How to set up contactless payment on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: from NFC to Google Pay

Why Redmi 9T is a good choice for contactless payments

Xiaomi Redmi 9T comes with an integrated NFC chip that allows you to use it to pay for purchases with one touch — without having to carry a physical bank card. This feature is especially relevant in 2026, when contactless payments are supported in almost all stores, cafes and transport. However, many device owners face difficulties in the first setup: where to find NFC settings, how to tie a card, and why the terminal does not read the payment.

In this article, we will take a look at the whole process in steps, from checking for the presence of the NFC module in your model to solving typical errors (for example, “device is not supported” in Google Pay). Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of Redmi 9T – the need to activate the card emulation function in hidden MIUI settings, which is often not mentioned in standard instructions, you will also learn which banks work with contactless payments in Russia and how to protect their data from fraud.

Step 1: Check NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Before you set up your payment, make sure your smartphone is actually equipped with an NFC module. In the Redmi 9 lineup, not all models support this feature - for example, the base version of the Redmi 9A does not have it. For the Redmi 9T (model number M2010J19SG), the NFC chip is present, but its operation depends on the firmware region.

To check for the module:

• 🔍 Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no item, your firmware does not support the function (solution – see the section "Update" MIUI").
• 📱 Install the app NFC Tools from Google Play – it will show the status of the module and its version.
• 📦 Look at the smartphone box: the presence of a logo NFC near the technical specifications.

If the module is available but does not work, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Restart the device and check the NFC again.

Step 2: Activate NFC and configure the card emulation

Even if the NFC module is present, it can be disabled by default or only work for file transfer (Android Beam).

1. Turn on NFC: Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC and activate the switch. Next to it, you'll see the Card Emulation option, which you'll need to turn on.
2. Set up default mode: In the same menu, select Payment Mode (or HCE Wallet) and specify Google Pay as the primary application, which will allow the terminal to automatically recognize the smartphone as a means of payment.
3. Check: Hold your phone to another NFC device (such as a touch-enabled speaker) and you should hear a beep or notice.

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If there is no card emulation option, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. In older versions (below 12.0.3), this feature is hidden.

Important: on Redmi 9T, card emulation only works when the screen is unlocked, and this is a MIUI security limitation, the terminal will not be able to write off funds if the phone is locked.

Step 3: Install and set up Google Pay

Google Pay (now Google Wallet) is the main contactless payment app on Xiaomi. Download it from the Play Market and follow the instructions:

1. Add a card: Click Add a card → Payment card. Scan the card through the camera or enter data manually. The application will request confirmation via SMS or client bank.
2. Default card selection: If you have multiple cards, drag the card to the top of the list. This is the card that will be used when you touch the terminal.
3. Security setting: Enable the option to Request Unblock for payments in Google Pay settings.This will protect you if your phone gets lost.

✅ NFC switched on and configured to emulate the card

✅ Google Pay is installed and a map added

✅ Screen unlocked (on Redmi) 9T necessarily!)

✅ The terminal supports contactless payments (logo) 🌐 or ⚡)

✅ The purchase amount does not exceed the limit without PIN (usually 1,000 to 5,000 ₽)-->

The first payment can take up to 10 seconds, which is normal, and the subsequent transactions will take place almost instantly.

Step 4: Adding cards of Russian banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB)

In 2026, most Russian banks support contactless payments via Google Pay, but there are nuances:

To add a Sberbank card:

1. Open Sberbank Online and go to the Maps section.
2. Select the card you want and click Add to Google Pay.
3. Confirm the operation via SMS or push notification.

Sberbank |Tinkoff |VTB |Alfa-Bank |Nothing else |Not using-->

If the bank does not support Google Pay, the alternative is the Mir Pay application (for MIR cards) or virtual cards in YuMoney.

Step 5: Solving Common Mistakes

Even after you set it up properly, you can have problems.

Error: “The device is not certified for Google Pay”

Reason: unofficial firmware or unlocked bootloader.

• 🔄 Install the official global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Use Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix (requires root).
• 💳 Add the card through a client bank (for example, Sberbank Online), bypassing Google Pay.

The terminal doesn't recognize the phone.

Check it out.

• 📵 Screen unlocked (on Redmi) 9T It's a must!).
• 🔋 Battery level above 5% (at low charge) NFC may be off).
• 📶 No interference from cover or metal objects.
• 🔄 Restart the phone and terminal.

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If the terminal issues an error "Card is not supported", check whether your card for contactless payments is blocked in the bank's personal account.

Payment is debited, but does not pass

Possible causes:

• 💰 Exceeded the daily limit on the card (check in the bank).
• 🌍 The region of the map does not coincide with the region of the terminal (for example, the map of the Russian Federation, and the terminal in Belarus).
• ⏳ Google Pay card expires (update).

Step 6: Alternative methods of contactless payment

If Google Pay is not suitable, consider other options:

1. Mir Pay (for MIR cards)

The application from NSPK works with maps of the world and supports Xiaomi Redmi 9T.

• ✅ Does not require certification of the device.
• ❌ It only works in Russia and several CIS countries.
• 📱 The card can be added through Sberbank Online or the bank application.

2.Samsung Pay (via Watch)

If you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch, you can tie the card to it and pay even if the phone is at home.The Redmi 9T in this case is only used to confirm the card is added.

3. Virtual cards (YMoney, Revolut)

Services like YuMoney or Revolut allow you to create a virtual card and link it to Google Pay, which is convenient for security: if you steal a phone, fraudsters will not get access to the main card.

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For travel abroad, add a Revolut card or Tinkoff All Airlines to Google Pay – they support payment in currency without commission.

Contactless Payment Security: 5 Rules

Contactless payments are convenient, but require caution.

1. Disable NFC in public places: Fraudsters can read card data from up to 10 cm. Turn on NFC only before payment.
2. Use it. PIN For large purchases: Set a limit in the bank without PIN (usually 1,000 to 5,000 ₽). In excess of this amount, you will need to enter a code.
3. Don't store passwords in SMS: Delete SMS with confirmation codes after adding a card. Use Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication.
4. Check your transaction history: Turn on push notifications about charges in the client bank, so you will immediately notice suspicious activity.
5. Do not use root rights: On rooted devices, Google Pay blocks card additions due to the risk of data leakage.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions