NFC also known as Near Field Communication, is a wireless radio communication technology that allows users to use tags that trigger a function on their smartphones when brought close enough (around 4 inches) to the tag. This technology is used to pair and to transfer data from your old phone to your new phone with a simple tap, without the need for wires and cables. Recently, it’s being used in Google Daydream’s platform to pair the controller with the phone, and automatically launch the Daydream app when you place your compatible phone inside the Daydream View headset.

However, not all Android smartphones come with NFC capabilities for various reasons like your phone may have an outdated Android version or may be you hold an earlier version of iPhone that’s older than iPhone 6. But if you want to know whether your phone has the NFC capabilities, here are a few ways to know.

Install “Do I Have NFC” App from Google Play Store

This app does only one thing and one thing only, it helps you check if your smartphone supports the NFC capabilities as soon as you launch it and lets you know whether your phone has NFC. And from user reviews, “Do I Have NFC” seems to work great, it lets you know in a few seconds.

Check if your phone has NFC Manually

This option may take some time if you do not know where to check but can be very easy for you and lets you know straight away. All you have to do is

  • Go to settings on your smartphone. (I believe we all know where to locate our settings)
  • Under Connections or Wireless and networks depending on what type of phone you’re holding, tap more
  • After this, you will be taken to a new page and you will find an option for NFC if your phone supports it. But if your phone doesn’t support NFC, then the option won’t be there.

Sometimes, the phone you’re handling has all the specifications written and all information on whether or not it has NFC, near field communication or RFID. Sometimes, your handset may have the NFC logo which is a straight and clear indication that your phone has NFC capabilities.

NFC is at a stage where many new handsets have the necessary hardware built into them but the mobile networks are generally not ready to start marketing the technology hard.

This means that you won’t necessarily see NFC pushed as one of your handset’s key features on the display card in the phone shop, but it may still come equipped with the technology.