For many users who are first-time visitors to the Xiaomi ecosystem, the lack of a familiar switch in the notification curtain is a mystery. The question of what NFC is called on Xiaomi is often due to the localization of the MIUI and HyperOS operating system. Unlike pure Android, where the module is often placed in a separate menu, Chinese manufacturers tend to hide it deeper into system settings or combine it with other wireless communication features.
In fact, the technology's technical name remains the same around the world, Near Field Communication. However, in a smartphone interface, this name may be hidden under the general heading "Wireless Networks" or not at all as a standalone fast access icon, which is done by developers to simplify the interface, but for beginners, this minimalism creates unnecessary difficulties when trying to set up contactless payment.
In this article, we will go into detail about where the module is hiding in different versions of firmware, how to activate it correctly and why it may not work even after turning on. You will understand that NFC is not gone anywhere, it just requires the right approach to activation. Understanding the logic of how MIUI works will allow you to quickly find the right switches in the future.
Technical name and physical location
In the technical documentation and specifications of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, the module is always denoted by the acronym NFC. No unique trade names such as "Mi Pay Link" or "Xiaomi Touch" (the latter refers to another feature) are used for the communication chip itself.
Physically, the antenna of the module is most often located in the upper part of the smartphone body or in the area of the camera. That is why attaching the phone to the payment terminal requires the use of the upper third of the gadget. In some models of the budget segment, the antenna can be built directly into the battery or the housing cover, making it less noticeable, but does not change the principle of operation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the smartphone to search for a chip.The antenna is a thin film or wire integrated into the design, and its damage will lead to a complete loss of functionality of the module.
It is important to distinguish between the chip itself and the software that controls it. In Android, NFC is handled by a system service that can be called differently depending on the firmware region. Global versions of MIUI typically use standard names, whereas Chinese versions may hide this option if it is not certified to work with local payment systems.
Impact of the firmware region on the work of the NFC
Where to look for a switch in MIUI and HyperOS settings
Finding the plug-in depends on the shell version. In older versions of MIUI, the path was relatively standard, but with the release of HyperOS and newer versions of MIUI 14, the menu logic may have changed. Most people look for a separate icon in the curtain, but it may not be there by default. You need to add this switch manually through the Quick Settings editing menu.
The main path to settings is usually through Connection and Sharing, and that's where all wireless interfaces are aggregated. If you don't see an NFC item in the main settings menu, try using the built-in search. To do this, click on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings screen and type in the "NFC" or "Contactless Payment" request.
☑️ Module search algorithm
In some cases, especially on devices with two SIM-In the cards, the settings can be tied to a particular slot, although this is rare. The standard algorithm of actions is this: go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC. If the paragraph «NFC» No, look for contactless payment or one-touch service».
Once the slider is activated, the system may request confirmation or suggest selecting a tag-processing app. This is a normal security response. Make sure that the one you use (e.g. Google Pay, Mir Pay or a banking app) is chosen as the main payment application.
Differences in names for different regions
Depending on which firmware version is installed on your Xiaomi, the title of the section may vary: Global versions (Global) use standard English terms or their quality translations, while Chinese (CN) and Indian (IN) versions may have unique naming features.
Below is a table that shows you what a feature can be called in different interface localizations, which will help you navigate if the menu on your device looks unusual.
| Firmware region | Title of section | Location. |
|---|---|---|
| Russia (RU) | NFC/Contactless Payment | Connection and sharing |
| Global (Global) | NFC | Connection & sharing |
| China (CN) | NFC / | Additional functions |
| Europe (EEA) | NFC | Connections |
It’s worth noting that Chinese firmware versions often feature “Mi Smart Hub” or “Smart Card,” which combines NFC capabilities for transport and access keys. If you’ve reflashed the device but the region is still “China,” some items may be specifically named, such as “Transport Card” instead of “Payment.”
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If you changed the region in your phone’s settings but the menu names haven’t changed, try restarting your device or clearing the Settings app cache through the App Management menu.
Display problems and hidden settings
There are situations when the user knows that the module in the phone is (this is indicated in the specifications), but in the settings it is not. This is often due to a software failure or lack of necessary drivers in the current build of software.
The first thing you need to do in this situation is to check for system updates. → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS If a new version is available, install it, as manufacturers often fix bugs in communication modules through patches.
If the update didn't work, try resetting your network settings. This action won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return all network settings to factory values.The path to reset is usually in Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting your network settings, you'll have to re-enter passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and re-enter Bluetooth devices.
In rare cases, the NFC module can be software-disabled at the regional limits level. If you bought a phone that was intended for the Chinese market and used it in Europe or the CIS, the functionality can be reduced. The solution could be to change the region in the phone settings to India or Singapore, where the restrictions are less stringent than in China, but wider than in Europe.
Using NFC to Pay and Transfer Data
The main purpose of the module for most users is contactless payment. To make it work, it is not enough to just turn on the switch. You need to configure the emulation of the card. In modern Xiaomi smartphones, Google Pay (in the international segment) or Mir Pay (for cards of Russian banks) is responsible for this.
The payment process requires several steps, first make sure that the Security Element selects the HCE Wallet or HCE Wallet, a critical parameter that makes emulating a credit card impossible.
- 📱 Open the settings. NFC and choose «