What does the N icon that appears on Android phones mean?

In this guide I solve a common mystery in the Google operating system. This is what the N you see in the status bar means

In this guide I am going to reveal to you one of the mysteries that many have not yet solved on their Android phones. What does the N that appears in the status bar of your device mean? At the outset, I must tell you that it is nothing to be alarmed about. In reality, it is an indicator that the system uses to warn that something is activated or deactivated on the device, something similar to what happens with the P that appears in Android Auto apps. Let’s not wait any longer and solve the mystery.

This is what the N you see at the top of the screen on Android means

The status bar It is located at the top of the Android mobile screen. In fact, it also exists on iOS, although it shows less information due to the presence of Face ID. It shows a series of icons, and each one has a different meaning. For example, thanks to the status bar you can know if the mobile phone is connected to WiFi, if you have 5G coverage and if you have activated silent mode, among other things.

In HyperOS the N in NFC doesn’t look that much like an N either.

However, one of the most unknown icons is the N, which looks like what you see in the image above. What’s behind it? In a nutshell: indicates that NFC is activated. If you already know this technology in depth, then we have revealed the mystery for you. However, if you don’t know very well what we are talking about, we will tell you a little more about the NFC of your mobile phone.

What is NFC? Near Field Communication, for its acronym in English, is a technology of short range wireless communication which allows data exchange between compatible devices when they are located at a very close distance, usually a few centimeters. It uses electromagnetic fields to establish communication between devices, making it ideal for fast and secure transactions.

NFC is commonly found built into smartphones, but also into credit and debit cards, tags, and other devices. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for various applications. Below, I show you some practical examples of how NFC is used:

• Contactless payment (contactless). It allows you to make secure payments by simply bringing an NFC device close to an enabled payment terminal. For example, it can be used to pay for public transport with a mobile phone.
• File transfer. Makes it easy to share files, photos, videos or contacts between compatible devices. This allows you to share a music file or a contact card between two NFC phones.
• Secure access. NFC technically allows access to buildings, hotel rooms or events by authenticating with an NFC device. Put into practice, this can be used to use your cell phone as a house key or as a gym card. Other functions are also explored, such as opening the car and starting it.
• Smart labeling. Allows you to set up automatic actions on a device when you bring it close to a programmed NFC tag. You can, among other things, configure an NFC tag in the car to activate safe driving mode when connecting the phone.
• Quick information. Provides quick access to information, such as websites, contacts or locations, by tapping an NFC-enabled chip. It can be used in museums, to obtain information about a work of art in a museum by holding the phone close to a label.

As can be seen from this list, NFC technology is very versatile and allows users to perform a series of quick actions with their device. Many of them are important tasks, such as pay in shops or carry the public transport card on your mobile.

How to remove the N from the Android status bar

Please note that not all mobile phones show the NFC N in the status bar. Without going any further, Xiaomi phones with HyperOS only show this icon if the control center is opened. Otherwise, it appears hidden.

If you want to remove this icon from the status bar on your mobile because it appears permanently, then you have two options:

• Disable NFC. You can do this in the device’s connectivity settings or directly from the control panel, where the quick settings appear. Keep in mind that by deactivating NFC you will no longer be able to pay with your mobile phone and, each time you go to do so, you must activate the connection. This can be a hassle, especially if your primary payment method is mobile. If this is your case, it is best to keep NFC enabled and try the second option that I propose.
• Hide the icon. Your phone manufacturer may allow you to hide the NFC icon from the status bar. Obviously, having this setting depends on the customization layer that your terminal runs. In other words: there may not be a way to hide the NFC icon, or there may be, but it will depend on the manufacturer. If you can’t find the option to remove the NFC icon, probably the only option is to disable the connection or learn to live with it.

If what worries you is consumption, NFC is a technology that consumes very little energy. Keeping it active has a very low impact on the autonomy of the terminal. The fact that the icon remains active in the status bar does not have any influence in this regard. It is not, therefore, a process that runs in the background and that will affect the operation of the mobile.

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