NFC on Google Pixel 4 XL
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NFC on Google Pixel 4 XL
What’s NFC?
Near-Field Communication (NFC) is a set of protocols, allowing two electronic devices (usually mobile devices, like your Google Pixel 4 XL) to communicate with each other within a few centimeters of distance.
NFC has multiple applications, such as payment or file exchange with your Google Pixel 4 XL. NFC technology is also widely used via social networks to share contact information, photos, videos or chats.
Also, NFC-enabled devices like your Google Pixel 4 XL can be used as electronic ID cards and key cards.
Overall, NFC provides a low-speed connection that is easy to set up and can be used as a wireless connection with good reliability.
Many applications available on the Play Store allow you to use NFC on your Google Pixel 4 XL. We particularly recommend NFC Check to check that your Google Pixel 4 XL has the NFC installed, and NFC Tools, an application allowing you to easily connect to another NFC terminal.
Our other articles on Google Pixel 4 XL can help you.
How to enable NFC on Google Pixel 4 XL
To activate NFC on your Google Pixel 4 XL, the easiest way is to download a dedicated application from the Play Store and activate it.
We recommend in particular NFC Tools and Smart NFC.
How do I verify that NFC is enabled on my Google Pixel 4 XL?
Also, many applications allow you to verify that NFC is available and correctly installed on your Google Pixel 4 XL. Notably, NFC Check and NFC Check from Tapkey are very convenient for this kind of checks.
How do I secure my NFC?
Your Google Pixel 4 XL normally knows how to secure NFC communications on its own.
So you probably don’t need to use any antivirus software to take advantage of NFC. However, as a security precaution, you may choose to use a virus scanner to make sure you do not receive malware and viruses over NFC.
We recommend in particular for your Google Pixel 4 XL, an antivirus like AVG Free Antivirus and Avira Antivirus.
How NFC works on Google Pixel 4 XL
Before anything else, it’s good to know that NFC is a derivative of the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.
This method of radio frequency identification is also known as electronic tags.
As the name implies, the working principle of RFID is to connect a circuit containing a radio frequency part (the RF part of RFID) and an antenna loop together.
All of these elements are present in your Google Pixel 4 XL.
If the RFID tag is inserted into a specific magnetic field, a signal of a given frequency will be emitted by the RFID: the reader will be able to obtain pieces of information previously written on the RFID tag.
If necessary, the RFID reader will also be able to rewrite any information on the RFID tag.
NFC is a bit the same thing, except that RFID readers and tags are included in NFC technology: an NFC device can be read and modified by another NFC device. The two devices can then exchange information.
Note that each of the two devices can write information to the other device.
In order to prevent malware, this last possibility of reciprocal writing requires NFC-specific IT security measures.
So, your Google Pixel 4 XL can adopt three modes in NFC:
1. Passive mode
Your Google Pixel 4 XL then becomes like an RFID tag, containing information that can be read.
The reader can obtain this information, and modify it if needed.
2. Active mode
Your Google Pixel 4 XL is then a reader, of an RFID card or another NFC device.
To do this, a magnetic wave is emitted around your Google Pixel 4 XL. The devices receiving this wave will be able to send their information in return.
3. Bi-directional mode
In this mode, the two devices, including your Google Pixel 4 XL, are both readers and receivers of the signals.
They can therefore exchange and write data freely.
In all cases, be sure to use an antivirus on each connected device to prevent the spread of malware.
NFC on Google Pixel 4 XL for contactless payments
In the event of a card replacement by your phone, your Google Pixel 4 XL, NFC compatible, goes into contactless card mode.
Cards replaced by NFC include bank cards and access cards.
In case of bank card replacement, most contactless mobile payments are made in shopping malls or transportation.
Your Google Pixel 4 XL or other related electronic device can be placed near the reader and the transaction can be completed by entering your PIN code.
This is very convenient to save time and avoid having to walk around with too many cards in your pocket.
Note that NFC replicable bank cards include Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Mi Pay, Alipay, Huawei Wallet and credit cards from major banks.
Technically, it is essential that the contactless reader is properly connected.
Also, even if the contactless reader is not used for reading, it can be used to credit your Google Pixel 4 XL. Note that some NFC passive receivers can operate without electricity, but not your Google Pixel 4 XL. In addition, for card emulation applications, it is possible to collect data from third-party NFC-enabled devices.
You can then integrate this data, such as bank receipts or tickets, into your Google Pixel 4 XL. You will then be able to save all your receipts or tickets in the Cloud or on your personal computer.
NFC on Google Pixel 4 XL to simulate a card
As we’ve seen, your Google Pixel 4 XL can simulate an NFC payment card.
But all types of cards can be replicated, such as magnetic access cards or RFID card readers. Many applications on the Play Store allow you to implement these solutions on your Google Pixel 4 XL. These applications target professionals (delivery companies, manufacturers, etc.) and private individuals (home magnetic keys, access cards, etc.).
NFC over Google Pixel 4 XL for file transfer
NFC may not be the best method for transferring files from one device to another, due to its low bit rate. However, it can be very useful in many situations, such as transferring authentication data or readings from cards emulated with your Google Pixel 4 XL.
There are numerous applications available for this, such as Easy NFC File Transfer or NFC Transfer.
Depending on the version of the operating system installed on your Google Pixel 4 XL, you may already have a native application installed, allowing NFC transfers.
Be sure to check that the other device is compatible with your default NFC software.
If not, feel free to install more than one NFC application, as mentioned above, until it works.
NFC versus other similar technologies
NFC technology offers extremely high security, performance advantages in short-range communications and, above all, lower cost. In many cases, NFC is therefore to be preferred on your Google Pixel 4 XL over the technologies mentioned above. Also, since its introduction in 2003, NFC has received the attention and support of many companies, such as Google, Apple or Samsung. Whether to activate shared bikes or exchange business cards, NFC has more and more applications! We hope to have shared with you via this article all the elements regarding NFC on your Google Pixel 4 XL.