Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the few budget smartphones of 2019, which received the module NFC for contactless payments. Despite the age of the model, the feature remains relevant: it can use it to pay in stores, transport and even transfer files. However, many users still do not know how to set up payment with their phone or face errors when linking cards.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail how contactless payment works on Redmi Note 8 Pro: from activation NFC-The chips before choosing the optimal payment service (Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay). MIUI, These can affect the stability of payments, as well as common problems such as why the terminal can’t see the phone or why the bank is blocking transactions.
If you’re just planning to use contactless payment or have already encountered difficulties, here you can find answers to all questions, including comparing the speed of NFC on the Redmi Note 8 Pro and newer Xiaomi models.
1.What is NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and how does it work
The NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is implemented through a separate NXP PN547 chip that supports ISO 14443 (for payments) and ISO 18092 (for data exchange).
- 💳 Pay for purchases in stores with terminals that support PayPass/PayWave (Visa, Mastercard, Mir).
- 🚇 Use the phone as a pass in public transport (where the Troika, Strelka or analogues system operates).
- 📱 Transfer files, contacts or links to other devices from NFC (Android Beam feature disabled in new Android versions).
- 🔑 Emulate access keys (for example, for smart locks or office passes).
It is important to understand that the NFC in the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support cards with dynamic CVV (for example, virtual cards of some banks), and the chip only works at a distance of 4-5 cm from the terminal – this is a security requirement to prevent accidental debits.
Transaction speeds are firmware-dependent: on MIUI 12.5 and later, payments are faster thanks to optimization of NFC drivers. On older versions (for example, MIUI 11), delays of up to 2-3 seconds can occur.
2.How to enable NFC on Redmi Note 8 Pro: step-by-step instructions
By default, the NFC module is turned off to save battery power.
- Open Settings → Connection and Sharing.
- Slip on NFC.
- Move the slider to the on position.
- (Optional) Enable Default Payments so that you don’t confirm every transaction by unlocking the screen.
If you don't have NFC on the menu, upgrade to MIUI 12 or later. On versions below MIUI 11.0.6, NFC support may not be available due to outdated drivers.
NFC enabled in settings
Phone unlocked (not required for payments up to 1000) ₽)
At least one card is linked to Google Pay/SberPay
The terminal supports contactless payments (there is a logo). PayPass/PayWave)-->
Tip: For quick access to NFC, add a shortcut to the notification bar.
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ Edit.
- Find the NFC tile and drag it to the active area.
3.What payment services supports Redmi Note 8 Pro
The smartphone is compatible with all popular contactless payment services, but there are nuances:
| Service | Support for Redmi Note 8 Pro | Features | Max, the sum without a PIN. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | ✅ Yes. | It works on all versions of MIUI, requires map binding via an app. | 1000 ₽ |
| SberPay | ✅ Yes. | Only for Sberbank cards, supports Mir and Visa/Mastercard. | 1000 ₽ |
| Mir Pay | ✅ Yes. | Only for maps World. Requires the installation of a separate application. | 1000 ₽ |
| Apple Pay | ❌ No. | It is not supported on Android devices. | — |
| Samsung Pay | ❌ No. | Only for Samsung devices with MST. | — |
Important: To work Mir Pay, you need to update Google services to the latest version, otherwise the application will give an error "Device is not supported".
If you use UnionPay or foreign bank cards, check their compatibility through official issuer apps: Revolut and Tinkoff work with Google Pay, for example, and Alfa-Click requires a separate app.
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Before linking your card to Google Pay, temporarily disable the VPN and check that the region in your Google account settings corresponds to the country of card issue.
4. How to Link a Card to Google Pay on Redmi Note 8 Pro
The process of adding a card to Google Pay takes no more than 5 minutes:
- Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
- Open it and click Add Card → Credit or debit card.
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVV).
- Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- Come up with it. PIN-payment code (if required).
Once the card is successfully linked, it will appear on the list. To make it default, tap it and select Use for contactless payments.
What to do if the bank blocks the binding of the card?
Limitations:
- 🚫 You can not link corporate cards or cards with a restriction on online payments.
- 🚫 Virtual cards (such as those from Monzo or Revolut) may not be supported.
- 🚫 Maestro cards often don’t work with contactless payments via phone.
5.Why Contactless Paying Doesn't Work: Typical Problems and Solutions
If the terminal doesn’t see your Redmi Note 8 Pro or the payment fails, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The terminal is not responding to the phone. | NFC is disabled or is in Read Only mode | Enable Default Payments in NFC Settings |
| Error "Card not supported" | Bank does not allow tokenization | Call the bank and activate the contactless payment option. |
| Payment passes, but write-off does not occur | Failure of communication between the terminal and the bank | Repeat payment or use a physical card |
| Phone vibrates, but payment doesn't pass | Too long distance to the terminal | Bring the phone closer (1-2 cm) and hold for 2-3 seconds |
Hidden setting: If payments are constantly broken, try resetting your NFC settings.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find it. NFC-service and press Warehouse → Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
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If contactless payment stopped working after the MIUI update, a rollback to the previous firmware version could return functionality. However, it is risky - it is better to wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
Another common problem is the conflict with cases: metal or too thick cases can shield the NFC signal. Try removing the case before payment.
6.Contactless payments security: myths and reality
Many users are afraid that fraudsters will be able to charge money from their phones remotely.
- 🔒 The card data is not stored on the phone. Google Pay and its peers use tokenization, instead of a card number, a one-time code is transmitted.
- 🔒 Payments up to 1,000 ₽ No confirmation, but after 5 transactions in a row or if the limit is exceeded, you will need to enter PIN-code.
- 🔒 NFC It operates only at a distance of 4-5 cm.Steal hijacking at a greater distance is technically impossible.
- ⚠️ The only risk is if you lose your phone, and the attacker can pay up to 1,000 dollars. ₽, if the screen lock is not configured.
How to defend yourself:
- Set a PIN or pattern lock to unlock the screen.
- Enable Remote Device Management in the Google Account settings (allows you to lock your phone when you lose it).
- Turn off default payments in NFC settings if you’re afraid of accidental charges.
- Check your transaction history regularly with your mobile bank.
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If you sell or transfer a phone to another person, be sure to remove all cards from Google Pay and perform a factory reset, which will prevent access to your payment data.
Important: Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support hardware encryption of payments (unlike flagships with a chip Titan M like Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S), which means that theoretically vulnerabilities in the firmware could allow to intercept data, but in practice such cases are not recorded.
7. Alternative ways to use NFC on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
In addition to payments, the NFC module can be used to:
- 🚇 Payment for fares in the subway / buses (via Troika, Strelka or Mir Pay wallet). For Moscow and St. Petersburg, it is enough to link a transport card in the appropriate application.
- 🔑 Emulation of keys for smart locks (such as Nuki or Yale) Requires support HCE (Host Card Emulation) in firmware.
- 📱 Fast data transfer between devices (for example, sending contacts or links to another smartphone with a mobile phone) NFC).
- 🏷️ Readings NFC-tags (for example, to run scripts in Automation or Tasker).
To work with transport cards:
- Download the Metro Moscow app (or analogue for your city).
- Link the card Troika through the section Transport card.
- Activate the card emulation mode in the NFC settings.
Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support dual emulation (coupled with payment card and transport).
8.Comparison of NFC in Redmi Note 8 Pro and new Xiaomi models
If you’re considering an upgrade, it’s helpful to know how contactless payments support has changed in Xiaomi’s new smartphones:
| Model | Type NFC-chip | Support for payments | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | NXP PN547 | Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay | No hardware encryption, slow payment initialization |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | NXP PN80T | Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay + transport cards | Up to 30% faster, support for Dual SIM + eSIM |
| Xiaomi 12 | NXP PN81A | All services + Apple Pay (through third-party firmware) | Hardware encryption, UWB support for precise positioning |
| POCO X3 Pro | No NFC. | — | Budget model without contactless payments support |
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most affordable NFC smartphones, but the new models offer better speed and security. If you care about payment stability, consider upgrading to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or Xiaomi 11 Lite.
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The NFC in the Redmi Note 8 Pro runs on an outdated chip, but for everyday payments, its capabilities are sufficient, the main thing is to monitor MIUI updates and not use informal firmware that can disrupt the module.
If you travel frequently, note that Mir Pay is not working overseas and Google Pay may require a local card to be linked, making it easier to use a physical card or multi-currency services like Revolut.