NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions for setting up and using

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for NFC technology, but not all users know how to properly configure and use it. Unlike flagship models, where the NFC chip is activated by default, Redmi 9 often has to turn it on manually. Moreover, the NFC functionality on this device has its own features, from limited support for contactless payments in some regions to specific settings for data transfer.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions on how to set up NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9, including step-by-step activation of the module, bank card binding, use for file transfer and connecting smart devices. We will also discuss typical problems (for example, why NFC does not work after the MIUI update) and give recommendations for optimizing the power consumption of the chip. If you want to turn your smartphone into a universal tool for contactless operations, read on.

What is NFC and why is it necessary for Xiaomi Redmi 9?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows you to exchange data between devices or read information from tags. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, the NFC chip is built into the top of the case (near the camera) and supports three main functions:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (SberPay, Tinkoff, etc.).
• 📱 Transfer files (photos, contacts, links) using Android Beam or specialized applications.
• 🏠 Smart Device Management: Opening Doors, Activating Scripts in Xiaomi Smart Home System".

It is important to understand that NFC Redmi 9 only works when the screen is unlocked (except for payments where fingerprint confirmation is required or if the screen is not unlocked). PIN-It also uses minimal power, so you can keep it on all the time. MIUI The function is turned off automatically to save charge – we will talk about this in the section on optimization.

How to check if there is NFC on your Xiaomi Redmi 9

Not all Xiaomi Redmi 9 versions feature NFC chips, such as the Indian version (Redmi 9 Prime) that is often missing.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Full spec.
2. Scroll down to the Wireless Networks section.
3. Check for an NFC, and if it's not, your model doesn't support the technology.

Alternatively, download the NFC Tools app from Google Play and launch it. If the chip is present, it will show its status (on/off), and if you see a message saying "NFC is not supported" - unfortunately, your Redmi 9 is not equipped with a module.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Activation of NFC on Redmi 9 takes less than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal guide for MIUI 12-14 firmware:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. Optionally, enable Android Beam (for file transfer) and Default Payments (if you plan to use Google Pay).

Once turned on, the NFC chip will be active until you manually turn it off or restart the phone (in some firmware).To speed up access to settings, add an NFC shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel:

• Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• Slip on the pencil icon (Edit).
• Find the NFC tile and drag it to the active area.

Configure contactless payments via NFC

One of the most popular uses of NFC is to pay for purchases by phone. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, this can be done through Google Pay, Mi Pay (in China), or banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).

1. Download Google Pay from Google Play.
2. Open the app and log in to your Google account.
3. Tap Add the card and scan it or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Install Google Pay as the default payment app in the NFC settings (Settings → Connection & Sharing → NFC → Default Payments).

For successful payment:

• 📱 Unlock the screen (PIN, graphical).
• 💳 Bring the phone to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm.
• ✅ Confirm payment (if required).

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If the terminal doesn’t recognize the phone, try to bring the Redmi 9 to the top of the case (where the camera is located) – that’s where the NFC antenna is.

Important: Some banks may block the addition of cards to Google Pay on uncertified devices. If you see an error "Device is not supported", try:

• Update MIUI to the latest version.
• Install Magisk and SafetyNet Fix (requires bootloader unlocking).
• Use the banking app instead of Google Pay.

Transfer of files and data via NFC

With NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9, you can quickly transfer small files (photos, contacts, links) to other Android devices, using Android Beam technology, but with the release of Android 10, it was abolished, instead you need to use third-party applications such as NFC Tools or Send Anywhere.

Instructions for transferring files via NFC Tools:

1. Install NFC Tools on both devices.
2. On the sending phone, select Write → Add a record → Text / Link / File.
3. Specify the file or text to be transmitted.
4. Click Record and bring the second phone to Redmi 9 (antennae to each other).
5. On the receiving device, confirm the receipt of data.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Transmission speed through NFC Very low (up to 424 Kbps) – for large files, it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth.
• ⚠️ Maximum file size – usually up to 1 MB (depending on the application).

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NFC is convenient for transferring small data (business cards, Wi-Fi passwords, links), but is not suitable for video or large documents.

Using NFC for smart devices and tags

NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be used to control smart devices (for example, locks, lamps or robot vacuum cleaners) and read NFC-For example, you can program a tag to:

• 🔓 Automatically open the door when the phone is lifted.
• 🎵 Running a Spotify playlist when touching a tag on the table.
• 📵 Switching the phone to silent mode in the office.

To work with labels will require:

1. Buy NFC-stickers (e.g., stickers, NTAG213 or NTAG215).
2. Install Trigger or NFC Tools.
3. Write a command on the label (for example, turn on Wi-Fi or open the application).
4. Attach the sticker in a convenient place (on the table, door, car).

Example of setting up a tag to start Google Assistant:

1. Open NFC Tools → Write → Add Record → Task.


2. Select "Run the App" → Google.




3. Press "Write" and bring the phone to the tag.




4. The Assistant will now be opened when the tag is touched.

Typical NFC Problems on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Their Solutions

Redmi 9 users often experience NFC issues after MIUI updates or resets, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

A critical feature of Redmi 9 is that after upgrading to MIUI 13+, some users lose their NFC settings, which is due to a firmware error, the solution is to reset the network settings (Settings → System → Resets → Network Settings Reset) or roll back to the previous version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), NFC It may not work smoothly. Check the forums before you run the firmware (e.g, 4PDA), supported NFC selectively.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9