Near field communication (NFC) in mobile devices allows for secure, quick data exchanges when two devices are close — usually within a few centimeters. You may have used it without realizing it, especially with contactless payments. With NFC, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay let you tap your phone to a payment terminal instead of using cash or cards, making transactions convenient and secure. Beyond payments, NFC is used to transfer files, pair devices (like headphones or speakers), or quickly share contact information.