How to use it NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: a complete guide with secrets

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most popular smartphones of 2023, which combines powerful hardware and advanced features at an affordable price. NFC, It allows you to use the device for contactless payments, fast file transfers and even management of smart devices, but many owners still do not know how to fully use the device. NFC-Module in everyday tasks, limited to basic functions.

In this article, we will discuss not only standard methods of application. NFC (For example, Google Pay or Mi Pay, but also reveal the hidden features: from setting up automation through the Internet. NFC-Tags before using your smartphone as a universal remote for a smart home.You'll learn how to turn on NFC Redmi Note 12 (including Pro, Pro)+ and 4G), What applications should you install for advanced functionality, and how to avoid typical setup errors. NFC-module in Redmi Note 12 with flagships Xiaomi 13 and POCO F5.

1. What is it? NFC Why do you need it in the Redmi Note 12?

NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that operates at 13.56 MHz, NFC It does not require pairing devices and consumes minimal energy, making it ideal for the use of a single device:

  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Fast data transfer between smartphones (photos, contacts, links) via Android Beam (in older versions of Android) or specialized applications.
  • ๐Ÿ  Smart Device Management: Opening doors, turning on lights, activating scenes in Xiaomi Home or Home Assistant systems.
  • ๐Ÿ”– Readings NFC-tags (e.g. in transport maps, passes or interactive posters).

At Redmi Note. 12 used NFC-chip NXP PN80T (model Pro/Pro+) or NXP SN100T (in the basic version and 4G), It supports all modern standards, including EMV (for payments; and ISO 14443 (The main advantage over competitors is low power consumption: even when used actively. NFC The battery level does not exceed one hour 1-2%.

But there are limitations, like the Redmi Note 12. 4G It does not support Mi Band cards for unlocking (unlike the Redmi Note 11 Pro), and in some regions (such as the US) payment functions may be blocked due to Google restrictions.

๐Ÿ“Š How do you use NFC on your smartphone?
Only for payments
Pass the files to friends.
I run a smart home.
Reading tags (transport, passes)
Not using.

2. How to turn on NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: step-by-step instructions

By default. NFC-The module in Redmi Note 12 is disabled to save battery life:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in some firmware).
  3. Slip on NFC.
  4. Activate the slider on. at the top of the screen.
  5. (Optional) Turn on No Sound when you pay if you don't want to hear the signal every time you touch the terminal.

After activation in the status bar (at the top of the screen), an icon will appear. ๐Ÿ“ถN, which signals the operation of the module. If the icon is not, check if it is turned off. NFC energy-saving:

  • Go to Settings โ†’ Battery and Performance โ†’ Energy Saving Mode.
  • Make sure that NFC Not included in the list of limited applications.

โ˜‘๏ธ Verification of work NFC

Done: 0 / 4

If NFC not included, the following reasons are possible:

Problem.Reason.Decision
No NFC item in settingsRegional firmware without support NFC (For example, the Indian version)Install global firmware via Fastboot or contact the service
NFC is activated but not workingAntenna module damaged (often after falls)Diagnostics in the service center (replacement of antennas) ~1500 rubles.)
Payments don't passGoogle Pay or Banking App Not ConfiguredAdd the card to the app and activate contactless payments
The phone doesn't read tags.There is no support for the label standard (for example, ISO 15693)Use the tags. NTAG213/215/216 (compatible with Xiaomi)

๐Ÿ’ก

If NFCSuddenly is no longer working after the update MIUI, Try resetting your network settings: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.This often solves module driver problems.

3.Configure contactless payments via NFC

Principal application NFC Redmi Note 12 is payments. The smartphone supports all popular services:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Google Pay โ€“ a universal solution for Visa, Mastercard, World.
  • ๐Ÿฆ Mi Pay is a branded service from Xiaomi (works only with some banks, for example, Tinkoff).
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Banking applications: SberBank Online, VTB Online, Alpha-Click.

To set up Google Pay:

  1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and press Start.
  3. Add a bank card (can be scanned or entered manually).
  4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
  5. Install Google Pay as the default payment app in NFC settings.

Mi Pay is similar, but you need to link a Xiaomi account, and Mi Pay is limited in Russia, with only Tinkoff and Raiffeisenbank cards supported, and other banks prefer to use Google Pay or their own apps.

How do you speed up payments?
If you pay with the same card often, put it on Google Pay as "Favorites," and swipe the card left and click on the asterisk, which will open first when you bring the phone to the terminal.

Tips for Secure Payments:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Always lock the screen after payment (even if the terminal does not require confirmation).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Turn it off. NFC in public places if you do not use it (this will prevent unauthorized reading).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Set a limit on payments without confirmation (usually before the deadline) 1000-3000 โ‚ฝ depending on the bank).

๐Ÿ’ก

Redmi Note 12 supports payments even when the screen is off โ€” just double press the power button and bring the phone to the terminal. This only works if the option "Fast Pay" is enabled in the settings NFC.

4. Data transmission through NFC: Android Beam and Alternatives

Android Beam (built-in file transfer function) NFC) The Redmi Note 12 has alternative ways to share data, such as using Send Anywhere or Xiaomi Quick Share (formerly Mi Share).

To transfer files via Xiaomi Quick Share:

  1. Make sure that NFC is enabled on both devices.
  2. Open the Gallery or Files, select the files you want.
  3. Press Share. โ†’ Quick Share.
  4. Bring the Redmi Note 12 to another smartphone (distance is not more than 5 cm).
  5. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission on both devices.

Transmission speed through NFC low (~400 Kb/s), so it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth 5.2 for larger files. NFC comfortable:

  • ๐Ÿ“‡ Quick transfer of business cards (contacts).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Exchange of links or text (up to 1 KB).
  • ๐ŸŽซ Transfer of tickets or coupons (for example, in cinemas).

If the transmission fails, check:

  • Both devices support NFC-F (standard).
  • On the phones enabled Visibility mode for all (in the settings) NFC).
  • Files are no more than 1 MB (protocol restriction).

๐Ÿ’ก

Transfer passwords from Wi-Fi via NFC Use the WiFi Key Share app, just hold your phones together, and the guest will automatically connect to your network.

5. NFC-Tags and automation: how to turn the Redmi Note 12 into a smart remote

One of the most interesting functions NFC โ€” They're small stickers (costs starting at 50). โ‚ฝ), And you can stick it on anything and you can program it to do something:

  • ๐Ÿš— Sticker on the dashboard of the car โ€“ includes the navigator and Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Label on the nightstand - activates the "Do Not Disturb" mode and reduces brightness.
  • ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ Sticker on a sports bag - launches a player with motivational music.

To work with labels will need:

  1. Buy NFC-tags (recommended) NTAG215 or NTAG216 โ€” They are compatible with Xiaomi).
  2. Install a programming application, for example: NFC Tools (simple interface, suitable for beginners), Trigger (advanced automation), Automate (to create complex scripts).

Write down the desired action (for example, launching an application or changing settings).

Example of setting up a tag to run Google Maps:

  1. Open NFC Tools and select Write โ†’ Add Record โ†’ Launch the application.
  2. Select Google Maps from the list.
  3. Hold the phone to the tag and wait for the recording to be completed.
  4. Put a tag on the car, and now when you touch the phone, the navigator will open.

Smart home automation can be integrated NFC Xiaomi Home or Home Assistant, for example, a tag at the front door can be used to:

  • ๐Ÿ” Unlock the Xiaomi Smart Lock.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Turn on the lights on the script "I'm home".
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Activate climate control (if you have Xiaomi Air Purifier).
How to drop NFC-marker?
If the tag stops working or you want to reprogram it, use the option to Format in NFC Please note that after this all data will be deleted.

Redmi Note 12 supports only reading/writing tags, but not emulation of cards (unlike Pixel or Samsung with a new version of the device). NFC This means you canโ€™t use your phone like a transport card (like the Troika in Moscow) without additional apps like Metro. NFC (It does not work in all regions).

6. NFC Smart Home: Managing Xiaomi Devices

Redmi Note 12 can be the central remote for managing the ecosystem Xiaomi Smart Home.

  1. Install the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home in newer versions).
  2. Add smart devices (lamps, sockets, sensors) to the app.
  3. Set up automation scenarios through NFC: Go to Profile. โ†’ Automation โ†’ Add โ†’ NFC. Hold the phone to the tag and select an action (for example, "Switch on the light in the hallway").

Examples of useful scenarios:

Mark.Action.Devices
On the desk.Activate the "Work" modeYeelight lamp, Xiaomi Smart Speaker
By the bed.Set up Sleep mode.Smart socket Aqara, air conditioner Xiaomi Air Conditioner
In the bathroom.Run the script for "Morning."Xiaomi Smart Heater towel warmer, Mi Coffee Maker

For advanced automation, you can use Home Assistant with a plugin NFC Tag Reader. That'll allow it:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Log tags (who activated the script and when).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Create chains of action (e.g., โ€œif the label is read after 22:00, turn the lights down by 50 p.m., etc%").
  • ๐ŸŒ Manage devices from other brands (such as Philips Hue or Sony).

๐Ÿ’ก

NFC-Labels can be used as an alternative to geolocation for automation, for example, if your Redmi Note 12 doesn't always accurately identify you're at home, a door tag will solve this problem.

7. Hidden functions NFC Redmi Note 12: What Your Phone Can Do

In addition to the standard features, the Redmi Note 12 supports several hidden features. NFC, which few know:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming controllers: some gamepads (e.g, 8BitDo) plugged in NFC fast-pair.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Product authentication: scan the product NFC-tags on packages (e.g. Xiaomi or Apple) to confirm originality.
  • ๐Ÿš‡ Payment for fares: In some cities (e.g. Beijing), Redmi Note 12 can be used as a transport card via Mi Pay Transit.
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Emulation of keys: using the application NFC ReTag can be programmed to open doors with electronic locks (if the lock supports Mifare Classic).

To activate hidden functions, you may need to:

  • Installation of regional firmware (for example, Chinese for Mi Pay Transit).
  • Getting root rights (for emulation of cards, but this voids the warranty!)
  • Use of the ADB-commands to unlock hidden settings.

Example ADB-commands to enable debugging mode NFC (required USB Debugging):

adb shell am start -n com.android.nfc/.NfcDebugging


adb shell setprop persist.nfc.debug.enabled 1

โš ๏ธ Note: Change the system settings through ADB It can lead to unstable work. NFC-Before experimenting, back up the data!

Another interesting trick is the use of NFC for quick Wi-Fi connection. Some routers (e.g. Xiaomi Router) AX6000) have NFC-Just hold a Redmi Note 12, and the phone automatically connects to the network without entering a password.

8. Typical problems with NFC Redmi Note 12 and its solutions

Even in a reliable smartphone like the Redmi Note 12, there may be problems with the new model. NFC. Here are the most common and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
NFC is turned on but does not read tagsFailure of the antenna or driverRestart your phone or reset your network settings
Payments are not made at some terminalsTerminal doesn't support EMV require PINTry another terminal or enter it. PIN manually
NFC shuts down on its ownActive energy saving regimeAdd in. NFC Exceptions: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Choice of applications โ†’ NFC
You can not add a card to Google PayThe bank does not support contactless payments.Check the list of supported banks on the Google Pay website
The phone does not see other devices for file transferLack of support NFC-F or LLCPUse Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth to transmit

If none of these methods worked, try:

  1. Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (often corrects bugs with the NFC).
  2. Reset NFC settings: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ NFC โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear data.
  3. Check the integrity of the antenna (if the phone falls or gets wet).

โš ๏ธ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC Stop working, don't rush to drop your phone to factory settings. First try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot. 4PDA model-themed.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, make a diagnosis:

  1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
  2. Select Phone Information and scroll to the block NFC.
  3. If the Unavailable status is, it indicates a problem with the chip or antenna.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

โ“ Can you use Redmi Note 12 as a transport card (for example, Troyechka in Moscow)?
Officially, no, as the Redmi Note 12 does not support emulation of Mifare cards used in the Moscow metro. NFC (It doesn't work at all terminals. NFC-A bracelet with a Mifare Ultralight chip and tie it to a Troika card. In St. Petersburg, the situation is better - Mi Pay works there with a Podparlok card".
โ“ Why? NFC discharges the battery?
Normal. NFC consumes 1-2% If the discharge is faster, check: Are there background processes running using the same system? NFC (For example, Google Pay in standby mode. Is Permanent scanning enabled in the settings? NFC (Turn it off if you don't use the tags. If the antenna is damaged (in which case the module may be unstable, increasing consumption), it's also worth checking if it hits the antenna. NFC to the list of "active connections" in the mode of energy saving.
โ“ How to transfer payment cards from another phone to Redmi Note 12?
If you use Google Pay: Sign in to the same Google account as your old phone. Open Google Pay - cards should sync automatically. If the cards don't show up, add them manually (data is saved in your Google account). For Mi Pay: Sign in to your Xiaomi account. Go to Mi Pay. โ†’ Maps. โ†’ Imports. โš ๏ธ Important: Some banks require re-activation of the card when changing the device (will come). SMS coded).
โ“ Can I use it? NFC unlock?
Yeah, but it'll take a while: NFC-module on PC (built-in or external, for example, ACR122U). A key emulation program, for example, NFC Door Lock or WinLogon NFC. On the Redmi Note. 12 Require: To label a unique identifier (UID). Set the PC to unlock when it detects this UID. Ready-made solutions are available for Windows 10/11 (via Windows Hello and Linux (via libnfc).
โ“ Where in Redmi Note 12 is located NFC-Can it be damaged?
In Redmi Note 12 NFC-The antenna is located at the top of the back, next to the main camera, and it's a thin metal loop integrated under the body, and you can damage it by: Strong impacts (especially on the top left corner), careless disassembly of the phone (for example, when changing the battery). Contact with magne