Why NFC on Redmi 9 doesn’t work for everyone
Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone is equipped with a module NFC, But many users have trouble setting up contactless payments, because the functionality of the chip depends on the regional firmware version. MIUI and even from a specific modification of the device (e.g. Redmi 9 Global vs. Redmi 9 India). NFC-The chip is physically present but locked at the software level.
In this article, we will analyze the unique feature of Redmi 9: the module. NFC It only supports payments via Google Pay and SberPay, but does not work with emulation of bank cards (HCE) This limitation is related to the hardware implementation of the chip. NXP PN54T, The same one Xiaomi used in its 2020 budget lineup, and you'll also learn how to get around common bugs like "The device doesn't support contactless payments" or "The device doesn't support contactless payments «NFC-chips not found».
Verification of availability NFC-chip in your Redmi 9
Before you set up payments, make sure your smartphone is equipped with NFC at all. Redmi 9 has three modifications: Redmi 9 (NFC), Redmi 9 (no NFC), and Redmi 9 Prime (India only, no NFC).
- 🔍 External inspection: the back cover next to the Xiaomi logo should be an inscription «NFC» It's not a contactless badge on models without a chip.
- 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connected devices → NFC. If there is no chip, there is no chip.
- 🛠️ Using the engineering menu: type in the dial ##4636##, select “Phone Information” and find the line NFC. If it's not there, the chip is missing.
If NFC-There's a chip, but there's no setting, which means that the firmware is not adapted for your region. ROM or EEA ROM (For more information, see “If you are in Europe”. NFC left out».
NFC Activation and Basic Setup
If the chip is present, turn it on:
- Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC.
- Transfer the slider to the "On" position.
- Activate Contactless Payments (if available).
- In the Preferred Payment Method section, select Google Pay or SberPay (depending on the bank you are using).
After activating the chip, the smartphone will automatically prompt you to add a bank card. If this does not happen, check:
- 📶 Internet connection (required to download security certificates).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches.
- 🛡️ Google Play Services: Google Pay won’t work without them.
☑️ Preparation for setup NFC-payment
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9 firmware for India (India) ROM) or China ROM) NFC And the only way to do that is to block payments even if you have a chip. Global/EEA ROM.
Adding a Bank Card to Google Pay
Google Pay is the only app that works consistently with NFC on Redmi 9 (except for models for Russia where SberPay is available).
- Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
- Open the app and click Add the card.
- Scan the card through the camera or enter the data manually.
- Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- Accept the terms of use and set Google Pay as the default payment method in the NFC settings.
After adding a card, the system may request a security update. This is normal - wait until the process is complete (may take up to 5 minutes). If at this stage there is an error "Can not add a card", try:
- 🔹 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
- 🔹 Clear the cache of Google Play Services in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔹 Remove and reinstall Google Pay.
| Bank | Google Pay support for Redmi 9 | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Sberbank | Yes (via Google Pay or SberPay) | SberPay (only for Russian firmware) |
| Tinkoff | Yes. | — |
| VTB | Yes. | VTB Online (only for HCE-enabled cards) |
| Alfa-Bank | Yes. | Alpha-Click (unstable) |
| Gazprombank | No (bank restriction) | Only a physical map. |
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If the bank does not support Google Pay, try adding a card through the bank’s own app (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), but on Redmi 9 this will only work for cards with HCE (Host Card Emulation) technology.
SberPay setup for Russian users
If you use MIUI Russia firmware, you can configure SberPay instead of Google Pay, which works directly through the Sberbank Online app and does not require Google Play Services.
- Install the latest version of Sberbank Online.
- Log in and go to the Maps section.
- Select the card you want to link to NFC and tap Add to SberPay.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (SMS confirmation is required).
- After adding, enable the default Pay option in the NFC settings.
SberPay has one key advantage over Google Pay on Redmi 9: it even works on custom firmware (like LineageOS), where Google Pay blocks payments due to lack of SafetyNet certification.
- ❌ It only works with Sberbank cards.
- ❌ Does not support tokenization for Mastercard cards (Visa only).
- ❌ May require re-binding after update MIUI.
What if SberPay doesn’t see NFC?
If NFC is not turned on: solutions for different firmware
On Redmi 9, NFC can be blocked at the software level. Here's what to do depending on your firmware:
| Type of firmware | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| China ROM | NFC is not available in the settings | Refuse to Global/EEA ROM via Mi Flash Tool |
| India ROM (Redmi 9 Prime) | NFC-chipboard is physically absent | No solution will help (hardware limitation) |
| Global ROM (Older version) | NFC is there, but payments are not working | Update MIUI to version 12.5+ or install EEA ROM |
| Brushing Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) | Google Pay is blocking payments | Install Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix |
For flashing on Global/EEA ROM:
- Download the official firmware from Xiaomi’s website (select Redmi 9 and Global or EEA region).
- Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the root of the phone’s memory.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
- Select update.zip and wait for the installation to be completed.
⚠️ Warning: Firmware will reset all data on the phone. Pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Also make sure the battery is at least 60% full or the process may be interrupted.
Payment testing and error solving
After setting up, check the performance NFC-payment:
- Bring the phone to the terminal at a distance of 1-3 cm.
- Wait for vibration or sound signal.
- If necessary, confirm the payment with a fingerprint or PIN-code.
If the payment fails, check for common errors:
- 🚫 «The device does not support contactless payments": usually means that the firmware is not adapted for payments. EEA ROM.
- 🚫 «NFC-chip not responding": may be caused by conflict with other applications (e.g. Mi Pay) NFC-service.
- 🚫 «Card not added" to Google Pay: check if your bank supports tokenization for Redmi 9.
- 🚫 The terminal can't see the phone: make sure NFC enabled and selected the correct default payment method.
If payments are not stable (for example, they work every time), try:
- 🔋 Calibrate. NFC-chip: go to Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Calibration of sensors (if there is a point).
- 📴 Turning off energy saving for Google Pay/SberPay In Settings → Battery → Energy saving for applications.
- 🛠️ Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.
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On Redmi 9. NFC-Payments only work through Google Pay or SberPay. Other services (such as Apple Pay or Samsung Pay) are not supported due to hardware limitations of the chip. NXP PN54T.