NFC technology has rapidly gained popularity in the world, as it allows you to pay with a smartphone almost anywhere with one touch. The NFC function has already spread throughout Russia, because with its help you can pay for groceries even at the nearest Magnit. But can owners of outdated smartphones use NFC? Partial use is possible, but you won’t be able to fully use Google pay without NFC. We will consider possible ways to use the function below.
Smartphone requirements
Here are the technical requirements for proper operation of smartphones:
- Android version 4 and higher;
- the device has more than 100 MB of free memory;
- Internet access for payment via Google Pay;
- Processor frequency from 1 GHz (this is the recommended value; on smartphones with a weak processor the application will slow down);
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
For phones with lower tariffs, the payment system will be unstable or not work at all. For example, for owners of phones older than Android 4, it is not available in the Play Market. Additionally, the official Android firmware must be installed on the device, otherwise the service will not work.
Apart from fulfilling these requirements, you must download the official Google Pay app from the Play Store on your smartphone.
Results
Despite the fact that the mobile payment market in Russia has been occupied by Apple and Samsung for more than six months (and don’t forget about bank applications that also allow you to make payments using a smartphone), Android Pay has a very good chance of at least taking an equal place among others services, and there are three reasons for this.
First, the mobile payments market itself is growing all over the world, including in Russia, which means it’s too early to talk about final segmentation. The second reason is the already mentioned number of Android devices, which are used by significantly more people than the flagships of Apple and Samsung. Finally, the third is Google's bet on loyalty programs. Even before the launch of Android Pay in Russia, it became known about discounts on passage to the Moscow metro and the MCC using the application.
Users can only hope that this is not the last loyalty program, and that banks and stores will be willing to cooperate with Google. This will not only make life much easier for buyers with Android smartphones, but will also spur healthy competition in the market, thereby developing the economic situation as a whole.
Pros:
- number of supported devices;
- several payment protection methods;
- active loyalty program.
Minuses:
- does not work on third-party firmware;
- There is no dedicated data protection area in devices.
Lyricist: Max Dvorak
How to use a phone without a payment module?
You don't need to buy a new smartphone if your device doesn't have an NFC chip. There are 2 options to use G Pay even on an old smartphone:
Buying a SIM card
Mobile operators produce SIM cards that have a special transmitter built into them to convert the signal. To use the payment system, follow these steps:
- Go to the mobile operator's showroom.
- Buy a SIM card that supports contactless devices.
- We insert the card into the phone and turn on the device. Now the chip is activated, the application can be used if the smartphone meets the other parameters.
- Download GPay from Play Market and install the application.
- Link the card to the payment system.
Installing an external module on your phone
The user can also purchase an external module (attached to the SIM card) to pay for purchases without built-in NFC. Please follow the instructions below:
- Buy a token at a car dealership.
- Secure the module to the SIM card.
- Insert it into your smartphone and turn on the gadget.
- Then download the app and link your bank card.
This option is suitable for owners of smartphones with a removable case.
For phones with a side tray or a non-removable cover, the installation of an outdoor unit is not possible.
Does Google Pay work without a chip?
Programs like this work exclusively due to the NFC module built into gadgets. It is analogous to the modules in bank cards; payment for goods occurs thanks to this chip. Without NFC, Google Pay won't work for contactless transactions in stores. Let's find out whether NFC is required for Google Pay.
In fact, the payment system can be used without a module, but the smartphone must meet a number of requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
Now about the pros and cons of SIM cards and modules without NFC.
- Even owners of inexpensive phones will have access to the payment system.
- No special skills are required to install a SIM card. Even a schoolboy can do this.
- The owner's data is protected in the same way as when using a smartphone with NFC. The built-in password provides protection against hacking. Also, the information is transmitted in encrypted form, and unauthorized persons cannot see the account number.
- This option is quite inconvenient and the module may occasionally become unstable. With a built-in chip, such problems do not arise or occur less frequently.
- These cards are produced by several operators in collaboration with some banks. Your bank may simply not provide this service to its customers, and the card or phone will have to be replaced.
- Only works on phones with a removable cover.
It is recommended to replace the smartphone with another cheap device, but with NFC support, if the stability of the module is important to the user.
Then how to use GPay without NFC.
Advantages
The NFC ring has many advantages; it is absolutely easy to use and, importantly, performs various routine operations as quickly as possible.
Also, the most important advantage of a smart ring is its autonomous operation.
According to the designers, it converts ordinary electromagnetic waves that constantly surround a person into real electricity and is charged in this way. The manufacturer indicates that the metal is treated with tungsten, which increases hardness and strength. In addition, this metal is similar to glass; it is quite smooth and flexible.
In original, certified models, deformation of the accessory during everyday wear is virtually eliminated. The material from which the device is made is perfect for use in electronic devices, as it has excellent conductivity and, very importantly, retains its original color.
In this regard, we can hope that even after years, this interesting accessory will retain its presentable appearance and functionality.
Health module
The innovative invention of the smart ring has many positive user reviews for good reason. It is based on four integrated modules that perform various functions. One of the most important is the health module, it consists of volcanic stone, germanium, and also energy.
These components have a positive effect on the general condition of the human body and charge with positivity. This set of stones is located on the inside of the ring. The manufacturer assures that they protect their owner from stress, electronic radiation, and also normalize blood pressure.
ID and M1 modules
The ID module also seems interesting and multifunctional.
This module is responsible for copying and simulating frequencies of different types of identification cards (smart chips). Among them: a key to an intercom, cards for parking, transport, shopping and smart chips.
If you have a device, you no longer need to use boring and outdated inductive cards. The M1 module is also a very important advantage. It will help the owner of the device to imitate and copy contactless IC cards. All this is performed at a frequency of 13.56 MHz.
NFC module
In addition to the above device options, there is another interesting addition. This addition is an NFC module. It sends data at a speed of 106 kb/s. In addition, it has as many as one hundred thousand rewrite cycles.
It should also be noted that it is designed only for the next generation and is suitable for a number of mobile functions:
- Information exchange. This module will make it possible to exchange various information about the owner with other mobile units, as well as send messages and media files;
- Separate entry. This option is used to save private information. For example, it will be possible to leave selected data on invoices, schedules, mentions, etc. unharmed. It is only necessary to configure access through the smart ring itself, so that management of the stored information will be available only to the owner of the ring.
- Fast start. The device will allow you to quickly download applications. This option will be especially useful for users who often have their hands full.
- Phone lock. A smart ring can easily become a definite key to the life of its owner if you set the display and application lock. The functionality of the ring allows you to do this quite quickly, conveniently and safely.
Can I pay via Google Pay without NFC?
Yes you can. Google Pay works both on phones with built-in NFC and using SIM cards with a contactless module. Follow the instructions below to make payment through the site:
- Make sure the application supports such a card. To do this, open pay. google. com and enter your bank name and payment system (some of them are not supported). Gpay).
- Now add “payment method” and choose between debit and credit card.
- Enter the card details (number, owner details, etc.).
- Link it by putting a lock on your smartphone. Set a complex password consisting of uppercase, lowercase letters and numbers (it is not recommended to enter dates of birth or simple combinations).
- Then you will receive an SMS on your smartphone with a confirmation code, enter it on the page that opens.
The card is connected. Now make your purchase, open the app and place your phone at the checkout. Payment will be made after a beep or transaction message. If the Google site determines that the service supports the card, but cannot connect to the application, report the problem to customer support or the GPay hotline.
Why doesn't the application work if I don't block it? Thanks to this, the client's bank account is protected from hacking attempts.
Data protection
Android Pay's security technology is no fundamentally different from that of Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. It is based on the principle of tokenization, when for each transaction in the “cloud” a unique set of symbols is generated - a token - instead of the real details of a payment card connected to the service. This doesn't mean that every payment using Android Pay will require an internet connection.
Tokens are generated in advance when the application is synchronized with servers, stored in the device’s memory and “retrieved” from there when making a payment. The real data is encrypted, stored on Google servers and used only when generating tokens, that is, without being tied to any of the transactions. However, the large number of supported devices from different manufacturers means that Google will protect data only on its server and at the OS level, unlike Apple and Samsung, which allocate special storage for this purpose in each device.
Android Pay crypto protection system
Of course, the payment process itself is also protected. Android Pay doesn't require you to scan your finger like Apple devices (which only ask for a password after a few failed scanning attempts), which makes sense given the lack of a fingerprint sensor on many Android devices. Google's service uses the same security method as a screen lock, be it a fingerprint scanner, PIN code, pattern or facial recognition. If you disable the screen lock on your device, Android Pay automatically erases the data on the connected card - you will have to enter it again.
