How to activate NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9: the complete guide

Modern smartphones have long been universal tools that replace wallets, keys and bandwidth cards, but these functions require the correct configuration of communication modules. Owners of the popular budget device Xiaomi Redmi 9 often wonder how to properly run wireless data technology to make one-touch purchases. The activation process may seem obscure due to the features of the MIUI shell, where some menu items are hidden or renamed to simplify the interface.

Enabling this feature gives you access not only to contactless payment, but also to fast pairing with Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches and transport card reading. It is important to understand that the hardware of the device fully supports the necessary communication standards, so the problems usually lie in software limitations or incorrect system settings. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps necessary for the full operation of the module, and also consider the nuances that are rarely written in official manuals.

Before you get into technical manipulation, make sure your device is actually equipped with the right chip, as some regions have shipped versions with stripped-down functionality. If you are sure of the module, then the further instruction will help you set up your phone for everyday use in stores and public transport in a few minutes. The NFC module in Redmi 9 operates at 13.56 MHz, which is the international standard for payment systems.

Check for NFC Module in Redmi 9

The first step before any setup should be to verify the specifications of a particular instance of the smartphone, the fact that Xiaomi sometimes releases modifications of the same model for different markets, and in some of them the wireless function may not be physically available, you can check the presence of the chip through the system menu or using third-party diagnostic tools that display detailed information about the hardware of the device.

The most reliable way is to use the built-in engineering menu or test menu, which is accessed through a set of special code in the Phone application. Once you enter the command, the system will show a list of available tests where the item associated with the NFC should be present. If there is no such item or the system gives an error, it may be that the module is missing or not determined programmatically.

Also worth noting is the back cover of the device: often the top of the case, next to the camera, has the logo "N", which is a direct indication of the presence of technology. However, the absence of a logo does not always mean the absence of a feature, since in recent design revisions manufacturers often refuse to label for aesthetic reasons. For accurate diagnosis, you can install the NFC Check app from the Google Play store.

Basic activation through system settings

The standard way to turn on the module is through the main settings menu of the Android operating system. The user needs to find the section responsible for connections and wireless networks, which in the MIUI shell is often called Connections and Sharing or simply Connection and Sharing. Inside this section is a switch that controls the power of the chip.

Once the slider is active, the system will start scanning the available tags, and at the top of the screen, in the notification curtain, an icon will appear. This indicator signals that the module is ready to work and expects a reader or tag to appear in the range. Some firmware versions may require additional activation of the Safe Element item, which selects the application for making payments.

Importantly, in power-saving mode, the system can automatically turn off the module to save battery power, so if you have problems with the battery settings, it is worth checking. If after turning on the icon in the curtain appears, but the payment does not pass, try rebooting the device to reset temporary driver errors. Reboot often solves problems with hanging services Google.

Use of notification curtain for quick access

For those who often use contactless payment, constantly going to the deep settings menu can be inconvenient, so there is a faster way to manage. Just swipe from top to bottom to open the control center (notification curtain) and find there an icon with the technology logo. If the icon is not on the first screen, click on a pencil or edit button to add the desired shortcut to the quick access panel.

This method allows you to turn the module on and off in a single touch, which is especially true at the checkout when you need to react quickly. However, it is worth remembering that in some custom themes or older versions of MIUI, this shortcut may not appear correctly or at all, in which case, returning to the classic settings menu remains the only option.

Some users prefer to use desktop widgets for even faster access, although standard MIUI means such a widget is not always created. Alternatively, there are launcher applications or specialized automation utilities that can toggle the status of the module on a schedule or geolocation.

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Add an NFC switch to the notification curtain immediately after you buy your phone – it will save you hundreds of clicks in the future when visiting stores.

Setting up Google Pay and Payment Applications

Once the hardware is successfully activated, you need to configure the software to conduct transactions. In Russia and several other countries, standard Google Pay may not work with local bank cards due to sanctions restrictions, so users switch to alternative solutions. To add a card, you need to open your bank application, find the section with the card settings and select the option to add to payment systems.

The binding process requires confirmation via SMS and, in some cases, through the bank application. Once successfully linked, the card will appear in the list of available payment methods in the Google profile or in the Google Wallet application. When you bring the phone to the terminal, the system will suggest you choose the desired card if there are several, or will hold a paid card.

It is worth considering that for payment functions, the device screen must be unlocked, and payment data protection must be included in the security settings. If the phone has been subjected to root rights or unlocking the bootloader, payment systems can block transactions for security purposes. Root rights often cause denial of service.

Solution: the module is not working or not being determined

When the function is enabled in the settings, but the terminal is not reading the phone, it's quite common and can be caused by several reasons. The first and most common reason is a thick or metal case that shields the signal and prevents the antenna from reading the data from the card. Take off the case and try to make payment again - if the problem disappeared, it was precisely the case protection.

The second reason could be software failures in Google Play or the wallet app itself, in which case cleaning the app cache helps: go to the app settings, find Google Pay (or its analogue), and click the Clear Cache button.

It’s also worth checking whether Safe Element mode is enabled and the correct default payment application is selected. In rare cases, resetting network settings helps, which will return all connection settings to factory values. Resetting network settings will not delete your personal files, but saved Wi-Fi passwords will have to be re-entered.

⚠️ Note: If you use magnetic phone holders in your car, they can demagnetize the chips of the cards stored in the case, but at the work of the module itself. NFC They don’t usually affect the phone unless they completely shut down the antenna.

Using NFC to Read Labels and Smart Home

The technology is not just about payment, it also allows you to read information from tags, tags, even documents. With special applications like NFC Tools, you can write links, contacts, commands to automate your smartphone or text to tags, and it turns the phone into a powerful tool for interacting with the physical world.

In the context of a smart home, the module allows you to quickly pair Xiaomi and other devices by simply bringing your phone to your gadget. For example, Mi True Wireless headphones or speakers often support quick pairing through touch. You can also create scenarios where when you bring your phone to a label on your desktop, the phone will switch to silent mode or start the desired track.

So, developers and advanced users can create their own automation tags, and you can program the tag to send a specific text message when you touch it, or open the navigator to your home, or turn on the recorder, which is especially useful for organizing workspaces or car systems.

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The NFC in Redmi 9 is not only a payment, but also a powerful tool for automating everyday tasks and quickly accessing features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: When resetting the phone to factory all associated cards are removed from the memory of the device, they will need to be added again through the application of the Bank.