Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is one of the first flagships of the brand with support NFC-A module that allows you to use your smartphone instead of a bank card, a transport ticket or a pass, but many users have difficulty setting up the first setup: the module does not identify the card, the bank application gives an error, the subway transponder simply does not work. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of linking cards to the Mi 8 Pro through the NFC, including avoiding common errors and optimizing the chip.
It is important to understand that the Mi 8 Pro supports three main use cases. NFC: 1) Emulation of bank cards (Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay, etc.), 2) Reading / writing NFC-tags (e.g. for task automation), 3) Work with transport cards (both in Moscow, St. Petersburg and in the regions).
Each of these scenarios requires a separate setup, and we will discuss each in detail.
If you've tried to tie a card before, but you didn't succeed, don't be quick to blame your smartphone. 80 percent of the time, the problem is with the wrong security settings, the outdated firmware. MIUI We've put together proven solutions that will help even if your Mi 8 Pro refuses to see the map or gives you an error "NFC-chips not found".
1. Preparation of the smartphone: verification of NFC and software update
Before you tie the card, make sure that NFC-The module on your Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is on and running correctly:
- Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC.
- Activate the NFC slider (should turn blue).
- Below, turn on the option “Secure element (HCE)” – this will allow you to emulate bank cards.
- Check the module: bring the phone to another NFC-If you hear a sound or see a notification, the chip is functional.
If NFC doesn’t turn on or respond to other devices, the problem may be:
- 🛠️ Damaged chip – check if there were physical impacts on the top of the body (antenna) NFC sub-cover).
A critical feature of the Mi 8 Pro is that it does not support eSE (embedded Secure Element) technology, so bank cards are only linked via HCE (Host Card Emulation), which means that the phone must be unlocked and connected to the Internet to pay.
2. Bank card binding (Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay)
To add a credit card to Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, use the official payment system applications. Consider the process using the example of Google Pay (similar to SberPay and Mir Pay):
- Download and install Google Pay from the Play Market.
- Open the application and click "Add Card" → "Credit or debit card".
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
- Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- Once the card is successfully linked, it will appear on the list, and you can now pay for your purchases by bringing your unlocked phone to the terminal.
If no card is added, check:
- 📱 Android Version – Google Pay Requires Android 5.0+, However, for stable operation on the Mi 8 Pro is recommended. MIUI 12+.
NFC enabled in settings
Phone's connected to the Internet.
The latest version of Google Pay is installed
Bank supports contactless payments through HCE
There are no Root-rights or custom firmware-->
A common mistake is that when you pay, the terminal will issue a message saying, "Card is not supported," because some banks (such as Tinkoff or Alfa Bank) require contactless payments to be activated in your account. Go to your bank's mobile application and check your card settings.
3. Set up the transport card (Troika, Arrow, United)
To use the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro instead of a transport card (for example, Troika in Moscow or Strelka in St. Petersburg), you will need the official application "My Pass" (for Moscow) or a regional analogue.
- Download the app: 🚇 For Moscow: My pass. 🚌 For St. Petersburg: Plantain. 🌍 For other regions: check the name of the application on the local transport website.
Register or log in to your account.
Select the option "Add card to phone" or "Tie virtual card".
Follow the app’s instructions – it’s usually required to attach a physical card to the back of the phone to carry data.
Important nuances:
- 🔄 Balance transfer – when you link a virtual card, the balance from the physical card is not automatically transferred.
- 📵 Offline mode – transport cards work without the Internet, but the first binding requires a connection.
- 🚫 Restrictions – Virtual cards are not supported on Root-enabled phones in some regions.
What if the phone doesn’t see the transport card?
⚠️ Note: In Moscow, since 2023, there is a rule that the same Troika card can only be linked to one device. If you previously transferred it to another phone, first remove the link through the application "My travel card".
4.Use of NFC for passes and tags
Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro can emulate not only bank and transport cards, but also corporate passes, intercom keys or tags for automation. NFC Tools or analogues:
- Download NFC Tools.
- Open the application and select "Write" → "Add record".
- Specify the data type (e.g., "Text", "URL" or "Key" for intercom).
- Put the phone to the clean one. NFC-tag (or pass if you need to copy the data).
- Save the record and check the performance.
To copy passes (for example, from the office or entrance) you will need:
- 🔑 Original Pass – it must be attached to the phone to read the data.
- 📱 Copying application - for example, NFC TagWriter or MIFARE Classic Tool (for standard labels) MIFARE).
- ⚠️ Administration Permission – Copying some types of passes may violate security rules.
⚠️ Note: Not all passes can be copied to the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro. For example, dynamically encrypted passes (e.g., the X-rays, HID iClass or Legic Advant) are not supported by most smartphones.Before trying to copy, specify the type of chip in your pass.
5. Solving Common NFC Errors on Mi 8 Pro
If the NFC on your Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is unstable or not functioning at all, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC is not included in the settings | Outdated firmware or system failure | Update MIUI to the latest version or reset your network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings) |
| Phone does not see a bank card in Google Pay | No HCE support or shell conflict | Check if the Safe Element (HCE) is enabled in the NFC settings. If the problem persists, delete and re-add the card. |
| The transport card is not tied | Regional limitations or chip incompatibility | Check in the transport app if your phone model is supported. For Moscow, check the list of compatible devices here. |
| NFC only works after restarting | Antenna failure or application conflict | Turn off the battery optimization for NFC-applications (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Battery → No restrictions) |
| Payment does not pass at the terminal | The phone is blocked or the internet is not available | Unlock the screen and check the network connection (HCE requires the internet to authorize payment). |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your NFC settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find "NFC" in the list and click "Storage".
- Select "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
- Reboot your phone and try to tie the card back.
💡
If you use NFC a lot, add a shortcut to quickly turn on the chip. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the desktop → “Widgets” → find “NFC” and drag it to the screen. Now you can turn on / off the module with one touch.
6. NFC Optimization: How to Speed Up Reading
Many users of Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro complain about slow NFC operation - the terminal or tag is not determined the first time.
- 📶 Turn off the energy saving for NFC: Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Managing battery consumption by apps "NFC" and select "No restrictions".
Update the antenna firmware
Sometimes, the slow performance of NFC is associated with an outdated version of the driver. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Use a cover without metal inserts
The metal shields the NFC signal. If you have a case with magnetic mounting or metallized elements, remove it before paying.
Put your phone right.
The NFC antenna in the Mi 8 Pro is at the top of the back, and you can put the phone in that part of the terminal, not the center or the bottom.
⚠️ WARNING: If you use magnetic charging or wireless RAM, turn it off before paying - induction currents can interfere with work NFC-chip.
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NFC on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro works through HCE technology, which means dependence on the Internet and unlocked screen, which distinguishes it from modern smartphones with eSE (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), where cards are stored in a secure chip and work offline.
7.Alternative methods: if NFC does not work
If you’ve exhausted all options but the NFC on the Mi 8 Pro is still out of service, consider alternative solutions:
- 💳 Use a physical card with a chip: If contactless payments are critical, order a duplicate bank card with support PayPass/PayWave And wear it separately.
- 📱 Buy it. NFC-insert SIM-Cards: Some operators (for example, MegaFon or Beeline) offer SIM-map NFC-Check the phone in the cabin.
- 🔄 Update your phone: If NFC Consider switching to a newer Xiaomi model (e.g. Mi 11 or Xiaomi). POCO F4), where eSE support for offline payments is implemented.
If you make an error when adding a card, try:
- Update the SberPay app.
- Reboot the phone.
- Delete and re-add the map.