NFC or Near Field Communication is a common feature that is present in most phones today. But do you know these 6 uses of NFC on phone?
From sending data, making payments, accessing to hotels or apartments up to WiFi network authentication, they all can be done just from the palm of your hand.
So, what else can you do with the NFC feature on your phone? In this article we will dive into it all!
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Table of Contents
Uses of NFC on Phone
Before we get into our main topic, let’s get to know about the NFC itself. The NFC or Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication tech that allows you to allow data exchange between devices that are close to each other.
It works almost like Bluetooth, Infrared and WiFi with the exception the range of the NFC is far more shorter than the likes we stated before.
For comparison, Bluetooth connectivity is somewhere around 10 meters, with NFC, it’s only 5-10 centimeters.
Enough with the chit-chat, let’s get into our main topic!
1. Making Payments
Sure shopping at a mall with a debit card is far more convenient than searching around for an ATM to withdraw your cash to match your shopping budget. Not to mention the longer transaction time with cash is significant compared to debit card.
But what if we say that you can easily pay for your groceries, or fashion items by only using your smartphone? And not to mention it only took seconds for the payment to complete.
Yes, with a tap to pay method that uses NFC technology, it is possible. Just simply set the payment apps, tap your phone on the NFC payment receiver, and your purchase is complete!
2. Sending Data
One basic use of NFC on your phone is for sending data. Initially (and mainly) NFC was used for sharing contact information, like phone numbers for instance.
So, instead of typing the numbers out and saving them, you can simply bring two phones that are equipped with NFC close together.
Other than that, you can use NFC to send photos, website links, documents and locations to other phones or laptops.
However, NFC is best used for transferring smaller files due to its being not the fastest way to transfer.
3. Access Card Emulation
Most modern hotels and apartments use access cards instead of traditional keys to unlock the doors and operate elevators.
But do you know? You can use your phone to transfer the data of this access card to your phone using NFC through a process called emulation.
The emulation process allows you to use your phone to open doors, use elevators in hotels and apartments.
4. Checking and Topping Up E-Money Balances
The rise of cashless payments also gives NFC a spotlight for its own. Take toll roads for example, drivers often or almost certainly need an electronic money card for these payments.
With that being said, you need to check or top up your e-money balances regularly. With a phone that’s equipped with an NFC feature, you can simply do it with your phone instead searching for an ATM.
5. Wireless Charging
Wireless charging doesn’t mean that electricity is sent through the air. The power is delivered through a process called induction charging in which the back of your phone is fitted with a special device that is able to send electricity to the battery.
However, in 2020 the NFC Forum introduced an idea for NFC wireless charging. But it’s still in development and the power amount is still small. Fingers crossed that in the future we might see phones that can be wirelessly charged via NFC.
6. Speaker and Headphone Connection
Many mobile speakers today are no longer wired. Most speakers can be connected to smartphones or various gadgets via Bluetooth.
But sometimes there are many problems when connecting speakers to Android phones with Bluetooth. The signal connection can sometimes drop and the sound is less clear.
In addition to Bluetooth, portable speakers are also equipped with NFC. NFC-enabled speakers connect your phone to the speaker by simply placing your phone on top of the speaker.
The wireless connection from phone to speaker is more stable and safer from signal interference.
So there you go! The 6 uses of NFC on phone. Other than we’ve mentioned above, you can also use NFC feature on your phone for other purposes, such as:
- WiFi Network Authentication
- Giving App Recommendations
- Running Applications on Other Cell Phones
