NFC: What’s that on the mobile phone?
Find out more about what NFC is, how you can activate NFC on iPhones and Android phones, and what advantages the technology offers you.
What does the term NFC stand for?
NFC is a standard used for wireless data transmission. The abbreviation stands for “Near Field Communication”. Thanks to NFC, suitable devices can communicate wirelessly with each other when they are close to each other; usually the distance is a few centimetres. In industry, the NFC function is used for functions such as networking devices in the so-called Internet of Things. NFC is also becoming increasingly important in the mobile communications world as it offers numerous possible applications.
How does NFC work?
The NFC function uses electromagnetic induction to transmit information wirelessly. This only works over very short distances. But this is exactly what makes the process particularly secure. The transmission is quick and easy: You hold an NFC-enabled device close to the target device, and in a matter of seconds information such as payment details or files can be transferred from one device to another. This works with a maximum transfer speed of 424 kBit/s. Compared to a fast 5G tariff from Ortel Mobile, this may not be much, but it is more than sufficient for transmitting text, numbers and code.
NFC: What’s that on the mobile phone?
Mobile phones that support NFC must be equipped with a suitable chip.
If you want to set up NFC on your phone, you need to activate the chip. Once you've done that, you can use your NFC phone for a variety of practical applications that will make your everyday life even more convenient.
Enabling NFC on an iPhone
If you want to enable NFC on your iPhone, it’s very simple. It is automatically active as soon as you use Apple Pay or an app that supports NFC. If you still want to check if NFC is enabled, follow these steps:
Do you have an iPhone X, an iPhone 8 or an older Apple iPhone with NFC? Then you first have to download and install “NFC for iPhone” from the Apple App Store. You can then also use the NFC transmission standard on your model.
Enabling NFC on an Android phone
For Android smartphones, the process varies depending on the model and manufacturer. However, most Android devices offer an easy way to enable the feature:
Tip: With the quick settings function, you can activate NFC even faster. To do this, swipe from top to bottom on the home screen of your Android smartphone. You will then see the NFC symbol – either as a lettering with four radio waves or as an N in a box. Tap the icon to activate the feature without going through Settings.
What can I use NFC for?
NFC offers numerous practical applications that can make your life easier. For example, you can
What are NFC tags?
NFC tags are small, passive chips that store information and can be read with suitable devices. They do not require their own power source and are often offered as stickers or in the form of small cards. NFC tags can be used in a variety of ways to automate routine tasks in everyday life. You can trigger actions with a simple touch without manually navigating device settings. For example, you can
What you need for your own NFC tags
To create your own NFC tags, all you need is an NFC-enabled smartphone, blank NFC tags and a special app. You can get tags from local electronics stores or online shops; they usually only cost a few cents. You also need an app such as “NFC Tools”, which allows you to program NFC tags. And don’t worry: You don't have to be an IT expert!
Creating NFC tags step by step
- Install the NFC app: Download an app that supports programming NFC tags from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Prepare the NFC tag: Make sure the NFC tag is empty and you can use it for your purposes.
- Describe the tag: Open the app and select the action you want to assign to the NFC tag (e.g. connect to Wi-Fi, switch the smartphone to silent, open a website).
- Program the tag: Hold the smartphone close to the NFC tag to transfer the action.
- Test the tag: Touch the NFC tag with your smartphone to ensure that the action you programmed is carried out as desired.
Paying with an NFC: How it works
One of the most important applications of NFC is contactless payment. You can now pay via NFC in many shops. It works like this:
There are good reasons for paying with NFC. You benefit from
Near Field Communication: The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Whether in your own home or out and about: If you activate the NFC chip in your mobile phone, you will open up numerous practical usage possibilities. Essentially, there are no reasons not to set up the NFC function on your device. Below we have clearly listed the main advantages and the few limitations for you.
Advantages of NFC
Disadvantages of NFC
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, NFC is one of the most secure wireless technologies, especially compared to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The extremely short range of NFC makes it difficult to intercept data. When paying with NFC, a so-called token is generated and transmitted along with cryptographic encryption. This data record is only valid for the respective payment process and is created anew for each transaction. In addition, many NFC payment systems require additional authentication through fingerprint, PIN or facial recognition. This makes NFC payments particularly secure.
No. NFC is based on RFID technology (“Radio Frequency Identification”). The main difference is that NFC allows two-way communication between devices. RFID, on the other hand, usually only works in one direction. NFC has a range of a few centimetres, whereas a wireless connection via RFID can reach several metres.
Bluetooth offers a significantly greater range for pairing devices than NFC. The distance between the devices can be up to 10 metres, with NFC it is a maximum of 10 centimetres. In order to use Bluetooth, the devices must first be paired with each other. In contrast, NFC works automatically as soon as the NFC-enabled devices are close enough to each other.
Yes, NFC works independently of an internet connection. Since the transmission only takes place over short distances and directly between the devices, no connection to a network is required. This makes NFC particularly useful for exchanging data or making payments, even in areas without a mobile data network or Wi-Fi.
Your advantages at Ortel Mobile
With a prepaid SIM card from Ortel you can use your mobile phone to make and receive calls and surf abroad flexibly and cheaply - and with no long-term contractual obligation. In addition, you benefit from various advantages of cheaper prepaid rates and a variety of different options. We have the right rate for everyone.
Prepaid means paying in advance. You purchase a SIM card, which you top up with credit. Then you can book a suitable option from our large selection on your card. Calls and SMS will only be blocked once you have depleted your credit. However, you will still be reachable.
You do not have to sign a long-term contract. To phone with Ortel, all you need is a mobile phone without a SIM lock. You can order your SIM card online for free or with your starting credit.
You can change your Ortel tariff flexibly every month. With Ortel you always are in full control over your mobile phone and telephone expenses.
Since there is no basic tariff yet, there are no additional costs with an Ortel prepaid card. There is no unpleasant surprise when checking the telephone bill.
Ortel also offers flexible tariffs for smartphone users. Internet flat rates for mobile surfing can be booked as an option - monthly and hassle-free. The good thing is that you can cancel these rates on a monthly basis. If you expect high Internet consumption in the next month or know that you will be travelling a lot, we offer you a one-off booking option.
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