NFC
NFC is a short-range wireless technology that lets two devices exchange data when they almost touch.
On this page 3 sections
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is a short-range wireless technology that lets two devices exchange small amounts of data when they are only a few centimetres apart, usually within about four centimetres.
How it works
An NFC reader makes a small radio field. A nearby NFC chip uses that field to send its data back, and some tags and cards need no battery of their own. The chip in a phone or watch can also act like a card, which is called card emulation, so the reader treats the device as if it were a payment card. Because the range is so short, a tap is a deliberate act, which is part of why it is used for payments.
What it is used for
- Contactless payments with a card saved in a wallet app.
- Pairing with accessories such as earbuds and speakers.
- Reading tags and some access or transit cards.
What it does not promise
NFC does not carry large files. It often only starts a connection that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi then completes. Tap-to-pay also needs support from the bank, the card network and the shop reader. UPI payments in India mostly use QR codes or apps and do not depend on NFC.