How to turn it on NFC Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions with compatibility check

What is NFC and why it is needed in Xiaomi smartphones

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication has long ceased to be exotic – today it is built into most Xiaomi smartphones, including the budget series Redmi and the newest. POCO. This short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) allows you to exchange data between devices, pay for purchases, read tags and even control smart devices, but many users still do not use its potential simply because they do not know how to turn on it. NFC on the Xiaomi.

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps for activating the module, but also nuances that the manufacturer rarely mentions in official instructions. For example, why some Redmi Note models may have a feature hidden in the engineering menu, how to check the chip’s health without additional devices, and what apps should be installed for extended use. NFC. We will also focus on contactless payments through Google Pay, Mi Pay and banking applications – this is the most popular scenario among Xiaomi owners.

If you've never used it NFC Or we tried to turn it on without success, and this is a guide to understanding the subtleties. And for the power users, we've created a section with hidden features that are not documented in the standard settings.

What Xiaomi models support NFC: full list

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a module NFC — This is especially true for ultra-budget models and older devices, so to avoid wasting time looking for a feature in the settings, first check if it is in your model. NFC popular:

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use the app. CPU-Z (Note: even if the characteristics are specified NFC, In some regional versions (e.g. India), the module can be software disabled, and only by flashing it to the global version will help. MIUI.

Wherever NFC Xiaomi Settings: 3 Ways to Open the Menu

Depending on the version MIUI and smartphone models the way to settings NFC We've compiled all the options, including hidden ways for devices where the feature doesn't appear in the standard menu.

Method 1: Standard path (MIUI 12–14)

The most common option for most modern smartphones:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks on older versions).
3. Tap on point. NFC — You can turn on / off the module and configure the parameters here.

Method 2. Through the Quick Settings Panel

Quick access to NFC available in the notification curtain:

• 📱 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 If the badge NFC No, swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
• 🖱️ Press and hold the icon. NFC (If you have one, it will open the settings section.
• ⚙️ If there is no icon, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add NFC active elements.

Method 3. For the hidden NFC (engineering menu)

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro for India), the function can be hidden to activate:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the block. RF Band Mode – if there is a line here NFC, Module is physically present.
4. To activate, you may need to flash to the global version MIUI.

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After inclusion NFC In the settings, the icon in the curtain is gray — try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes the module is activated only after the reboot.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Xiaomi

When you found the section with settings NFC, You just have to activate it and customize it to your needs:

Step 1: Activation of the module

• 🔘 Turn on the slider. NFC inclination.
• 📶 Wait for the badge to come out. NFC In the notification panel (usually appears in 2-3 seconds).
• 🔄 If the icon flashes and goes out, the module is defective or disabled at the hardware level.

Step 2: Set up contactless payments

To pay via Google Pay, Mi Pay or the banking app:

1. In the section NFC Paying for contactless payments.
2. Select the default app (like Google Pay).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to link your bank card.
4. 💳 Important: some banks (for example, Sberbank) require a separate activation of contactless payments in the mobile application.

Step 3: Checking the performance

To make sure that NFC works:

• 🛒 Bring your smartphone to the payment terminal (at a distance of 2-3 cm).
• 📱 Try to read it. NFC-tag (for example, in transport or on an advertising poster).
• 🔧 Use the app. NFC Google Play Tools for Diagnostics.

Setting up NFC For contactless payments: Google Pay vs Mi Pay

Pay for purchases with a smartphone is convenient, but not everyone knows that Xiaomi can use not only Google Pay, but also the branded Mi Pay service. Let's analyze the pros and cons of each solution, as well as the nuances of settings.

Google Pay is a universal solution that works with most bank cards.

• ✅ Support for Visa, Mastercard, World.
• ✅ It works on all smartphones with NFC and current version of Android.
• ✅ Integration with other Google services (e.g. Google Passes for tickets).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some banks in Russia limit the functionality.
• ❌ Requires a permanent internet connection to confirm payments.

Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded service that operates in China and some Asian countries, and in Russia, its support is limited, but it can be useful for:

• 🏦 Chinese Bank Card Links (if you visit China frequently).
• 🚇 Beijing/Shanghai Metro fare (Mi Pay Transit function).
• 🎫 Storage of electronic passes (for example, for offices with NFC-reader).

To set up Mi Pay:

1. Download the Mi Pay app from Google Play (it can be pre-installed on Chinese versions) MIUI).
2. Register with your Xiaomi account.
3. Add a bank card (confirmation via SMS is required).
4. In NFC settings, select Mi Pay as the default app.

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For contactless payments via Google Pay, it is not necessary to unlock the smartphone – just press the power button twice (on some Xiaomi models).

Advanced functions NFC Xiaomi: tags, automation and smart home

NFC Xiaomi's smartphones can be used for more than just payments. Consider less obvious but useful scenarios:

1. NFC-tagging

By means of labels (e.g, NTAG213 or NTAG215) applications NFC Tools can be customized:

• 🔊 Automatic Turning on Silent Mode When Touching a Label on the Desktop.
• 📶 Connecting to Wi-Fi or launching Google Assistant.
• 🔋 Sending. SMS or running a specific application (e.g., Waze when touching a tag in a car).

2.Managing a smart home

If you have Xiaomi Mi Home devices (like Yeelight light bulbs or Aqara sockets), NFC-tags can be used for:

• 💡 Lights switched on/off with one touch.
• 🌡️ Activation of climate control scenarios (e.g., “Night mode” with lower air conditioning temperature).
• 🚪 Smart lock controls (e.g., Xiaomi Smart Door Lock).

3. Data exchange between devices

NFC Supports Android Beam (older Android versions) or Fast Share (newer ones) to transfer the file:

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) and select Send → Android Beam.
3. Bring your smartphones back to each other.
4. Wait for the beep - transmission is complete.

4. Identification and access

NFC-The cards can be used as:

• 🏢 Office Pass (if the system supports Mifare Classic emulation).
• 🚗 Key to contactless start of the car (for example, with a NFC-immobilizer).
• 🎫 Tickets for events (many organizers use them) NFC-bracelets).

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To work with NFC-Download the Trigger or Automate app with tags – they allow you to create complex automations, for example, launching the Spotify playlist when touching the tag in the car.

Frequent problems with NFC Xiaomi and how to solve them

Even if your smartphone supports you NFC, We've collected common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: NFC not included (gray slider)

⚠️ Note: If the settings are in the slider NFC Inactive, which may mean that the module is disabled at the hardware level (for example, after repair) or the driver is missing. Check the integrity of the antenna (it is located under the back cover, near the camera).

• 🔧 Update. MIUI last-minute.
• 📱 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Additionally. → Resetting the network).
• 🔨 If the problem persists, contact the service center (possibly damaged antenna). NFC).

Problem 2: Contactless payments don’t work

⚠️ Note: Some banks block payments through the NFC, If the smartphone has a custom recap (TWRP) or the bootloader is unlocked, and that's because of Google Pay's security requirements.

• 💳 Make sure the card is added to Google Pay and activated.
• 📵 Check if the mode is on the plane.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and terminal (sometimes Google Play Services cache reset helps).

Problem 3: NFC It is unstable (it shuts down itself)

• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, some models turn off NFC energy-saving.
• 📦 Remove the cover – thick or metal covers can shield the signal.
• 🔄 Turn it off and turn it on again. NFC customized.

Problem 4: Not readable NFC-marker

• 📍 Bring the smartphone to the mark with the back cover (antenna) NFC top-end).
• 🔄 Try another reading app (for example, NFC TagInfo).
• 🛠️ If the tag is damaged, try writing data to a new one.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about NFC Xiaomi