How to turn on and set up NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions with pictures

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for technology NFC, But many people don't even know it's possible, and contactless payments, fast file transfers, smart home automation, all of these are available in a few touches, but without the right setup, the function is dead weight on the phone's menu.

In this article you will find a step-by-step activation instruction. NFC On Redmi 9, you can learn how to set up Google Pay and Mi Pay (a unique solution for Russia), how to use your phone instead of a pass or a door key, and we will also reveal the secrets of why. NFC It may not work even after turning on – and how to fix it without contacting the service.

Spoiler: for full-fledged work, you will need not only to include the module in the settings, but also to correctly configure payment applications, update the firmware to the current version MIUI 12.5+, In some cases, even replace them. SIM-Ready to understand all the nuances?

1. Checking support. NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you set up the feature, make sure your Redmi 9 supports at all. NFC. There are different modifications to this model:

  • πŸ“± Redmi 9 (Global, NFC) β€” contactless communication module (marking) M2004J19G)
  • πŸ“± Redmi 9 (India/Global, without NFC) β€” unsupported (marking) M2004J19PI)
  • πŸ“± Redmi 9 Prime β€” NFC absent
  • πŸ“± Redmi 9T/9 Power β€” NFC It is present in all versions

To accurately define your model:

  1. Open the Settings app β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the Model line (for example, M2004J19G).
  3. Check the markings in the table above.
πŸ“Š Your Redmi 9 model supports your NFC?
Yeah, I did.
No, but I want to turn it on.
I don't know, I need to check.
I have a different model.

If your smartphone does not support you NFC, No adjustments are going to help -- the module is just not physically available:

  • πŸ’³ Contactless Bank Cards (Plug in to Google Pay without Google Pay) NFC)
  • πŸ”‘ Splashes with NFC-Smart home chips (such as Mi Smart Door Lock)
  • πŸ“± Buying a smartphone with NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X5)

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware (especially custom) NFC It can be turned off at the kernel level. NFC, But the model supports the technology - you need to flash it.

2 Where it is. NFC in the settings of Redmi 9

If your Redmi 9 is equipped NFC-Module, you can turn it on in two ways:

Method 1: Through the notification panel

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the badge. NFC (usually close to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi).
  3. Tap the icon – if it lights up, the module is activated.

Method 2: Through the settings menu

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing.
  2. Select a point. NFC (This may be called contactless payments).
  3. Move the slider to the on position.

After activation, it is recommended to enable the option HCE-Host Card Emulation – This is required for payment systems to work, and check that Android Beam is enabled (if you plan to transfer files).

Check support NFC model|Update MIUI last-minute|Turn on NFC customized|Activate HCE-service|Install a payment application-->

If the NFC item is not on the menu, try:

  • πŸ” Update firmware to MIUI 12.5 or newer.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
  • πŸ“± Install the application NFC Tools from Google Play – it will show if the module is recognized.

3.Configuring contactless payments

Main advantage NFC β€” There are two main ways to pay for your purchases on Redmi 9:

Option 1: Google Pay (for international maps)

  1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
  2. Open the app and press Start.
  3. Add a bank card (Visa, Mastercard, Mir are supported).
  4. Confirm the binding via SMS or client bank.
  5. Install Google Pay as the default payment app (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ By default. β†’ Payment).

Option 2: Mi Pay (for Mir cards and Russian banks)

Due to the sanctions, Google Pay does not work with Mir cards, but Xiaomi offers an alternative - Mi Pay:

  1. Download Mi Pay from the Mi App Store or APKMirror (the official Play Market may not show the app).
  2. Register with your phone number or Mi Account.
  3. Add a Mir card or a supported bank (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
  4. Confirm the link through the bank SMS.
  5. Enable the default Payment option in Mi Pay settings.
Payment systemSupported cardsWorks in Russia.Demands the Internet.
Google PayVisa, MastercardYes (limited)No.
Mi PayMir, Visa, MastercardYes (full)No.
SberPayOnly Sberbank.Yes.Yes (for activation)
Tinkoff PayJust Tinkoff.Yes.No.

For successful payment:

  • πŸ“Ά Make sure your phone is unlocked (no input required) PIN After each transaction, the screen must be active).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge - at least 5% (at low charge) NFC may be off).
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off the mode on the plane - it blocks NFC.

πŸ’‘

If the terminal is not reading the phone, try to hold the phone to another place at the checkout (sometimes the chip is not in the center), and check if the case interferes - metal inserts can shield the signal.

4.Use of NFC other-purpose

NFC Redmi 9 is not just for payments, but here are 5 more useful scenarios:

1. File Transfer via Android Beam

To send a photo or contact to another phone:

  1. Enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
  2. Open the file (for example, a photo in a gallery).
  3. Hold the phones back to each other.
  4. Wait for the beep - the transmission will start automatically.

2.Reading NFC-marker

Using applications like NFC Tools or Trigger, you can:

  • πŸ”– Read information from labels (e.g. in museums or on products).
  • πŸ”‘ Program your own tags for automation (enable Wi-Fi when touching).
  • πŸšͺ Use your phone as a key to your smart lock (Mi Smart Lock).

Payment for travel in transport

In some cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan) Redmi 9 can be used instead of Troika or Strelka:

  1. Download the official transport application (for example, Metro Moscow).
  2. Attach a bank card or a purchased ticket.
  3. Bring the phone to the validator at the entrance.
How to check if it works NFC turntile?
Before you first go, test compatibility: take your phone to the validator not at the entrance, but to the test terminal (usually at the checkout box). If the green light comes on, everything works. If not, try another card or application.

4. Connecting to smart devices

Many Xiaomi gadgets (such as Mi Band 6 or Mi Smart Clock) support fast tethering through the app. NFC:

  1. Turn on the NFC on your phone.
  2. Open Mi Home and select Add Device.
  3. Bring the phone to NFC-tag on the gadget (usually on the back panel).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

5. Identification in annexes

Some services (for example, Sberbank Online or Public Services) use NFC for:

  • πŸ†” Identity confirmation via passport with chip.
  • πŸ” Authorizations at ATMs.
  • πŸ“„ Signatures of electronic documents.

⚠️ Attention: When in use NFC For identification, never hand over the phone to strangers or bring it to unknown terminals – this can lead to data leakage.

5. Solving problems with NFC Redmi 9

If NFC If the module is not supported, check these points:

Problem 1: NFC is not included

Possible causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Outdated firmware β†’ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ› οΈ Module failure β†’ Restart your phone or reset your network settings.
  • πŸ“± Conflict with the case β†’ Remove the cover (especially with metal inserts).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings β†’ Turn off the energy saving mode for NFC battery-setting.

Problem 2: Payments don't go through

Checklist for diagnosis:

  1. Check that the payment application (Google) Pay/Mi Pay) set as default.
  2. Make sure the card is active and not blocked by the bank.
  3. Try another terminal - some older models don't support HCE.
  4. Turn it off. VPN β€” It can block geolocation checks.

Problem 3: The phone doesn't read the tags

Possible fixes:

  • πŸ“² Install the app NFC Tools and check if the tag is recognized through it.
  • πŸ”„ Switch the mode. NFC c Only reading on the On (some firmwares have a separate switch).
  • πŸ› οΈ Update Google Play Services – They’re responsible for processing NFC-data.
Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
NFC is activated but not workingConflict with SIM-cardTry another one. SIM or reboot the phone.
Payments don't pass on the subwayIncompatibility with the turnstileUse the transport app (for example, Metro Moscow)
The phone doesn't see other devicesAndroid Beam is disabledTurn it on in the settings. NFC
NFC shuts down on its ownEnergy saving regimeAdd NFC to battery exclusions

πŸ’‘

If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch. Often bugs are fixed in the next updates.

6 Safety in the use of NFC

NFC β€” It's a convenient, but potentially vulnerable technology. Follow these rules to avoid problems:

1. Protection against unauthorized access

  • πŸ”’ Set the PIN-code or pattern lock to unlock the screen.
  • 🚫 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (for example, in public places).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use encryption applications (e.g. Mi Pay instead of unknown payment services).

2. Prevention of data scanning

Attackers may be trying to read data from your phone through the NFC (Like in the subway or in a cafe, to avoid it:

  • πŸ“΅ Turn it off. NFC In settings where no contactless payment is required.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use the covers with NFC-locking (for example, with a metallized insert).
  • πŸ” Regularly check the transaction history in the banking application.

3. Safe work with tags

In programming NFC-marker:

  • πŸ”– Do not write personal data (passwords) on them, PIN-code).
  • πŸ”„ Use labels only from trusted manufacturers (e.g, NTAG213/215/216).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove unnecessary tags from your phone’s memory.

⚠️ Note: Never bring your phone to unknown people. NFC-tags or terminals – they may contain malicious code that will automatically perform unwanted actions (for example, go to a phishing site).

Alternatives NFC Redmi 9

If your Redmi 9 doesn’t support you NFC or the module is broken, consider these options:

1. QR-payment-code

Most banks and services (including Sberbank and Tinkoff) support payment by QR:

  • πŸ’³ Generate. QR-bank-app.
  • πŸ“± Show him to the cashier for scanning.
  • βœ… Confirm payment on your phone.

2. Bluetooth LE data-transmitting

To exchange files between devices, you can use:

  • πŸ“² Nearby Share (built into Android).
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Share (for Xiaomi devices).
  • πŸ”— Snapdrop (web service for transmission over a local network).

3. Smart keychains and cards

To automate a smart home or unlock doors:

  • πŸ”‘ Buy it. NFC-keychain (worth it) ~300β‚½) And program it through a friend's phone.
  • πŸ’³ Use a bank card with NFC payment.
  • 🏠 Install a smart lock with fingerprint support (e.g. Aqara Smart Lock).

4. USB OTG connect

If you need to connect a peripheral (such as a smartwatch or card reader), use:

  • πŸ”Œ USB OTG-cable (connected to the Type-C connector).
  • πŸ“± Adapters USB-C β†’ NFC (Sonoff Zigbee for Smart Home).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Redmi 9

❓ Can I add? NFC Redmi 9 if it's not there?
No, physically add. NFC It's impossible -- it's soldered into the motherboard, and the only option is to buy another phone (like the Redmi Note 10 or the Redmi Note). POCO X3 NFC).
❓ Why? NFC It only works with bank cards, not with tags?
It's probably Android Beam or Payments Only disabled in the settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ NFC Also check that the tag is compatible with Redmi 9 (must support the standard) ISO 14443).
❓ How to transfer data from NFC-phone tags?
Install the app NFC Tools from Google Play, then: Open the app and select Read. Bring your phone to the tag. Click Save to export data to the file. Use the Record tab to write to the tag.
❓ Why does the terminal not see the phone when paying?
The problem might be in: πŸ“΅ Incorrect position – bring the phone to the upper right corner of the terminal. πŸ”‹ Low battery charge – charge your phone to 20%. πŸ› οΈ Module failure – restart your phone or turn on/off NFC. πŸ’³ Card incompatibility – some terminals do not work with Mir via Google Pay.
❓ Can I use Redmi 9 as a subway pass?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸš‡ In Moscow, works through the Metro app (tying Troika or bank card). 🚌 In St. Petersburg - through Pomorodnik or SberPay. ⚠️ In some cities, special needs are required. SIM-map (e.g. MTS 900 for Arrow) Check compatibility on the transport operator's website before travelling.