NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: A Complete Guide to Setup and Application

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still actively used in 2026. NFC, This opens up the possibility of contactless payments, fast file transfers and interaction with smart devices, but many owners still don't know how to properly set up and use this module.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways of using NFC Redmi Note 8: from basic activation to work with payment systems and automation of tasks. MIUI If you want to learn how to pay by phone, how to exchange contacts with a single touch, or how to manage a smart home, read on.

What is it? NFC Why do you need it on the Redmi Note 8?

NFC (Near Field Communication – a near-field contactless communication technology that allows you to exchange data at a distance of up to 10 cm in the Redmi Note 8 module NFC built into the upper part of the body (near the main camera) and supports three main modes of operation:

• 💳 Emulation of the card – for contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay).
• 📱 Regime. P2P (Peer-to-Peer – data exchange between two devices (e.g., transferring contacts or photos).
• 🏷️ Reading/Writing Labels – Interaction with NFC-chips (e.g., transport cards or smart locks).

On the Redmi Note. 8 NFC frequency-operate 13.56 MHz and is compatible with standards ISO 14443 Type A/B, ISO 18092, MIFARE. This means that the smartphone will be able to read most bank cards, transport tickets (for example, “Troika” or “Arrow”) and tags for automation.

It is important to understand that NFC It does not replace Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it is designed for instant transfer of small amounts of data (up to 424 Kbps). NFC, It will have to be compressed first, and for full file transfer it is better to use Mi Share or Bluetooth.

How to turn it on NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: step-by-step instructions

By default. NFC Redmi Note 8 is disabled to save battery life. To activate the module, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the NFC slider (it will turn blue).
5. Optionally: Turn on Android Beam (required for data transfer between devices).

If the paragraph NFC No menu, check it out:

• 🔍 Version MIUI: firmware MIUI 11 NFC It may be hidden. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Firmware region: on Chinese versions MIUI NFC It's often software-enabled, so the solution is to reflash the phone to a global or European version.
• 🔧 Hardware serviceability: if the module is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), NFC This can be checked using the test ##4636## (Section Information about the phone).

Important: on the Redmi Note 8 module NFC Compatible with standard labels only NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format. Old RFID-chips (for example, in some omissions) may not be read.

Configure contactless payments via NFC

One of the most sought-after applications NFC — On the Redmi Note 8, it works through Google Pay, SberPay or Mir Pay, and let's take a look at the setup process using Google Pay:

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and press Start.
3. Add a bank card: take a picture of it or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. After successful binding, the card will appear in the Wallet section.

To pay for the purchase:

1. Unlock your phone (PIN, pattern lock, or fingerprint).
2. Bring the top of the Redmi Note 8 (where the camera is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm.
3. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment will be automatic.

If the payment does not pass, check:

• 💳 The card supports contactless payments (it must have the PayPass logo or PayWave logo on it).
• 📶 Terminal is on and supports NFC (usually has a badge on it. 📶 or the words Contactless).
• 🔋 Battery level above 5% – with low charge NFC may be off.
• 🛡️ Google Pay Settings Allows Access to NFC (Settings → Contactless payments).

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If the terminal can’t see the phone, try removing the case – some models with metal inserts block the signal. NFC.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Google Pay may not work due to lack of Google certification, the solution is to install global firmware or use alternative services (e.g. SberPay).

Transfer of data through NFC: Contacts, photos, links

With help. NFC You can quickly share small files between two smartphones, and both devices must support Android Beam technology (on the Redmi Note 8, it is built into the device). MIUI). Instructions:

1. Turn it on. NFC on both phones (see section above).
2. Activate Android Beam in NFC settings.
3. Open the file you want to transfer (photo, contact, or web page).
4. Combine the back panels of phones (modules) NFC They should be close to each other).
5. On the screen will appear a notification Touch to pass - tap on it.
6. After the sound signal, the data will be sent.

Limitations of the method:

• 📸 Maximum file size is 1-2 MB (for photos it is better to use compression).
• 📱 Transfer speeds up to 424 Kbps (slower than Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🔋 Both phones should be unlocked.

For the transmission of contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
2. Press Share. → Android Beam.
3. Hold the phone to the second device.

The alternative method is the use of NFC-For example, you can program a tag to send. SMS Or you can open a site when you touch it, and you'll need an app like Trigger or something. NFC Tools.

Work with NFC-tagged

Redmi Note 8 can read and write data to the NFC-This is useful for automating routine tasks: turning on Wi-Fi when you return home, running a navigator in your car, or opening a smart lock.

To read the tag:

1. Turn on NFC in the settings.
2. Bring the top of the phone to the label (distance - 1-2 cm).
3. If the label contains data (such as a link or text), a notification will appear on the screen prompting you to open it.

To record data on a label:

1. Download the app NFC Tools from Play Market.
2. Open it and select Write it down. → Add a record.
3. Specify the type of data (text, link, Wi-Fi network, etc.).
4. Hold the phone to a clean label and wait for the recording to be completed.

Examples of labelling applications:

⚠️ Attention: Some are cheap NFC-Labels (especially without a brand) can work unstable with Redmi Note 8. We recommend using the standard labels NTAG213/215/216 — It is compatible with most Xiaomi smartphones.

Typical NFC Issues on Redmi Note 8 and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup NFC Redmi Note 8 may crash. Let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them:

1.The phone doesn't see. NFC-tags

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Low battery (less than 5%) – charge your phone.
• 📱 Metal cover – remove it or use a metalless cover.
• 🔄 Conflict with other wireless modules – turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during the test.
• 🛠️ Firmware failure – reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).

2 Contactless payments do not work

Check it out.

• 💳 Card added to Google Pay and activated by the bank.
• 📱 The latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI (Update to Settings → The phone).
• 🔒 Phone unlocked (NFC Payments require an active screen).
• 🌍 Firmware region - on MIUI China Google Pay is not supported.

3. NFC spontaneously shuts down

This may be due to:

• 🔋 Battery Optimizations – Add Google Pay to Exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 📱 Antenna malfunction – check your phone for physical damage.
• 🔄 Application Conflict – Try to start your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime).

If the problem persists, reset the NFC settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (Menu) → Resetting App Settings

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On the Redmi Note 8 module NFC If both functions are no longer working after a fall, the plume is probably damaged, and repairs are needed.

Compatibility NFC Redmi Note 8 with other devices

Redmi Note 8 supports interaction with most of the NFC-devices, but there are nuances:

1. Transport cards (Troika, Arrow, Plant)

In theory, a smartphone can read a balance of transport cards, but not all apps support this feature.

• 🚇 Metro Moscow (official appendix) – shows the balance of the map “Troika».
• 🚌 Transport card (for St. Petersburg) – works with “Porozhdanik».
• ⚠️ Applications from third-party developers (for example, NFC Card Reader may show an incorrect balance.

2. Smart locks and intercoms

Compatibility depends on the manufacturer of the lock:

• 🔐 Mi Smart Door Lock – fully supported via Mi Home.
• 🏠 Aqara or Yale locks – require proprietary applications.
• 🚪 Old intercoms with RFID — They may not be able to read (a chip is needed). MIFARE Classic that is not supported by the Redmi Note 8).

3. Wireless headphones and speakers

NFC On the Redmi Note 8, you can use it to pair quickly with devices that support this feature (e.g. Sony). WH-1000XM4 or JBL Charge 5). For that purpose:

1. Turn it on. NFC on the phone and speaker/earphone.
2. Bring the devices to each other.
3. Confirm the pairing on the smartphone screen.

If the device is not recognized, check:

• 📋 Compatibility of standards (e.g. Redmi Note 8 does not support the NFC-F, quirky).
• 🔄 Availability of firmware updates for headphones / columns.

FAQ: Frequent questions on NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 8