Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but many users still don’t know that it supports NFC technology, which allows you to make contactless payments, share data with other devices and even manage smart gadgets. However, it is not as obvious as it may seem: in some firmware menu item is hidden, and in others you need additional configuration.
In this article, you'll find a step-by-step picture guide, an explanation of why NFC might not work even after activation, and tips for optimizing the power consumption of the module. We'll look at which versions of the Redmi 5 Plus support the technology, how to check for a chip, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't see tags or bank cards, and if you want to use your phone to pay in stores or transfer files quickly, this guide is for you.
Check NFC support for Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus
Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi 5 Plus is equipped with this module at all, the fact is that not all versions of the device support the technology - it depends on the region of sale and the revision of the board.
There are three ways to check for a chip:
- 🔍 Visual inspection: there should be a logo on the back cover next to the camera NFC (It's a stylized letter, "N," which is missing on some versions, but it's got a chip.
- 📱 Check through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no chip, there is probably no chip.
- 🛠️ Diagnostics via the engineering menu: enter the code ##4636## in the phone application, select "Phone Information" and find the line NFC. If it's not, there's no module.
If you bought a smartphone in China or on AliExpress, the chances of having NFC are minimal - in Asian versions, the chip is often missing. European and global versions (Redmi 5 Plus Global) are usually equipped with a module.
Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC
If a chip is present, it can be activated in a few steps. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained.
Follow this algorithm:
- Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Find the NFC and tap it. If there's no item, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
- Activate the NFC slider in the "On" position.
- (Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer data between devices.
After activation, an NFC icon will appear in the status bar (top bar), which means that the module is ready to go. If the icon is not there, but the slider is active in the settings, try restarting the phone.
☑️ Preparation for use NFC
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) item NFC It can be called Near Field Communication or hidden in the Additional section. If you use unofficial software, check the firmware compatibility with your smartphone model.
Configuring contactless payments
The main application of NFC is contactless payments through Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications. To set up your phone payment, follow the following steps:
First, add a bank card to the app:
- 💳 Install Google Pay from the Play Market (if not already installed).
- 📱 Open the app and click Add the map.
- 📸 Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
- 🔒 Confirm the addition through SMS or push notification from the bank.
After adding the map, configure it as the main one:
- In Google Pay, select the added card.
- Click on the Settings of the map (three dots in the upper right corner).
- Choose Use for Contactless Payments.
- Install. PIN-code or graphical key to confirm payments.
Now you can pay for your purchases by simply bringing your phone to the terminal. Make sure the screen is unlocked - on a locked device, payments may not be made.
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If the terminal is not reading the card from the phone, try holding the smartphone to the top of the terminal (where you usually attach a bank card), sometimes helping to turn the phone 90 degrees.
Solving NFC Problems on Redmi 5 Plus
Even if you turn on the NFC correctly, you can get out of hand, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC is not turned on (slider is inactive) | There is no chip or incompatible firmware | Check the availability of the module through the engineering menu or update the MIUI |
| The phone does not see bank cards/labels | Weak antenna signal or interference from cover | Remove the case, bring the phone closer to the reader. |
| Google Pay is not working. | Unsupported region or bank | Check the list of supported banks in the app |
| NFC is spontaneously shut down | Battery Optimization Disables the Module | Add NFC to the optimization exceptions in battery settings |
If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the network settings:
- Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi 5 Plus with Snapdragon 625 processor have problems with the NFC post-update MIUI 12+. If you are faced with this, try to roll back on MIUI 11 or install custom firmware with module support.
Optimizing NFC Energy Use
The NFC module consumes minimal energy, but if you use it infrequently, you can optimize your battery consumption.
- 🔋 Turn it off. NFC, When you don't use it, it saves you a lot of time. 1-2% day-load.
- ⚡ Set up automatic shutdown through apps like NFC Tools or Tasker.
- 📵 Use the mode of the aircraft in the subway or areas without communication - this will reduce the background consumption of all modules, including: NFC.
If you use contactless payments often, it’s best to keep NFC on all the time, and today’s chips only consume energy when they’re in active use (when reading a tag or paying).
To check the actual battery consumption:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use.
- Find the NFC list and see the percentage of consumption.
- If the consumption exceeds 3-5% per day, check if the module is running in the background due to third-party applications.
How to completely disable NFC at the system level?
Using NFC to Transfer Data and Automation
In addition to payments, NFC on Redmi 5 Plus can be used to:
- 📲 Fast file transfer between phones (via Android Beam).
- 🔑 Control of smart devices (lamps, locks, speakers).
- 📋 Label readers to automate tasks (e.g., turning on Wi-Fi when touching a tag on your desktop).
For file transfer:
- Activate NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
- Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to transfer.
- Hold the phones back to each other.
- Wait for the beep - the transmission will start automatically.
To work with smart devices, install applications like Mi Home or SmartThings. Many Xiaomi smart bulbs and outlets support NFC binding — just hold the phone to the device to pair.
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NFC on Redmi 5 Plus only works at a distance of up to 4-5 cm If the reading does not occur, check if there is any interference (metal cases, thick stickers) between the phone and the tag / terminal.
Safety in the use of NFC
While NFC is considered a safe technology, there are a few risks to be aware of:
- 🛡️ Skimming: Attackers can read card data from a distance (although this is difficult due to the short range of action). NFC).
- 📱 Unauthorized Access: If your phone is unlocked, someone can make a payment without your knowledge.
- 🔗 Phishing tags: malicious NFC-Labels can be redirected to fraudulent websites.
To protect ourselves:
- Always lock the screen after using NFC.
- Do not bring your phone to unknown tags (for example, on the streets or on public transport).
- Use two-factor authentication in banking applications.
- Check your payment history regularly with Google Pay or the banking app.
The Redmi 5 Plus doesn’t have NFC hardware protection (like Secure Element), so all payments are processed via HCE (Host Card Emulation), which means security depends on firmware and applications being reliable. If you store critical data on your phone, consider using a physical bank card for large payments.