Automations with NFC tags
With NFC tags, you can trigger actions based on place or routine.
Place | Action via NFC tag |
|---|---|
Car | Wi-Fi off, Bluetooth on |
Home | Ringer loud, Wi-Fi on |
Work | Airplane mode on, connect to company Wi-Fi |
What is NFC and how does it work on your smartphone?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless communication technology that lets you transfer data over very short distances, usually just a few centimeters, securely. You probably use it every day without noticing: contactless payments with your phone or quick pairing of devices. In this guide, you’ll learn what NFC is, how it works on your phone, what you can do with it, and the best practices to use it safely and effectively.
08.09.2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes
What does NFC mean on a smartphone?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication and enables fast data exchange between two devices that are very close to each other, typically 2–5 cm. A magnetic field is created that’s used both for data transfer and a small amount of power transfer. In practice, an active device (your smartphone) can power a passive NFC tag and exchange information with it.
On smartphones, the NFC chip is usually built in and unlocks many features: reading NFC tags and paying with stored debit/credit cards. Modern Android phones and iPhones (from iPhone 7) support the technology natively.
How does NFC work on a phone?
To use NFC, turn it on in your phone’s settings. Once enabled, your phone can communicate with another NFC-capable device or read/write NFC tags.
What can you do with NFC?
Pay with your smartphone
Mobile payments are the most common use.
Main NFC usage modes:
- Card emulation: your phone behaves like a payment card.
- Reader/Writer: your phone reads or writes NFC tags.
- Peer-to-Peer: data exchange between two active devices.
For contactless payments, hold your smartphone near the payment terminal. Small amounts (up to CHF 40.00) are usually paid without a PIN; above that, authentication is required.
What can you do with NFC?
Pay with your smartphone
Mobile payments are the most common use.
Advantages:
- Fast and contactless
- Secure thanks to biometric authentication
- Widely accepted in Switzerland
Share data & pair devices
- Quickly transfer contacts or files
- Pair Bluetooth headphones without diving into settings
- Exchange business cards or URLs
Is NFC secure?
NFC provides a good level of security thanks to its very short range. Still, a few best practices matter:
- Turn off NFC when you’re not using it
- Keep payment cards in NFC-shielded sleeves
- Scan only trusted tags
- Keep your phone’s security/antivirus up to date
The risk of unwanted reading is low, but not zero. In crowded places, a nearby reader could theoretically capture data.
What are the benefits of NFC?
NFC is fast, convenient, and versatile—both personally and at work:
- No cables or passwords
- Intuitive device pairing
- Comfortable mobile payments
- Useful everyday automations
- Efficient in business (access control, time tracking, logistics)
What’s the difference between NFC and RFID?
Criterion | NFC | RFID |
|---|---|---|
Range | Up to 10 cm | Up to several metres |
Communication | Bidirectional | Mostly unidirectional |
Frequency | 13.56 MHz (fixed) | Variable (125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, etc.) |
Use case | Consumer, smartphones | Industry, logistics, access control |
In short: NFC is optimised for everyday smartphone use, while RFID is designed for longer distances and industrial scenarios.
How do I turn NFC on or off?
- Android: Settings > Connections > NFC (enable/disable)
- iPhone: NFC is always on, but only used when needed (e.g., Apple Pay)
Tip: if you don’t need it, turn off NFC on Android to save battery and reduce risk.
Conclusion: do I need NFC on my phone?
NFC has become hard to live without on modern smartphones. Whether you pay contactlessly, control your smart home, or pair Bluetooth devices, it simplifies a lot of tasks. In Switzerland, acceptance is very high, especially in retail and public transport.
To get the most out of your phone, NFC is definitely a feature to know and use. Just remember the security aspects and choose consciously when to enable or disable it.
