Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for contactless payments. However, many users face problems when trying to link a bank card — the NFC module is not recognized, the application gives an error, the bank is not supported. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of linking cards to the Redmi Note 9 in 2026, including setting up Google Pay, Mi Pay and alternative solutions for Russian banks.
It is important to understand that the procedure depends on three factors: the firmware version (MIUI or custom), the regional device binding (global / Chinese version) and the bank-supported payment systems. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14 and Android 12, so the instructions will work even after the latest updates.
1. Verification of compatibility of Redmi Note 9 with contactless payments
Before you tie the card, make sure your Redmi Note 9 is technically ready for it.The model is equipped with an NFC chip, but its operation depends on:
- 📱 Firmware versions: on Chinese versions MIUI module NFC often disabled programmatically.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: some banks (for example, Sberbank) block binding on devices with unofficial firmware.
- 🔄 Security Updates: If Google Play Services hasn’t been updated in a while, payments may not work.
To check for NFC support:
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
- If there is no item, your firmware does not support the function (the solution is to reflash to the global MIUI).
- If there is a module but does not turn on, try resetting the network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Google Pay card binding is not possible due to lack of Google Mobile Services certification (GMS). In this case, only Mi Pay (does not work with all banks) or install custom firmware such as Pixel Experience remains.
2. map binding via Google Pay (for global versions of MIUI)
The most universal way is to use Google Pay (now Google Wallet), which is supported by most Russian banks, including Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB and Alfa Bank, and is relevant for MIUI 12-14:
- Install or update Google Wallet from the Play Market.
- Open the application and click Add Card → Payment card.
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
- Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- After successfully binding, turn on NFC in the notification curtain and bring the phone closer to the terminal for the test.
If the error "This type of card is not supported" appears at the step of adding the card:
- 🔹 Check if the bank blocks the Xiaomi peg (relevant for Sberbank on uncertified devices).
- 🔹 Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
- 🔹 Try adding a card through the browser version of Google Pay.
Install Google Wallet|Update Google Play Services|Turn it on. NFC customized|Check the bank's support|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi-->
⚠️ Note: If you use the Redmi Note 9 with an unlocked bootloader, some banks (such as Tinkoff) may block contactless payments for security reasons. Setting up Mi Pay for Chinese firmware versions If your Redmi Note 9 runs on Chinese firmware (CN ROM), Google Pay will be unavailable, and instead you can use Mi Pay, a Xiaomi-branded solution: 🏦 Not all banks are supported (see the full list on the official website). 📱 Requires a link to a Mi Account (Chinese or global). 🌐 It only works in regions where Xiaomi has a partnership with banks (in Russia, support is limited). APK log in via Mi Account. Click Add Card and select the bank from the list (if your bank is not available, the method will not work). Enter the card details and confirm the transaction through the SMS. Activate. NFC and check the payment at the terminal.Bank Google Pay Support Mi Pay Notes Sberbank ✅ Yes. ❌ Can't block uncertified Tinkoff devices ✅ Yes. ❌ No, it requires official VTB firmware ✅ Yes. ⚠️ Partially in Mi Pay works only for Mastercard Alfa-Bank cards ✅ Yes. ❌ No - Gazprombank ✅ Yes. ✅ Yes Supported in Mi Pay for UnionPay Cards 💡If your bank is not supported in Mi Pay but you have Chinese firmware, try installing Google Pay via Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix module.This bypasses certification verification but may violate warranty. 4. Alternative ways to link the card (without the NFC) If NFC Your Redmi Note 9 doesn’t work or isn’t in firmware, and you can use alternative payment methods via phone: 💳 Samsung Pay (yes, it works on Xiaomi!) Install APK APKMirror and link the card. minus - requires registration of a Samsung account. 📱 Bank applications with virtual card generation (e.g. Tinkoff or Sberbank Online) Some allow you to pay for the payment of a bank card. QR-code. 🔄 Wallets like Revolut or Wise. You link their virtual card to Google Pay, and then you top up from the main card. For Samsung Pay, the instruction is: Download and install. APK-file (version no lower than 4.0.0) Register with your phone number (confirmation will be required by SMS). Add the card manually or through a scanner. Confirm the binding in the bank (sometimes a call for support is required). ⚠️ Note: When using Samsung Pay on Xiaomi, payments go through technology MST (Magnetic strip emulation, which does not work on all terminals. Check with the cashier before paying if the terminal supports MST. 5. Solving card binding problems If the card is not tethered, check the following points: Error Reason Decision "Device is not certified" Castile firmware or unlocked bootloader Install Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix "NFC Not supported" No driver in firmware Search for global MIUI or Pixel Experience "Bank is not supported" Bank restrictions for Xiaomi Use a virtual card or other bank "Can not add a card" Outdated Google Play Services Update through Play Market or clear cache If the problem is in the firmware, you can try: Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. Set up MIUI global version via Fastboot (instructions on xiaomi.eu) Use Pixel Experience or LineageOS with Google Pay support. How to check Google certification on Xiaomi? Open the Settings. → Google → Device certification: If you're not certified, Google Pay payments won't work. MIUI or use Magisk. 6. Security: How to protect your tied card After successfully linking your card to the Redmi Note 9, set up additional security measures: 🔒 Screen lock: Install PIN-code or pattern lock (at least 6 characters). 👆 Fingerprint Authorization: Add Fingerprints to Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. 📱 Remote management: Activate Find the device in the Mi Account settings. 🛡️ Payment Limit: In Google Pay settings, set a limit on one transaction. If your phone is lost or stolen: Immediately block your card via a banking app or hotline number. Delete your card from Google Pay via the web version of pay.google.com. Use Find the device in Mi Account to lock your smartphone. Important: On Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with an unlocked bootloader, attackers can access card data through vulnerabilities in custom firmware. If you are not an experienced user, do not unlock the bootloader unnecessarily. 7. Frequent questions about card binding to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Can Sberbank card be linked to the Redmi Note 9 with Chinese firmware? No, Sberbank blocks the binding on uncertified devices. Solutions: Refuse the phone to the global MIUI. Use a virtual Sberbank card (e.g., via SberPay) link the card to another phone with Google Pay and use it for payments. NFC Not working after the update MIUI? This is a common problem after updates. Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear cache. Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. If it doesn't work, roll back to the previous version. MIUI. How to tie a Tinkoff card to a Redmi Note 9? Tinkoff officially supports Google Pay on Xiaomi, but there may be nuances: Make sure you have global firmware (Chinese won't work). Update Google Play Services to the latest version. If no card is added, try using the Tinkoff app (section "Maps" → "Add to Google Pay. "" Can you pay with a phone without the Internet? Yes, Google Pay and Mi Pay work offline. The card data is stored in a secure chip. NFC, But the first card binding requires a connection to the network. If you haven't synced in a while, the bank can request a reauthorization. What if the terminal doesn't see the phone when you pay? The problem may be the terminal or the phone settings. Check: Is it enabled? NFC Is the chip locked in the notification curtain? NFC a case (on the Redmi Note 9, it's at the top of the back panel) whether the terminal supports contactless payments (ask the cashier). MST (If you pay through Samsung Pay, if nothing helps, restart your phone and try again. 💡Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with global firmware MIUI Google Pay card binding works well, but Chinese versions require additional action (Mi Pay or flashing).