Smartphones are no longer just call devices, but they are universal tools for interacting with the world. Owners of budget but powerful models such as the Xiaomi Redmi 9 often wonder how to activate contactless payment, because the NFC (Near Field Communication) module allows you to forget about plastic cards. However, despite the presence of a chip in the specifications, users sometimes face difficulties in initial setting up or finding the right switch in the interface of the MIUI shell. Understanding the principles of this technology and the right sequence of actions will help to avoid common errors and quickly start using convenient services.
It is important to note that the setup process may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware installed on your device. Global versions of Redmi 9 usually have full support for Google Pay and all banking applications, while Chinese versions may require additional flashing or installing specific modules to work correctly in our latitudes. In this guide, we will discuss the standard algorithm of actions that is relevant for most users using official global or European builds of the Android operating system.
Before you get to the practical steps, make sure that your smartphone is indeed equipped with the necessary hardware, as some modifications may be deprived of this module for the sake of cheaper design. Having a chip is only half of the success, because it also requires the correct configuration of system security services and binding bank cards to a Google account. If you just purchased the device or reset the settings to the factory, you will need to re-enter the authorization and compatibility of applications.
Check for NFC Module in Redmi 9
The first step before any setup is to verify the hardware, as it is impossible to visually determine the presence of an antenna in the case. The Redmi 9 specification claims support for short-term contactless communication technology, but in rare cases (for example, when buying a restored device or a specific revision), the module may be missing or software disabled by the manufacturer for a specific market. Self-checking will take only a couple of minutes and eliminate further useless attempts to activate a non-existent function.
The easiest way to make sure you have a chip is to look at the system settings menu. If a module is present, the system will necessarily display the appropriate control point, even if it is turned off by default. The absence of such a partition in the settings with a high probability indicates that your device does not support contactless communications at the hardware level, and software methods will not help here.
To verify, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the home screen of your Redmi 9.
- 🔍 At the top of the screen, use the search bar and enter the request «NFC» or “Contactless payments».
- ⚙️ If there is a module, you will see the item “Contactless payments” or «NFC», Transitioning to open the control menu.
- 📡 You can also check for an icon in the notification curtain by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
If the search in the settings did not yield results, you can use third-party diagnostic tools from the Google Play store that read information about the available hardware. Apps such as “NFC Check” or “AIDA64” provide detailed information about all the sensors installed in the smartphone, including the version of the chip and its current status. This is especially useful if you doubt the authenticity of the device or bought it from hand without a box and documentation.
Activation of the function in system settings
Once you have made sure that the module is available, you need to activate it correctly to work with payment systems. Simply switching on sometimes is not enough, because for the security of transactions you need to choose a specific emulator application that will handle requests from the terminals. In the MIUI shell installed on Redmi 9, this process is organized through the Contactless Payments menu, where trusted services are associated.
Note that activating the module can slightly increase battery consumption, since the antenna is in a state of constant waiting for a signal from the reader. However, modern NFC chips consume minimal energy in the background, and you are unlikely to notice a difference in the battery life of the device during the day. If you do not plan to use the payment right now, the function can be turned off through the notification curtain to save resources.
The inclusion algorithm is as follows:
- 🔓 Unlock your smartphone and go to the “Settings” section» → «Connection and sharing».
- 📲 Find a point «NFC» and put the slider in the active position (it should light up in blue).
- 💳 Click on Contactless Payments (or Payments by Payment) NFC»), which will be available after the module is activated.
- ✅ Select the Google Pay app (or Wallet) as your default payment method.
In some versions of firmware, the path to settings may be slightly different, such as under “Additional” or “System applications.” If you can’t find the right item, use the built-in search by settings, entering the word “pay” or “pay.” It is important to choose Google Pay as the main service, as this ensures compatibility with terminals in stores and transport.
☑️ Pre-payment checks
Google Pay settings and map binding
The centerpiece of the contactless payments ecosystem on Android is Google Pay (now often integrated into the wallet app), which acts as an intermediary between your bank and the payment terminal. To work on Redmi 9, you not only need to install the app, but also undergo a strict verification procedure that includes card binding and identity verification via SMS or banking application. Without this step, the chip will only work for transferring files or reading tags, but not for payment.
The process of adding a card is protected by several layers of encryption, so your real data is not transmitted to the seller. Instead of a card number, a virtual token is used, which makes transactions secure even when using insecure networks. However, the initial setup requires a stable Internet connection and authorization in a Google account, which must match the account in the Play Store.
Instructions for adding a map:
- 🏦 Open the Google Pay app (or “Wallet”) and click the Add Card button».
- 📸 Scan the card with the camera or enter data manually, including expiration date and CVV-code.
- 📞 Accept the Terms of Use and pass verification through SMS-code.
- 🔐 Install a reliable method of locking the screen (PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint, as this is a security requirement.
⚠️ Note: If the bank refuses to link the card, make sure that the device does not have root rights installed and the system firmware changed. Bank applications and Google Pay block the work on modified devices for security reasons, considering them vulnerable to hacking.
Once the card is successfully linked, it will appear on the list of available payment methods, so you can add multiple cards from different banks and switch between them directly in the application before payment, and the system will prompt you to select the desired card when you bring the phone to the terminal, if there are several.
Use of Mi Pay and alternative services
In addition to Google’s standard solution, Xiaomi has its own payment system called Mi Pay. Although it is often inferior in popularity to Google Pay in global versions, in some regions or for certain bank cards it can work more stable or provide additional bonuses. On Redmi 9, this service is built into the system application “Security” or a separate application “Mi Pay”, available through GetApps or Play Store.
The main difference between Mi Pay and the MIUI shell is that it allows you to quickly call the payment menu with a double click on the power button (if this feature is supported in your firmware version), but for the average user, the difference in the payment process is minimal: in both cases, the phone is brought to the terminal and the transaction takes seconds.
Comparison of the capabilities of payment systems:
| Characteristics | Google Pay | Mi Pay | Applications of banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | High (all terminals) | Medium (depending on region) | High (its own terminals) |
| Convenience | Automatic choice | Integration with MIUI | Requires the application to be launched |
| Security | Google Tokenization | Protection Xiaomi | Bank standards |
| Availability | Globally | Limitedly. | Depends on the bank. |
Why might Mi Pay not work in your area?
If you prefer to use specific bank applications (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), make sure that their settings activate Pay by NFC. Often, after updating the application, these settings can be reset and you need to reactivate.
Solving Common Payment Problems
Even with the right setup, Redmi 9 users can encounter a situation where the terminal is not reading the phone or the transaction is canceled.This can be caused by both software failures and physical obstacles. A common cause is a thick case with metal elements or a magnetic fastener that shields the signal of the antenna located at the top of the case.
Another important aspect is the state of the terminal itself and the distance to it. NFC technology works at very short distances (up to 5-10 cm), so the phone needs to be held tightly, with the back side, trying to match the antenna area with the reader. If the terminal is old or damaged, it may simply not generate a field of sufficient power to activate the chip in the smartphone.
What to do if the payment does not pass:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to reset temporary errors of Google Play services.
- 📶 Check for updates to the Google Pay app and system services in the Play Store.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of the Google Pay app through the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Google Pay → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
- 📱 Make sure that the smartphone screen is unlocked at the time of payment (although some terminals work with a locked screen, it is better to be safe).
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If the phone is in a card pocket, remove the plastic cards, which can interfere or accidentally initiate reading by blocking NFC.
In rare cases, the problem is application conflict: If you have multiple payment programs or card emulators installed, they can interfere with each other; try temporarily disabling or removing unnecessary applications, leaving only the main service; also check if the Aviapolet mode is turned on, which completely disables all wireless modules, including NFC.
Using NFC for other tasks
The contactless module in Redmi 9 is not just about in-store payments, but it's a technology that opens up a lot of possibilities for automating everyday tasks and sharing data quickly (NFC-Tags that are inexpensive and sold as stickers can create smart home scenarios, such as touching a phone to a tag on a bedside table can automatically turn on the alarm clock, put the phone in silent mode, and run a reading app.
And NFC also makes it much faster to pair with wireless devices. Many modern headphones, speakers, and fitness bracelets support Fast Pair. You don't have to search for a Bluetooth device and type in the code -- just hold your phone to the accessory and the connection will be automatically installed, which is especially useful when using public devices or guest gadgets.
Examples of useful uses of NFC:
- 🏠 Automatically switching profiles (at home, work, in the car) when touching a tag.
- 🎧 Instant pairing with a Bluetooth headset or car system.
- 📤 Fast transfer of large files (photos, videos) between two Android smartphones via Android Beam (or its analogues).
- 🔐 Using a smartphone as a digital key for hotels or offices (if supported by infrastructure).
⚠️ Be careful when scanning unknowns NFC-Attackers can place tags that, when read, will redirect you to a phishing site or try to run a malicious script. Always check the action that the smartphone suggests to perform after touching.
To work with tags and create your own scripts, you can use the Teams app (built into MIUI) or third-party snails like NFC Tools, which lets you record text information, contacts, links to Wi-Fi networks and much more, turning your Redmi 9 into a powerful digital environment management tool.
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NFC on Redmi 9 is a feature-rich tool that goes far beyond simple payment, allowing you to automate routine activities and speed up peripheral connectivity.