NFC on Xiaomi: how to enable, configure or install the module yourself

Did you buy a Xiaomi smartphone and find that the contactless payment feature was missing or not working? or want to upgrade an old model that didn't originally have it? NFC-In this article, we're going to look at all the possible scenarios, from basic configuration of the built-in module to radical methods like flashing or upgrading iron.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi devices support NFC at the hardware level, such as the low-end models of the Redmi Note 10/11 series (except Pro versions) or the POCO M3/M4 often lack this chip, but even if your smartphone is theoretically compatible, there may be problems with the software part — especially after MIUI or rooting updates.

Spoiler: If your model is not originally equipped NFC-You can add it to the antenna, physically, only by disassembling the device and soldering the new module, which is a risky procedure that requires skills, but for most modern Xiaomi (starting with the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ Xiaomi 13 is a good way to set up the existing chip.

1.How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone supports this technology at all. Here are 3 reliable ways to check:

• 🔍 Official specifications: go to mi.com, find your model, and check the Connectivity section. NFC: Yes, there's a chip.
• 📱 Settings menu: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, the module is not physically available.
• 🛠️ Diagnostic codes: type in the phone application ##4636##, select "Phone Information" and search for the line NFC. The absence of this line is a bad sign.

If none of the methods worked, but you are sure that the model should support NFC (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi K50 Gaming), the problem may lie in:

• 🔄 Disabled chip at the firmware level (solved by flashing).
• 🛂 Regional restrictions (some models for China are not available) NFC elsewhere).
• 💥 Hardware breakdown (for example, after a fall or repair).

2. Enabling NFC in MIUI settings

If you have a chip, but the function is disabled, you can activate it in a few steps. MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Slip on the NFC item (can be called Contactless Payments).
3. Switch the slider to the position on.
4. In the default Payment section, select Mi Pay or Google Pay (depending on the region).

After activation, check the work by bringing the phone to the payment terminal.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Make sure the screen is unlocked (on some models) NFC It only works in this state).
• 💳 Check if your bank card is tied to Mi Pay or Google Wallet.

Bring the phone to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm|

Make sure the screen is unlocked |

Check for a linked card in Mi Pay/Google Pay|

Reboot your smartphone if payment is not made

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⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) function NFC To avoid this, add the Mi Pay or Google Pay app to the battery optimization exception list: → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications.

3. Contactless payment settings (Mi Pay vs Google Pay)

Turn on NFC, half the battle. To make the payment work, you have to set up the payment app correctly. Xiaomi has two options:

To set up Mi Pay:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the App Store or APKMirror).
2. Sign in through Mi Account.
3. Add a bank card by following the instructions (required) SMS-confirmation).
4. Enable the default Payment option in the NFC settings.

For Google Pay:

1. Install Google Wallet from the Play Market.
2. Add a card (a photo of the document may be required for verification).
3. In NFC settings, select Google Pay as your primary payment app.

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If you add a card to Mi Pay, you may want to change your Mi Account region to China or India. Go to Account Settings → Country/Region and select the appropriate option.

4.What to do if NFC is available but does not work

Situation: chip is present, settings are on, but payment is not going through.

• 🔋 Low battery power: on some Xiaomi models NFC It turns off when it's below 5.
• 🛡️ Case conflict: Metal or thick covers may block the signal. Remove the case and try again.
• 📲 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Resetting settings NFC: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → NFC and clean the cache.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or MediaTek) POCO X4 Pro) there may be problems with NFC post-refresh MIUI. In this case, it will help to roll back to the previous version of the firmware through Fastboot or install custom recavery TWRP.

5. How to physically add NFC to Xiaomi (for advanced)

If your model is not originally equipped NFC-chip (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3), The only way to add it is to install it yourself or in a service center:

• 🔧 Disassembly of the smartphone (risk of damage to plumes).
• 💰 Purchases of compatible NFC-module (e.g., AliExpress on request "NFC module for Xiaomi").
• 🔥 Rations (module must be soldered to the motherboard).
• 📱 Driver firmware (otherwise the system will not recognize the new chip).

Step-by-step (for experienced users):

1. Buy it. NFC-module compatible with your model (check the fee number in the service).
2. Remove the back cover of the phone, disconnect the battery.
3. Find the contact information on the motherboard for NFC (conventionally marked NFC_ANT or PN547).
4. Seal the module by following the scheme (can be found on 4PDA or XDA Developers).
5. Collect your phone and run through an NFC-enabled custom core (like NFC Enabler for MIUI).

⚠️ Attention: Self-installation NFC-The module deprives of warranty and can lead to the inoperability of other functions (for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

6.NFC alternatives for Xiaomi without a chip

If you can’t add NFC, consider alternative ways to make contactless payments:

• 💳 QR-codes: most terminals in Russia support payment via SBP (Fast Payment System) or Tinkoff Pay.
• 📱 Banking applications: Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online allow you to generate one-time cards for online payment.
• 🔄 Wearables: If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi smartwatch with a NFC (For example, the Mi Watch, link the map to them.
• 🛒 Barcode scanners: some stores (for example, Pyaterochka or Magnet) allow you to pay for purchases through scanning the barcode of the product in the bank application.

To pay through QR-code:

1. Open the bank application (for example, Sberbank Online).
2. Select the option of Payment by QR.
3. Hover the camera over the code on the terminal or cashier screen.
4. Confirm payment.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t support NFC, but you often use contactless payments, consider buying the Mi Band 7 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S3 – they come with an embedded chip and can replace the phone for in-store payments.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Let’s look at the typical problems and ways to solve them:

If the NFC has not worked after all the manipulations, check:

• 🔍 Logs: Through the Logcat app (available in the Play Market) find errors related to NfcService.
• 🛠️ Antenna integrity: If the phone fell, the antenna could have moved away from the board (repair needed).
• 📡 Regional settings: some models are blocked NFC Outside China (region change to Mi Account).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions