How to use NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 10: from setup to payment in 10 minutes

The NFC chip in Xiaomi Redmi 10 offers opportunities for contactless payments, fast file transfers, and automation of everyday tasks. But many owners face problems: the module does not turn on, the phone does not see the tag, and bank cards refuse to be tied. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of working with NFC on Redmi 10, from basic configuration to solving typical errors.

It's important to understand that NFC functionality depends on the firmware version and the regional version of the smartphone. For example, in models for China (China ROM), contactless payments can be blocked by the manufacturer. We tested the instructions on Redmi 10 with global firmware MIUI 14 (Android 12) - all the steps are relevant for 2026.

If you've never used NFC, start by checking for a chip in your model. Not all Redmi 10s are equipped with a module, which is for low-end versions for some markets. How to check? Go to Settings → About Phone → Full Specifications and find the "NFC" string. If it's not available, your smartphone doesn't support the technology.

1.How to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 10

It takes less than a minute to activate the module, but many users miss key details, such as simply turning on NFC to work for contactless payments, you need to configure Google Pay or Mi Pay.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Connection and Sharing section.
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. For payments, enable contactless payments (may be called HCE-currency in some firmware).

When you turn on the top notification bar, you will see an NFC icon (stylized letter "N"). If it's not, check if the module is power-saving. Go to Settings → Battery → Power-saving mode and make sure that NFC is not on the list of limited features.

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If the NFC icon flashes gray, it means that the module is turned on, but does not detect active devices nearby.

2.Configuring contactless payments

Xiaomi Redmi 10 supports two main payment methods via NFC: Google Pay and Mi Pay. the first option is universal and works with most bank cards, the second is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, not available in all regions.

To link the card to Google Pay:

• 📱 Install Google Pay from the Play Market (if it’s not available by default).
• 💳 Open the app and click Add the map.
• 📸 Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
• 🔒 Confirm the binding through SMS bank.
• 📶 Wait for the notification "Card is ready to pay".

Note: on Redmi 10 with China ROM, Google Pay may not work due to lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification, in which case use Mi Pay or install global firmware.

To pay, bring the top of your smartphone (where the NFC antenna is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-4 cm. Hold until the beep or vibration.

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📵 Make sure the terminal supports contactless payments (it should have a PayPass or PayWave logo on it).
• 🔋 Check the balance of the card – some terminals block payment if you have a shortage of funds.

3. Data transmission via NFC

NFC on Redmi 10 allows you to share contacts, photos and links with other devices that support Android Beam technology (in new versions of Android replaced by Fast Share), which is convenient when you need to quickly transfer a file without Internet or Bluetooth.

How to send a file:

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, or web page) you want to transfer.
3. Combine the back panels of the phones (NFC antennas are located next to the camera).
4. Wait for the beep - a notification will appear on the screen Touch for transmission.
5. Slip on the notification to confirm the shipment.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Maximum file size is 1-2 MB (depending on firmware).
• 📱 Devices must be unlocked (without any PIN-code-key).
• ⚡ Transfer speeds are lower than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

4. Automation of tasks with NFC-marker

One of the most useful features of NFC is to run scripts that touch specific tags, for example, you can configure:

• 🔊 Automatic Bluetooth activation in the car when touching the tag on the phone holder.
• 🌙 Switching to "Do Not Disturb" on the desktop.
• 🎵 Running a Spotify playlist when touching a tag on a wireless speaker.

This will require:

• 🏷️ NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores, are worth it) ~100-300 rubles for 5 pcs.).
• 📱 A scripting application, such as Trigger or NFC Tools.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install the NFC Tools app from the Play Market.
2. Open the Tasks tab and create a new script (e.g., Enable Wi-Fi).
3. Put a tag on the phone and make a command on it.
4. Place the label in the right place (on the table, in the car, etc.).

Example of popular tags for Redmi 10:

Buy NTAG215 or NTAG216 tags

Install the NFC Tools application

Enable NFC in your phone settings

Check the compatibility of the label with MIUI-->

5. Solving NFC issues on Redmi 10

If NFC is not working or is not working, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Problem 1: NFC is turned on but does not detect the device.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 10 antenna NFC It's located at the top of the back, and if you're using a metal case or a magnetic holder, the signal can be shielded.

Problem 2: Contactless payments don’t go through.

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → Updating the system).
• 📱 Check if superuser (root) rights are set – they can block HCE-currency.
• 💳 Make sure that the card is added to Google Pay as the main card.

Problem 3: The phone is no longer visible NFC-post-update.

This is a well-known error in some versions of MIUI.

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Network settings reset.
2. Clear the cache of the NFC Service application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → NFC Service → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. If it doesn’t help, reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

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If the NFC stopped working after the phone fell, the antenna is likely damaged, in which case repairs are required at the service center - self- soldering does not guarantee restoration of functionality.

6. Hidden NFC features on Xiaomi

Few people know that NFC on Redmi 10 can be used for more than just payments.

1.Fast pair with Bluetooth devices

Some wireless headphones and speakers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones) support pairing via NFC. Just bring the phone to the device and the connection will be established automatically, without input. PIN-code.

2. Reading transport cards

With the help of the NFC Tools application, you can read the balance of transport cards (for example, Troika or Arrow).

1. Open the Reading tab in NFC Tools.
2. Bring the card to the phone.
3. Click Count – the application will show the ID card and available data.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to write or modify data on a transport card may result in blocking it!

3. Identification of the authenticity of goods

Some brands (such as Adidas or Nike) are outfitting their products. NFC-You can take the phone to the label, and you can see a product information web page.

7 Safety in the use of NFC

NFC is considered a safe technology, but there are risks to be aware of:

1.Skimming is stealing card data with hidden readers to protect yourself:

• 🛡️ Turn it off. NFC, when not used.
• 💳 Use virtual cards in Google Pay instead of physical cards.
• 📱 Install the app NFC Secure to monitor suspicious activity.

2 Unauthorized access to tags

If you use NFC-Automation tags, make sure they do not contain sensitive information (passwords, PIN-An attacker can rewrite the tag data if he has physical access to it.

3. Payment fraud

Always check the amount at the terminal before paying. Fraudsters can swap out overpriced terminals. If the terminal looks suspicious (for example, it has additional overlays), refuse payment.

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In Google Pay settings, you can set a limit on contactless payments without confirmation, for example, up to 1,000. ₽ Payment will be automatic and will require input PIN-code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Redmi 10