How to find out if a smartphone supports NFC. NFC in a smartphone: what is it, what is the module for and how to use it. Which Chinese phone with NFC to buy

NFC technology in Russia has already matured to the point where you can even pay for purchases at the nearest Pyaterochka with a smartphone. Therefore, many owners of older devices became interested: how to add NFC to a phone without NFC? If you're here for it, we have two news: bad and good.

The bad news: you can't use NFC to its full potential

Alas, this is the sad truth. If NFC support is not built into your smartphone by the manufacturer, then no amount of household tricks will help you equip it with all the capabilities of this module.

Why? To answer this question, you need to understand what is hidden behind the words “NFC support”. Firstly, in system board The smartphone must have a special chip soldered into it. Secondly, the smartphone body must contain an NFC antenna, which will transmit signals from the chip to the outside world. And thirdly, your phone's operating system must be able to receive and transmit data using the NFC protocol.

Agree, if you are not a radio electronics specialist and part-time system programmer, adding NFC to a phone without NFC with your own hands is quite problematic. Therefore, the only real solution is to buy a smartphone with NFC support. Eg, .

Good news: you can partially do it!

However, not everything is so bad. To the aid of those who are unable to buy a phone, removable phone accessories come to the rescue - NFC-enabled SIM cards and removable NFC antennas.

SIM cards with NFC support in Russia are produced only by the Big Three operators - MTS, Megafon and Beeline. But we will focus on the first, since the solution he proposes meets our task.

Megafon and Beeline cards are intended for a slightly different purpose: they are installed in phones that already have NFC support, and are used for contactless payment for transport fares from a mobile phone account.

But with the help of the service from MTS you can partially use NFC payment capabilities, namely, to pay in transport and in stores using an MTS Bank card as a wallet.

What is needed for this?

Apply in the office mobile operator MTS Bank card, or install the application on your smartphone for free MTS Money and release a virtual one. The app is reminiscent of Google Pay.

In addition, you need to purchase a kit for contactless payment at the MTS salon: a SIM card with an NFC chip and an NFC antenna. She looks like this:

The SIM card is installed into the phone in the usual way, and a thin flexible antenna is brought out of the case. There is a big limitation here: your phone must have a removable battery. Modern phones with a non-removable battery and a SIM card tray cannot be upgraded this way (however, they usually already support NFC). This is what it looks like assembled:

The antenna can be carefully glued to back cover so that it doesn't dangle. That's it - you can top up your account virtual card MTS, launch the application and pay with it in stores and the capital’s metro.

Does it work?

Yes. On this moment This solution is the only working way for Russia to add NFC to a phone without NFC.

But, of course, its disadvantages are obvious. It is not suitable for all smartphones; it requires an agreement with MTS, external antenna easy to damage, and the seal of the phone case is also compromised, since the antenna is brought out through the seam. In addition, this is still not a full-fledged NFC chip. They are not allowed, for example.

Here's a little more about NFC:

The NFC module was originally intended for one-touch payments. A SIM card with a built-in chip can be used both in shops, municipal transport, and as a contactless “master key” or business card. This technology also began to be used in tablets and smartphones.

Leading manufacturers equip mid-range and higher gadgets with special adapters that allow you to instantly transfer data and perform other operations. Despite this, many users do not know what the NFC function is on the phone and how to use this device.

Devices operating on Android began to be equipped with special chips since the release of OS 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The NFS module is designed for communication between tablets and phones located on short distances from each other.

NFC technology in smartphones provides the user with the following capabilities:

Quickly share various files;
Use the gadget as a pass to various organizations and institutions;
Make contactless payments with one touch;
Store or read data in a specific format.

Many advanced users are interested in what NFS is in a smartphone and whether this function is really necessary for the user, because all gadgets are equipped with Bluetooth.

NFS technology is most often used for payments, which means the signal range is minimal. The connection between the phone and the device is completed in a matter of seconds, ensuring complete security, which is not the case with Bluetooth.

Does the device support the NFS interface?

Not all modern gadgets have such a chip. Can be installed on Android simple bluetooth, preventing the device from being used for safe operations.

How to find out if your smartphone has NFC in order to enjoy all its benefits. You can check the availability of this function through the settings located in the tablet or phone menu:

Go to Android settings;
In the line " Wireless network» click “Advanced”;
Enter the NFS settings menu.

Once a user has found a feature they need, they can enable it or set restrictions. To do this, in the same tab you need to:

Check the box next to “Allow data exchange”;
Wait for activation Android programs Beam;
If the function does not start automatically, click on Android Beam, then confirm the action.

On a note! NFS on Android phone is not a separate means of transferring files or other information, but a command device. Data exchange is carried out via wireless communication. The chip issues a command to activate the Internet and transmit information.

Which smartphones have NFS?

If the user knows what NFC is for, then he can easily use this module when performing various operations. Almost all modern gadgets are equipped with this technology. Here are some examples:

iPhone, starting with the 6S model;
Samsung Galaxy with S3, LG latest models and Xperia X from Sony.

Other manufacturers can also please you with the presence of an advanced device. The NFC function on Android allows you to carry out various operations quickly and securely, which is its main advantage.

Possible options for using the NFS module

The module can operate in several main modes. Namely:

Active. Both smartphones are equipped with a special chip.
Passive. Only one gadget model is used.

On a note! The chip operates in several modes. The first is used to exchange information between smartphones or planets. The purpose of the second is a “pass” or card when going on the subway or buying a bus ticket.

Contactless payments

In emulation mode plastic card The NFS chip makes it possible to pay for services and goods at terminals. The most common Android services Pay, for iPhones - Apple Pay. The module installed on a smartphone allows you to hide the cardholder’s data, thereby securing the operation.

How to pay via NFC from an Android phone:

To make a payment you will need a card with paypass support;
Download a special application;
Log in to your personal page in the main menu;
Select the NFS item;
Place the plastic on the back panel of the smartphone so that the module reads the data it needs.

Using the NFS option, the owner of the gadget will be able to transfer funds for a completed purchase in one touch.

Payments for travel on public transport

If certain settings are available, the NFS system can be used as electronic ticket. Support latest technology will allow passengers of underground and surface transport to use the chip much faster when passing turnstiles or recording a completed trip.

Exchange of information using modern technologies

After activating NFS, it can be used to exchange files. To send information, the user must adhere to a certain algorithm.

How to use NFC on a smartphone:

Activate NFS and Android Beam on gadgets;
Both mobile phones must work and be unlocked;
When the smartphones are close to each other, the user will hear a corresponding signal, which informs that the gadgets are in the field of view.

Attention! You can separate devices only after the transfer of information is completed. The user will be notified of this by a corresponding signal.

Instant scanning of information

Reading using an electronic chip operates by scanning a barcode - a mark located on the media. They are gradually replacing paper codes and contain not only information about the manufacturer, but also composition, shelf life, and other data.

Reading individual marks

The principle of its operation is similar to barcode scanning. But in this situation, it is not the camera on the mobile phone that is used, but the sensor located under the cover. This feature is especially useful in home use.

To create tags, the user needs to install an application, which can be downloaded via Play Market. The owner of the smartphone will be able to assign a specific task independently: “create a message”, “send a letter”, “make a call”.

What to do if there is no NFS on your phone

Most smartphone owners are interested in how to use Android Pay without NFC. Operators mobile communications developed SIM cards with a built-in module for signal transmission.

What to do if your phone does not support NFC - first option:

Buy a special SIM card;
Place it in the slot on your smartphone;
The chip is automatically activated.

On a note! It should be taken into account that the signal dimensionsGSMvary and depend on the format on a particular device.

What to do if your phone doesn’t have NFC – option two:

Buy external device for making contactless payments;
Next, you need to read the instructions on how to install NFC in your smartphone - most often you just need to fix it on the SIM card;
Place in tray.

Attention! One drawback is that this method is suitable for gadgets that have a removable cover. Non-separable models and mobile phones with side slots cannot be equipped with an external device.

Advantages and disadvantages of modern technology

The main advantage of the NFS module is low energy consumption, affordable cost, safety and ease of use. But before you activate this function it is necessary to study certain nuances.

Like all devices, the NFC module also has some disadvantages:

Small range. This causes some inconvenience when using this technology. On the other hand, it provides maximum security. The owner of the smartphone will not be able to accidentally pay for the goods or set a command.

The development of modifications for NFS is uncontrolled. Manufacturers of gadgets "Haomi" and "Sony" are trying to improve the process of transmitting information. They independently produce parts that only work with their smartphones or tablets. To enjoy all the benefits of the module, the consumer will have to buy mobile phones of certain brands, as well as install applications only from these developers.

On a note! Developers are gradually trying to eliminate some of the shortcomings and make various improvements to their technology.

If the user does not know how to connect NFC to a smartphone or finds it difficult to do so, it is better to contact a specialized center for help from experienced professionals.

The NFS module allows you to make one-touch purchases and carry out other types of transactions. If your smartphone does not have this function, you can purchase the appropriate chip or SIM card. To ensure proper security, the phone owner will have to enable screen unlocking using a fingerprint or PIN code - there is no other choice.

It stands for Near field communication, which can be translated as “near field communication” or “near contactless communication”. As the name suggests, this is a technology for wireless communication over short distances.

NFC technology can be used to solve the most different tasks. For example, using NFC you can pay for purchases, identify your identity, configure wireless connections and much more.

In this material you will learn how to enable NFC on Android smartphone, as well as what Android Beam is, how to enable and use it.

In order to enable NFC on an Android smartphone, you need to open the settings and go to the section with additional wireless network settings. This section is usually called “More” and is located immediately after the “Wi-Fi”, “Bluetooth”, and “Data Transfer” sections.

After opening the “More” section, you will see additional settings wireless networks. If your Android smartphone supports NFC technology, then there will be a corresponding switch that allows you to disable and enable NFC.

How to enable Android Beam

Android Beam is a technology Google, which allows you to transfer web pages, contacts, coordinates, routes, as well as photos and videos from one Android device to another using NFC technology.

The process of transferring data via Android Beam is very simple. All you need to do is unlock the two smartphones and place their back panels against each other. After this, the devices will automatically detect each other and a prompt to send data will appear on the screen.

In order to enable Android Beam technology, you must first enable NFC, as described above. After enabling NFC, the “Android Beam” section will become available just below.

If you open the “Android Beam” section, there will be a switch with which you can enable or disable this function.

Initially, Near Field Communication technology ( NFC) has gained maximum popularity as a technology for making contactless payments. You can use a smart card with built-in NFC chip as a pass on public transport, as a payment card in retail establishments, as a “smart” business card or as a contactless key card.

However, recently, this technology is increasingly being used in devices such as smartphones and tablets: almost all major manufacturers have begun to equip their mid-range and high level NFC adapters.

What is NFC?

If we translate the name of the Near Field Communication technology from English, we get the phrase “near field communication”, which can be deciphered in ordinary language as wireless connection over short distances. Thus, we see that two NFC-enabled devices can communicate with each other when they are nearby. And indeed, the “range” of NFC is only a few centimeters.

On mobile devices NFC technology can be used for various purposes. You can, for example, turn your phone into a virtual bank card, or use it as a pass to a swimming pool or to a business. You can also quickly exchange files and links, and even, using special applications, read and write information to programmable NFC tags or NFC smart cards.

In the operating room Android system, NFC support appeared in Android versions 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - Its built-in Beam feature allows you to share files between devices.

Why do you need NFC if you already have Bluetooth?

As you remember, NFC is most often used when paying for various goods or services, and in this case Bluetooth is not entirely suitable. Firstly, due to its large range (there is a possibility of interception of your payment data). And secondly, the connection between two NFC devices, unlike Bluetooth, occurs almost instantly.

Does your device support NFC?

Not all phones and tablets have NFC adapters. Does your tablet support NFC? How to check its availability?

Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, place the Near Field Communication message directly on the battery of their smartphones, while others, such as Sony, place the NFC logo on the device.

However, the easiest way to check the presence of an NFC adapter in your phone or tablet is through its settings menu:

Go to the settings menu of your Android device

In the Wireless Networks section, click More...

Here you should see NFC settings items:

NFC activation

If your tablet or phone has an NFC adapter, you need to allow it to be used to exchange data between other NFC devices.

Go to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> More...

Check the box next to "Allow data exchange when combining the tablet with another device"

This will turn on automatically Android function Beam.

If Android Beam doesn't turn on automatically, simply tap on it and select Yes to turn it on.

When Android Beam is disabled, it limits the ability to share NFC data between smartphones or tablets.

Sharing data using NFC

Once you have activated NFC, you can use it to transfer data. For successful data exchange between tablets and phones, pay attention to the following:

Both the sending and receiving devices must have NFC enabled and Android Beam enabled.

None of the devices should be in sleep mode or have a locked screen.

When you bring the two devices close enough to each other, you will hear sound signal, indicating that the devices have discovered each other.

Do not separate the devices until the data transfer is complete and you hear a success signal.

Data transfer via NFC

Place the backs of the devices facing each other.

Wait until confirmation appears that both devices have detected each other and the message “tap to transfer data” appears on the sender’s screen:

Click on the screen and data transfer will begin:

You will hear a sound confirmation both at the beginning and at the end of the data transfer.

Application sharing

With NFC you can't share APK files. Instead, the sending device sends a link to that app to the other device. Google Play Market, and the recipient opens a page in the Market with an offer to install it.

Sharing web pages

Just as in the previous case, the web page is not transferred from one device to another, but only a link to it is exchanged, which the recipient tablet or phone opens in its web browser.

Exchange YouTube video

Again, when sharing a YouTube video, the file itself is not transferred - the second device will simply open the same video on the YouTube website.

Using NFC tags.

In addition to exchanging information between tablets and phones, you can use your device to read (and write) data from NFC tags and smart cards equipped with an NFC chip.

NFC chips are small enough that they can be embedded anywhere - in Business Cards, bracelets, product labels, stickers, price tags and other items. They can contain information about the person, a URL, product information, and even commands that your phone or tablet should execute when you touch these tags.

To read data from NFC tags (or to write information to them), you will, of course, need a special application.

For example, using the Yandex.Metro program you can find out how many trips are left on your disposable Moscow Metro card, and the NFC App Launcher program will allow you to program your phone or tablet to perform certain actions by placing the corresponding information in the NFC tag.

Conclusion

Most of the modern Android phones and tablets are already equipped with NFC adapters, but so far this function is in little demand and its use is still limited, mainly by the ability to quickly exchange content and contactless payment for services. However, in the future, NFC may penetrate into all areas of our lives, sometimes even completely unexpected ones.

The Troika transport card is gaining popularity among users. Most of its holders are interested in the question of how to check its balance, including remotely, via the Internet. There are several ways, which means everyone can choose the option that suits them more than the others.

Checking Troika balance via the Internet

The service is currently unavailable as work is underway to create the appropriate resource. The transport service responsible for the release of Troika replies that the time frame in which such an operation will become available is unknown. However, it is planned to start work personal account, where you can check the balance on the card.

Find out Troika balance using a mobile application

A simple method of obtaining information about the card balance and remaining trips is to read it through a tablet or smartphone based on Android. In order for the application to work without failure, mobile device Contactless NFC technology must be available. To obtain information about the account status in this way, you must:

Install the Troika app using the link. Checking the balance."
Place the card on the back of the device where the application is installed.
Wait for the information to appear on the screen of your smartphone or tablet.

Check via mobile app convenient because it is available around the clock, even without access to the Internet.

Receive information about your account status by calling 3210

Sorry, but the call is on short number 3210 will not allow the user to check the status of the Troika account. No matter how often they write about this on other sites, this method is not correct and has never been so.

Find out Troika balance in MKB terminals

Another way to check your balance is provided by ICD terminals. You just need to find the nearest payment terminal on the website of the Moscow Credit Bank with the ability to replenish Troika and go to it with a card. In the terminal menu you need to click: “Transport cards”, and then select Troika. The screen will display information about the balance status; if necessary, the card can be topped up.

Check your balance using the information terminal in the metro

At each subway station there is a universal information terminal, which allows you to find out information about your account status. The verification operation is extremely simple. Step-by-step instruction on its implementation:

check if the terminal is active;
attach the card to the yellow circle on the device panel;
wait for the information to appear on the display.

When conducting such a check, the following information is displayed: the amount of available funds and the recording of the travel card on the card. If there is one, you can see the number of remaining trips and see expiration dates.

Find out how much money is on Troika in the vehicle interior

You can also check the balance or the number of unused trips on the card when entering the cabin of a bus, trolleybus and other vehicles: the balance is displayed each time you pass through the validator. Statistics show that most users use this method, as it is the simplest in comparison with others.

My travel card, now also electronic

Have you ever heard an announcement on an escalator that you can purchase travel tickets in advance in order to avoid standing in lines at the windows where metro employees sell travel tickets?

Those who use only ground transport are forced to go down to the metro to top up Troika - you must admit, it’s not very convenient.
With the new “My Travel Card” application from the Bank of Moscow, you no longer have to waste time in queues, or, once again trying to get into the metro, face the fact of a zero balance on the Troika transport card.

It is worth noting separately that this is truly the first such application that allows you not only to read the balance of any transport card (not only Troika, but also a regular ticket with a chip sold for city ground transport and metro), but also purchase a ticket and immediately write it down it on your existing travel card.

Developing a finished application took a little time, since we quickly created a prototype, and more time was required to customize the solution to work properly on different phone models.

Most critical functions related to binding bank card, making a payment using it and working with the client’s profile, we did it quickly, since this is a well-functioning and stabilized functionality.

What can “My Travel Card” do?

The My Travel Card Android application for cardholders of any Russian bank allows them to receive a full cycle of services for replenishing the Troika card balance: from checking the balance to recording information about the purchased ticket on the card.