Xiaomi Redmi 10S supports NFC technology, which allows you to use it for contactless payments in stores, transport and even for file transfer. However, many owners face problems when you first set up: the NFC module does not turn on, bank cards are not tied, and terminals do not read data. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of setting up, from checking hardware support to choosing the optimal payment service (Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking application).
Feature of Redmi 10S in that his NFC-The module only works with certain versions of the firmware MIUI. If you have updated your phone to MIUI 13+, But the contactless payment option is gone -- it's not a breakdown, it's a software restriction, and we'll show you how to get around it without losing the warranty. You will also learn which banks support instant payments via Mi Pay in Russia and CIS (the list is up to date for 2026) and how to avoid double write-offs when you first make a transaction.
1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 10S
Before you set up payments, make sure your Redmi is yours. 10S really equipped NFC-In some regions (e.g. India) there were versions of this smartphone without a module:
- 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If you don’t have a phone, your phone doesn’t support technology.
- 🔍 By marking: on the box or in the characteristics on the Xiaomi website, look for a mention "NFC: For Redmi. 10S (model M2101K7BI) The module is available in all global versions.
If NFC is available but the option is inactive, the problem may be:
- 🔄 Outdated firmware (required) MIUI 12.5+).
- 🛠️ Hardware damage to the antenna (often after falls).
- 📵 Regional restrictions (e.g. in China) NFC software-off).
2. Incorporating NFC and selecting operating mode
You can activate the module in the Settings menu → Connections and Sharing → NFC. There are three modes available here:
| Regime. | Description | Do you need to pay? |
|---|---|---|
| Off. | The module is off, the power consumption is minimal. | ❌ No. |
| Only reading. | A smartphone can read tags, but it doesn't transmit data. | ❌ No. |
| Includes (for payments) | Fully functional for transactions and data transfer. | ✅ Yes. |
For contactless payments, choose the third option. Note that in Redmi 10S NFC only works when the screen is unlocked (unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, which support background mode), which means that before payment you will have to:
- Unlock the phone (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).
- Bring the upper part of the body to the terminal (the antenna is located next to the camera).
- Wait for vibration or sound signal.
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If the terminal is not reading the card, try to hold the phone to it at an angle of 45° - so the signal passes better.
3.Selection of payment service: Google Pay vs Mi Pay vs Banking apps
Redmi 10S offers three types of contactless payment services.
- 💳 Google Pay: works with most banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.), supports virtual cards. Minus - requires the installation of Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) and the binding of a Google account.
- 🏦 Mi Pay: Xiaomi’s service is integrated into MIUI. In Russia and the CIS, it works in a limited way (supports only UnionPay cards and some local banks.
- 📱 Banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Alpha-Click, etc. allow you to link the card directly.
For users in Russia, the best choice is Google Pay or a banking application. Mi Pay is only suitable if you have a UnionPay card or you often visit China. To check your bank's support for Mi Pay, open the application and try to add a card, the system will show the available options.
Which banks will be working with Mi Pay in 2026?
4. Google Pay Step-by-step setup on Redmi 10S
If you have chosen Google Pay, follow this instruction:
Update Google Wallet to Play Market| Check your internet connection | Prepare a physical bank card | Make sure contactless payments are included on the card
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- Install the Google Wallet app from the Play Market (unless preinstalled).
- Open the application and click Add Card → Payment card.
- Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually. SMS-bank-code.
- Accept the terms of use and install Google Pay as the default contactless payment app (the system will prompt you to do this automatically).
Once you add a card, you can use it to pay for it.
- Unlock the phone.
- Bring it to the terminal (no need to open the application).
- Confirm the payment with a fingerprint or PIN-code.
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Google Pay on Redmi 10S only works with an unlocked screen – background payments (like on Pixel or Samsung) are not supported.
5. Mi Pay setup: features and limitations
Mi Pay is pre-installed in MIUI, but activation will require:
- Open the Mi Pay app (blue wallet icon).
- Register with a phone number (required) SMS-confirmation).
- Add a card: only UnionPay and a limited list of local banks are supported. Visa/MasterCard cards are not supported.
Important nuances:
- ⚠️ Limit on the amount: in Mi Pay, the limit on one transaction without PIN-code - 1000 ₽ (Google Pay: 5,000 ₽).
- ⚠️ Lack of history: The app doesn’t save checks and doesn’t show a transaction list (unlike Google Pay).
- ✅ Offline mode: payments are made without the Internet, if the card has already been added.
⚠️ Note: If you added a card to Mi Pay but the terminal doesn't see it, check the phone's regional settings. → Additionally. → The region should be chosen as Russia or Kazakhstan (depending on your location.
6. Solving common problems
If contactless payment does not work, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal doesn't see the phone | NFC is disabled or is in Read Only mode | Enable full mode in the settings |
| Error "Card not supported" | The bank does not work with the selected service (Google/Mi Pay) | Try adding a card through the banking application |
| Double write-off on payment | The terminal counted the map twice (a frequent problem in the subway) | Cancel the second payment through the bank |
| Mi Pay asks for firmware updates | Unofficial or outdated MIUI installed | Update your phone to the latest global version |
If the problem persists, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📲 Remove and add the card to the payment service.
- 🛠️ Reset the settings NFC: Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the data.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 10S With custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), contactless payments may not work due to lack of Google Mobile Services certificates (GMS). The only way out is to go back to the official MIUI.
7.Contactless payments security: how to avoid fraud
NFC-Payments are considered safe, but there are risks to be aware of:
- 🛡️ Limit on transactions without PIN: map-in-the-world Visa/MasterCard it 5000 ₽. Exceeding the limit, you will need to enter PIN-code.
- 🔒 Two-factor authentication: In Google Pay and banking applications, enable payment confirmation SMS or push notifications.
- 📵 Scan protection: Turn off NFC, When not using it. To do this, add a shortcut to the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen. → Edit → NFC.
If the phone is stolen:
- Block your cards immediately via an online bank or hotline.
- Delete your payment data remotely: for Google Pay, this can be done through the web version of the service.
- Restore access to your Google or Mi Account to unplug your device.
On the Redmi. 10S There is additional protection – hardware insulation NFC-This means that even if the phone is hacked, the fraudsters will not be able to read the card data without unlocking the screen.