Many budget smartphone owners mistakenly believe that contactless payment is only available in flagship models. However, the Redmi 9 is equipped with all the necessary equipment for using near-middle-of-command technology. The NFC module in this model is integrated into the upper part of the case, next to the main camera, which allows you to quickly pay for purchases in stores, pay for travel on public transport and read electronic tags.
It’s important to understand that the hardware module itself is only half the success. To work properly, you need to configure the software, choose a supported bank, and in some cases use third-party apps to emulate cards. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face the nuances of MIUI firmware, which require special attention during configuration.
In this article, we’ll take a look at every step of activation, from checking for a chip to setting up Google Pay or alternative payment systems. You’ll learn why sometimes payment doesn’t go through the first time and how to fix it if the phone stops seeing the terminal. Unlike more expensive models, the Redmi 9 has a compact NFC antenna, so the accuracy of attaching to the terminal is critical.
Check for NFC Module in Redmi 9
Before you get to the settings, make sure your particular smartphone modification supports the technology, because manufacturers sometimes release versions of the same model for different markets where functionality may differ. For example, the global version of the Global ROM usually comes with a chip, while some regional builds may not have this option to reduce the cost of the design.
The easiest way to check for a module is to look at the back of the device. On Redmi 9, the NFC logo is often applied directly to the body at the top, next to the camera block. If there is no such marking, this does not always mean there is no function, but requires a deeper check through the system's software tools.
For software diagnostics, go to system settings. Open Settings, then select Connect and Sharing. If you see an NFC option in the list, then the hardware is present and ready to go. The absence of this item on the menu indicates that your version of the smartphone does not have a physical chip installed.
You can also search by settings, type the word "NFC" into the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and if the system gives you a result leading to the switch, it means that the module is active, and you can install any tag reader app from Google Play that will immediately report the status of the technology support.
Activation of NFC and selection of payment application
Once the module is confirmed, it must be activated. By default, the function can be turned off to save battery power, although the power consumption in standby mode is minimal. To turn on, move the slider to the active position in the Connection and Sharing menu.
The next critical step is to choose a payment application. In modern versions of the MIUI shell, the system will suggest choosing a default application. You will be presented with a list of installed payment services. If you use cards from Russian banks, standard Google Pay may not work due to restrictions, so you often need to install specialized utilities for emulating cards.
- 📱 Google Pay – the standard solution for Visa and Mastercard cards of international payment systems, works stably on global firmware.
- 💳 Mir Pay - the official application for cards of the payment system World, allowing you to pay for purchases with a smartphone without additional settings.
- 🔧 Third-party emulators are applications that create a virtual image of the card required for banks that have stopped supporting official services.
The app you choose will be the default one, which means that when you unlock your phone and bring it to the terminal, it will automatically launch that service, and you can change the priority app at any time in the same NFC settings menu.
⚠️ Note: If you have installed a card emulation app from a third-party developer, Android security can alert you to potential risk. Use only proven high-rated utilities in official app stores.
☑️ Payment setting
Adding a bank card to the system
The process of linking the card depends on the application you have chosen, and in most cases the algorithm is the same: you need to launch the application, press the add a new payment tool button, and follow the instructions on the screen, and the system will request permission to use the camera to scan the card or enter data manually.
When scanning through the camera, Redmi 9 automatically counts the card number, release date and owner name, all you have to do is enter the CVC/CVV security code located on the back of the plastic, and then the bank sends an SMS with a confirmation code to verify the owner.
It is important to ensure that all necessary security updates are installed on the phone. Banking applications require the availability of up-to-date Google Play Services security certificates. If certificates are outdated, the bank may refuse to link the card, citing an insecure environment.
| Type of card | Support for Google Pay | Support for Mir Pay | The need for emulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard (RF) | No. | No. | Yes (via third-party apps) |
| Mir (RF) | No. | Yes. | No. |
| UnionPay (RF) | Partially. | Partially. | Depends on the bank. |
| Visa / Mastercard (CIS/World) | Yes. | No. | No. |
Once the card is successfully linked, it will appear on the list of available funds, so you don't have to open the app every time you pay, you just have to unlock the screen of your smartphone, and the system will identify the terminal and offer you to conduct a transaction.