NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide to setup and use

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

NFC

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic configuration of the chip, but also the nuances of its operation on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. You will learn how to link bank cards for payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay, transfer files using Android Beam (despite its official removal from Android), and also use it to use the Internet. NFC-So we're going to focus on some of the common problems, like why a smartphone can't see a tag or refuses to read a card.

It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro has received NFC If your device is purchased in China or some Asian markets, the module may not be physically available - check it in the specifications or using the app. CPU-Z (Sensors section.It is also worth considering that the functionality NFC It depends on the version of the firmware: on old builds MIUI (below 12.0) some options may not be available.

How to check for NFC on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before you set up the module, make sure it's even on your device. Even if the specs indicate NFC, some regional versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (such as the Indian or Chinese) may not have it. Here are three reliable ways to check:

Method 1: through the MIUI settings

Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC. If a partition is missing, it is likely there is no module. Please note that on some firmware, the item may be called Contactless Payments or hidden in the Additional section.

Method 2: Using the CPU-Z application

1. Install CPU-Z from Google Play.
2. Go to the Sensors tab.
3. Scroll down to the NFC block. If the string is missing or not available, there is no module.

Method 3: Physical Testing

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the NFC antenna is located at the top of the back cover (near the camera).Put your smartphone to another NFC device or payment terminal - if there is a vibration or an audio signal, the module works.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers deliberately mislead by pointing out NFC In the specifications for all versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. If you buy the device from hand, be sure to check the chip one of the described methods.

NFC Activation: Step-by-step instructions

If there is a module, it should be enabled. Depending on the version of MIUI, the process may vary slightly, but the general scheme is as follows:

Step 1: Enabling NFC in the settings

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks on older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the NFC slider (should turn blue).

Step 2: Adjust the operating mode

After activation, select one of the modes:

• 📱 Reading Only – A smartphone can read tags but does not transmit data.
• 🔄 Reading and writing – full work with NFC-tagging and file transfer.
• 💳 Cards and payments – optimized for contactless transactions (recommended for Google Pay).

Step 3: Verification of the work

Bring the smartphone to NFC-A tag (e.g., a transport card or sticker for automation) should be heard or notified, if there is no response, try restarting the device or updating the firmware.

NFC module is physically present in the device

The latest version of MIUI (12.0 and higher) is installed

In the settings enabled mode "Read and write"

The smartphone is not in energy saving mode-->

Configuring contactless payments

The main use of NFC is to pay for purchases with a smartphone. There are two options available on the Redmi Note 8 Pro: Google Pay and Mi Pay (a Xiaomi service), let's take a look at both.

Google Pay: Linking the card

1. Install Google Pay from Google Play.
2. Open the app and click Add the card.
3. Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or banking application.
5. In NFC settings, select Cards and Payments as the primary mode.

Mi Pay: Features for Xiaomi

Mi Pay works only with partner banks (mainly Chinese and some European ones).For Russia and the CIS, the service is practically useless, but if your bank is supported:

• 📲 Install Mi Pay.
• 💳 Add the card in the application (confirmation through the bank is required).
• 🔒 Set up protection: fingerprint or PIN-proof-of-payment.

Important! For contactless payments, the smartphone must be unlocked (does not work through the lock screen), and some terminals may not accept payment with the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to the outdated HCE (Host Card Emulation) protocol, in which case only a firmware update will help.

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If the terminal does not accept payment, try to bring the smartphone to it from a different angle - the NFC antenna on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is located closer to the upper edge.

Transfer of data via NFC (Android Beam)

While Google has officially removed Android Beam from Android 10, Redmi Note 8 Pro allows you to transfer files over NFC via third-party apps.

Method 1: Send Anywhere

1. Install Send Anywhere on both devices.
2. On the sender smartphone, select files and click Send → NFC.
3. Bring the devices back to each other.
4. On the second smartphone, confirm the receipt of files.

Method 2: Through the built-in MIUI functions

On some versions of the firmware, there is still the possibility of transferring contacts or links:

• 📇 Open the contact or web page you want to send.
• 🔗 Press Share. → NFC.
• 📱 Bring the second smartphone (with the switch on) NFC) distance of 1-2 cm.

NFC transmission speeds are low (maximum 424 Kbps), so it’s better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth for larger files, but NFC remains a convenient solution for quickly transferring contacts or passwords from Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: Some users complain that after transferring files through the NFC The smartphone starts to overheat, and it's due to the activation of the high-frequency module, if the temperature is above 45.°C, turn it off. NFC and let the device cool down.

Use of the NFC-tagging

One of the most useful functions NFC — tag-work (NFC_tags). They can automate routine activities: turn on Wi-Fi at home, start the navigator in the car or put the phone in silent mode at work. 8 Pro will fit the standard tags NTAG213/215/216 (stand 50 pound-a-piece).

Example 1: Set up a tag to start Wi-Fi

1. Buy it. NFC-sticker (for example, on AliExpress).
2. Install the NFC Tools app.
3. Open the app and select Write → Add Record → Wi-Fi.
4. Enter the network name and password, save the task.
5. Hold the smartphone to the tag and wait for the recording.

Example 2: Automation of phone modes

With Automate, you can create a chain of actions:

• 📵 Silent mode when touching the label on the desktop.
• 🚗 Starting Yandex.Navigator when touching a tag in the car.
• 🎵 Turning on Bluetooth and connecting to the column when touching the label on the nightstand.

Redmi Note 8 Pro has a limitation: the smartphone does not support background scanning NFC-So that means that to get the automation going, the screen has to be on and it has to be on. NFC — manually activated.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the NFC correctly, the Redmi Note 8 Pro can still crash, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The smartphone can’t see NFC-marker

• 🔋 Check the battery power at a level below 15% NFC It can be turned off to save energy.
• 📱 Make sure the label is compatible (only supported) NTAG some MIFARE).
• 🔄 Restart the device or reset the settings NFC In Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: Contactless payments are not working

If the terminal does not accept payment:

• 💳 Check that the card is added to Google Pay as a virtual card (not all banks support tokenization).
• 📶 Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet (to confirm the transaction).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN — Some banks block payments when using it.

Problem 3: NFC is spontaneously shut down

This is due to MIUI optimization, to avoid automatic shutdown:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Power Management.
2. Find NFC in the list and select No Limits.
3. Turn off the Adaptive Battery function in the Battery section.

How to protect data when using NFC

NFC is a convenient technology, but it's not without risks, and attackers can intercept data or clone cards with special equipment, and here's how to minimize the threat.

Tip 1: Turn off NFC when not in use

Turn on the module only when needed, and not only will it save battery power, it will also reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and in MIUI you can add NFC tile to the quick settings panel for easy control.

Advice 2: Use protection for payments

• 🔒 Configure each transaction confirmation with a fingerprint or PIN-code.
• 📱 In Google Pay, turn off the Quick Payments option (settings) → closed-loop payments).
• 🛡️ Set a limit on the amount of contactless payments (usually up to 1000-3000) ₽ proofless).

Tip 3: Check for suspicious labels

Do not bring your smartphone to the unknown NFC-They can write malicious commands on them, which, when scanned, will redirect you to a phishing site or install a virus. NFC TagInfo for analyzing tag content before interaction.

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The NFC on the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support encryption when transferring files, and do not use the technology to send sensitive information (passwords, documents).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions