Why Redmi 9C NFC doesn’t support out-of-the-box payments and what to do about it
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is equipped with a short-term contactless communication module, but many users face a problem: when trying to add a card to Google Pay or Mi Pay, the system emits an error: “The device does not support contactless payments”, the reason lies in the lack of HCE (Host Card Emulation) certification for the model in some regions – without it, banking applications block the default function.
However, there are two ways to get around this limitation: through an official firmware update (if available for your region) or manual activation. NFC-In this article, we will discuss both methods, as well as which banks work with Redmi. 9C NFC 2026 and how to avoid first-payment errors.
Important: If your smartphone is purchased in China or on unofficial sites (for example, AliExpress), the chances of successful configuration are lower – the manufacturer can block the device from being used in the market. NFC-payments for "gray" devices. You can check the region in the settings along the way → The phone. → Version. MIUI (look for an acronym EEA for Europe or RU for Russia).
Step 1: Verify NFC hardware support and MIUI version
Before you set up a payment, make sure your Redmi 9C NFC is capable of handling contactless transactions at all.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC.
- 🔍 If the paragraph «NFC» No – your model doesn’t have a chip (it’s probably a regular Redmi). 9C without NFC).
- 📊 Check the version. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Payment is required MIUI 12.5 or newer.
If NFC is available but the contactless payment option is inactive, the problem may be:
| Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|
| Outdated firmware | Update MIUI through Settings → System Update |
| Regional restrictions | Change the region to “Russia” or “Europe” in the settings |
| Lack of HCE Certificate | Activate manually (see Step 3) |
| Bank lockdown | Check the list of supported banks below |
⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is purchased before 2022, you may need to flash it to the global version MIUI. Using unofficial firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) can lead to blocking NFC-bank-payment.
Step 2: Choosing a Payment Service – Google Pay vs Mi Pay vs Banking Apps
On Redmi 9C NFC, you can configure payment through three types of services:
- Google Pay is a universal solution that works with most banks, but requires certified firmware.
- Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded service that supports a limited list of banks (mostly Chinese and some European).
- Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB) – often bypass the limitations of MIUI, but may require additional settings.
Comparison of services for Redmi 9C NFC:
| Service | Support for Redmi 9C | List of banks (RF) | Does it require manual activation? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | Yes (with MIUI 12.5+) | Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisen | Sometimes. |
| Mi Pay | Partially (depending on region) | Only Sberbank (via MiraPay) | Yes. |
| Sberbank Online | Yes. | Only Sberbank. | No. |
| Tinkoff Pay | Yes. | Tinkoff, ATB, Home Credit | No. |
For most users in Russia, the best choice is Google Pay or a banking application (if your bank is on the list). Mi Pay is relevant only for owners of Sberbank cards with MiraPay support.
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If Google Pay doesn’t see your card, try adding it via the web version of the service (pay.google.com) on your computer, and then sync it with your phone.
Step 3: Manual activation NFC-Payments through the Engineering Menu
If standard methods don't work, you can manually enable HCE support, which is suitable for MIUI 12.5-14 firmware:
Turn off the screen lock (PIN/pattern lock)
Connect to Wi-Fi
Battery charge > 50%
Install the latest version of Google Pay-->
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## This will open the MIUI Testing menu.
- Choose. NFC Test → HCE Wallet.
- Activate the Enable HCE Wallet switch.
- Reboot the phone.
After the reboot, check the NFC:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC.
- 💳 Activate the contactless payment option».
- 📱 Try adding a card to Google Pay.
⚠️ Note: Some Firmware After Manual Activation HCE It may disappear after the update. MIUI. In this case, repeat the steps or roll back to the previous version of the firmware.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Step 4: Adding a card to Google Pay – Step-by-step
If NFC-Payments activated, add a card to Google Pay:
- Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
- Open the app and click "Add map".
- Select “Credit or Debit Card”.
- Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
- Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
Possible errors and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "The device is not certified" | No HCE or unofficial firmware | Activate HCE manually (Step 3) or run a global MIUI |
| "The bank is not supported" | Map not on Google's Partner List | Use a banking application (e.g. Tinkoff Pay) |
| "NFC offline" | Failure in settings | Reboot your phone and turn on NFC again |
After successfully adding a card, make sure to make a test payment for a small amount (for example, in a supermarket or cafe). If the transaction passes, the setup is complete.
- 🔋 Battery level (at a discharge below 15% NFC may be off).
- 📶 Internet connection stability (to confirm payment).
- 🛡️ Security settings (fingerprint or fingerprint) PIN should be activated).
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Google Pay on Redmi 9C NFC works only with Mastercard and Visa cards. Mir cards are supported only through banking applications (SberBank Online, VTB Online).
Step 5: set up payment via the banking application (on the example of SberBank)
If Google Pay is not suitable, use the official application of the bank.
- Update the app to the latest version.
- Go to the “Maps” section and select the desired card.
- Slip on the NFC icon (usually in the upper right corner).
- Confirm the card’s binding to the device via SMS.
- Activate the “Payment by default” option (if any).
Features of payment through banking applications:
- 💡 SberBank: supports Mir cards, but requires activation in the branch or via support chat.
- 💡 Tinkoff: works without additional settings, but can block payments on first use (support call required).
- 💡 VTB: it is necessary to enable the option “Contactless payments” in the personal account on the bank’s website.
For convenience, add the widget of the banking application to the home screen, which will speed up access to the card when paying. Also check the limits: some banks set a limit of 1,000-3,000 ₽ on the first transaction through NFC.
Step 6: Optimize security and troubleshooting
Contactless payments are convenient but require increased attention to security.
- 🔒 Set the screen lock (PIN, A pattern lock or a fingerprint without it. NFC-Payments will not work.
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (saves charge and reduces the risk of unauthorized write-offs).
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication in the banking app.
- 📱 Update regularly MIUI and payment applications.
Frequent problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone can't see the terminal. | Weak NFC signal or interference | Bring the phone closer to the terminal (2-3 cm) |
| Payment fails | Limit on the card or block by the bank | Check the SMS from the bank or call support |
| NFC is spontaneously shut down | Energy-saving regime | Add Google Pay to battery optimization exceptions |
| The map has disappeared from Google Pay | Synchronization failure | Remove and add the map again |
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC-Payments are no longer valid, check the certification status HCE via NFC Tools (available on Play Market) If you are not certified, repeat the steps from Step 3.