What is an nfc chip. We check the presence of NFC in the phone and correct the situation

Using NFC stickers

At the time of writing, only Android devices and Windows phone support this technology, so Apple owners may consider buying another device. Windows Phone owners can read the article to understand the NFC sticker settings, and Android owners can follow the instructions, since they are written specifically for this operating system.

What does NFC technology offer us when using special stickers? To begin with, see these very stickers, which are the subject of a thin layer.

They may look different, the main thing about them is that they have a special NFC chip inside. Perhaps you also have such a label in your pocket, if there is a ticket for traveling on the subway (by the way, I used such a ticket to work with this technology). So, it is worth putting your smartphone on such an NFC tag and the phone will perform pre-agreed actions that the user can fine-tune. Your possibilities are limited only by your desires: you can put your phone in silent mode in the meeting room; you can open the navigation map, turn on GPS and mobile data as soon as you are in the car; in the same car, you can turn on Bluetooth to receive calls without being distracted by the phone; you can come to work and connect to the working WiFi networks and start flipping through the meeting calendar; disconnect from all networks at home and turn on the music; In one word, you can customize absolutely anything. And for this you need only at least one sticker (you can buy them, they are not expensive) and free app V Google Play, thanks to which the possibilities increase and the necessary actions can be performed not only when the phone is brought to the sticker, but also if the battery level reaches a certain level; or you plug in a headset; either a certain point in time will come, or even if you find yourself in a certain area. Believe me, there is a place where fantasies unfold. In the meantime, we'll start setting up NFC.

How to use NFC or set up an NFC tag

So, we need an Android phone with NFC support. In addition, we need an NFC tag (you can use a ticket from the metro). Now you need to download the Trigger application from Google Play, install and run it. The application is free, but the professional version with maximum functionality costs some money (the same is not big). You can start by turning on trial version. After all the greetings in the My tasks menu, click on the plus sign and yes, the creation of the first task will begin, which will be performed when the phone is brought to the label. First of all, we will be asked to add triggers:

• WiFi. If you select this, further actions will be taken when connecting or disconnecting from a specific network.
• Bluetooth. A similar situation as with Wi-Fi.
• NFC. Actually NFC tags. The task is activated when brought to the NFC tag (which we will mainly talk about)
• Battery. Activation at a certain battery level. It is convenient to put the phone into economy mode when the charge is low.
• Time. Activation in certain time.
• Charger. Activation when connected or disconnected from the power supply.
• Headset. Activation when connecting a headset (you can immediately turn on the song by just plugging the headphones into your smartphone).
• calendar event. A perfectly understandable title.
• Agent. I think you will figure it out yourself, I did not succeed.
• Geo-fence. Activation when crossing some terrain.

After selecting the desired trigger (and for the purposes of this article, I recommend choosing NFC), you must click Next. In the next window, you can set restrictions on the action of this task. So the task can only be performed at a certain time, on certain days, with a certain battery level and with various Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode states.For my purposes, there were no restrictions, so I just continued with the setup, skipping this item.Next you should get to the Task menu (if not, click Next). Plus, you are free to add the necessary tasks that must be performed under the conditions you choose (in our case, when brought to the NFC tag.) There are a lot of actions, so I will list only groups of actions:

• Wireless and LANs
• Bluetooth
• Sounds and volume
• Screen
• Social media
• Messages
• Applications and shortcuts
• Media
• Agent
• Trips
• Signals
• Events
• Telephone
• Samsung
• Scheduler
• experimental

Select the groups you are interested in, open it and select the necessary action. For example, to turn on music, you need to select Media, and then check the box next to Play multimedia. In the same way, all the tasks you need are configured, and then click Next. Some tasks will require additional settings such as Wi-Fi must be turned on or off. After this additional setup, click Add to Job. You can give your task a unique name or leave the default name, click Next.

The last but one will be the Switches menu. This is quite an interesting point, and an example is needed to understand it. Suppose we have created an NFC tag, from which the phone starts playing music. Logically, another NFC sticker is needed to create a new task to turn off the music. But you can use the Switches function so that the same sticker performs two reverse tasks. For this in this menu you must click the same plus sign and add a new task in the manner described above, select the opposite actions there. Upon completion of these works, click Done. After that, you need to put the smartphone on the sticker, with which the phone is synchronized in less than a second. If the reaction is positive, it remains to click the Done button.

Possible problems when using Trigger

For this application in the same Google Play there are several different plugins that are necessary for various activities. So the Trigger Reuse plugin allows you to reuse NFC stickers, such as subway tickets. You can find all the necessary plugins by querying Trigger Plugin on Google Play. Some of these plugins require additional configuration, some do not. I think you'll understand.

Using NFC technology to pay for metro fares

To use the phone to pay for the metro, you need to contact your mobile operator and clarify whether it supports this technology (MTS, VimpelCom, Rostelecom definitely support this technology). If the answer is positive, you need to replace your SIM card with a special NFC-enabled SIM card and activate a special service (technical support or sales center employees to help you). After that (in theory), you only need to top up your phone account in time so that one day the turnstile does not start screaming at you.

Ivanov Sergey

Contactless Payment Technician

Articles written

Back in 2004, the largest equipment manufacturers presented latest technology wireless communication over short distances called NFC, which is now used in smartphones, tablets, smart watch and other gadgets. The advantages of the NFS system are the high speed of information transfer and reliable protection of user data.

What is an NFC module in a smartphone?

Initially, the technology was positioned as an internal communication resource for making contactless payments. However, today it can be used for electronic keys, discount cards, and more.

NFS is a technology wireless communication between devices, which works at short distances - up to 10 cm. At the same time, the most accurate, fast and secure connection is established.

REFERENCE! The full name "Near Field Communication" translates as close field communication. It is provided by a microantenna with a magnetic data carrier built into the equipment or card.

The system was first implemented as a chip in fare cards, but soon began to be used inside smartphones. Today, the NFC interface is equipped with many models of Android phones and tablets, starting with OS version 4.0, as well as iOS devices.

The principle of operation and functions of the NFS

The technology is based on a type of communication similar to barcode and QR code reading.

Only here so-called magnetic tags are used. They encrypt a large amount of data, so they are much more convenient than physical storage media.

The transmitter of the magnetic reader constantly transmits a signal, and the NFS chip gives a response to it when it enters the communicator's coverage area. Due to the operation of one device that requests data, the magnetic field induces the emergence of energy in another gadget. This technology allows one of the sensors to work even in passive mode, that is, without any power source.

REFERENCE! NFC chips have been compared to Bluetooth, but their main difference is their range. NFS provides a short-term connection in a small field, which means that it eliminates the possibility of errors or hacking, and the connection can be interrupted by increasing the distance between devices.

Due to their compact size, NFS chips are embedded in various devices and maps and can perform the following functions:

• contactless payment;
• mobile payment for travel in public transport;
• reading information, including RFID tags, printed on paper;
• transferring data to another device, including a TV or smart watch;
• use as electronic key;
• reading an electronic badge for events;
• payment by electronic money;
• embedding an interface into an identity card or traveler's card.

REFERENCE! At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, NSF chips were used in balls manufactured by Adidas. By touching the ball with a phone that supports the NSF, one could go to a special website with information about the championship and interesting special projects.

Functions of NFS technology on this moment are not used everywhere. For example, only in in large numbers cities of the world NFS sensors are built into the terminals for fare payment. But the prospects for using the interface are very wide.

How to set up the wireless data module?

If your device has an NFS system, then to use it, you need to perform simple steps:

REFERENCE! Without activating "Android Beam", the NFS chip may not work correctly, therefore, before using contactless communication, it is recommended to check the interface status in the smartphone settings.

After turning on the NFS system, you can use it for contactless data transfer between various devices. The technology is also being considered as an alternative to Bluetooth. You can transfer files or folders to another phone by simply touching the two devices together back covers. Do not remove the device until the transfer is successfully completed.

How to find out if there is NFS in the gadget?

To use NFC technology, the chip must be embedded in the device. Today, NFS sensors are available not only in expensive equipment, but also in economical models. Check if there is given function on your smartphone in several ways:

Contactless payment

The most important achievement of the implementation of the NFS system in technology is the possibility of contactless payment. In order to activate the contactless payment function using a smartphone, you must:

1. Enable the NFS feature on your phone.
2. Link a bank card or online wallet in settings. The feature is available for cards labeled with PayPass. Some banks are releasing their own applications that also have NFS technology available.
3. Contactless payment will be made directly from the phone. This does not require a bank card.

REFERENCE! It is on the basis of the NFS, for example, that the well-known function works Apple Pay, available to users iPhone. Contactless payment options are available in all models Apple smartphones since episode 6.

Chip types

Inside NFS devices are microchips that store and transmit data from one device to another. Microcircuits differ in the types of settings and the amount of built-in memory, as well as in the type of device. A SIM card can be used as an NFS sensor, external devices or chip.

1. The latest generation SIM cards are equipped with NFS functions, but they cannot fully replace the interface inside the phone, since they do not require fingerprints and authentication.
2. External NFS modules and stickers are usually installed under the back cover of the phone. They can be passive (they work autonomously only for reading data) and active (they connect to the phone).
3. Chips are usually already built into the equipment or card.

External devices have significant drawbacks. Passive stickers do not support most of the functions, and active stickers consume the battery to constantly maintain contact with the smartphone. In addition, additional modules are quite bulky due to the special attachment.

How to add an external NFC chip if your phone doesn't have one?

NFC SIM

This is the easiest way to add the NFS feature for phones that don't have a built-in chip.

However, they do not use encryption methods, so they are less secure for transactions.

Most likely, your old SIM card does not support the contactless data transfer function., so it will have to be replaced or a new one purchased. To do this, go to the salon cellular communication or to the bank that issued your card. You may also need to replace your bank card if it does not have a PayPass mark on it.

NFC antenna

Another option - external antenna with NFS support.

Thanks to this device, you can get access to contactless short-range communication without buying a new smartphone.

NFS antennas are sold in hardware stores and mobile phone stores, and their installation does not require the help of specialists.

You can attach the antenna to the sim card and then insert under the cover. Unfortunately, such an external module cannot be added to equipment, the case of which is not disassembled, and the SIM card slot is located on the side.

NFS technologies are used by most manufacturers modern technology. Thanks to this, users can make contactless payments, transfer data and read special tags without worrying about leakage of personal data and third-party interference. At the moment, the NFS has no analogues that could offer both high speed, safety and a short working radius.

Wireless Fidelity, also known as Wi-Fi, is far from the only wireless technology supported by today's mobile devices. To transfer data over short distances, in particular, to exchange files between phones, Bluetooth is now commonly used - a specification for wireless networks that allows you to establish communication between devices on physical level. However, there are other technologies that are still less in demand in everyday life, but are rapidly gaining popularity, such as, for example, NFC, which will be discussed in this article.

What is NFC and what is this technology for?

So, what is NFC for, where is it used and how to use it? NFC or Near Field Communication is a wireless data transmission technology designed to exchange data between electronic devices located at a small (up to 10 cm) distance from each other. Currently, NFC is used in industrial and banking, medicine and science. Examples of the use of technology can be found in Everyday life, for example, paying for goods and services using a supporting NFC smartphone a, which in this case plays the role of a bank payment card.

More details about the use of Near Field Communication in different areas will be discussed below, we will also find out what NFC is in a smartphone, and now let me say a few words about how it works. Data exchange between technology-enabled devices is carried out using NFC modules, which are electromagnetic coils. Being paired, the coils alternately generate an electromagnetic field, under the influence of which a current arises in them, which is then converted into a transmitting signal.

However, it should not be assumed that the exchange is always carried out directly. If you start using NFC to transfer files from smartphone to smartphone, they will be transferred via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, while NFC will only serve to identify devices. You should also distinguish between active and passive modes of NFC. Active is the mode in which the electromagnetic field is generated by both devices, passive - only when the field is created by one of the devices. An example of the second mode is writing or reading data from NFC or RFID tags.

How to find out if your phone has NFC

Near Field Communication technology is supported by many different types devices, including mobile phones. NFC in the phone is hardware component, which is responsible for pairing with other NFC devices. It is usually located on the inside of the back cover, but if the battery is non-removable, its location is often marked with a logo on the case itself.

There are several ways to check if your smartphone supports NFC. Some mobile phone manufacturers, such as Sony, label their products with an appropriate NFC logo or sticker, others, such as Samsung, put "Near Field Communication" on the battery. You can also look for mention of NFC in the documentation that came with your phone.

There are sites dedicated to the subject that provide information on which phones have NFC, for example, on the page nfc-ukraine.com/article/2013/06/29/1-0 there is a table with several hundred NFC-enabled devices. Finally, the most correct thing is to open the settings, go to the "Wireless networks" section, select "More" and see if there are NFC and Android Beam items.

What you can do with NFC

So, what is NFC is more or less clear, let's move on to examples of its specific use. The scope of this wireless communication technology is quite extensive. So, NFC is used:

• When paying for goods and services (emulation of payment cards).
• When identifying a person (electronic documents).
• When transferring data from device to device.
• To access private data (as an electronic key).
• When reading information from NFC tags.
• For translate Money from phone to phone.
• When interacting with "smart" household appliances etc.

How to use NFC on your phone? After making sure that the NFC function is available on the device, it must first be activated, for which in the settings you need to check the box in the NFC item "Allow data exchange when combining a tablet (phone) with another device." In this case, the Android Beam option should be automatically activated. If it doesn't, turn it on manually by clicking on it and selecting Yes.

Let's consider the simplest example of using a function - to transfer data. After turning on NFC and unlocking both devices, open the content on your phone that you want to transfer, and then bring the devices closer with their back covers (up to 10 cm away). Once the devices have found each other, the sender gadget will display a “Tap to transfer data” notification. Tap on the display and wait for the transfer to complete, about which you will be notified by a sound signal.

Similarly, links to web pages, Google Play apps, and YouTube videos can be exchanged through NFC.

Using NFC to pay for goods and services is a bit more complicated. The NFC module itself is useless here, for this you will definitely need a physical or virtual bank card and the corresponding application. You should also ask if the bank you are using supports NFC. If so, find out if the banking client application has an NFC connection option, how to connect it correctly, and what types of cards are supported.

There are also third party applications supporting technology and working with bank cards. In Russia, these are Qiwi and Wallet from the developer CardsMobile. Among the banking applications in Russia, Alfa-Touch from Alfa-Bank can be noted, in Ukraine - Privat24 from Privat-Bank.

NFC tags deserve no less attention. These devices are small portable storage media of small volume, attached to surfaces or embedded in various devices and objects, such as: key chains, Business Cards, posters, stickers, posters, billboards, product shelves and so on. They serve for the same purposes as barcodes and QR codes, that is, for reading certain data from them. NFC tags can contain both simple information (phone numbers, addresses, identification codes, etc.) and various commands, for example, a command to send an SMS, distribution of Wi-Fi, turn on a device, launch applications.

To work with NFC tags, you will also need the appropriate applications. Thus, the Yandex.Metro application can be used to obtain information about the number of remaining trips on the Metro card, and AnyTAG NFC Launcher or NFC Actions can be used to program your own tags and manage various functions and devices with their help.

Scanning an NFC tag is performed as follows. By activating on phone NFC and opening the scanner application, place the gadget over the tag at a distance of 1-10 cm. The phone will scan the tag and offer to open its contents.

Conclusion

Now you know in general terms what NFC means and where this technology is used. In the post-Soviet countries, Near Field Communication, however, has not yet become widespread due to the relatively small number of communication devices that support it. Nevertheless, the NFC function is very promising and will certainly become one of the most requested in the very near future.

Articles and Lifehacks

Content:

Surely, many users have previously encountered the abbreviation NFC. We will talk about what is nfs in the phone, as well as the features of its use on Android.

NFC - what is it?

NFC can be deciphered as “near field communication”, or “contactless closest communication”. This is a special modern wireless communication technology, thanks to which it becomes possible to exchange information at high radio frequencies between devices on short distance(about 10 centimeters). In this case, the physical contact of the two phones is not required.

Previously, this technology was most widely used for contactless payments in the field of trade and transport services. Today it is known for its active implementation in the mobile field.

Almost every well-known equips their devices NFC modules. This allows us to use our mobile phone to communicate with various electronic equipment - for example, when we use it as means of payment by setting special program. At the same time, the level of data protection is quite high.

Thus, our mobile device today it is quite possible to use it not only as a means of communication, but also for transmitting and receiving information, paying for purchases and purchasing transport tickets.

We have the right to make it virtual payment card, or a pass to any enterprise.

In addition, it is very convenient to use NFC tags and smart cards, as well as quickly exchange information.