Smartphones are no longer just communication devices, becoming universal tools for everyday life. Owners of the popular Redmi Note 9 Pro often wonder about the availability and functionality of the NFC module, which allows you to make contactless payments. This technology has become the de facto standard, allowing you to forget about physical wallets and cards in stores, transport and gas stations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how this module works in your device, where to find the necessary switches in the MIUI menu and what to do if payment does not pass. Understanding the principles of wireless communication will help you to maximize the benefits of your gadget from Xiaomi.
Many users mistakenly believe that having a logo on the case or in the specifications automatically means readiness to work, but there are nuances of the software. Contactless payment requires the correct configuration of not only the phone itself, but also the associated banking applications. We will look at all the steps from checking hardware to solving problems with terminals.
Technical features of the NFC module in the Redmi Note 9 Pro
The Redmi Note 9 Pro, launched in 2020, features a full-fledged 13.56 MHz short-range contactless module, the standard frequency for most payment and tag readers around the world, and the hardware is fully compliant with modern security requirements, as evidenced by the availability of certificates from payment systems.
It's important to understand that the antenna of the module is embedded in the top of the back of the device, next to the camera block, which is why putting the smartphone to the terminal requires a certain precision. The NFC chip in this model supports card emulation mode (HCE), which allows the phone to simulate a plastic bank card during a transaction.
⚠️ Attention: The antenna module is located in the upper part of the case, so to apply to the terminal need to be the top third of the smartphone, not its middle or bottom.
The technology consumes minimal energy in sleep mode, so the constant activation of the function does not have a critical impact on the battery autonomy. The system activates a powerful data mode only when interacting with the reader. This is implemented at the MIUI firmware level to optimize resources.
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For better communication with the terminal, remove a thick metal case or magnet card if they overlap the area of the antenna at the top of the smartphone.
How to find and enable NFC on the Redmi Note 9 Pro
Activating the MIUI shell function is as simple as possible and is accessible in several ways. The fastest way is to use the control panel. Swipe down from top to bottom to open the curtain, and find an icon that says NFC. Click on it to turn on the module; when you press it again, it will turn off.
If you prefer the classic settings menu, the algorithm of actions will be as follows. Go to Settings, then select Connect and Sharing (in some versions of the firmware it may be called Other ways to connect). NFC and activate it.
Once turned on, the system will suggest selecting the default payment app, a critical step, since the app you select will be running when you bring your phone to the terminal, usually Google Pay (where it works) or a token-enabled banking app.
- 📱 Open the notification bar with a swipe from top to bottom and click on the icon NFC.
- ⚙️ Go to the Settings menu → Connection and sharing → NFC.
- 💳 Select the application for payment in the system window that appears.
- 🔒 Make sure the screen is unlocked before payment (works even without logging in to the app).
Contactless Payment via Google Pay and Mi Pay
The process of setting up payment instruments on Redmi Note 9 Pro depends on the region of use and availability of Google services. In countries where Google Pay is fully functional, you must add a bank card to the corresponding application. To do this, scan the card with a camera or enter the data manually, after which the bank will verify through the SMS.
In some regions, such as Russia, direct payment via Google Pay for cards of Russian banks is limited by sanctions, in which case Xiaomi users often switch to alternative solutions, such as Mi Pay (if supported by a bank) or use applications of specific banks that support card emulation via NFC.
To work properly, you need to select the right security element in the NFC settings, most often HCE Wallet. You can change this setting from the settings menu of the module: Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC → Security element. Here you can adjust the device's response to start applications when you read the tags.
☑️ Checking readiness for payment
Remember that to make a transaction, the smartphone screen must be active (unlocked), but you do not need to launch the application of the bank or payment system in advance, the system will understand that you are making a payment, and will transfer the tokenized card data to the terminal.
Checking the health and diagnosis of the chip
Before you go to the store, it makes sense to diagnose the module to make sure it's working, and the easiest way to do that is to try to read any card with a chip or a ticket, turn on the NFC, unlock the phone, and hold the card to the top of the back cover.
If the module is working, you will hear a characteristic beep, and a notification about the detected tag or an invitation to open a data processing application will appear on the screen. You can also use special diagnostic codes or the Xiaomi engineering menu.
For a deep check, you can use CIT (Customer Integration Test) mode. To do this, open the Phone application and type the code ##6484#. In the menu that appears, select the item associated with the NFC Test and follow the instructions on the screen, which will check the hardware integrity of the antenna and chip.
| Method of verification | Action required | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| Card reading | Bring the card to the back cover. | Sound and pop-up notification |
| CIT menu | Dial ##6484## | Successful test of equipment |
| Payment in the store | Attach to the terminal | Write-offs or PIN request |
⚠️ Note: If the phone makes sound when presenting the card, but does not read the data, it is possible that the card is protected from reading or a non-standard communication protocol is used.
Using NFC for data transfer and smart home
In addition to payment, the module in Redmi Note 9 Pro is actively used for fast data transfer between devices through the Android Beam feature (or its modern counterparts, such as Nearby Share, which use NFC for the initial handshake).
And technology is also indispensable for automating smart home scenarios. NFC-You can program the tags to do things like turn on Wi-Fi, start the alarm, switch to Do Not Disturb, or start the navigator, and this is done through automated applications like Tasker or embedded scripts. MIUI.
Xiaomi ecosystem devices, such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds or speakers, often support fast pairing. Just hold the phone to the device, and the system will suggest connecting, eliminating the need to search for the gadget in the general list of Bluetooth.
How to create your own NFC-script-mark?
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the reliability of the technology, users may experience situations where the terminal does not see the phone, one of the common reasons is a thick or metal case that shields the signal, and the problem may lie in the wrong position: the antenna is on top, not in the center.
Sometimes the failure occurs at the software level: the service Google Pay or the NFC system itself freezes, in this case, a banal reboot of the smartphone helps. If the problem persists, try to clear the cache of the application through which the payment is made, or delete and add the card again.
In rare cases, after updating the firmware MIUI You can send out security settings. NFC regime HCE Wallet, not Wallet. SIM-"Cards" if you don't use them SIM-Payment support card (which is extremely rare).
- 📶 Make sure the function is enabled NFC and flight mode is off.
- 📱 Check if the smartphone screen is unlocked at the time of payment.
- 🏦 Make sure that the card in the application is active and not blocked by the bank.
- 🔄 Restart the device if payment stops suddenly.
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In 90% of cases, the problem with payment is solved by removing the case, restarting the phone or re-authorizing the card in the bank application.