How to set up NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro: from inclusion to contactless payments

Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro is one of the few budget smartphones with support for NFC, but not all users know how to properly activate and use this module. Unlike flagship models, where the chip works out of the box, you may need additional adjustments in MIUI — especially if you updated the firmware or reset the phone to factory settings.

In this article, we will examine not only the basic activation of NFC, but also the nuances of its work on the Redmi 10 Pro: why the module may not be determined by the system, how to link bank cards for payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay, and what to do if the smartphone stopped reading tags after the update.

Verification of availability NFC-chip in Redmi 10 Pro

Before you set up NFC, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro is equipped with this module at all, because some regional versions of the smartphone (for example, for India or China) can come without a chip - even if it is specified in the specs.

You can check for NFC in three ways:

• 🔍 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no chip.
• 📦 Box: on the sticker with the characteristics should be a logo NFC (usually near the badges 4G and wifi).
• 🔧 Using the Engineering Menu: Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and check the line NFC.

If the chip is missing, but it is stated in the specifications, you most likely have a “cut” version for a particular market, in which case you only need to contact a service center to check the hardware or consider buying an external one. NFC-adapter (for example, in the form of a sticker on the battery).

Activation of NFC in MIUI: step-by-step instructions

If the chip is present, you can turn it on in a few steps, and it's important that depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the menu items may vary slightly, but the overall logic is maintained.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. Select the mode of operation: 💳 Payment only – if you only need to pay by phone. 📱 For all functions – for reading tags, data transfer, etc.

After activation, an NFC icon (stylized letter "N") will appear in the top notification bar. If it is not, try restarting the phone or checking if the module is disabled in Flight Mode.

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled (sometimes affecting the chip)

Is the firmware updated to the latest version?

Power saving mode is turned off (can block NFC)

Is the protective film removed from the back cover (interfering with reading)-->

Contactless Payments: Google Pay vs Mi Pay

The main use of NFC on the Redmi 10 Pro is payment by phone, and there are two options: Google Pay (works with most banks) and Mi Pay (a service from Xiaomi, supports a limited list of banks, including Sberbank and Tinkoff).

Let's look at both ways:

To set up Google Pay:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Add a bank card (confirmation via SMS or push notification from the bank is required).
3. Set up screen unlock (required! Google Pay requires a PIN, pattern lock, or fingerprint).
4. When paying, bring the phone to the terminal, having previously unlocked the screen.

Important: On the Redmi 10 Pro with custom firmware (like LineageOS), Google Pay may not work due to a lack of Google certification (the “Device not certified”), in which case only Mi Pay or alternative solutions like Garmin Pay (if you use a smartwatch) remain.

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If the terminal is not reading the payment, try to hold the phone to it not with the back cover, but with the top part (where the NFC antenna is located).

NFC Problems on Redmi 10 Pro and Their Solutions

Even when set up properly, NFC can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The module itself shuts down: check the power saving settings. → Battery → Add the energy saving mode NFC excepted.
• 📵 No tags: make sure the tag is compatible with ISO 14443 (most of today's labels support this standard.
• 💰 Payments are not accepted: if the bank card is added, but the terminal does not respond, check: Is the Mode enabled HCE Google Pay settings. Does the antivirus block the work? NFC (Is the bank’s application updated (sometimes the latest version is required for correct tokenization).
• 🔧 NFC disappeared after the update: reset the network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings will return the module to working condition.

If nothing works, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version of MIUI — sometimes NFC bugs appear after major updates.

1. Download the desired firmware version from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.
4. Specify the downloaded file and wait for the process to be completed.

Using NFC for Automation: Tagged and Tasked

NFC-Labels are small chips that you can program to do certain things when you touch your phone, like stick your smartphone to a tag on your bedside table, and automatically turn on Do Not Disturb, turn off Wi-Fi, and set your alarm at 7:00.

To work with the tags on the Redmi 10 Pro you will need:

1. Buy NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 — They cost 50 rubles apiece).
2. Install a programming app: Trigger (for simple tasks), NFC Tools (advanced settings), Automate (for complex automations).

Spotify

Example of setting up a tag to start the navigator:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write → Add Record → Launch the application.
2. Specify the application (for example, Yandex.Navigator).
3. Hold the phone to the record label.
4. Place a tag in the car (for example, on the phone holder). Now, when you touch, the navigator will automatically open.

The Redmi 10 Pro also allows you to use NFC to:

• 🔑 Opening doors (if the intercom supports contactless keys).
• 📱 Quick contact transfer or Wi-Fi password (through a label with recorded data).
• 🎮 Connections to game consoles (e.g. Nintendo Switch supports) NFC-squirrel).

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NFC-labels with low memory (for example, NTAG203) You may not be able to do complex tasks. You may want to use tags with memory capacity to automate. 144 byte (NTAG215/216).

How to protect data when using NFC

NFC is a convenient technology, but it's not without risks, and attackers can intercept card data or change the tag if you use it in public, to minimize the threat:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, It's going to reduce the risk of random data readout.
• 🛡️ Use only official payment applications (Google Pay, Mi Pay, banking applications).
• 📱 Set up the lock on the screen (PIN, Faceprint, Face. ID) payment NFC impossible.
• 🔍 Check the labels before use. Unknown labels (such as stickers on public transport) may contain malicious code.

You need to be especially careful with NFC-In 2022, for example, there were cases of fraudsters placing tags on payment terminals in stores, and when a phone touched a tag, a script was launched that redirected to a phishing site:

⚠️ Warning: If after touching the tag on the screen appeared an unexpected window asking you to enter card details or password - immediately close it and check the phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes).

For additional protection, you can use applications like NFC TagInfo, which show detailed information about a tag before activating it, and if the tag contains suspicious entries (such as links to unknown sites), it is best not to use it.

Alternative ways to use NFC on Xiaomi

In addition to payments and automation, NFC on Redmi 10 Pro can be used to:

• 🎫 Many cinemas and transport companies (e.g. Aeroexpress) support tickets in the format of electronic tickets. NFC-It is enough to save the ticket in the application and attach the phone to the turnstile.
• 📦 Identity control: Some brands (like Nike or Adidas) equip their products. NFC-You just have to put your phone on the label.
• 🎮 Game accessories. Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation consoles support NFC-Players (Amiibo and PlayStation Vita respectively) can be read by phone to unlock bonuses in games.
• 🏠 Smart home. Some devices (such as Yale locks or Philips Hue lamps) support customization through the use of a smart home. NFC-marker.

Additional software may be required to work with gaming accessories, such as Amiibo:

1. Install the TagMo app (available on GitHub).
2. Download.bin dumps from sites like AmiiboLife.
3. Record the dump on the empty NTAG215 label.
4. Use the tag as an original figure in games.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial Amiibo dumps can result in a ban on an account in online games (such as Animal Crossing or Super Smash Bros.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions