with tags, we also came across another class of utilities that may be interesting if you have recordable tags. These programs use their own original recording format, which only they can work with. In this case, the set of possible actions is almost no different from those described above:

Let us remind you that at the moment the tag can be read only when the device is unlocked. So the scenario “came home, put the phone on the nightstand - automatically switched the profile, turned off the call and Bluetooth, set the alarm” will require some actions from the user. This behavior still slightly limits the capabilities of programs.

Exchange information between devices

With the exception of Android Beam, the scenarios described above assume the operation of a single phone with a tag or a specialized terminal. If we talk about the direct connection of devices with each other, then the main issue here is compatibility. Of course, in the case of products from one manufacturer, especially a large one, that manufacturer has the opportunity to simply install the appropriate program in the firmware. But if the devices are produced by different manufacturers, everyone will have to use the same utilities. And it’s not at all a fact that your partner will have the same program installed as yours.

Considering that NFC's own speed is very low, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is usually used to quickly transfer files, and NFC only works at the stage of negotiating connection parameters and establishing communication. To test this scenario, we tried several file transfer programs that claim to support NFC on our devices.

Send! File Transfer (NFC) in the free version allows you to exchange photo, music and video files. You can use NFC or QR codes to establish communication. The transfer is carried out via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (if both devices have support for Wi-Fi Direct, which the Sony phone we used did not have). As a result, we were able to see a speed of 65 KB/s, which, of course, is too low even for photographs.

Blue NFC, as the name suggests, also simplifies file sharing over Bluetooth by replacing the power-on, search, and pairing steps with touch and NFC sharing. The speed of operation is not very high - at the level of the program mentioned above.

File Expert HD also uses Bluetooth, but the speed is already 100-200 KB/s. True, in fairness it is worth noting that this program has many other file sharing modes.

Conclusion

As of the spring of 2013, we can say that NFC technology already confidently occupies a place in modern high-end and mid-level smartphones. Interest in it can be indirectly assessed by the number of programs in the Play Store: there are already several hundred free projects alone. Considering the market dominance (especially in the number of models) of the Android platform, it is the most popular platform for NFC devices today. iOS does not provide standard tools for NFC, and Windows Phone 8 has significantly limited capabilities for working with NFC for third-party applications.

NFC technology itself has several features that allow it to occupy a unique position:

• contactless data transfer;
• work only over short distances;
• the ability to exchange information with other devices or passive tags;
• low cost solution;
• low power consumption;
• low data transfer speed.

Currently, for smartphones and tablets, there are three most relevant options for using NFC: exchanging data between devices (contacts, applications, links, photos and other files), reading tags with special information and changing device modes/settings/profiles, quick pairing with peripheral devices (such as headsets). In the first case, you can try working with the standard Android Beam program or install alternative options. They can be useful when you need high transfer speeds (via Wi-Fi), but require the same program on each device.

Passive tags can be used almost anywhere, from posters to magazines to product tags. They can record product information, a website link, Wi-Fi settings, contact information, geographic coordinates, or other small amount of data. The spread of this method of information exchange directly depends on the number of compatible devices users have. This scenario can be compared to common QR codes, which today are, perhaps, still simpler in terms of implementation and more popular.

To change system settings, you can use even non-recordable tags with some programs, so many users will be able to try this scenario. However, it should be noted that in this case the set of options will be recorded in a specific device, and transferring it to another device may be difficult. Most utilities for this purpose still require their own recorded tags, which allows them to store all the required information in encoded form directly in the tag (or cloud), so that to use these settings on another device, it will be enough to have the same program on it.

We did not consider in this article such NFC use cases as payment systems, electronic wallets and micropayments, tickets and coupons, transport cards and passes. These topics, especially the first, deserve separate consideration. We will try to return to them if there is reader interest and the spread of such solutions.

The range of uses of this technology is very wide: you can transfer all kinds of content, pay for services like a credit card, pay for travel and groceries, use it as a key card, etc. The use of NFC will be discussed using the example of Android devices, because They are the ones that are most actively equipped with the appropriate adapter.

Does my smartphone have NFC?

It is very easy to make sure that you have an NFC chip in your tablet or smartphone. For example, Samsung labels the batteries of its devices with the appropriate inscription:

Sony puts the NFC logo directly on the bodies of its devices, but it is best to check through the gadget menu. To do this we do the following.

First step. Open the settings.

Second step. Go to the wireless network settings section, tap “More...”.

Third step. If there is an NFC chip, we see its settings section.

Turn on NFC

Does your device support NFC? Amazing! All that remains is to activate the function.

First step. In the NFC settings menu (the path was indicated earlier) we activate the line “allow data exchange when combined...”.

Second step. Click on Android Beam and tap “Yes”. We do this if Beam does not turn on on its own.

Important! If Android Beam is disabled, your ability to interact with other NFC devices and tags will be limited.

Instructions for transferring content via NFC

To transfer content via NFC to another device, we work in the following order.

First step. Open the file (for example, a photo) that you want to transfer.

Second step. We lean smartphones/tablets with their back covers against each other. Some removal is allowed (no more than 7-10 cm).

Third step. We are waiting for the devices to find each other. A notification about this will appear on the display of the sending device. It looks like this:

Fourth step. We tap on the screen. Content transfer starts.

As a rule, the system issues a sound alert at the moment the transfer of information begins and after its completion.

Can not be transferred:
applications;
videos broadcast from YouTube;
web pages.

When you try to transfer the listed content, the recipient will receive a link to it in the corresponding service.

Interaction with NFC tags

The range of uses of NFC technology is not limited to the transfer of user data. Using a device with such a chip, you can read and transfer information to special NFC tags and cards.

The NFC chip has an extremely modest size, which allows it to be embedded anywhere. For example, a price tag, headphones, a business card, etc. Such a chip can contain both information and commands that the device must execute upon contact with the tag (for example, turn off Wi-Fi, turn on a wireless headset, etc.).

To read information from such tags or write your data to their chips, you need to install the appropriate application on your smartphone or tablet. For example, the Yandex.Metro program will allow you to find out the remaining number of trips on your metro card via NFC. By installing the NFC App Launcher application, you can configure your Android gadget to perform a number of actions by programming the NFC tag accordingly.

Inclusion

First you need to turn on this chip. In devices from Xiaomi, this can be done in the following way:

• go to the “Settings” application;
• open the “Additional functions” tab;
• select the “NFC” item and set the switch to the active position.

Possibility of use:

• Data transfer

In the same menu you can activate Android Beam. With it, you can transfer data between two Android devices that have NFC.

To transfer a document/image or any other file:

enable NFC on both devices;

select the file that needs to be transferred;

It is important to remember that the transfer speed via NFC will be lower than using Bluetooth.

Fast device synchronization

If you are used to using wireless headphones or smart household appliances, then NFC will probably come in handy here too. To connect new headphones or a smart washing machine, you do not have to carry out a long search and synchronization procedure via Bluetooth. You just need to turn on NFC and touch your smartphone to your smart device. The place where the NFC chip is located is marked with a special symbol:

Using labels

The presence of NFC in a smartphone will also help optimize and speed up the operation of the device through the use of NFC tags.

What is an NFC tag? This is a small flexible plate that is equipped with an NFC chip and a small amount of memory. It can be used to store various types of information that will be used later. For example, you can save your alarm clock settings or enable airplane mode to a tag. The limits of using this function are limited only by the built-in tag memory and your imagination.

Card emulation

NFC technology also allows you to emulate cards: you can make various payments using your smartphone (only with terminals that work using PayWay technology). For the system to work successfully, you will need a phone with NFC and a special banking application through which you will link your card to the gadget.

Also, a smartphone with NFC will help replace a work pass or, in the near future, a travel ticket. When using smart locks with NFC, you also don't have to worry about the key - now it will be your device's job.

Use to view information

Some brands and companies use NFC tags that store information about the device or how the device was purchased. For example, if you want to find out more about a desired fur coat or a new car, then simply move your smartphone to the tag and get all the necessary information.

Explore the world of technology with Xistore!

What is NFC on a phone?– This is a technology that was used to make payments without cards or any contact with the terminal. Over time, the functionality of NFC has increased and it can be used to transfer a variety of data. To use the technology, you will need to have a built-in chip in the device and enter your banking information. Relevant for use in stores, as an interactive business card or key card for access to certain elements in systems.

What is NFC in a smartphone?

NFC on a phone: what is it and how to use it? – These are 2 related questions that are directly related to the name of the technology, which in Russian stands for “nearby field communication.” The technology is a wireless connection method over a short distance. 2 devices in which this chip is built can exchange information with each other. The transmission distance is only a few centimeters. The operating principle is reminiscent of the infrared port in older device models.

Today, NFC is installed in almost all mobile devices manufactured by market leaders. Initially, the concept of the technology meant its use as a virtual form of debit cards. Among the auxiliary useful areas of use that have appeared over time are passes to various institutions and personal identification. The assistive use of technology provides the ability to share various files, links and other content. Using programs, it is possible to record information and put it into special cards.

Technology support began with Android 4.0; mobile platforms have a built-in function - Beam for exchanging files between smartphones.

We remember that there is a Bluetooth service, so why an additional function with a smaller coverage radius? Bluetooth transmission of personal data with a high degree of security is not suitable, since the signal travels far and can be intercepted, and accordingly, the risk of data theft increases. In addition to the security of NFC, it is worth noting the instant connection, compared with Bluetooth, which takes a long time to connect.

How do you know if it's NFC?

Finding out which phones have NFC is the primary task to start using the technology. Not all devices contain this chip, although they are being installed more and more often in modern smartphones.

For a number of manufacturers, including Samsung, the presence of a function can be determined by examining the sticker placed on the battery. If a feature is available, there will be a corresponding inscription with the full name of the feature. Other manufacturers stick on a corresponding logo that indicates the presence of NFC.

In the smartphone itself, you can see whether the module is installed using the settings:

1. You need to go to “Settings”;
2. Next, you should find the “Wireless networks” column and tap on the “More…” button to get additional parameters;

1. There must be a special item for setting up NFC.

When you have already managed to find out whether your phone has NFC, you can move on to the next stage - initializing the launch of the function. This is how permission to use data exchange technology should be established.

NFC activation:

1. You should click on “Settings”;
2. Then go to the “Wireless Networks” category and select “More...”;
3. You need to check the box next to the “allow data exchange...” option; the function will be available if the tablets or smartphones are compatible with each other;
4. Android Beam is automatically activated;

1. If the Beam function did not turn on on its own, you should click on it and turn it on manually.

When Android Beam is disabled, a number of restrictions are imposed on operation via NFC between devices.

How to use NFC?

When the mode is activated, you need to move on to the next stage - using the technology for the required purpose (data or payment).

If you plan to transfer data, you need to pay attention to:

• Smartphones or tablets must have NFC mode activated and the Android Beam auxiliary function;
• When locked or in sleep mode, data transmission is interrupted;
• when devices are combined at an optimal distance, a special sound signal will be transmitted, which indicates that the device has entered the NFC range;
• The devices cannot be separated until the final data transfer, which will be indicated by a special sound signal.

The transfer process itself is simple and very similar to the standard Bluetooth function. It is possible to transfer data between any devices:

1. You need to go to the folder with the corresponding content.
2. Connect the devices back to back, placing them end to end.
3. You should expect an audio message indicating that the smartphones are in contact with each other. On the smartphone screen there will be a message to send, which you should click on to start the transfer.

Features of using NFC:

NFC is a useful feature, but it is still evolving and has not reached its peak in popularity or use. Today, not many stores can find payment terminals with this chip, but in the near future we can expect even greater improvements in the technology.

If you still have questions on the topic “What is NFC in a smartphone? How to enable NFC?”, then you can ask them in the comments

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Despite the fact that almost everyone has access to information, not every mobile device user knows what NFC is in a smartphone, what this technology is for and how to use it.

How does NFC work?

NFC is a computer technology that has gained fame, allowing you to make purchases in stores and pay for services without money (cash) or a bank card. This is a new and virtually secure method of contactless payment. The communication interface is used in a smartphone. To pay, simply bring your smartphone with the installed module to the terminal.

The principle of operation of the NFC module in a smartphone is the same as that of plastic cards with a wireless communication function.

There are several known ways to use the NFC interface in a mobile device. Most often, people use it to make contactless payments. A bank card is attached to the mobile device. It is difficult to intercept bank card data due to the small range of this module. In this case, unattended, lost or unlocked smartphones are more dangerous.

The payment transaction is carried out in several stages:

• Purchasing and activating a card with PayPass technology.
• Install your issuing bank's application.
• Activating NFC technology on a mobile device.
• Applying the card to the smartphone, starting the data reading procedure.
• Receive a PIN code from the bank via SMS for transactions.
• Payment for goods and services using a smartphone and a payment terminal.

There is another, less common way to use NFC technology. Using the module you can exchange data. Files are transferred from one mobile device to another, and a special Android Beam application acts as an intermediary. But exchanging data in this way is inconvenient, since the transmission speed is low and the range is minimal. The method is suitable for sending text messages, but nothing more.

The third way to use the technology is to record and read tags. Certain actions are assigned to a tag, such as sending a message, calling a contact, or going online. The function is suitable for people seeking to optimize personal time and automate their everyday life.

How to set up NFC for contactless payment by phone

NFC setup consists of the following steps:

1. Module activation. The user goes to the “wireless networks” settings section and checks the box next to the NFC name.
2. Agent selection. The user has the opportunity to select and install the application of the issuing bank of his card for data transfer.
3. Module binding. The user moves the device closer to the card with PayPass technology until the signal goes off.
4. Confirmation. Receive an SMS code to complete transactions.
5. Usage. Payment for goods and services in terminals with NFC technology.

Is it possible to buy a separate NFC module for your phone?

Purchasing a separate contactless communication module for a telephone is possible in the form of several solutions. You can use a special SIM card or antenna with your mobile device. The SIM card works the same as its counterparts. It is produced by mobile operators and installed in a smartphone in a special connector. The SIM card opens up all the possibilities of contactless transactions using a mobile phone at the level of Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.

NFC antenna is a radio device that performs the functions of an NFC module, but the user will have to install it on their smartphone themselves. The antenna is glued to the SIM card and installed under the phone cover. On models with a non-removable cover, installing modules is more difficult, but theoretically possible.

What are nfc tags

Recording and then reading tags is necessary to automate everyday tasks. Tags are analogous to QR codes. When approaching the tag, the smartphone reads it using the NFC module and performs encrypted tasks. For example, it opens a video on YouTube, an email, an SMS message, or a call to a contact from the phone’s address book.

A smart ring or bracelet with NFC function is a new development from Chinese engineers, suitable for smartphones running on any operating system. The bracelet can be selected to suit any hand size (the same with the ring). The device weighs very little and fully supports NFC technology. The processor functions, for example, in the band 3 nfc model are performed by a special chipset. Thanks to the chipset, the smart bracelet helps the smartphone exchange data via a contactless channel, maintaining the necessary security. Data on a device can be overwritten hundreds of thousands of times.

The bracelet stores payment information, notes and other personal information. It’s easy to view information - just hold the bracelet to the smartphone screen. The bracelet will instantly establish a connection with the phone and remove the lock from the screen, and can also serve as a “hot” button. For example, when you bring the bracelet to your smartphone, the camera, Internet or social network application will instantly open.

How to find out if your phone has NFC

The NFC icon, if the smartphone has this module, can be found in the settings menu. On an Android device, you need to do this:

1. Open the settings menu.
2. Open the “wireless networks” section.
3. Read the list of networks supported by the device. If the list does not include a network called NFC, then the smartphone cannot exchange data using this technology.

Is NFC technology safe? Won't the money be stolen?

People who have been using contactless bank cards for a long time do not need to explain what NFC technology is. This payment method is safer than the standard method of activating a PIN card in the terminal, since no one sees the code. Even after stealing a smartphone, an attacker will not be able to withdraw more than 1,000 rubles from the card due to widespread restrictions on the limit of amounts in contactless transactions.

Some media reported that attackers have developed terminals that they use in crowds, quietly withdrawing money. But this is only possible if the smartphone is not locked.

Advice: if the fraudster managed to write off money illegally, the account owner can always contact the bank and ask employees to track the movement of funds. The attacker’s account will be quickly found and the money will be returned to the owner if he (the fraudster) has not spent it yet.

Programs for creating NFC tags

There are already many separate applications for creating NFC tags, but their number is constantly growing. The following specialized programs are in great demand:

• ABA NFC. The program creates standard labels for various purposes.
• WiFi Tap. The program quickly connects the device to a wireless network without entering a password.

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