NFC is a technology provided in smartphones that enables data sharing with nearby devices. It can be used for cashless payments and data transfers. If you want to find out more about what NFC is, how to turn on NFC on your Android phone, and how to use it, read this article enabling NFC on Android.
What is NFC?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology. When NFC-compatible devices are sufficiently close to each other, data communication is enabled. This technology is used in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, home appliances, and touch cards used on public transport.
NFC installed on smartphones.
NFC-enabled smartphones can be used all sorts of things in your daily life. For example, if you store the relevant payment information on your smartphone, you can simply tap your smartphone at the ticket gate and pass through, or pay for your shopping with a simple wave of your phone.
Most Android smartphones come equipped with NFC technology so your cashless lifestyle can start right away. NFC is generally categorised by international standards such as Type-A; and Type-B. These are used for cashless payments and may already be familiar to you. Between these types, there are differences in communication speeds, the developer behind the system, and their applications.
Type-A: Secure and widely used worldwide for example in credit card contactless payments.
Type-B: This standard is renowned for having even its higher levels of security and it is used for contactless credit card payments as well as for identification documents such as driving licences.
When can you use NFC on your smartphone?
Smartphone NFC can be used for all sorts of things in your daily life. Let's take a look at some of them.
When can you use NFC on your smartphone?
Payments.
We’ve already mentioned contactless payment as one of the main uses of NFC technology in your smartphone. By linking e-money with a smartphone app, you can make cashless payments using just your smartphone.
By linking a compatible credit card to your smartphone, you can make credit card payments simply by holding your smartphone close, without needing to carry or take out the credit card itself.
Receiving data.
If your phone supports NFC, you can also use it to read the information on a touch card or NFC card. For example, if you want to check the balance your travel card, you can use an app and hold your smartphone over it to see that information.
Connecting to NFC compatible devices.
There are also devices such as NFC-enabled wireless headsets and wireless speakers. Simply establish a Bluetooth connection, then bring your smartphone close to the device.
Setting up NFC is easy on Android.
Your smartphone's NFC is easy to use, enabling you to make payments and receive data with just a wave of your phone.
Setting up Google Pay.
Google Pay is a contactless payment app for Android smartphones, designed to centralize and streamline your payment methods. It supports a wide array of e-money and credit cards, making cashless transactions incredibly convenient and highly secure. With Google Pay, you can manage all your supported payment options in one secure place, making cashless payments even easier.
Please check here for details on the e-money and co-branded cards supported by Google Pay.
With Google Pay, you can shop at convenience stores and other shops that accept e-money, and use public transport such as trains and buses hassle-free simply holding your smartphone. What’s more, Google Pay is compatible with your various loyalty cards, boarding passes, and live event tickets, providing a handy way to manage them.
Google Pay on your Android device can make life much smoother.
You can start using Google Pay straight away by adding a payment method. Just follow these three steps.:
- Open Google Pay in the Google Wallett app
- Tap [Payments] at the bottom of the screen, and then tap [+ Payment method]
- Select the payment method you want to add, such as a credit card or e-money, and enter the required information
Detailed instructions on how to use Google Pay are clearly explained in this video.
Contactless payments using NFC on smartphones, such as when boarding public transport or paying for shopping, can be used in a wide range of situations. Experience the convenience of NFC on your Android phone.
Note: The content introduced in this article may vary depending on the version and model of your Android phone.
*The content introduced in this article is correct at the time of writing (August 2022).