How to use NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9 to pay in store: the full guide 2026

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is no longer a curiosity — today it allows you to pay with a smartphone as easily as a bank card. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC module can use the phone to pay in supermarkets, cafes and even on transport. However, many users are faced with the questions: how to set up a payment application?, which banks are supported?, what to do if the terminal does not read the phone?

In this article, we will look at everything about contactless payments on Redmi 9, from preparing your phone to solving common bugs, learn which apps are best used in Russia and the CIS, how to ensure transaction security and why NFC sometimes refuses to work, and compare popular services (Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay) and give a checklist for quick setup.

If you have just purchased Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC or have long been delaying the transition to contactless payments – this guide will help you understand all the nuances.

1. Compatibility Check: Is there NFC in your Redmi 9?

Not all Xiaomi Redmi 9 versions have an NFC module, depending on the region and version of the device. To avoid wasting time, first make sure that your phone supports the technology.

This can be done in two ways:

• 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no partition, there is no module.
• 🔍 By marking: on the box or in the characteristics of the model (in the online store) look for a mention "NFC". For example, the Redmi 9 version NFC or Redmi 9T NFC precisely.

Important! Redmi 9 (without the NFC console) and Redmi 9A/9C do not have a module - these models will not work with contactless payments. If you buy a phone from hand, be sure to check for NFC before the deal.

2 Which banks and applications support NFC-Xiaomi payments?

In 2026, several services for contactless payments via NFC are available in Russia and CIS countries, depending on your bank and card type:

If your bank is not listed, check with support to see if it supports contactless payments via NFC, for example, some regional banks only work with Google Pay or SberPay.

Tip: if you have a card "World", it is better to use Mir Pay or SberPay - these services are optimized for the national payment system and less often cause failures when paying.

3.NFC turn-based setup for payment on Redmi 9

Now, let's get to the practice. To set up contactless payments, follow these steps:

1. Activate NFC: Open Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC and turn on the switch. Also activate Contactless Payments (if any).
2. Install a payment application: Download your chosen service from Google Play (e.g. SberPay or Google Pay). Mir Pay may be required for Mir Pay cards.
3. Add a bank card: In the app, click "Add card" and follow the instructions. You will need to enter the card number, expiration date and CVC-code (usually on the back of the code).
4. Confirm the card: The bank will send an SMS with a confirmation code or request an Internet bank login, and after confirmation, the card will be ready for use.

NFC enabled in phone settings

Installed payment application (SberPay/Google Pay/Mir Pay)

Map added and confirmed in annex

Phone unlocked (payment only works from unlocked screen)-->

Important! On Xiaomi Redmi 9, to pay via NFC, the phone must be unlocked (does not work from the screen off or in a locked state).

4. How to pay for the purchase by phone: instructions for the store

When you're done, it's easy to pay for a purchase, and this is how it works in practice.

1. Unlock the phone (PIN-code, print or face ID).
2. Bring Redmi 9 to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm, the screen should be directed to the reader (usually on the back of the phone there is an NFC tag).

If the terminal is not responding:

• ⚠️ Make sure that NFC plugged in.
• ⚠️ Try to bring your phone to another part of the terminal (sometimes the reader is hidden at an angle).
• ⚠️ Restart the payment application or reconnect the card.

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If the terminal gives an error "Card is not supported", try to pay through another application (for example, instead of Google Pay use SberPay).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting up properly, NFC can malfunction, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them:

Important! If you use a metal case or a magnet, it can block the NFC signal. Try removing the case before paying.

6. Security NFC-Payments: How to Protect Your Money

Contactless payments are convenient, but require attention to security.

• 🔒 Use the lock screen (PIN, Without it, anyone can pay with your phone for a purchase.
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When you're not using it, it reduces the risk of random reading.
• 🛡️ Set limits in the banking app. Many banks allow you to set the maximum amount for contactless payments without entering. PIN-code.
• 📲 Remove unused cards from payment applications. The fewer linked cards, the lower the risk of data leakage.

Myth: "NFC can be hacked from a distance." In fact, to read data, an attacker needs to bring a special device almost close to your phone (1-2 cm), and the risk of theft is minimal if you don't leave your phone unattended.

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NFC-Payments are as secure as regular bank cards, so the key is to keep your phone locked and keep your screen locked.

7. Alternative ways to use NFC on Redmi 9

Payment isn’t the only feature of NFC. Your Xiaomi Redmi 9 can:

• 🔑 Read tags (e.g., to automate tasks via Automate or Tasker).
• 🚇 Pay for subway or bus fares (if contactless transport cards are supported in your city).
• 📱 Transfer files to other devices from NFC (For example, photos or contacts).
• 🎫 Used as a key for smart locks or office passes.

To try these features, install apps like NFC Tools (for tagging) or check with the shipping company if payment is supported by phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9