Is there an NFC in the Redmi 9C and why is it needed?
If you’re wondering how to turn on NFC on the Xiaomi Redmi 9C, it’s worth clarifying first: this smartphone is not equipped with an NFC hardware module. Despite the popularity of contactless technologies, the manufacturer has excluded this feature from the base model of Redmi 9C (codename angelica) to reduce costs, as confirmed by the official specifications of Xiaomi and user tests on the 4PDA and Mi Community forums.
However, many owners continue to look for ways to turn on NFC through hidden settings or firmware.
- 🔍 How to check for availability NFC on your Redmi 9C (Even if you are not sure about the model)
- ⚙️ Alternative methods of contactless payments without NFC (Google Pay, Mi Pay, and chip-based bank cards)
- ⚠️ Why not believe the hacks and firmware modifications to add NFC
- 📱 What Xiaomi models of the same price segment support NFC "box"
If you were hoping for a hidden feature, then skip to the section “Than to replace NFC with Redmi 9C.” For others, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances and myths around this topic.
How to check if there is NFC in your Redmi 9C
Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone doesn't really support it. Here are 4 reliable ways to check:
- Official specifications: Xiaomi’s website does not mention NFC in the Redmi 9C specifications (M2006C3LG/M2006C3MI models). Compare the Redmi Note 9 page where the module is explicitly listed.
- Settings menu: Go to Settings → Connect and share. If there is no NFC, it is not physically present in the device.
- Diagnostic menu: enter the code ##4636## in the phone application, select Phone Information and check the section RF Band. NFC-chip would appear as NFC: Supported.
- Testing apps: Install NFC Tools from Google Play, and when it launches, it will immediately report that the module is missing.
If all 4 methods showed no NFC, then further attempts to turn it on are pointless. Redmi 9C has no NFC antenna, no controller, no firmware that supports this technology.
What is it? NFC-chip?
Why Redmi 9C doesn’t have NFC: Technical and Marketing Reasons
Xiaomi has deliberately excluded NFC from the Redmi 9C for several reasons:
- 💰 Price policy: model is positioned as a budget (from 7000) ₽ 2026). NFC-chip increases the cost of ~300–500 ₽, What is critical for this segment.
- 📦 Simplified Fee: at Redmi 9C a motherboard without backup contacts for NFC-antennas (unlike Redmi Note 9, where they are, but are disabled by software).
- 🌍 Regional features: in Asia and Africa (main market) 9C) Contactless payments are less common than QR-code.
- 🔄 Xiaomi is promoting its own solutions – Mi Pay (works on the basis of the new model) QR) Xiaomi Smart Band with NFC payment.
In comparison, even the cheaper Redmi 8A (2019) had NFC, but it was removed in the 9C for the sake of economy, a decision that drew a wave of criticism on forums, especially among users who are used to contactless cards.
| Model | Year of release | NFC | Price (2026) | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9C | 2020 | ❌ No. | 7,000 ₽ | Redmi 9A (also No) |
| Redmi Note 9 | 2020 | ✅ Yes. | 12,000 ₽ | — |
| POCO M3 | 2020 | ✅ Yes. | 11,000 ₽ | Best choice in the budget |
| Redmi 10C | 2022 | ❌ No. | 9,000 ₽ | Redmi 10 (there's NFC) |
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and other platforms meet firmware with NFC for Redmi 9C". This is a scam! Installing such files can result in the bootloader being blocked or lost IMEI. Xiaomi officially says that hardware support NFC This model is missing.
How to replace NFC with Redmi 9C: 5 working alternatives
Lack of NFC doesn't mean you won't be able to use contactless technology, but here are the proven ways:
- 💳 Chip-and-PIN Bank cards: Most terminals in Russia support chip-and-PIN. NFC, It does not require a phone battery.
- 📱 Google Pay without Google Pay NFC: Some banks (for example, Tinkoff) allow you to link the card to Google Pay and pay through the Internet. QR-annex.
- 🔗 Mi Pay + QR: Xiaomi’s service works through scanning QR-Supported by Sberbank, VTB and others.
- 🔐 Blinks with NFC: You can buy a separate keychain (for example, Xiaomi Mi Band). NFC) And then you can tie it to your bank card, and it starts at 1,500. ₽.
- 🖥️ Online payments: services like SBP (Fast Payment System) allow you to transfer money by phone number without a card.
The most universal option — QR-They even work on phones without payments. NFC And you can pay for it at McDonald's or Magnet by showing it. QR-screen-code.
1.Install Google Pay app from Play Market
2. Add a bank card through the section "Payments"
3. Enable the option "Pay through QR" in the card settings
4. When paying, select "Pay" QR-"code" and show the cashier screen-->
Myths about turning on NFC on Redmi 9C: What doesn't work
There are many “advices” on activating NFC on Redmi 9C. Let’s analyze the most popular ones and explain why they are useless:
- "Firmware with NFC": the forums offer to flash Redmi 9C custom firmware from Redmi Note 9. This will not work, as there is no hardware support - neither antenna nor chip.
- Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings: Codes like ##284## or #3646633## open test menus, but don't add new features.
- "Magnetic stickers: some sellers offer to stick on the battery "NFC-It's a fraud -- stickers like this can't emulate a full-fledged module.
- Root rights + Xposed: Even with root access, it is impossible to add NFC support, as there is no driver in the Linux kernel that runs Android.
The only way to get NFC on the Redmi 9C is to buy an external device (a key fob, smart watch or fitness bracelet with NFC).
💡
If you’re critically looking for NFC, consider buying a used Redmi Note 9 or POCO M3 — they support contactless payments and cost a little more than 9C in the secondary market.
How to transfer data from Redmi 9C to your NFC phone
If you decide to switch the Redmi 9C to an NFC model (like the Redmi Note 12), it is important to transfer the data correctly.
- Backup: 📱 Go to Settings. → Google → Backup and enable synchronization of contacts, photos and apps. 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and copy files from internal memory (DCIM, Downloads, Documents).
- Transfer to a new phone: 🔄 Use Mi Mover (Xiaomi’s built-in Wi-Fi data transfer app). 📲 Or install Google One and restore backup to your new device.
- Setting up NFC: ⚙️ Turn on the new phone. NFC In Settings → Connection and sharing → NFC. 💳 Add a bank card to Google Pay or Mi Pay through Contactless Payments".
When transferring accounts (such as WhatsApp or VK), use official backup tools for these applications. Don’t rely on third-party programs – they may not port data correctly.
⚠️ Note: If you are selling Redmi 9C, Make sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings! This will delete all data, including linked Google and Mi Account accounts, which can lock the phone to a new owner.
Redmi 9C Comparison with Xiaomi NFC Models: Which One to Choose?
If NFC is important to you, consider Xiaomi’s alternatives in the same price range.
| Model | NFC | Processor | Battery | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9C | ❌ No. | Helio G35 | 5,000 mAh | 7,000 ₽ | Long work, low price | No NFC, weak processor |
| POCO M3 | ✅ Yes. | Snapdragon 662 | 6,000 mAh | 11,000 ₽ | NFC, powerful processor, large battery | Heavy (198g) |
| Redmi Note 9 | ✅ Yes. | Helio G85 | 5020 mAh | 12,000 ₽ | NFC, good-camera, AMOLED-screen | No 5G. |
| Redmi 10 | ✅ Yes. | Helio G88 | 5,000 mAh | 10,000 ₽ | NFC, 90 Hz screen, modern design | Weak front camera |
If you have a budget, the best choice is POCO M3 or Redmi 10, which offer NFC, more powerful hardware and up-to-date software at a price of 30-40% above the Redmi 9C.
- 🔑 Electronic keys (for example, for smart locks);
- 🚗 Contactless identification (travel in the subway, passes);
- 🎮 Accessories connections (gaming controllers, headphones).
If you need these features, Redmi 9C It is not even a temporary solution.-->