Xiaomi Redmi 9S — One of the most popular budget smartphones with support for contactless payments, but many owners still do not use this feature for fear of setting up or misunderstanding the principles of operation. test-test NFC-The chip is pre-binding to a credit card in Google Pay or Mi Pay, and in this guide, we will analyze each step in as much detail as possible, taking into account the features of the firmware. MIUI and typical user errors.
Important: Contactless payment on Redmi 9S works through NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, but not all bank cards and terminals support this standard. For example, Mir cards may require additional settings, and some stores still have outdated readers, we will tell you how to check the compatibility of your card and what to do if payment does not pass.
This article is relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 9S (model M2003J15SS) based on MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 10/11. If you have a different version of the firmware, some menu items may be slightly different - but the overall algorithm remains the same.
1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9S
Before setting up contactless payments, make sure your smartphone supports NFC at all. In Redmi 9S, the module is built-in by default, but in some regional versions (for example, for India), it can be disabled at the firmware level.
How to check:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Connection and exchange → NFC. If the item is not, your firmware does not support the function.
- 🔍 Enter the word in the search by settings "NFC" — If there are no results, the module is disabled.
- 🛠️ Install the app NFC Google Play Tools: If an error appears at launch "NFC Not detected, a problem in the hardware.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9S Firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM) function NFC It can be blocked even if you have a chip, and you'll need to flash it to the global version. MIUI.
2. Activation of NFC and selection of payment service
If the NFC module is detected, you need to turn it on and select the payment service. There are two options available on the Redmi 9S:
- 💳 Google Pay – a universal solution for Visa, Mastercard and World cards (with restrictions).
- 📱 Mi Pay is a proprietary service from Xiaomi, works only with Chinese banks (irrelevant for Russia).
Instructions for activation:
- Go to Settings → Connection and Exchange → NFC.
- Activate the NFC slider.
- In the “Default Payment” section, select Google Pay (if installed).
- Enable the option “Allow payments with a locked screen” – this will speed up payment in stores.
Redmi 9S with MIUI 12 and below may not have the default payment option, in which case the payment service is automatically selected when the card is first added.
Module tested NFC customized|Google Pay application installed|Smartphone connected to the Internet|Bank card with contactless payments support at hand-->
3. Installation and setup of Google Pay
Google Pay is the most reliable way to set up contactless payment on Xiaomi Redmi 9S. The app is pre-installed on most devices, but if it is not available, download it from Google Play.
Step-by-step:
- Open Google Pay and sign in to your Google account (required!).
- Click "Add Card" → "Credit or Debit Card".
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
- Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- Come up with it. PIN-Google Pay code (which will be required to confirm payments).
⚠️ Note: Some banks (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff) require additional activation of contactless payments through their mobile app. SMS from the bank – there may be a link to confirm.
| Bank | Support for Google Pay | Additional action |
|---|---|---|
| Sberbank | Yes. | Activate in the application "Sberbank Online" → "Cards" → "Contactless payments" |
| Tinkoff | Yes. | Confirm the addition of the card through push notification |
| VTB | Yes. | Enter a one-time password from SMS |
| Alfa-Bank | Yes. | No activation required |
| Gazprombank | Partially (Mastercard only) | Calling for support to unlock |
4.The first payment: how to properly attach the phone
Now that everything is set up, you can pay for your purchases, but there's a caveat: if you put your smartphone incorrectly, you won't make it.
- 📵 Unlock the screen (not necessarily enter) PIN, swipe-full).
- 📱 Hold the top of the phone (where it is located) NFC-chip) to the terminal at a distance 2-3 centimeter.
- 🔄 Hold until an audible signal or vibration (usually) 1-2 seconds).
- 🔒 If the sum is more than 1000 ₽, may require input PIN-card-code.
Wherever NFC-chip 9S? It's usually located under the top of the case, next to the camera. NFC Tools (enable the display of the read area).
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If payment fails, try to disable the case – some models with metal inserts block the NFC signal.
5. Solving typical problems
Even after setting up properly, contactless payments may not work, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not responding to the terminal. | NFC is disabled or not working | Check the settings, restart the smartphone, update the firmware |
| Terminal says "Map error" | The bank does not support Google Pay | Call the bank support or try another card |
| Begs. PIN-code | Bank security settings | Clarify the conditions in the mobile application of the bank |
| Payment is made but no write-off is made. | Bank communication failure | Repeat payment or check balance after 24 hours |
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Contactless payments stopped working, reset your settings NFC to factory: Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the data. Google Pay cards will not be deleted.
What if the terminal does not accept payment from the phone?
6.Contactless payments security: myths and reality
Many people are afraid to use NFC-We're going to look at the basic fears of the cards, and we're going to look at the underlying fears:
Myth 1: "You can write off money just by bringing your phone to someone else's terminal." Reality: Payment requires unlocking the screen (even if you turn on Pay-by-Block mode) and over 1,000 dollars. ₽ Always require confirmation PIN-code.
Myth 2: "If the phone is stolen, the attackers can pay for everything." Reality: Google Pay allows you to remotely delete all cards via pay.google.com. Most banks also allow you to temporarily block your card through a mobile app.
Tips for additional protection:
- 🔐 Set up the hard one. PIN-code to unlock the screen (at least 6 characters).
- 📱 Enable two-factor authentication in your Google account.
- 🛡️ Set up payment notifications in a mobile bank.
- 🔄 Check the list of devices in Google Pay regularly (remove unknowns).
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Contactless payments via NFC are safer than physical cards: the card data is not transferred to the store, but instead a virtual number (token) is used.
7. Alternative methods of contactless payment
If Google Pay is not suitable for some reason, you can use other services on Redmi 9S:
1. SberPay (for Sberbank cards)
Sberbank Online has a built-in contactless payment function without reference to Google Pay.
- Open Sberbank Online.
- Go to the "Cards" → select the card → "SberPay".
- Follow the instructions (SMS confirmation will be required).
2.Samsung Pay (if you have a Galaxy Watch)
While Redmi 9S doesn’t support Samsung Pay directly, you can link the card to and pay for the Galaxy Watch smartwatch if the phone is connected via Bluetooth.
3. Physical card with phone-linked
Some banks (like Tinkoff) issue virtual cards that can be added to Google Pay even without a physical media, which is handy if you're afraid of losing your main card.