How to find and enable NFC on Xiaomi smartphones

Owners of modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face the need to quickly activate wireless communication to pay for purchases or transfer data. Many users are long looking for where the NFC settings on the shaomi, as the location of the switch can vary depending on the version of the shell MIUI or HyperOS. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the module.

Not all phones have a built-in short-range contactless chip, and if the specification of your device doesn't say it's a manufacturer, you can't software it, but if it supports the technology, but you can't find control of it, then the problem is the menu algorithm.

We’ll look at standard ways to curtain notifications, system settings, and discuss specific requirements for payment systems. Understanding the principles of Near Field Communication will help you not only enable the feature, but also properly configure transaction security.

Quick activation through the notification curtain

The easiest and most obvious way to turn on the communication module is to use the Quick Access Panel. Swipe down from top to bottom across the screen to unfold the notification curtain. Some firmware versions require you to swipe twice to see the full set of icons.

Find an icon that says NFC among the labels. It can look like an "N" or a stylized image of an antenna. If you don't see this icon right away, click on the edit button of the panel (usually a pencil or three dots in the corner) and add the desired switch to the active zone.

Once you press the icon, it should light up, which indicates that the radio module has been successfully activated, and now the phone is ready to scan tags or try to pay, which is ideal for those who need to quickly turn on the here and now feature.

  • πŸ“± Swipe from top to bottom to open the control center.
  • πŸ” Find the icon. NFC fast-track.
  • ⚑ Press once to activate or deactivate.
  • ✏️ Add a shortcut through the edit menu if it isn't.

Therefore, the habit of checking the status of the connection through the curtain will be useful.

Search for settings in the system menu

If you can't find the switch through the curtain, you should go to the deep system settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the logic remains the same. Open the Settings app on the home screen.

In the settings menu, find a section that might be called Connection and Sharing, Additional Features, or Wireless Networks, and that's where most wireless interfaces, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the module we're looking for, are managed.

Inside, look for the NFC. The switch should be in the "On" position, and it's often where you'll find Android Beam (older versions of Android) or Google Pay, which require you to activate the main module.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have a menu item called β€œContactless Payment” or a similar name associated with payment services, rather than simply an acronym.

For older models, the path might look different. Try searching for settings. Click on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings screen and type "NFC" or "contactless." The system will redirect you to the desired section.

πŸ“Š What kind of interface do you have? MIUI or hyperos?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS
Other

Specifics of work in the shell of HyperOS and MIUI

With the release of the new HyperOS shell, Xiaomi has slightly changed the structure of the menu, which caused confusion among many users. Battery optimization algorithms can now more aggressively control the energy saving of radio modules.

The newer versions have made security settings more stringent, and payment systems may need to not only turn on the switch, but also select the default security option to work properly, so go to the NFC settings and find the Security Element.

Here's where you need to choose. HCE Wallet (Host Card Emulation) This is the setting that allows a smartphone to emulate a bank card. SIM-Payment via phone will not work, as modern operators rarely support this function.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Choose. HCE Wallet as a security element.
  • πŸ“² Make sure that the bank’s application includes payment for NFC.
  • πŸ”„ Restart the device after changing the security settings.

Also worth checking your battery settings: Go to the Battery and Performance section, find the app you plan to pay through (like Google Pay or a banking app), and make sure it doesn’t have a background activity limit set for it.

πŸ’‘

If you upgrade to HyperOS and miss your NFC settings, try resetting your network settings: Settings β†’ Connection & Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

Checking the presence of a module in the device

Before you panic about the lack of customization, it’s worth making sure the chip is physically present in your device.Budget-grade Redmi and entry-level Poco models often lack this module for lower cost.

The most reliable way to check is to use a special application: download from Google Play Market utility "NFC Check" or similar, when you start the program will immediately tell you whether the phone supports short-range technology.

If the app says "NFC is not supported," it means there's no module in the phone, and no flashing or hidden menus will add this feature unless it was designed by the engineers in the design of the board.

Xiaomi SeriesPresence of NFCNote
Xiaomi (Flagships)βœ… There is.Always present in the Mi and Xiaomi Number series
Redmi Note (Middle Class)βœ… There is.In the Pro and higher versions, there is usually
Redmi (Budget)❌ No.The basic models (A, C series) are often absent.
Poco (M series)❌ No.It is rare in the M budget segment.

You can also find information on the manufacturer's official website in the specifications section of your model, look for the line "NFC" or "Contactless." If there is no such line in the specification, there is no module.

Payment settings and Google Pay

Once you have set up the settings and activated the module, you need to set up a payment system. In Russia, due to sanctions, standard Google Pay does not work with cards of Russian banks. NFC It continues to be used for other tasks.

To pay with foreign bank cards or through intermediary systems (for example, Mir Pay on some models or UnionPay), you need to add the card to the appropriate application.

The important condition is the presence of an unlocked screen; the security of the transaction is ensured precisely by the fact that the phone must be unlocked (through a pin code, fingerprint or face) at the time of access to the terminal.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist of preparation for payment

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Warning: When paying, try not to move the phone too quickly.The reader module in the terminal should have time to establish a connection with the smartphone antenna, which is often located at the top of the case.

If payment fails, check if the case is an obstacle. Metalized or too thick cases can shield the signal, making it impossible to read the data.

Using NFC for other tasks

Besides payment, the technology is widely used for automation and data transfer. NFC-For example, when you bring your phone to a desktop tag, the phone can automatically go into silent mode.

And these scenarios are created using applications like Tasker or NFC Tools, which allows you to turn your smartphone into a powerful tool for managing your smart home or personal schedule, and you just need to tag your team and stick it in the right place.

Also through NFC Many of Xiaomi’s headphones, speakers, and fitness bracelets support fast connectivity: just hold your phone to your device and the system will offer pairing without having to look for the device in the Bluetooth list.

How to program a label for silence?
To do this, download the NFC Tools app. Select the Record tab, add the Sounds and Vibrations task -> Mode'Do Not Disturb. Press Record 56 bytes and put a clean label to the back of the phone.

Another useful feature is reading e-business cards and tickets. Many events and organizations use the same. NFC-Labels instead of paper passes, your phone reads the code and opens the desired website or application.

πŸ’‘

NFC on Xiaomi is not only a payment, but also a powerful tool for automating everyday tasks and fast pairing of accessories.

Frequently encountered problems and solutions

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the module is turned on but not working, and one of the common causes is application conflict, and if you have multiple payment systems or card emulators installed, they can interfere with each other.

Try clearing the cache of the application through which payment is made. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All applications, find the right one, select Memory and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with clearing data so you don't lose settings.

In rare cases, resetting your network settings helps, and it won't delete your personal files, but it will return your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings to factory values, and then you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.

Why the phone can't see NFC-tag, although the module is included?
It may be damaged, formatted in an incompatible format, or password protected, and the phone's antenna may not match the location of the tag -- try driving the phone slowly above the surface of the tag.
Does a discharged battery affect the performance of NFC?
Yes, at a critically low charge (usually below 5-10%), the system can force the power-intensive modules, including NFC, to keep the charge for emergency calls.
Can I install the NFC module on my own?
It's theoretically possible, but it requires soldering the antenna and a plume replacement, and complex software integration, which is not cost-effective and easier to buy a new phone.
Is it safe to store bank card information on your phone?
Yes, it's safer than carrying a plastic card, and when you pay through NFC, the real card number is not transferred to the terminal, you use a one-time token, and you also need a biometric or a code to pay.
Does NFC work if the screen is broken?
It works if the touchscreen is partially functional and allows you to unlock the phone, and if the screen does not respond to touch and you can not unlock the device, the payment will not pass for security reasons.