How to connect and configure NFC Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide with pictures

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication is no longer exotic, but is now used for contactless payments, data sharing, smart device management, and even transportation. Xiaomi smartphone owners are often faced with the question: How to turn on the phone NFC And I want to use my machine and make it work properly? "" And this is especially true for users of low-end Redmi models or even for those who use them. POCO, where the chip may be physically missing, or for new devices on the MIUI 14/15, where the settings moved to another menu.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios: from checking support to checking for support. NFC You'll learn how the settings differ on different versions of firmware, which Xiaomi models have a chip, and what to do if the feature doesn't work after the upgrade. NFC via third-party applications.

We warn you: not all Xiaomi smartphones support NFC — Even if the specifications indicate the presence of a chip, it is sometimes disabled at the software level (for example, in regional versions for some countries.

1. How to check if there is any NFC on your Xiaomi

Before trying to turn on NFC, Make sure your smartphone supports this technology at all. There are several ways to check, from visual inspection to software diagnostics.

The fastest method is to look at the specifications of the model on the official Xiaomi website or in services like GSMArena. NFC, Some regional versions (such as India or China) may come without a chip. Also check the device box - the sticker sometimes indicates support for contactless technologies.

If you can not look into the characteristics, use the built-in tools:

• 🔍 Open the Settings. → The phone. → All the features and find the line "NFC". If it is not, the chip is not physically present.
• 📱 Enter the word in the search by settings "NFC". If the system does not find anything, there is no support.
• 🛠️ Install the app CPU-Z (available on Google Play) and go to the Sensors tab "NFC Controller".

Another reliable way to do this is to try to manually enable the function, and if there's no corresponding switch on the menu, it's guaranteed to mean there's no hardware support. POCO, where NFC Hidden in the engineering menu (we will talk about this below).

2. Wherever NFC in Xiaomi settings (MIUI 14/15)

If your smartphone supports you NFC, The next step is to find and activate the function. MIUI And the model layouts may vary. We've compiled the current paths for the latest firmware versions.

For most devices on the MIUI 14/15 algorithm:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks on older versions).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or POCO F5) path may be different:

• 📱 Settings → Additionally. → NFC payment
• 💳 Settings → Google → Services on the device → Contactless payments (to set up Google Pay)

After inclusion NFC The "N" icon will appear in the top notification bar, which means that the chip is active and ready to go. If the icon is not there, try restarting the device or updating the firmware.

Check the chip support in the specifications

Update MIUI to the latest version

Enable NFC in the settings

Configure contactless payments (Google) Pay/Mi Pay)

Check the work with the test tag (for example, a transport card)

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3. Contactless payments setup (Google Pay, Mi Pay, SberPay)

Principal application NFC In smartphones, it's mobile payments. You can use several services on Xiaomi: Google Pay, Mi Pay (for China), and SberPay, or World Pay for Russian users.

For Google Pay (the most universal option):

1. Install the Google Wallet app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and press Add the map.
3. Take a picture of your bank card or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or banking application.
5. In the settings NFC Select Google Pay as the default payment app.

For Mi Pay (only available to Chinese banks and in some regions):

• 💳 Install Mi Pay from the App Store (Chinese Mi Account required).
• 📱 Link your Chinese bank card (for example, ICBC China Construction Bank).
• ⚠️ In Europe and Russia, the service is not working – use Google Pay.

For SberPay and World Pay:

⚠️ Note: Since 2023, many Russian banks have disabled support for Google Pay for Mir cards. Instead, use the official applications of banks (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB) with contactless payment through the service. NFC.

• 🏦 Install your bank application (for example, Sberbank Online).
• 📲 In the card settings, activate the option Pay by phone.
• 🔄 The first payment may require the entry of a PIN code.

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If the terminal asks you to enter a PIN from the card when you pay, the bank requires additional authentication, which is normal for first payments or large amounts.

4. Alternative uses NFC Xiaomi

NFC Xiaomi smartphones can be used for more than just payments, here are some useful scenarios that many people don't know about:

1.Reading and writing NFC-tag

With the help of special tags (they can be bought on AliExpress for 100-200 rubles), you can automate routine actions:

• 🔊 Turn on Do Not Disturb Mode when touching the tag on the bedside table.
• 🚗 Run Google Maps with a route to work when you put your phone on a tag in your car.
• 📶 Connect home Wi-Fi or turn on Bluetooth headset.

To do this, install the application. NFC Tools from Play Market and follow instructions for writing commands to tag.

2. Data exchange via Android Beam

While Google has officially removed Android Beam from the latest versions of Android, Xiaomi has alternatives:

• 📤 Install Send Anywhere or Files by Google.
• 📱 Select a file, click Send → NFC.
• 🔄 Bring two phones with the back covers to each other.

3.Managing a smart home

Many Xiaomi Smart Home devices (such as Mi Smart Door Lock or Aqara sensors) support customization through the device. NFC. For that:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Go to the Devices section → Add.
3. Select the device you want and follow the instructions (it may be necessary to touch the phone to the tag on the device).

5. Solving problems: NFC not working or not included

If you're on. NFC, But the function doesn't work, and the causes can range from software failures to hardware failures.

Problem 1: NFC It is activated but does not work when paying

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 📱 Check if the payment application is selected by default in the settings NFC.
• 💳 Make sure your bank card is added to Google Pay or another app.
• 🔋 Remove the case – some thick or metallized covers block the signal.

Problem 2: There is no item in the settings NFC

⚠️ Note: If the menu is Settings → Connection and Sharing No Lines "NFC", It means that your model doesn't support the technology at the hardware level. No firmware or hacks will help, the chip is physically absent.

• 🔍 Double check the characteristics of the model on the Xiaomi website.
• 📦 Look at the device box – sometimes there’s a sticker with support.
• 🛠️ If you are sure that the chip is there, but it is not in the settings, try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

Problem 3: NFC It is unstable (it turns on, then turns off)

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
• 📴 Check if there is any conflict. NFC with other wireless modules (turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during the test).
• 🔋 Replace the battery – sometimes a faulty battery causes chip malfunctions.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, contact the service center - a malfunction of the antenna is possible. NFC.

Problem 4: Contactless payments via Google Pay are not working

• 🏦 Make sure your bank supports Google Pay (some Russian banks have disabled this feature for Mir cards).
• 📱 Check that the latest version of Google Play Services is installed on your phone.
• 🔒 In Google Pay settings, turn off and turn the card back on.
• 📡 Try paying at another terminal - maybe the problem is on the store side.

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If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

6 How to turn it on NFC on POCO and Redmi (hidden settings)

Device owners POCO Some Redmi models are sometimes faced with the fact that NFC It's not in the settings, but it's physically there, and that's because Xiaomi is turning off the feature at the software level for certain regions.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method works for most devices. POCO (for example, POCO X3 pro POCO F3), where NFC hidden, but hardware-supported.

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down and find the item. NFC (If it's not there, there's no chip).
4. Slip it on and select Turn it on.

If after that NFC Not appearing in the main settings, try restarting the device.

Method 2: Through ADB-Teams (PC required)

For this method, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB and the debugging on USB phone-on.

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global nfc_enabled 1
4. Reset the device.

Important: This method may not work on new versions MIUI It can also lead to unstable work. NFC.

Method 3: Installation of custom firmware

If the first two methods did not work, the chip NFC You can try to reflash the device on the global or European version. MIUI, where the function is unlocked:

⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial firmware may result in loss of warranty, phone malfunctions, or Mi Account lock!

7.Security: How to protect your data when you use it NFC

Despite the convenience, NFC It can become a vulnerability if you don't take precautions, and attackers can intercept card data or access personal information through unsecured tags:

1. Turn off NFC when not in use

Chip. NFC It uses minimal energy, but it stays active until you turn it off, which means that in theory, someone can read data from your phone just by bringing it to their device:

• 🔄 Turn it off. NFC post-payment settings.
• 📱 Use the Quick Access widget to turn on/off.

2. Set up a payment block

Google Pay and other payment systems can provide additional protection:

• 🔒 Enable payment confirmation with fingerprint or PIN code.
• 📱 In Google Pay settings, activate the option to Demand Unblock for payments.

3.Be careful with NFC-tag

Some tags may contain malicious code that, when read, triggers unwanted actions (such as going to a phishing site).

• 🛡️ Do not scan unknown tags in public places.
• 📱 Install antivirus with verification NFC-Compounds (for example, Kaspersky or Bitdefender).

4. Check your payment history

Check your bank statements regularly to see suspicious transactions in time. Google Pay stores your payment history in the Activity section.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)