How to set up NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: from turn on to pay with your phone

What is NFC in Redmi 9C and why is it necessary?

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in Xiaomi Redmi 9C often goes unused — users just don’t know how to use it. Meanwhile, this chip allows access to contactless payments via Google Pay/SberPay, fast file transfer between devices, tag readers to automate tasks and even manage smart locks. Unlike flagship models where NFC is activated by default, in the budget Redmi 9C it must be enabled manually — and here comes the difficulties.

The problem is that not all versions of Redmi are 9C fitted NFC-So, for example, a model. M2006C3MG (The global version does not have it, but M2006C3MII (Indian version) supports technology.Be sure to check your device specifications through Settings before setting up → The phone. → Model or official Xiaomi website. If the chip is not physically, no manipulation of the firmware will not help.

In this article, we will examine:

• 🔍 How to check for availability NFC in your Redmi 9C (Even if it is not in the specifications)
• ⚙️ Step-by-step, enable the module through hidden and standard settings MIUI
• 💳 Contactless payments: from card binding to first payment
• 📱 Alternative uses NFC: tags, data transfer, automation
• ⚠️ Common errors and how to fix them (including "NFC Not working after the update")

Verification of availability NFC-chip 9C

Before you try to configure NFC, make sure your Redmi 9C is equipped with it. The manufacturer often releases different versions of the same model for different regions, and the lack of a chip is the most common reason why the feature does not work. Here are 3 ways to check:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Model and write down the full name (e.g. M2006C3MII). Then check it out on sites like GSMArena or Xiaomi. Look for the line "NFC" in the Connectivity section.
2. Enter the phone app code ##4636##, select Phone Information and scroll to RFID/NFC. If there is no partition, there is no chip.
3. Physical examination. Take your phone apart (or watch YouTube disassembly for your model) — NFC-The antenna is usually located under the back cover next to the battery. 9C It looks like a small metal plate with an inscription "NFC".

If the check shows no chip, then the further adjustment is pointless. NFC-tags (cost 200 rubles), which are glued to the back panel and emulate the functionality.

⚠️ Note: Some vendors are positioning Redmi 9C as a model of the NFC", But it's actually a Redmi Note 9 or something. Always check the code (M2006...) formalized!

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

If your Redmi 9C supports NFC, you can activate it in two ways: through standard MIUI settings or using a hidden menu (relevant to older firmware versions).

Method 1: Standard Enablement through Settings

1. Open Settings and go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
2. Slip on NFC. If you don't have one, use Method 2.
3. Activate the slider NFC You can also turn on the top of the screen: 💳 Contactless payments (for Google) Pay/SberPay) 📲 Android Beam (transfer of data between devices)

To check, bring the phone to another. NFC-device (e.g. payment terminal) – an audible signal or a notification must appear.

Method 2: Enable via hidden menu (for MIUI 12 and below)

If the settings do not include NFC, but the chip is physically present, try activating it via the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##2664###


2. In the menu that appears, select "RF Test Mode"




3. Go to the "NFC Test" section




4.Push "Turn On NFC"




5. Return to the main settings - the NFC item should appear

If the NFC didn’t work after these actions, the problem may be in the firmware. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update or install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where NFC support is implemented better.

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After you turn on the NFC, add the Quick Access widget to the home screen: hold your finger in the free space → “Widgets” → find “NFC” and drag it. This will save you time when paying.

Configure contactless payments via NFC

The main use of NFC in Redmi 9C is to pay for purchases by phone, which requires linking your bank card to Google Pay or SberPay (depending on your bank).

1. Download Google Pay from Google Play (if not, check the Google account region).
2. Add a card. Open the app, click Add a card and scan it or enter it manually. Visa, Mastercard and Peace cards are supported (the World may require SberPay).
3. Verification: The bank will send an SMS with a confirmation code, enter it into the app. Some banks (e.g. Tinkoff) require additional authorization through their mobile app.
4. Settings by default. Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Payments and select Google Pay.

For payment:

1. Unlock your phone (PIN, fingerprint or Face ID).
2. Move the top of the Redmi 9C (where the antenna is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-4 cm.
3. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment will be automatic.

NFC Features: From File Transfer to Smart Home

The NFC in Redmi 9C isn't just for payments, but here are 5 non-obvious ways to use it:

1. File and Contact Transfer (Android Beam)

Android Beam lets you send photos, links or contacts to another NFC-device:

1. Turn on NFC and Android Beam in the settings.
2. Open a file (such as a photo in a gallery) or contact.
3. Combine the back panels of the two phones.
4. On the screen will appear the inscription "Touch to pass" - tap on it.

The transfer speed is low (about 400 Kb/s), but for small files it is convenient.

2. Automation of tasks with NFC-marker

Buy it. NFC-stickers (cost 50 rubles apiece) and program them to perform actions:

• 🎵 Attach the phone to the tag on the bedside table - the alarm clock and night mode will turn on.
• 🚗 The tag in the car activates the navigator and connects the Bluetooth headset.
• 🏠 On the front door - turns off Wi-Fi and turns on mobile Internet.

Use apps like Trigger or NFC Tools (available on Google Play) to set up.

3. Managing smart devices

NFC-Labels can be tied to smart lamps (Yeelight, Xiaomi Mi Home), sockets or locks:

• 🔐 Touching the tag on the door will open the smart lock Aqara.
• 💡 Tag on the table will include scené "Evening Cinema" in Mi Home.

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NFC-The tags consume minimal power and operate without an internet connection, making them more reliable than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for local automation.

4. Reading of electronic passes and tickets

Some transport cards (such as Troika in Moscow) or event tickets support NFC.

1. Install the transport system application (for example, Metro Moscow).
2. Hold the phone to the validator - the data from the map will appear on the screen.

5. Games and entertainment (NFC-figurines, maps)

With Redmi. 9C we can interact with NFC-Toys (like Amiibo for Nintendo Switch) or collectible cards. To do this, download specialized applications like Amiibo. NFC Tool.

Typical NFC Problems on Redmi 9C and Their Solutions

Even if you have NFC in your Redmi 9C, it can be unstable, and here are some of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Additional → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

This won’t delete your data, but it will reboot all wireless modules, including NFC.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Before version 14, some users are affected by an error "NFC-service stopped. In this case, the rollback to MIUI 13 or custom firmware installation (e.g. LineageOS).

How to protect NFC from fraud

NFC-Devices are vulnerable to data scanning or unauthorized payments if the phone falls into the hands of intruders:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, It's going to prevent random reading of data.
• 🛡️ Set up a screen lock (PIN, without unlocking payment or data transmission is not possible.
• 📱 Use antivirus applications with protection NFC (For example, Kaspersky Internet Security).
• 💳 Enable payment notifications in the banking app to see unauthorized transactions immediately.
• 🚫 Don't keep strangers on your phone. NFC-Labels or unknown stickers – they may contain malicious code.

Be especially careful about public terminals (such as subways or shopping malls), scammers can set skimmers on them that read card data, and if the terminal looks suspicious (uneven edges, glue marks), use a physical map.

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To check if someone is reading your NFC, turn on the event log in the NFC Tools app, which records all connection attempts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C