How to know if there is NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and how to turn it on

The availability of a short-range contactless module in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most talked-about features among budget device owners, a feature that has become the de facto standard for modern gadgets, allowing you to pay for purchases in stores, read travel tickets and instantly share files. However, in the affordable smartphone segment, manufacturers often make compromises by removing expensive components to reduce the price or increase battery capacity.

The Redmi Note 8 is complicated by the fact that it has been released in different markets in different versions, which has given rise to many rumors: some users claim that the chip is there, but hidden, others categorically deny its presence in the hardware. In order not to guess and waste time on useless attempts at customization, you need to turn to technical specifications and methods of software diagnostics that will give an unambiguous answer.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the hardware features of your device, examine software verification methods, and explain why some firmware versions may display false indications of the presence of a module, learn how to distinguish software emulation from a real physical chip, and what alternatives exist if built-in NFC is still missing.

Redmi Note 8 hardware features: Global and Chinese versions

The first thing to understand when looking for an answer to the question of the availability of NFC is the existence of different regional versions of the smartphone. Xiaomi traditionally divides its devices into Chinese (CN) and global (Global) versions. In the case of the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo), the situation is as follows: the vast majority of global versions shipped to Europe, Russia and CIS countries are not equipped with an NFC module.

On the other hand, the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 8 (often labeled as the M1908C3JG) may have been equipped with this module in some configurations. However, even having Chinese firmware on a global device will not add a physical chip unless it is soldered on the motherboard. It is important to distinguish between software and hardware: flashing will not create an antenna where it is not.

In addition, it is worth mentioning the model Redmi Note 8 Pro. Unlike the usual version, the Pro model in almost all regions received a full-fledged version. NFC-Users often confuse these devices because they share the same design and name. If you have a Pro version, the probability of having a feature is close to 100%, whereas the base model is more likely to be devoid of this option.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to flash the global version with Chinese firmware in hopes of "unblocking" NFC can lead to inoperability of banking applications and system failures, since the hardware does not meet the software requirements.

Software methods for checking the presence of a chip

The easiest and most reliable way to know if your Xiaomi has NFC is to check through the system settings menu. If the module is physically present, the MIUI operating system will necessarily display the appropriate switch. Open the Settings menu, then go to Connect and Sharing or Additional Features. Depending on the shell version, the item may be simply called NFC.

If you don't see this item in the settings menu, it doesn't mean it's completely missing, but the probability is high. Sometimes the shortcut is hidden in the quick access menu. Put down the swipe notification curtain from top to bottom and look for the NFC icon. If it's not even in the extended button menu (usually you need to click on a pencil or three dots), the system doesn't see the hardware.

For a deeper check, you can use the engineering menu or the special detector apps from Google Play, programs like NFC Check or NFC Tools scan system libraries and hardware reports, and if the application says "NFC is not present" or "No NFC hardware found," then there is no chip.

Use of the CIT diagnostic menu

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu called CIT (Customer Integration Test) designed to test all components of the device. This is the most technically accurate diagnostic method. To get into it, open the Phone app and type the combination ##6484##. If the code doesn't work, try ##4636##, although the former option is more informative for checking the hardware.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a long list of tests. You'll need to find an item labeled NFC. You click on it, the system will try to trigger the chip. If there's a module, you'll see a test screen with the Start Test button or Pass/Fail status. If there's no NFC on the CIT test list, it's a 100% confirmation that the module is not on the board.

Sometimes there may be a point on the test list, but when you start it, you will give an error called "Test Fail" or "Hardware not found". This also indicates a hardware problem, whether it is a physical absence, a shutdown of the plume (which is rare for new devices), or a controller malfunction.

Codes for entering the diagnostic menu:
#6484## - The main menu of CIT
#4636## - Testing menu (less detailed)


*#06# - IMEI check (indirectly confirmed by model)

⚠️ Be careful on the menu. CIT. Do not press the Fail all or Back buttons without understanding their function, so as not to confuse the calibration of sensors or change important system parameters.

Why there may not be an NFC switch in the settings

The lack of a switch in the Settings menu → Connection and sharing is a direct consequence of the lack of a driver for non-existent hardware. The Android operating system and the MIUI shell, when loading, poll all connected modules. If the chip does not respond to the system request, the interface hides the ability to control it so as not to mislead the user.

There is a myth that the switch can be "returned" through build.prop configuration files or third-party applications like NFC Enabler. In theory, adding lines of code can make the system display an icon. However, without a physical antenna and chip, it will only be a "dumb"; clicking on such a switch will not lead to anything: the phone will not be able to read the card or transfer the file.

Also worth considering is the impact of the MIUI version. In older versions of the shell, the path to settings may have been different. For example, in early builds, the item could have been in the section No Wireless Networks or More. However, if you upgraded to the current version and the switch didn't appear on its own, then it's not the software bug, it's the hardware.

Comparison of features: Redmi Note 8 vs Note 8 Pro

To clear up the doubts, let's compare the technical specifications of the regular and Pro versions, and the price difference between these models was about 30-40% when they were released, and one of the main differences was the communication module.

As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 8 Pro was positioned as a more premium device, where the presence of NFC was a prerequisite, the base model focused on the budget segment, where every dollar of value was valued, which is why the eight often sacrificed this module.

If you're holding a phone and you're not sure about the model, look at Settings → About the phone. It will show the full name of the model. It's a good sign to have the word "Pro" in the name, but the only thing that will come to the end is to check the CIT menu or have a switch.

Alternatives and Payment Methods Without NFC

If the inspection showed that NFC Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is missing, it doesn’t mean you can’t use modern payment technologies. QR-Most banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank) support payment by QR-code that is read by the smartphone camera directly from the cashier’s terminal.

The second option is to use Mi Pay or Google Pay (where it works) via virtual cards, but they still need NFC. So the main focus should be on QR payment technology or using physical cards. There are also special fobs and rings with NFC that can be tied to the card and worn separately from the phone if contactless interaction is critical for you.

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Use the Wallet widget or banking app on the home screen for quick payment. QR-It's faster than looking for an app on a menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Redmi Note 8 (Global) does not have any NFC. It's a hardware limitation that you can't get around software. QR-bank-app codes.