NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide to setup and use

What is NFC in Redmi Note 9 and why is it necessary?

The NFC (Near Field Communication) module in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone is a near-term contactless technology that works up to 10 cm. It allows you to exchange data between devices, pay for purchases, read tags and even control smart equipment. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC does not require pairing and works almost instantly — just simply bring the phone to another device or terminal.

In the Redmi Note 9, the NFC chip is built into the top of the case (near the main camera) and supports the ISO/IEC 14443 Type A/B standard. This means the phone is compatible with most bank cards, transport systems (like Troika or Strelka), and smart devices with support for NFC. It is important to note that in some regions (like India) the Redmi Note 9 was released without the NFC- chip — so it is worth checking before buying.

The main scenarios of using NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay and other services.
• 📱 File transfer between smartphones (Android Beam replaced by Fast Share in newer versions MIUI).
• 🚇 Subway, bus and train fares (requires a transport card binding).
• 🔖 Read/write NFC- tags to automate tasks (e.g., turning on Wi-Fi when you bring it to a desktop tag).
• 🔑 Manage smart locks and other IoT devices.

Despite the seeming simplicity, NFC Redmi Note 9 has nuances: for example, contactless payments require an unlocked screen (for security purposes), and some features may not work without updating the firmware to the newest devices. MIUI 12.5+. Next, let’s see how to turn on and configure NFC, And we also solve typical problems.

How to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: step-by-step instructions

By default, the NFC on the Redmi Note 9 is turned off 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 the NFC item - the slider should turn blue.
4. For contactless payments, additionally enable the HCE- service (Host Card Emulation) option in the same menu.

If there is no NFC in the settings, this may mean:

• 📱 Your Redmi Note 9 model doesn’t have a NFC- chip (check the box or specs on Xiaomi’s website).
• 🔄 A firmware update is required (the current version MIUI is a prerequisite for NFC operation).
• 🔧 The function is hidden by the manufacturer for your region (solved by installing global firmware).

Check for NFC in the model characteristics

Update MIUI to the latest version

Enable NFC in the settings

Activate HCE- Service for Payments

Make sure that SIM-The card supports contactless operations (for transport cards)-->

Important: After activating NFC, it is recommended to add a shortcut for quick access.

1. Click the empty space on the home screen → select Widgets.
2. Find the NFC widget and drag it to the screen.
3. Now you can turn the module on/off with one tap.

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If NFC is not turned on, try resetting the network settings: Settings → Memory → Reset → Network settings reset. This often helps with software failures.

Configure contactless payments via Google Pay and SberPay

One of the most popular uses of NFC is to pay for purchases by phone. On the Redmi Note 9, this works through Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay, and others.

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market and log in.
2. Click Add Card → scan it or enter data manually.
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. After adding the card, select it as the main one for payment.

For payment in the store:

• 📱 Unlock the Redmi Note 9 screen (PIN, print or Face ID).
• 💳 Bring the top of the phone (where the NFC- chip is) to the terminal.
• 🔄 Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment was successful.

Nuances for SberPay and Mir Pay:

• SberPay requires the binding of the Sberbank card and the activation of the service in the personal account.
• Mir Pay works only with cards of the payment system MIR.
• Some terminals may not support HCE- payment, in which case try another method (e.g., QR- code).

The critical feature of the Redmi Note 9 is that the screen must be unlocked to pay via NFC, which is a security requirement of Google Pay, and it cannot be turned off.

Using NFC for transport cards: Troika, Strelka, Kivi

With NFC, Redmi Note 9 can link transport cards for subway, bus and train fares.

• 🚇 Troika (Moscow and Region)
• 🚌 Shooter (St. Petersburg)
• 💰 Kiwi Card (for payment in some regions)
• 📱 Virtual cards in My Travel or Transport Card applications

Instructions for trio binding:

1. Download the application My Pass (official from Mosgortrans).
2. Log in and select Add a card → Three.
3. Hold the physical Troika card to the back of the Redmi Note 9 (where the NFC- chip is located).
4. Wait for confirmation of the balance transfer.

Now it is enough to pay for the fare:

1. Unlock the phone.
2. Bring it to the validator at a distance of 2-5 cm.
3. Wait for a green signal or audible confirmation.

Limitations:

• Not all validators support smartphones – in some cases, a physical card will be required.
• The balance of the virtual triple cannot be replenished directly through NFC (only through the application or terminals).
• When changing the phone, the card will have to be transferred again.

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The virtual transport card in the phone is more convenient than the physical one: it cannot be lost, and the balance is always controlled in the application. However, in some regions (for example, in Kazan), NFC- is not yet supported.

Transfer data and files over NFC between phones

The NFC in the Redmi Note 9 can be used to quickly transfer contacts, photos or links to another smartphone, previously using Android Beam, but in newer versions of MIUI it was replaced by Fast Share.

Method 1: Fast Share (recommended)

1. Turn on NFC and Wi-Fi on both phones.
2. Open the file (photo, document) → click Share → Fast Share.
3. Select the recipient from the list of available devices.
4. Hold the phones back to each other (NFC- chips must "see" each other).

Method 2: Directly via NFC (for small files)

1. Open the file → Share → NFC.
2. Bring the Redmi Note 9 to another phone (screens must be unlocked).
3. On the second device will appear a notification of receipt of data – confirm acceptance.

It is important to take into account the limitations:

• 📱 The NFC transmission speed is low (up to 424 kbps) – for larger files, it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔋 NFC consumes more power than Bluetooth, so it’s better to turn it off for long-term data transfers.
• 🔒 Some files (e.g., protected DRM) cannot be transferred via NFC.

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If Fast Share doesn’t find the device, make sure that the second phone not only has NFC enabled, but also Visibility for All in the Fast Share settings.

Working with NFC- Marks: Automating tasks

NFC- tags are small chips that can be programmed to perform certain actions when you hold your phone, for example, you can set a tag on your desktop that will:

• 🔊 Enable silent mode.
• 📶 Connect Wi-Fi to the office network.
• 🎵 Run a playlist in Spotify.
• 🔦 Turn on the flashlight.

To work with the tags on the Redmi Note 9 you will need:

1. Buy NFC- Marks (cost from 50 rubles per piece, sold on AliExpress or in electronics stores).
2. Download a programming application, such as: NFC Tools (a simple interface, suitable for beginners), Trigger (allows you to create complex automations), Automate (for advanced users).

Instructions for setting the label:

1. Open NFC Tools → select Write.
2. Click Add Record → Select an action (such as Wi-Fi).
3. Enter the network name and password →.
4. Put the tag on the phone - the data will be recorded.

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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.

⚠️ Warning: If the NFC has not been manipulated, the chip itself may have malfunctioned, in which case contact Xiaomi's service center - self-repair may result in a loss of warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent NFC Questions in Redmi Note 9