How to Enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: A Complete Guide to Problem Solutions

Why you need NFC in Redmi Note 9 and what it can do

The NFC (Near Field Communication) feature in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is often left unclaimed, with users either unaware of its availability or unaware of how to use it, while the module offers fast payments, instant file transfer, smart device management, and even transport identification, and the key is to activate and configure it correctly.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where NFC is enabled by default, the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) may have this feature hidden in the depths of settings or not at all – it all depends on the firmware version and regional modification of the smartphone. For example, global versions (Global ROM) more often support NFC, while Chinese (China ROM) are deprived of this option due to local restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss:

✅ How to check if there is NFC In your Redmi Note 9

✅ Step-by-step instructions for activating the module

✅ Contactless payments via Google Pay and Mi Pay

✅ Solving typical errors (e.g, "NFC Not found" or "Device not supported")

✅ Alternative ways to use the chip (data transfer, tags, smart home)

Step 1: Check for NFC in Redmi Note 9

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi Note 9 supports this feature at all.The fact is that Xiaomi has released this model in several versions, and not all of them are equipped with a chip.

• 🔍 Visual inspection: on the back of your smartphone (usually next to the camera) look for a logo NFC It's called Near Field Communication, and on the Redmi Note 9, it can be written in small print.
• 📱 Through Settings: Open Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no item, your phone version does not support the function.
• 🛠️ Using third-party applications: install from Google Play utility NFC Check (like this one) will show you if the device has a chip and if it's active.

If NFC is missing but you are sure you bought a version with support (like the Redmi Note 9 NFC), the problem may be the firmware, in which case flashing to Global ROM or EU ROM will help - but this is a separate topic that requires caution.

⚠️ Note: some sellers issue the regular Redmi Note 9 for the version with NFC. Check the box - the original packaging should be marked NFC Near Field Communication.

Step 2: Enable NFC in MIUI settings

If the chip is present, it can be activated in a few steps, and the instructions are suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 (including HyperOS on new firmware):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC. If you don't have one, search by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type in NFC.
4. Activate the switch on at the top of the screen.
5. (Optionally, set the parameters: 💳 Contactless payments – enable to work with Google Pay or Mi Pay. 📤 Transfer of data – Allows sharing of files with others NFC-device. 🏷️ Reading tags – to interact with NFC-tags (for example, in a smart home).

After activation, the status bar (top bar) will show an NFC icon, which means that the module is ready to go. If the icon is not, but the settings are saved, try restarting the phone.

Step 3: Set up contactless payments

The main application of NFC is mobile payments. The Redmi Note 9 has two services: Google Pay (for international cards) and Mi Pay (for Chinese banks, but it works in some other countries), and we'll take a look at both.

Google Pay

To work with Google Pay:

1. Install the app from Google Play (if it is not by default).
2. Open Google Pay and add a contactless payment card (Visa/Mastercard with the PayPass logo or PayWave).
3. Confirm the card via SMS or bank application.
4. In NFC settings, select Google Pay as the default payment app.

Mi Pay

Mi Pay is less versatile, but it can be useful in countries where local banks are supported (for example, in China or India).

1. Update the Mi Pay app via Mi App Store or Google Play.
2. Run Mi Pay and link the card (you will need confirmation through the bank).
3. In NFC settings, select Mi Pay as your primary payment service.

To make a successful payment, the phone must be unlocked (but not necessarily unlocked by the screen - a fingerprint sensor is enough).

• 🔄 Internet connection (to confirm the transaction).
• 💰 Your card’s contactless payment limit (may require PIN input).
• 📶 Your Google or Mi region (some banks block payments from other countries).

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi Note 9 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), Google Pay may not work due to lack of Google SafetyNet certification.

Step 4: Data transfer and work with NFC-tag

In addition to payments, the NFC on the Redmi Note 9 allows you to:

• 📲 Transfer files between Android devices (photos, contacts, links).
• 🏠 Control smart devices (for example, turn on the lights or open the door with a NFC-marker).
• 🔖 Read information from tags (in museums, on products, in transport).

To transmit the file:

1. Activate NFC on both devices.
2. Open a file (such as a photo in a gallery) and select Send → NFC.
3. Bring the phones back to each other (distance not more than 1-2 cm).
4. Wait for the beep - the transmission will start automatically.

To work with NFC-tags (for example, to automate tasks):

1. Buy empty tags (costs from 50 rubles apiece on AliExpress).
2. Install a recording app, such as NFC Tools.
3. Program the tag (for example, to start Google Assistant or Wi-Fi when you touch).
4. Attach the tag to a convenient place (on the table, in the car) and use it for quick action.

💡

If the NFC doesn't read tags, try wrapping the chip with tape or paper - sometimes the phone's metal body interferes with the signal, and check if the case covers the area of the antenna (usually located at the top of the back panel).

Problem Solving: NFC is not working or is not switched on

If the NFC refuses to work after all the manipulations, here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this won’t delete your data, but will reset Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC).
3. Reboot your phone and try to turn on NFC again.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC Stop working, roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. NFC corrected in the following updates.

💡

The NFC in Redmi Note 9 only works when the screen is unlocked (but not necessarily with PIN/password unlocking – a fingerprint or facial recognition is enough).

Alternative ways to use NFC

In addition to the standard features, NFC on the Redmi Note 9 can be used in unexpected ways:

• 🚗 Automation in the car: program NFC-Tag to start Google Maps, turn on Bluetooth and turn off Wi-Fi when you touch.Attach the tag to the phone holder.
• 🏡 Smart Home: Set up tags to manage Xiaomi Smart Home (for example, touching the tag at the door includes lights and air conditioning).
• 🎮 Gaming accessories: some gamepads and joysticks (for example, 8BitDo) Support the connection through NFC fast-sync.
• 📇 Business cards 2.0: Tag a link to your profile in social networks or contacts – it will be enough to hold the phone to the tag to share data.

For advanced automation, install Tasker or MacroDroid, which lets you create NFC-based action chains:

Example of macros in MacroDroid:


Trigger: NFC-tag (ID: 04:A3:B6:1C)




Actions:




- Turn on Wi-Fi.




- Launch Spotify.




- Set the volume to 70%.




- Send a "Welcome Home" notification!

Important: to work with smart Xiaomi devices (for example, Yeelight lamps or a robot vacuum cleaner), use the official Mi Home app. NFC-Tags for fast scenario management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Redmi Note 9