How to set up NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: A Complete Guide with Verified Tips

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful โ€œironโ€ and support for modern firmware. NFC, It allows you to use your smartphone for contactless payments, data sharing and smart device management, but many owners have problems configuring this feature: the module is not activated, bank cards are not tied, and the user can use the device to do so. MIUI Blocks the chip after the update.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways of setting up NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro โ€“ from basic activation to solving common errors, you will learn how to check the health of the chip, link Mir, Visa or Mastercard cards via Google Pay and Mi Pay, and how to use it. NFC We're going to focus on the nuances of working with the smart home. MIUI 14/15, where the configuration logic differs from the older shell versions.

Verification of support NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Before you set up NFC, Make sure your smartphone does support this technology. Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is equipped with a chip NXP PN80T, But in some regional versions (for example, China), the module can be software disabled.

To check for NFC:

  • ๐Ÿ” Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Complete specification and find the line ยซNFCยป. If it is not, the chip is missing or disconnected.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install the app NFC Tools from Google Play. If an error appears at startup ยซNFC Not supported, a problem in the hardware.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Check the integrity of the antenna. NFC (It's located under the back cover of the camera, and it's possible that you might get damaged after you fall or disassemble your phone.
๐Ÿ“Š You've tried to set up a setup before. NFC on the Xiaomi?
Yeah, but it didn't work.
Yeah, it's working.
No, just planning.
I have a different model.

If NFC In the specifications there is, but not activated, the cause may lie in the:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Refreshing the old slate (refresh) MIUI last-minute).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Failure of the module (will help reset settings or flashing the flashing).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Regional restrictions (e.g. on Chinese versions) MIUI NFC blockage).

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro with firmware for China ROM) Contactless payments via Google Pay may not work due to restrictions HCE (Host Card Emulation: In this case, use Mi Pay or reflash your phone to the global version. MIUI.

Activation of NFC in MIUI settings

Inclusion process NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro depends on the version MIUI. In the new shells (14/15) The path to the settings has changed, and in the old (12 and below) additional manipulation may be required.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Connections and Sharing.
  2. Tap on point. NFC (This may be called โ€œContactless Paymentsยป).
  3. Activate the NFC switch.
  4. For payments, turn on the option HCE-Wallet (required for Google Pay) or Mi Pay.

For MIUI 12 and below:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Go to Settings. โ†’ More. โ†’ Wireless networks โ†’ NFC.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Turn it on. NFC and select the mode of operation: Read only (for tags) or Data Exchange (for Android Beam).

Check the MIUI version (update if necessary)

Make sure you're supported. NFC phone-specification

Download the payment application (Google) Pay/Mi Pay)

Connect to the Internet to activate services-->

After activation NFC It is recommended to check the work of:

  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Bring the phone to the payment terminal (the icon should appear) NFC screen-on).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Try to read it. NFC-tag (for example, in transport or on an advertising stand).

โš ๏ธ Attention: If, after activation, NFC Your phone starts to get hot or discharge quickly, which may indicate a hardware fault in your chip. NFC Mi 8 Pro is extremely difficult due to the compact layout of the board.

Contactless payments via Google Pay and Mi Pay

Principal application NFC On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, there are two main services available: Google Pay (for international maps) and Mi Pay (optimized for China, but it works in Russia.

Setting up Google Pay:

  1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market (if the app is not available in your area, use it). VPN).
  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 addition via SMS or banking application.
  5. In the settings NFC turn on HCE-wallet (see previous section).

Setting up Mi Pay:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install Mi Pay from the App Store (for China) or download APK from the official Xiaomi website.
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Add the card through the menu Bank cards (supported by Mir, Visa, Mastercard).
  • ๐Ÿ” Confirm the binding through SMS or banking services (for example, Sberbank Online).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ In the settings NFC Select Mi Pay as the default payment service.
ServiceSupported cardsRequired. HCEIt works for China ROM.
Google PayVisa, Mastercard, Mir (limited)Yes.No (blocked)
Mi PayVisa, Mastercard, Mir, UnionPayNo.Yes.
SberPayOnly Sberbank cardsYes.Yes (with limitations)
Tinkoff PayVisa/Mastercard from TinkoffYes.No.

If you add a card error "This device is not supported", try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Install Magisk and Google Pay Fix (requires root rights).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Refuse the phone to the global version MIUI (For example, xiaomi.eu).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the terminal is not reading the card from the phone, try bringing the smartphone to the top of the terminal (where the antenna is located). NFC). On the Mi 8 Pro, the chip is closer to the camera, so the optimal position is with the screen up.

Using NFC to Transfer Data and Manage Devices

Besides payments, NFC The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro can be used for:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ File transfers via Android Beam (old but running on older versions of Android).
  • ๐Ÿ  Smart home management (compatible with Xiaomi Smart Home, Yeelight, Aqara).
  • ๐Ÿš‡ Payments for travel in transport (for example, Troika in Moscow or Strelka in St. Petersburg).
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Readings NFC-tags (for example, to automatically turn on Wi-Fi at home).

How to transfer files through NFC:

  1. Activate NFC on both devices.
  2. Select a file in the gallery or file manager and tap Share โ†’ Android Beam.
  3. Bring the phones to each other (screens out).
  4. Wait for the beep - the transmission will start automatically.

Management of smart devices:

  • ๐Ÿ’ก In the Mi Home app, add a new device and select Connect via NFC (If the device supports this option).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Bring the phone to NFC-tag on the device (usually located on the back panel).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the pairing.
Why Android Beam doesnโ€™t work MIUI 14?
In the new versions MIUI Android Beam has been removed due to the technology's obsolescence, and instead use Mi Share. MIUI) Third-party applications like Send Anywhere for file transfer.

To work with transport cards (for example, Troika):

  1. Download the official application (My travel card for Moscow).
  2. Link the card to the account through the app menu.
  3. In the settings NFC Select the application as default payment.
  4. When paying for the fare, bring the phone to the validator (no screen unlocking is required).

Typical problems with the NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Even after the right setup NFC It can work in an unstable way. Let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
NFC is not includedFailure in MIUI hardware malfunctionReset network settings (Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Resetting โ†’ Network settings reset)
Payments don't passNot selected HCE-walletTurn on HCE customized NFC and call the bank to unlock it.
The phone doesn't read tags.Weak antenna signal or interferenceBring the phone closer to the tag (1-2 cm) or remove the cover
Google Pay says "Device not certified"Unofficial firmware or rootInstall MagiskHide Props Config and hide root

If the NFC has stopped working after the MIUI update:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Try to roll back to the previous firmware version (via Fastboot or Fastboot). TWRP).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Reset your phone settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Fly your phone to custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience).

โš ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro with unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader), some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work NFC-In this case, the installation of Universal SafetyNet Fix module in Magisk will help.

What to do if the terminal does not see the phone:

  • ๐Ÿ“ต Make sure the screen is unlocked (certification is required at some terminals).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the battery charge (at a level below 5% NFC may be off).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Turn it off. VPN Antivirus โ€“ they can block the HCE-transaction.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Try another terminal (some older models don't support Host Card Emulation).

๐Ÿ’ก

If NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro stopped working after falling or getting moisture, most likely damaged antenna. In this case, repair is possible only in the service center - self-replacement of the antenna requires a complete disassembly of the phone and soldering.

Optimization of work NFC: tips and lifehacks

So NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro was stable and fast, follow these guidelines:

1. Save battery power:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Turn it off. NFC, When it is not needed (the chip consumes energy even in the background).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Use the Only Payment Mode in Settings NFC (switch off tag scanning).

2. Accelerate the activation of payments:

  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Add the Google Pay or Mi Pay label to the home screen.
  • ๐Ÿ” Set up the unlock by fingerprint โ€“ so you do not have to enter PIN payable.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Enable the option Quick Payments in the settings NFC (Allows you to pay without unlocking the screen).

3. Protect the data:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Donโ€™t keep all the cards in one wallet (use Google Pay for the main card and Mi Pay for the backup card).
  • ๐Ÿ” Enable two-factor authentication in banking applications.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Turn it off. NFC in public places to avoid unauthorized reading of data.

4. Expand opportunities NFC:

  • ๐Ÿ  Buy it. NFC-tags (stands) ~100 rubles for 10 pcs.) and configure automation via Tasker or Automate:
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Use it. NFC To connect gamepads (for example, Xiaomi Game Controller).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you use it often NFC-In the case of payments, add a Google Pay or Mi Pay widget to the lock screen, which will speed up access to cards and reduce the risk of random transactions.

Alternative uses NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Besides the standard functions, NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro can be used for non-obvious tasks.

Emulation of transport cards:

  • ๐Ÿš‡ Applications like Metro Nfc Card allow you to record transport card data on your phone (for example, Troika or Arrow).
  • โš ๏ธ Officially, this is prohibited, but technically possible (root and special software required).

Cloning of keys and passes:

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ With help. NFC Tools and MIFARE Classic Tool can be copied from some data RFID-cards (e.g. intercom keys).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ It doesnโ€™t work with all types of cards (depends on encryption).

3. Smart home automation:

  • ๐Ÿ  NFC-Tags can be programmed to run scripts in Home Assistant or Yandex.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก For example, a mark by the bed will turn off the light, turn on the alarm and start a โ€œcalmโ€ backlight.

Games and entertainment:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Some mobile games, for example, Pokรฉmon GO) use NFC interacting with physical objects.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ It's possible to create NFC-tags with links to playlists, videos or notes.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Emulation of transport cards and key cloning may violate local laws. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities, there are penalties for using uncertified fare devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Can we determine NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, if it is not in the specifications?
No, NFC โ€” This is a hardware module that's soldered into the motherboard, unless there's a mention of the phone in the specification. NFC, So the chip is physically missing and you can't install it, so the only way out is to buy another smartphone with support. NFC.
Why Google Pay doesnโ€™t work on Chinese firmware MIUI?
On firmware for China (China) ROM) Google Pay is blocked due to lack of Google Mobile Services certification (GMS). Solutions: Reflash the phone to the global or European version MIUI. Use Mi Pay or other local payment services. Install Magisk and modules to circumvent restrictions (requires root).
How to reset the settings NFC, if he stopped working?
Try the following steps: Open Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management. NFC Service and clear the cache + Data. Reboot your phone. If it doesn't work, reset the network (Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ If the problem persists, it may be that the chip itself has been damaged. NFC (Diagnostics are required in the service).
Can I use NFC to pay without the internet?
Yes, contactless payments through NFC No Internet connection required. All transaction data is transmitted directly between the phone and the terminal via protocol. NFC. However, for the first setup of the card in Google Pay or Mi Pay, the Internet is needed (for verification by the bank).
What are the keys to NFC?
NFC Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro can work poorly with: Metal cases (shield the signal); thick cases with magnets or a pocket for cards; cases with built-in battery (interference from electronics); The best option is a thin silicone or plastic case without metal inserts.