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

What is NFC in the Redmi Note 10S and why is it necessary?

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S — This is not just a fashionable chip, but a full-fledged tool for quick operations at a distance of up to 10 cm. With it, you can pay for purchases with your phone instead of a bank card, instantly transfer files to other devices, connect to smart gadgets (for example, fitness bracelets Mi Band) or even unlock doors with a mobile phone. NFC-Unlike Bluetooth, the connection is instantaneous, just hold the phone to the reader.

At Redmi Note. 10S chip NXP PN80T, which supports all the basic standards: ISO 14443 Type A/B, FeliCa (for Japanese payment systems) and MIFARE (This means that the phone is compatible with most contactless terminals in Russia, Europe and Asia, but there is a caveat: in some regions, banks may block the use of the mobile phone. NFC-Payment for uncertified devices – we will talk about this in the section about setting up payments.

It is important to understand that the NFC in the Redmi Note 10S only works when the screen is turned on (except for the “Pay with the screen off” mode, which must be activated separately).

Check for NFC in your Redmi Note 10S

Before you set up the technology, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note is ready. 10S really equipped NFC-The thing is, in some regions (like India) there were versions of this smartphone that didn't have a chip. NFC — They're easy to confuse with full-fledged models:

• 📦 Box and documentation: The sticker at the back of the original packaging must have a logo NFC lettering "NFC Supported. Also check the specifications in the booklet.
• 🔍 Phone Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no chip.
• 📱 Specialized applications: Install a utility from Google Play NFC Check (from Tapkey) – it will show not only the presence of the chip, but also its model, supported protocols.
• 🛠️ Visual inspection: Disassemble the case and look at the top of the back of the phone (near the camera).On some versions of the Redmi Note 10S has a small antenna NFC metallic.

If NFC is not available, but it was listed in the store’s specifications, it’s a reason to apply for a replacement under warranty. In 2023, there were cases when sellers swapped global versions of the Redmi Note 10S (with NFC) for Indian (without NFC), so keep the check and the box.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10S firmware MIUI 12.5 sub-item NFC It may be hidden in the settings menu. → Additionally. → Wireless networks. If you don't find them, upgrade to the system. MIUI 13/14.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Redmi Note 10S

NFC activation takes less than a minute, but requires the right sequence of actions.

1. Open the settings: Tap the icon ⚙️ Settings on the main screen or in the application menu.
2. Go to Connections: Select Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Find NFC: Scroll down to the Other Wireless Networks block – there will be an NFC switch.
4. Activate: Move the slider to the right. The "NFC on" notification will appear.
5. Set up the operating modes (optional): 💳 Android Beam – for file transfer (includes separately). 🔄 Payment with the screen off – allows you to pay without unlocking the phone. 📶 HCE-services – to work with banking applications (included by default).

After turning on the top notification panel, an icon will appear 📶↔️ (plainly NFC), If you don't have an icon, reset your phone.

NFC switch is enabled in settings

There is an icon in the notification panel

The phone makes a sound/vibration when it is brought to another NFC-device

Annex NFC Tools defines chip-->

Configure contactless payments via NFC

To pay for purchases with the Redmi Note 10S, it is not enough to simply turn on NFC - you need to link a bank card to one of the payment services. In Russia and the CIS, there are three main options:

Instructions for setting up Google Pay (the most versatile option):

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click "Add card" and scan it or enter the data manually.
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. Install Google Pay as the default application for contactless payments in the NFC settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Pay by NFC).

NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives

Android Beam allows you to share contacts, photos, links and even small files between two NFC phones. On the Redmi Note 10S, it works as follows:

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Activate Android Beam in NFC settings (Settings → Connections → NFC → Android Beam).
3. Open the file you want to transfer (for example, a photo in a gallery).
4. Hold the phones back to each other – a beep will sound, and the screen will appear the inscription “Touch to pass”.
5. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

Android Beam on the Redmi Note 10S:

• 🚫 The maximum file size is 1 GB, but in practice the transfer slows down after 100-200 MB.
• 🚫 Transfer speed: about 400 KB/s (slower than Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🚫 It doesn’t work with iPhones, only between Android devices.

Alternative ways to transfer data via NFC:

• 📲 Annex NFC Tools: Allows you to record on labels URL, Useful for automation (for example, holding the phone to the mark on the door - Wi-Fi turned on).
• 🔗 Send Anywhere: Uses NFC only to initialize the connection, and the transmission itself is carried out over Wi-Fi Direct (speed up to 10 MB / s).

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If the Android Beam doesn't work, check if the metal case is blocking the transmission. Try removing the case or using a thin silicone model.

Solving Typical NFC Problems on Redmi Note 10S

Even when set up properly, NFC can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the problem is not resolved, try resetting the NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it "NFC-service (or NfcService").
3. Click on "Storage" → "Clear cache" → "Clear data".
4. Reboot the phone.

Critical information: Some versions of MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 10S may miss the NFC option in the settings after the update. This is a firmware bug, a temporary solution: install QuickShortcutMaker, find the activity of com.android.nfc.NfcSettings, and create a shortcut for quick access to NFC settings.

NFC Security: How to Protect Data and Money

NFC-Devices are vulnerable to several types of attacks, but they are easy to prevent:

• 🕵️ Skimming: Attackers can read your card details up to 10cm away with portable readers. Especially dangerous on the subway or queue.
• 💸 Unauthorized payments: If the phone is unlocked, the scammer can pay for the purchase up to 1,000 ₽ proofless.
• 📱 Data interception: When transferring files via Android Beam, information may be leaked if a third device with the enabled device is nearby. NFC.

How to defend yourself:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, It's going to reduce the risk of skimming by 90%.
• 🛡️ Use the covers with RFID-lock (they are available in Spigen or Ringke).
• 📱 Set up a screen lock with a PIN or fingerprint, without unlocking payments over 1,000 ₽ fail.
• 🚨 Enable payment notifications in the banking application – so you will immediately know about the unauthorized transaction.

For advanced users: in Redmi Note 10S can be turned off HCE-Host Card Emulation for all applications except payment, which will block access to the service. NFC outsider:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.nfc

To return access, do:

adb shell pm enable com.android.nfc

Note: Developer rights and ADB connection are required.

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The NFC on the Redmi Note 10S is safe, provided you follow three rules: (1) Turn off the chip when not in use; (2) Do not store an unlocked phone in public places; and (3) Use official payment apps (Google Pay, SberPay).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S