Smartphones are no longer just call devices, but powerful tools for everyday operations. Owners of flagship devices like the Xiaomi Mi 9T often wonder how to make the most of their capabilities. One of the key features of convenience is contactless payment, which is implemented through the NFC (Near Field Communication) module, which allows you to turn your gadget into a full-fledged digital wallet.
Activating this feature on the Mi 9T device does not require deep programming knowledge or complex system configuration. However, there are nuances related to the firmware version and device region that can confuse an inexperienced user. In this article, we will detail the process of enabling, configuring and solving typical problems so that you can easily pay for purchases with a single touch.
Before we get to the bottom of the game, it’s worth noting that contactless communication works over short distances, usually up to 10 centimeters, which provides a high level of security for transactions. The Mi 9T device has an integrated chip that you just need to activate correctly in the MIUI software shell.
Check the availability of NFC module in Xiaomi Mi 9T
The first and most important step is to confirm that your particular device does indeed have the right chip. 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 In some markets, it was originally designed to support this technology, and there are various modifications. NFC-controller, while some regional options may differ.
To make sure you have hardware, you can search by settings or specialized applications. If you don't find the appropriate item in the settings menu, this may indicate a software failure or no module in your revision. Visually, there are no external antennas on the smartphone body, since they are integrated into the design.
There's an easy way to check for a chip through the About Phone menu, and by clicking on the kernel version several times or using diagnostic codes, you can access hidden hardware information, and you can download any tag-reading app from the Google Play store -- if you have one, the app will launch and ask you to bring a map.
Where to find NFC settings in MIUI interface
Search for the switch can vary depending on the installed version of the MIUI operating system. In newer versions of the shell, developers often change the layout of elements to optimize the user experience. The standard path usually runs through the main settings menu, where all system parameters are collected.
If you're searching by settings, just type "NFC" into the search bar at the top of the screen, and the system will suggest you go to the desired section, which is the fastest way to save time and eliminate the need to wander through complex menus.
In the classic menu, the path is as follows:
- 📱 Open the settings on the desktop.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter"NFC" or find the Connection and Sharing section.
- ⚙️ Select a point. NFC and activate the slider.
- 💳 Click on Contactless Payment to select the default application.
It's important to understand that once you activate the slider, the module starts to consume energy, albeit in minimal amounts. If you don't plan to use the payment anytime soon, it's wiser to keep the function off to save battery power.
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Use the Switch widget on your desktop for quick access to NFC without logging into the deep settings menus.
Google Pay and other payment systems
Once the module is successfully activated, you need to configure the software to conduct transactions: on Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware, the standard is Google Pay (or Google Wallet in new versions), which is through this application that Visa, Mastercard and MIR bank cards are linked.
The process of adding a card is simple and intuitive: you will need a camera to scan the card data or manually enter the number, and the bank's security system can request confirmation via SMS or call, which is a standard verification procedure.
For proper work, the following actions must be performed:
- 💳 Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market if it is not installed.
- 🔐 Log in to your Google account and add a bank card.
- ✅ Accept the terms of use and pass verification in the bank.
- 📲 In the settings NFC Select Google Pay as the default payment app.
It is worth noting that some banking applications may require an unlocked bootloader or root license, which may block the payment system. In the standard state, without modifying the system, everything works stable. If the bank refuses to peg, contact its support team.
☑️ Setting up the payment system
Using NFC to transfer files and tags
NFC is not just about paying for purchases, but it also allows you to quickly transfer files, contacts and links between devices in the immediate vicinity, using NFC and Wi-Fi Direct to transfer large amounts of data, which allows you to copy quickly.
In addition, there are programmable tags that can execute various scenarios on your Xiaomi Mi 9T. For example, by bringing the phone to such a tag on your desktop, you can automatically turn on the alarm, start the navigator or put the smartphone in Do Not Disturb mode.
To work with labels, special applications can be used:
- 🏷️ Install an application to work with tags, for example, NFC Tools.
- 📝 Create a new task or read data from an existing tag.
- ⚡ Set up automatic actions when touching.
Transferring files via Android Beam (or its counterparts in newer versions of Android) is done by simply touching the back of two smartphones.The screens must be on and both devices unlocked.It's a convenient way to quickly share a contact or link to a site without entering Wi-Fi passwords.
Compatibility table of NFC functions
Not all features work the same on all devices and software versions, and the following is a table showing the core features of the module in the context of using the Mi 9T.
| Function | Internet is required | Requires unlocking. | Supported by Mi 9T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paying for Google Pay | No (for token) | Yes. | Yes. |
| Label reading | No. | No. | Yes. |
| File transfer | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Emulation of access cards | No. | Yes. | Partially. |
It is important to understand the different requirements. For example, you don't need the Internet to pay at the time of touching the terminal, because you use a secure token. However, the Internet is mandatory for initial card settings. Emulation of access cards (intercoms) does not work with all types of cards due to differences in frequencies and encryption protocols.
Why are the intercom access cards not working?
Solution: What to do if NFC is not working
Despite the reliability of the system, users can face situations where the NFC ceases to function or is not detected by the terminal. Often the problem lies in trivial things, such as a thick case or a metal mount plate in the car pasted on the back cover.
If there are no hardware obstacles, check the software settings, sometimes the priority of the payment application or Google services conflict, in which case cleaning the cache of the relevant services or restarting the device helps.
⚠️ Warning: Metal rings and magnetic jack cases can completely block the signal. remove the case before payment if the terminal does not respond.
If the problem persists after the reboot and removal of the case, it may be the damage to the antenna module inside the smartphone. Xiaomi Mi 9T has a slider mechanism, and although it should not affect the antenna, physical falls could disrupt the contact of the plume, in which case you will need a diagnosis in the service center.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by removing the case or restarting the smartphone.
Secure payments via NFC on Xiaomi
Security is a priority when using digital wallets. NFC technology is itself secure because of its short range, but the additional protection comes from tokenization, which means that your real card number is never transferred to the terminal.
Instead of a card number, a one-time numeric code is transmitted, and even if attackers intercept this signal, they will not be able to reuse it, and in addition, a PIN or biometric authorization is always required to make a payment over a certain amount or after a phone is rebooted.
Safety recommendations:
- 🔒 Always set your password on the lock screen.
- 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources.
- 👁️ Watch for access rights requests from applications.
⚠️ Warning: Never agree to install system or security updates through browser pop-ups.
Google and Xiaomi regularly release security patches to close vulnerabilities, so it's important to keep your operating system up to date. Ignoring updates can leave your device vulnerable to new types of threats.