Easy Ways To Test If NFC Is Working on Your Android Phone

Daisy Raines

Jan 11, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

NFC is a wireless technology that enables two devices to interact with one another by putting them into close contact. Many Android smartphones include NFC capabilities, allowing users to use the technology for various tasks such as mobile payments and data sharing.

However, there can be times when users are unsure whether NFC is enabled on their phones. This article will show you how to quickly test whether NFC functions on your Android phone. Once you know the easy ways to test NFC Android are working, you can comfortably share content with others without any worries. Let's get going!

nfc support android

Part 1: Benefits of NFC for Android

Here are some of the easy-to-obtain benefits of NFC for Android devices:

  • Easy and fast data transfer– NFC allows users to transmit files, photos, and other data by bringing them together between two devices. Compared to traditional file transfer methods, this makes sharing content between Android devices a breeze and saves time.
  • Contactless payment and transaction– NFC technology lets users make contactless payments with their Android mobile. Users can finish the transaction by tapping their smartphone on an NFC-enabled payment terminal, making it a fast, easy, and secure payment method.
  • Access digital content and services with a tap– Many businesses utilize NFC technology to provide users quick access to digital content and services. Users, for example, can quickly access special deals, discounts, or promotions by tapping an NFC-enabled poster or billboard.
  • Simplify daily tasks with NFC automation– Users can use NFC automation to create automated actions and routines initiated by tapping their smartphone on an NFC tag. Users can, for example, touch their mobile on an NFC tag at their front entrance to switch on the lights, control the thermostat, and open the door.
  • Security and privacy features– NFC technology contains built-in security and privacy protections, such as encryption and authentication, to guarantee safe transactions and protect users' personal information. As a result, NFC is a safe and dependable technology for various applications ranging from contactless payments to mobile access management.

Part 2: How To Test NFC on Android Devices

There are several ways to Android NFC test. Convenient and feasible ways and concluded the following as workable solutions to your problem. Have a look at each of the following in detail with steps.

Method 1: Check Manufacturer Documentation

The most straightforward approach to determine if your Android smartphone supports NFC is to consult the manufacturer's documentation. You can find this information on the official website of your device's brand or in the user manual that came with your device. You can also seek up the NFC standard for your smartphone model online.

Method 2: Device Settings – Enable NFC on Your Device (Taking NFC on Samsung as an Example)

Go to the device settings and search for the NFC option to see whether your Android smartphone supports NFC. The specific methods can vary based on your smartphone type and Android version, but in general, you can use the following steps to test NFC on a Samsung phone:

  • Step 1: On your Samsung Android device, open the Settings app to test NFC on the Samsung phone.
  • Step 2: Select Connected Devices.
  • Step 3: Tap the Connection preferences.

connection preferences

  • Step 4: You should see the NFC option. Hit it. Toggle the Use NFC option.

Method 3: Test NFC With Android Beam

Android Beam (recently renamed Nearby Share) was a feature that allowed you to share data by tapping two NFC-enabled smartphones together. It was superseded by Nearby Share, which does not require NFC, in Android 10. However, you can test NFC on an earlier Android handset that still supports Android Beam.

Here's how it's done:

  • Step 1: On both devices, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences, turn on NFC and Android Beam for Android 9 and below, and Nearby Share for devices with Android 10 and above.

android beam

  • Step 2: On one device, open the content that you want to share, such as a photo, a contact, or a web page.
  • Step 3: Touch the back of the two devices together until you hear a sound or feel a vibration.
  • Step 4: On the device's screen sending, tap Touch to beam.
  • Step 5: On the device's screen receiving, tap Accept.

Method 4: Test NFC With a Compatible Tag or Device

You can also test NFC using a suitable tag or gadget with an NFC chip. You can use an NFC sticker, an NFC card, an NFC speaker, or an NFC wristwatch.

Start with checking that NFC is enabled in the settings of your Android handset. Bring your Android smartphone to the tag or device until it touches or is a few millimeters away. You should receive a notice indicating your screen's NFC connection or activity. For example, you could see a web link, a phone number, a text message, or a prompt to connect with a Bluetooth device.

To execute the action or access the content, tap on the notice. If you get a notification and can perform the action or read the material, it implies your smartphone has NFC and is operational.

Method 5: NFC Terminal (Pay, Transport, etc.)

Using your Android device with a terminal that accepts contactless payments or transport tickets is another method to test NFC. For instance, you can use Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or another mobile payment app to pay with your phone in a store or vending machine. Alternatively, you can use an app that supports NFC transit cards to touch and pay with your mobile device at a bus stop or metro station. Here is how:

  • Step 1: Ensure NFC is enabled in your Android device's settings.
  • Step 2: Ensure that your mobile payment app or transit card app is configured with your credit card or transit card information.
  • Step 3: Bring your Android device until it reaches or is within a few centimeters of the terminal.

nfc terminal

  • Step 4: You should see a confirmation message indicating a successful payment or ticket validation on your screen.

Method 6: Using Apps

You can also use an app to check whether your smartphone supports NFC. Many fantastic applications are available in both the App Store and Google Play. There is a plethora of applications that can assist you in determining whether your device's NFC is active. However, you should download the NFC Check app with an Android phone.

  • Step 1: Download and launch the NFC Check app on your device.
  • Step 2: Then select the NFC verification option.

nfc checkmark

  • Step 3: You will see a green checkmark if your NFC is functional.

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Bonus Part: Unlock Your Phone's Full Potential With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a comprehensive solution that allows you to maximize the potential of your phone by improving its performance and monitoring any faults that might interfere with its usage. Quickly verify your device's specifications, including its model, manufacturer, CPU, and operating system.

iOS devices can access the iDevice Verification Report and Device Details, while Android users can only access Dr. Fone's Device Details feature.

iDevice Verification Report (iOS only)

Using Dr. Fone's iDevice Verification feature, you can check in-depth reports of the device, including the features your device supports, such as Battery Health, Bluetooth, Camera details, and Wi-Fi, and confirm that they are operational.

Device Details (for Both iOS and Android)

Access more general device details such as the model number, IMEI, device model, firmware version, etc.

Key Features of Dr.Fone – Phone Verification

Here are some of the critical features of Dr.Fone that you should know about:

  • Generates reports according to the device's specifications
  • Supports all CPU and GPU testing
  • Provides detailed device information, whether Android or iOS

How To Use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Phone Verification

The following are the steps to help you guide how to access the iPhone's device details and verification report.

Here's how to generate the Device Details as well as Verification Reports for iOS devices using Dr.Fone:

  • Step 1: Download and launch Wondershare Dr.Fone.
  • Step 2: Connect the iOS device that requires testing to Dr.Fone. Select it as it appears in the left panel's My Device section.

drfone ios interface

drfone device details

  • Step 4: To get more detailed information regarding your iPhone, select the Verification Report icon in the upper-right corner of the display. This will allow you to view the iPhone's verification report following a thorough evaluation.

Note: The Verification Report option is available only for iOS, while the Device Detail is for Android and iOS.

drfone verification report

safe Downloadsafe & secure

Conclusions

Checking manufacturer documentation, enabling NFC in device settings, using Android Beam or Nearby Share, testing with a compatible tag or device, etc., are all simple ways to test NFC on your Android device. Testing NFC on Android phones is essential to guarantee that the technology functions properly and that you can reap all its advantages.

Additionally, you can use tools like Dr.Fone, which offers a variety of features to optimize your device's performance, unlock your phone's full potential and ensure it is functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Leaving NFC on will drain the battery, but not as much as other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It is advised to switch off NFC if you are not using it to preserve battery life.
No, NFC cannot be installed on your phone. NFC is a physical feature seen in certain phones. You cannot add it if your phone lacks NFC.
Yes, NFC can function without an internet connection or Bluetooth. NFC is a wireless technology that utilizes radio waves to communicate between two devices just a few inches apart. It does not need an internet connection or Bluetooth to function.

Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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