NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9C: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

What to Know About NFC in Redmi 9C Before Starting

Xiaomi Redmi 9C (model M2006C3MG) is equipped with NFC module, but its capabilities are very different from the flagship devices of the brand. Unlike the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3, it uses a simplified NXP PN54T chip that supports only basic functions: card emulation (for contactless payments) and tag reading. This means that you can not use the phone as a terminal for receiving payments or sharing files through Android Beam — these options are simply absent in the firmware.

Before diving into the settings, check the MIUI version on your device. In early builds (below MIUI 12.0.5), the NFC module may not work smoothly, especially when interacting with bank cards. Update through Settings → About Phone → Update if your version is outdated. Also note that contactless payments will require you to link the card to Google Pay or Mi Pay — but not all banks support these services in Russia and the CIS.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 How to turn on and set up NFC on the Redmi 9C (step-by-step)
• 💳 What Bank Cards Are Compatible with Your Phone for Payment
• 📱 Alternative ways to use the chip (tags, automation)
• ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Step 1: Activate the NFC module in your phone settings

By default, the NFC on the Redmi 9C is turned off to save battery power.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Connection and Sharing section.
3. Slip on NFC (may be in the submenu, depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.

After activation, the option Card Mode will appear – you need to leave it active for contactless payments. If this option is missing, then your firmware does not support card emulation (the solution is to update the MIUI or reflash the device).

Is NFC enabled in settings | Is the firmware updated to MIUI 12.5+| Is the bank card linked to Google Pay | Is the screen unlocked when you pay?

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Note: There is no separate chip for the secure element on the Redmi 9C, so all payments are processed via HCE (Host Card Emulation), which means that the phone must be unlocked to pay – unlike hardware-enabled devices (such as the Samsung Galaxy with Knox).

⚠️ Note: If after activation NFC The phone starts to warm up or run out quickly, check the background. Some applications (e.g. Mi Fit or Xiaomi Community) may conflict with the module. Solution: disable auto-run these applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Step 2: Configure contactless payments through Google Pay

Payment via NFC on Redmi 9C will require:

1. Install the Google Pay app from Google Play.
2. Add a bank card with support for contactless payments (Visa/Mastercard with the PayPass or PayWave logo).
3. Confirm the card via SMS or banking application.

Importantly, not all banks in Russia and the CIS support Google Pay. As of 2026, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisen, VTB and some others are working. The full list can be found on your bank's website.

To pay for the purchase:

1. Unlock the phone (PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint).
2. Move the top of the Redmi 9C (where the NFC antenna is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-4 cm.
3. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment will be automatic.

Google Pay|Mi Pay|SberPay|Other |No contactless payments

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⚠️ Note: If the terminal gives an error "Card is not supported", check: 📱 Whether it's on NFC and whether the phone is unlocked. 💳 Is the card linked to Google Pay (sometimes re-assignment is required). 🔄 Reboot your phone - it resets the cache NFC-module.

Step 3: working with NFC-tagging and automation

Despite the limited capabilities of the chip, Redmi 9C can read and write NFC-tags (for example, to automate tasks or run scripts:

• 📲 Trigger app or app or NFC Tools (available on Google Play).
• 🏷️ Empty standard labels NTAG213/215/216 (Buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores).

Example of use:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Specify an action (e.g., Enable Wi-Fi or Open a site).
3. Put the phone to the tag - the data will be recorded automatically.

Labels can:

• 🚗 Run the navigator in the car when the phone touches the holder.
• 🎵 Turn on your favorite playlist on the desktop.
• 🔒 Unlock the smart lock (if it supports it) NFC).

Redmi 9C does not support UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and NFC-F (Japanese standard), so tags for transport (e.g. Troika or Strelka) will not be read.

Step 4: Transfer data between devices (alternatives to Android Beam)

Unlike older Android 9 and lower smartphones, the Redmi 9C does not support Android Beam, a feature for sharing files over NFC.

1. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop): Enable Mi Share in Settings → Connection and Sharing. Select files in gallery or file manager → Send → Mi Share. On the second Xiaomi device, accept the file.

Third-party applications

• Send Anywhere is a Wi-Fi Direct transmission.
• Snapdrop – exchange via the browser (does not require installation).

⚠️ If you have a phone drop after a phone drop NFC It's gone, probably damaged the antenna. 9C It's under the back cover and connected to the motherboard with thin contacts, and repairs are only possible at the service center (cost). ~1500–2500 rubles).

Step 6: Alternative ways to use NFC (for advanced users)

With a limited NXP PN54T chip, the Redmi 9C can do more than it seems:

• 🔐 Emulation of key cards: Applications like NFC Card Emulator allows you to record data from the intercom or pass to your phone (if they are not protected by dynamic encryption).
• 📡 Automation with Tasker: Create a script that will include Airplane Mode when you touch a tag on your desktop.
• 🎮 Gaming accessories: Some gamepads (for example, 8BitDo) Support the connection through NFC fast-sync.