What if you don’t have NFC function on your phone?

Many people want to add NFC (Near Field Communication) to their phones but aren’t sure how to do it. This guide will explain how to install NFC on phones that don’t have built-in NFC capabilities. Even if your phone lacks NFC, you can still use NFC tags for various functions by first installing an NFC-enabling app.

If your phone doesn’t support NFC, there are still ways to add this functionality. Here are some methods you can try:

• Install an NFC-enabling app: Various apps on the Google Play Store can enable NFC on phones without built-in NFC. One popular app is Trigger. After installing the app, open it and tap “Enable” to allow the app to use your phone’s existing RFID/NFC hardware (if available).
• Use NFC tags: Without built-in NFC hardware, you can still use NFC tags for different actions on your phone. Once you’ve enabled NFC through an app, you can hold your phone up to an NFC tag, and the app will trigger the associated action. For example, you can program a tag to open your favorite music app or turn on Bluetooth when tapped.
• Purchase an NFC sticker: NFC stickers are small, thin stickers containing an NFC chip. You can stick these to the back of your phone, enabling it to communicate with other NFC-enabled devices. This is particularly useful for making payments or sharing information with other devices.

While these methods can enable NFC functionality on your phone, they may not offer the same performance and reliability as phones with built-in NFC hardware. Compatibility may vary based on your phone’s specifications and the specific app or sticker you use.

There are numerous apps available to enable NFC on phones that lack built-in NFC capabilities. Two of the most popular are NFC Tools and Smart NFC, both of which are free on the Google Play Store.

NFC Tools:

• Allows you to read, write, and program tasks on NFC tags and compatible chips.
• Simple and intuitive, it can record standard information on NFC tags, making them compatible with any NFC device. You can store contact details, URLs, phone numbers, social profiles, or locations.
• You can program tasks on NFC tags to automate repetitive actions, such as turning on Bluetooth, setting alarms, controlling volume, or sharing WiFi configurations.
• Advanced users can create complex actions using preset variables, conditions, and tasks.
• Offers over 200 tasks and infinite combinations to simplify your life.
• Allows you to see data like the tag manufacturer, type, serial number, technologies available, tag size and memory, writability, and the data contained in the tag.

  

Smart NFC:

• A comprehensive app for all NFC-related tasks with a user-friendly interface.
• Detects, reads, writes, and programs NFC tags, automating daily tasks and promoting products.
• Eliminates the need for multiple apps by catering to all NFC needs.
• Enables automation of everyday tasks, such as opening URLs, changing phone settings, or launching apps.
• Features like detecting if a phone has NFC, checking if NFC is enabled, and saving actionable information on tapping the NFC tag.
• Facilitates sending information, linking to websites or apps, sending emails, and saving contacts or phone numbers.

Once NFC is enabled through either app, you can use NFC tags to trigger actions on your phone. For example, you can program a tag to launch your favorite music app or turn on Bluetooth with a simple tap.

What is a NFC sticker?

An NFC sticker, also known as an NFC tag, is a small, adhesive-backed label that contains an embedded NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. These stickers can be affixed to various surfaces, including the back of your phone, to enable NFC functionality for devices that may not have built-in NFC hardware. Here’s a more detailed look at NFC stickers:

Components of an NFC Sticker:

1. NFC Chip: This is the heart of the sticker, storing information and handling communication with NFC-enabled devices.
2. Antenna: A tiny coil of wire or printed circuit that allows the chip to communicate wirelessly.
3. Adhesive Backing: Allows the sticker to be easily attached to surfaces.

Features and Uses:

1. Communication: Enables data exchange between the sticker and NFC-enabled devices when they are brought close together (usually within a few centimeters).
2. Programming: Can be programmed using NFC-enabled apps to perform various tasks, such as opening websites, launching apps, changing phone settings, or sharing contact information.
3. Automation: Useful for automating routine tasks like setting alarms, toggling WiFi or Bluetooth, or controlling smart home devices.

Practical Applications:

1. Contactless Payments: Can be used to facilitate payments by linking to payment apps.
2. Marketing and Information Sharing: Businesses can use them on products to provide additional information or promotional material when scanned.
3. Smart Home Integration: Can control smart home devices, like lights or thermostats, with a tap.
4. Personal Convenience: Easily program them to perform tasks such as setting your phone to silent mode when you go to bed or turning on navigation when you get in your car.

Example:

Imagine sticking an NFC sticker to your desk. You can program it so that when you place your phone on it, the phone automatically connects to the office WiFi, sets itself to vibrate mode, and opens your favorite productivity app.

How to Use an NFC Sticker:

1. Acquire an NFC Sticker: Purchase from online retailers or electronics stores.
2. Install an NFC App: Use an app like NFC Tools or Smart NFC from the Google Play Store to read and write to the sticker.
3. Program the Sticker: Use the app to configure the sticker with the desired actions or information.
4. Apply the Sticker: Stick it to a convenient surface.
5. Use: Tap your NFC-enabled phone to the sticker to trigger the programmed actions.

In summary, NFC stickers are versatile tools that can extend NFC functionality to non-NFC phones and provide a convenient way to automate tasks and share information.