NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has long ceased to be exotic — it is now used for contactless payments, fast file transfers, management of smart devices and even in transport. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face the question: how to activate this feature if it does not work out of the box? In this article, we will analyze not only the standard way to enable NFC through settings, but also the nuances for different Redmi models, possible errors and hidden MIUI chips.
It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi Redmi devices support NFC — for example, the budget Redmi A series or the old Redmi 7/8 often lack this chip. We’ll teach you to check for the module, turn it on correctly and customize it for specific tasks, from Google Pay to sharing contacts via Android Beam. And if NFC suddenly stopped working, you’ll find solutions here.
How to find out if there is NFC in your Xiaomi Redmi
Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone supports it.The manufacturer does not always specify this feature in the model name (unlike the Redmi Note 11 NFC or POCO X3 NFC lines), so check in two ways:
- 📄 Official Specifications: Go to Xiaomi’s website, find your model in the “Specifications” section and look for a mention NFC in the “Wireless networks” block".
- 🔍 Search by model: Enter the query "[your model]" in Google] NFC support" (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) NFC forum discussions usually appear in the first positions 4PDA or XDA-Developers.
- 📱 Check through settings: Open Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no chip (or it is disabled at the firmware level).
Attention to the pitfalls: some Xiaomi models have regional differences. For example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro for India comes without NFC, and the global version comes with it. Check the labeling on the box: if there is an NFC label or a contactless payment logo, you are in luck.
| Xiaomi Redmi Model | Support for NFC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | ✅ Yes. | Supports Google Pay and Mi Pay |
| Redmi 10C | ❌ No. | Budget model without a chip |
| Redmi Note 11S 5G | ✅ Yes. | Only in the global version |
| POCO X4 Pro 5G | ✅ Yes. | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G |
The standard way to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi
If your smartphone supports the technology, you can activate it in a few steps, and the instructions are suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS):
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Slip on NFC.
- Activate the slider Use NFC.
- (Optional) Turn on Android Beam if you want to transfer files.
Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), NFC may be hidden in the Added section inside Connections. If you don't, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
Make sure you support the chip | Update MIUI to the latest version | Check the firmware region (Global/China) | Turn off flight mode
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Once activated, the status bar (top right corner of the screen) will have an N icon, which means that the module is ready to go. If the icon is not available but the NFC is enabled in the settings, try restarting the device.
Setting up NFC for contactless payments
One of the main uses of NFC is phone payment. To set up Google Pay or Mi Pay on Xiaomi Redmi, follow the following steps:
- 💳 Google Pay: Install the app from Play Market. Add a bank card (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc. are supported). NFC Select the default payment → Google Pay.
Mi Pay
- Download Mi Pay (VPN may be required for some regions).
- Link the card of the partner bank (for example, Alfa-Bank or Raiffeisen).
- In the NFC settings, specify Mi Pay as the main payment service.
Note: To work payments, the phone must be unlocked (no) PIN-If you use security, you have to enter it every time you pay.
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To speed up payment, add the Google Pay shortcut to the home screen: hold your finger in the free space → “Widgets” → find “Google Pay” and drag it.
If payments do not pass, check:
- 📶 Internet connection (needed to authorize the transaction).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI (In older versions, there are bugs with NFC).
- 🏦 Bank support (check with the operator whether your card works with the bank) NFC).
⚠️ Note: on some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) NFC It may not work due to the lack of proprietary Xiaomi drivers. MIUI.
Hidden NFC Features on Xiaomi Redmi
Few people know, but Xiaomi's NFC has more than just paying for it. Here are some useful tips:
- 🔑 Automation with tags: Buy NFC-tags (stands) ~100 rubles for 10 grand) and program them to start actions. For example, touching a mark on the door can turn on Wi-Fi, and on the bedside table - activate Do Not Disturb mode. NFC Tools.
- 📲 Fast Contact Transfer: Enable Android Beam in Settings NFC, Open the contact you want to send and bring the phone to another device. NFC. Data will be transmitted automatically.
- 🎮 Connecting game controllers: Some gamepads (e.g, 8BitDo or Razer Kishi) supports pairing through NFC. Just hold the controller to your phone and the connection will be faster than Bluetooth.
How to program NFC-wifi-start
💡 Lifehack for Photographers: If You Have a Camera with a Camera NFC (So, for example, Sony Alpha, you can quickly transfer photos to Xiaomi Redmi just by touching the camera body with your phone. NFC on both devices and select files to transfer to the camera menu.
Safety in the use of NFC
Like any wireless technology, NFC has vulnerabilities, and follow these rules to protect your data:
- 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, This will prevent unauthorized reading of data (for example, in the subway or shopping center).
- 🛡️ Use only verified tags. Don't touch unknowns with your phone. NFC-Stickers – they may contain malicious code.
- 📱 Set up the lock. PIN-Anybody can pay for a purchase with your phone (up to the limit of contactless transactions).
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI. In new versions of the firmware, vulnerabilities associated with the NFC.