How to Turn NFC Off on Androids

Secure your Android when you're in public places

By
Dave Rankin
Dave Rankin
Writer
Dave Rankin is a former Lifewire writer and a senior software developer who co-owns a digital creative agency and creates and distributes open source software.
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Updated on July 22, 2021

What to Know

  • Go to Settings > Connected devices.
  • Toggle the NFC switch to Off.

This article explains how to turn off NFC (Near Field Communication) on Android devices.

If you're not sure whether your phone supports NFC transmissions, search this list of NFC phones for your device's model.

Disabling NFC

The process to disable NFC is simple. Like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connective technologies, NFC simply toggles off. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Settings > Connected devices.

    Some Android phones have the NFC option in the system tray menu at the top of the screen.

  2. Turn off the NFC toggle switch.

    Connected devices, NFC toggle in Android Settings

About NFC

Near field communication (NFC) allows devices such as smartphones to exchange data with other NFC-enabled devices when they're close by.

NFC uses are common. Many retailers have signs at the checkout that tell customers that payment can be made with their phones through Google Wallet. Smartphones with Android 2.3.3 or newer may be configured to send or receive data through this communications standard.

However, there are risks involved when using NFC. Researchers at a Pwn2Own contest in Amsterdam showed how NFC can be exploited to gain control over an Android-based smartphone. Researchers at a Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas demonstrated similar vulnerabilities using different techniques.

Turn NFC off when it's not in use to save battery life and prevent hacking.

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