Transform your Android smartphone into an NFC business card without any accessories. Learn how HCE works.
What is HCE Emulation?
HCE (Host Card Emulation) is an Android technology that allows your smartphone to behave like an NFC tag. Concretely, when someone brings their phone close to yours, your information is displayed automatically.
The Magic Behind HCE
- The other phone emits an NFC signal
- Your Android smartphone captures this signal
- YouShare automatically sends your business card
- The recipient sees your information displayed
Result: You share your card without touching anything, even with your phone in your pocket!
Why It's Revolutionary
Before HCE - Buy physical NFC tags - Program them one by one - Always have them on you - Impossible to change content without rewriting
With HCE + YouShare - **Zero investment**: Your phone is enough - **Multi-profiles**: Consultant, trainer, personal... Switch with a tap - **Instant updates**: Change your info, it's immediate - **Always with you**: You forget your cards, never your phone
Configuration in YouShare
Prerequisites - Android 4.4+ smartphone (99% of current devices) - NFC enabled (Settings > Connections > NFC) - YouShare installed
Activation
- Open YouShare
- Go to Settings > NFC Emulation
- Enable "HCE Emulation"
- Choose your default card
- Ready!
Advanced Options
#### Screen-off Emulation In Pro mode, your card is shareable even when the screen is off. Perfect for trade shows where you don't want to unlock constantly.
#### Quick Profile Switch A widget allows you to switch between your different cards from the home screen.
Compatibility
Phones That Receive Your Card - **All NFC smartphones** (Android and iPhone) - No app needed on the recipient's side - A web page opens automatically
Phones That Can Emulate (Send) - **Android 4.4+** with NFC - **iPhone**: No emulation possible (Apple blocks HCE), but YouShare offers QR code and shareable link
FAQ
Does the screen need to be on? By default yes, but Pro mode allows screen-off emulation.
What is the range? About 4cm, like any NFC exchange. This is intentional to avoid unwanted readings.
Does it drain a lot of battery? No, the NFC antenna is passive. It only consumes during an active exchange (a few seconds).
What if I also want a physical tag?
HCE emulation doesn't exclude physical tags! You can:
- Emulate with your phone daily
- Use an [NFC card](/shop/product/carte-nfc-ntag213-blanche) at formal events
- Stick a [sticker](/shop/product/etiquette-nfc-ntag213-25mm-blanche) on your laptop
- Wear a [key fob](/shop/product/porte-cles-abs-nfc-ntag213) as backup
HCE vs Physical Tag: When to Use What?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Client meeting | HCE (phone in hand) |
| Trade show | HCE + physical card backup |
| Counter/reception | [NFC Display Stand](/shop/product/presentoir-nfc) |
| On your desk | [30mm Sticker](/shop/product/etiquette-nfc-ntag213-30mm-blanche) |
| Client gift | [Premium bamboo card](/shop/product/carte-nfc-ntag213-bambou) |
HCE emulation transforms your Android into the ultimate networking tool. It's free, instant, and always with you.
Ready to try?
- [Download YouShare](/) from the Play Store
- Enable HCE emulation in settings
- Bring your phone close to another... and admire!
To complete your arsenal, discover our [physical NFC tags](/shop): stickers, cards, key fobs and more.