NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: full instructions for setting up and using in 2026

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the few budget smartphones of 2019 to receive the NFC (Near Field Communication) module, which allows you to use the device for contactless payments, fast file transfers and even automate tasks through tags. However, many owners still do not know how to properly activate and configure NFC on their model.

In this article, we will not only discuss the basic steps of switching on the module, but also the nuances of its operation on MIUI versions, compatibility with payment systems (including Google Pay and Mi Pay), as well as common errors that interfere with stable operation, and we will focus on security issues, such as why NFC can suddenly turn off and how to avoid it.

If you've never used contactless technology or have trouble configuring on other devices, this guide will help you understand all the details. NFC snippet-based 8T (including global and Chinese versions not found in the standard instructions.

What is NFC and why is it needed on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T?

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows data to be exchanged between devices up to 10 cm without an internet connection. In the Redmi Note 8T, the NFC module is built into the upper part of the case (near the camera) and supports three main modes of operation:

• 💳 Card emulation – for contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).
• 📱 Regime. P2P — transferring files, contacts or links between smartphones (similar to Android Beam, but faster).
• 🏷️ Reading/Writing Labels – Interaction with NFC-chips in smart devices, transport cards or advertising stickers.

In practice, most users use NFC for payments, but the Redmi Note 8T supports more advanced scenarios, such as automating actions through the Trigger app (turning on Wi-Fi when touching a label on the desktop) or a fast pair with Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker speakers.

It’s important to understand that NFC only works when the screen is on (unlike the flagship models, which support the background mode), which is a limitation due to hardware optimization and the version of the NXP PN547 chip installed in the device.

Check NFC support on your Redmi Note 8T

Before you set up NFC, Make sure your smartphone does support this feature.The thing is, Xiaomi released the Redmi Note. 8T in several versions, and in some regions (for example, India) sold versions without NFC-chip.

Check the presence of the module can be in three ways:

1. Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
2. Through the CPU-Z app, open the Sensors tab and find the NFC string. If it's not there, there's no chip.
3. By marking: on the box or in the characteristics of the model (on the Xiaomi website) should be marked NFC: Yes.

Also note the firmware version. NFC may not work on custom firmware or legacy versions of MIUI (below 11).

⚠️ Note: If you have updated your smartphone through unofficial sources (e.g., Xiaomi.eu), NFC It may not work smoothly, in which case it is recommended to roll back to the global firmware or install a patch for the module through the TWRP.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

Activation of NFC takes less than a minute, but requires several mandatory steps.

1. Open the settings: go to Settings → Connection and Sharing.
2. Find the NFC section: tap the NFC option in the list of options (if not, see the "NFC Support Check" section above).
3. Turn on the module: move the slider to the position On. On the screen will appear the notification "NFC on".
4. Set up work schedules: 🔄 Android Beam – for file transfer (includes separately). 💳 Card emulation – for payments (on by default). 📶 HCE-Vallets – support for banking applications (for example, SberBank Online).

Add NFC to the notification panel:

Edit

NFC

Once you turn on the module, you can immediately test it.

• 📱 Bring the phone to another device with NFC (for example, to transmit contact).
• 💳 Try to pay for the purchase in the store (if the card is tied).
• 🏷️ Scan it. NFC-tag (for example, on a smart column or transport card).

Is the NFC module enabled in the settings?

Is your bank card linked to Google Pay/Mi Pay?

Is the card emulation mode activated?

Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?

Checked on the test mark?-->

If NFC is not enabled or does not detect devices, go to the section "Prevalent Problems and Solutions".

Contactless payments via Google Pay and Mi Pay

The main application of NFC on the Redmi Note 8T is payments, and setting them up will require:

1. Install the application: 🌍 Google Pay is a universal solution for most banks. 🇨🇳 Mi Pay – an alternative from Xiaomi, works with Chinese banks and some Russian (for example, Tinkoff).

Add a map:

• Open the app and click Add the card.
• Scan the map or enter the data manually.
• Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
• Set up default payments: In the NFC settings, select the default Payment App and specify Google Pay or Mi Pay.

Important nuances:

• 🔒 Security: Payments require screen unlocking (PIN, faceprint ID).
• 📶 Offline mode: the first 5 payments per day can be made without the Internet (moreover, you will need a connection).
• 💰 Limits: Some banks have restrictions on the amount of contactless payments (for example, up to 1000).₽ plug-in PIN).

To pay for the purchase:

1. Unlock the phone.
2. Bring it to the terminal (distance - 2-3 cm).
3. Wait for a sound signal or vibration.

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If the terminal is not reading the card, try to hold the phone to another part of the terminal (sometimes the NFC chip is not in the center), and make sure that the terminal is on a green light, which means that it is ready to accept payment.

⚠️ Note: Some banks (for example, VTB) may block contactless payments through the Internet. NFC, If you've recently changed PIN-In this case, you will need to call the bank support and activate the function again.

NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives

In addition to payments, NFC on the Redmi Note 8T allows you to quickly share files with other devices.

How to transfer the file:

1. Enable NFC and Android Beam in settings (Settings → Connection & Sharing → NFC → Android Beam).
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Bring your phone to another NFC device (screens must be unlocked).
4. Wait for the sound signal - the inscription "Touch for transmission" will appear on the screen.
5. Slip on the screen to confirm the shipment.

Limitations:

• 📱 Maximum file size is 1 GB (in practice, it is recommended to transfer files up to 100 MB).
• ⚡ Transfer speed: 400 KB/s (slower than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔋 NFC consumes minimal energy, but can drain the battery during long-term transmission.

Alternative ways to exchange data via NFC:

• 🔗 NFC Tools – application for creating and reading tags (you can write a Wi-Fi password or text).
• 📲 Mi Drop – Xiaomi’s proprietary solution for transferring files between brand devices.
• 🤖 Trigger – Automation of actions on the NFC-tags (for example, activating the "Do Not Disturb" mode when touching the tag on the nightstand).

Common NFC Problems on Redmi Note 8T and Their Solutions

Even after setting up properly, NFC can be unstable, and here are some common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting your NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Pay (or another payment app) and clear the cache.
3. Turn off and turn on the NFC again.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5 for the Redmi Note 8T There is a bug in which NFC It stops working when you connect your headphones over Bluetooth, so the solution is to disable Bluetooth before using contactless payments or upgrade to Bluetooth. MIUI 13.

NFC Security: How to Protect Your Data

NFC is convenient, but not always secure, and attackers can use vulnerabilities to steal data or money to minimize the risks of:

• 🔐 Turn it off. NFC, This will prevent unauthorized reading of data (e.g. on public transport).
• 🛡️ Use only official payment applications. Do not install APK-file-site.
• 📱 Set up the lock. PIN-Fingerprint or code payments through NFC impossible.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware. Xiaomi closes vulnerabilities in the module NFC through security patches.

Additional precautions:

• 💳 Set a limit on contactless payments in the bank’s application (e.g. 1,000).₽ proofless).
• 📵 Do not store sensitive data in NFC-tags (for example, passwords from Wi-Fi).
• 🔍 Check suspicious tags before scanning (they may contain malicious links).

If you suspect that your NFC-The chip has been compromised (for example, after losing your phone), follow these steps:

1. Remove all associated cards in Google Pay or Mi Pay.
2. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Network settings reset).
3. Update the firmware to the latest version.

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NFC on the Redmi Note 8T supports encryption at the hardware level (thanks to the NXP PN547 chip), but this does not protect against phishing attacks. Always check payment terminals for suspicious overlays or devices (skimmers).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T