Xiaomi’s current smartphones, including the popular Redmi 8 Pro, feature a suite of short-distance wireless technologies. One of the most sought-after features is the NFC module, which allows you to not only pay for purchases with a single touch, but also instantly exchange contacts or pair gadgets with smart appliances. Many users purchase a device without fully understanding where the switch of this option is hidden in the MIUI shell.
Activating this feature on the Redmi 8 Pro does not require complex manipulations or superuser rights, but the layout of the menu can confuse those who have previously used smartphones from other manufacturers. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to launch the module, as well as the nuances of its operation in various use cases.
It’s worth noting that the correct operation of the technology depends not only on software settings, but also on the physical conditions of use. Understanding the principles of Near Field Communication will help you avoid common mistakes when trying to count a card or payment terminal.
Location of the module and support check
Before you get to software settings, make sure your particular version of the smartphone does have the hardware you need.Redmi models sometimes have regional differences, so having a chip is the first checkpoint.On the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, the module is usually built into the top of the back cover, closer to the main camera unit.
- 📍 Arrangement of the antenna: upper third of the body, next to the lenses.
- 📱 Compatibility: Make sure you have a Pro model, not a basic version without a letter.
- 🔍 Visual inspection: logo NFC It can be applied to the body or box.
If you don’t find a logo on the case, it doesn’t mean there’s no feature, as manufacturers often save space on the labeling. A more reliable way is to check the specifications in the menu of the device itself. Go to Settings → About Phone → All settings and carefully review the list of supported communication standards.
It is important to understand that even with a chip, it can be software-limited depending on the region of the firmware. Global versions of MIUI are usually unlimited, while Chinese builds may require additional customization or region change. The hardware in the Redmi 8 Pro is made qualitatively, but sensitive to thick cases or metallic linings.
How do I know the exact model of the chip?
Basic activation through the notification curtain
The fastest way to run a communications module is to use a quick access panel. This is the standard MIUI shell method that allows you to turn on the feature in a couple of seconds without going deep into the settings menu. To do this, unlock your Redmi 8 Pro screen and swipe from top to bottom to open the control center.
In the icon list that opens, look for an icon labeled NFC. If you don't see it on the first screen, scroll through the list to the right or press the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add a label to a prominent place. Once you click, the icon should light up, indicating a successful activation.
⚠️ Warning: If the icon in the curtain is turned on, the smartphone does not respond to payment terminals, try restarting the device. Sometimes the module driver requires re-initialization after the system update.
The alternative route through settings is also effective if the shortcut is lost in the menu. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing. This is where the central node controls all of your Xiaomi's wireless interfaces. The switch should be in the active position.
Configure via the “Connection and Sharing” menu
For a more subtle configuration, such as choosing the default payment app, you need to go to the deep menu of the system. On Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro smartphones with a MIUI shell, this section is often hidden under the generic name “Connect and Sharing”, which is where conflicts between different payment services are resolved.
Inside this menu, find the Touch and Pay (or “NFC”) option, and clicking on it will take you to the submenu where you can select “Main Contact App,” which is a critical parameter, because it will start when you bring your phone to the terminal. If you have multiple banking apps installed or Google Pay (older versions), the system should know which one is the priority.
Also available in this section is the Pay with feature, where you can choose the authorization method: lock screen, fingerprint or password. For maximum security on Redmi 8 Pro, it is recommended to use biometrics, as this speeds up the transaction process.
☑️ Checking settings NFC
Remember that some settings may not be available if the phone is not installed. SIM-Android security system requires at least basic protection of the device for working with financial instruments.
Use of Google Pay and Alternative Services
The main reason why users are looking for how to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro
Google Pay
Google Wallet
The process of setting up the payment is as follows: after activating the module in the Touch and Pay section, select Google Pay as the default app. Then add a bank card by scanning it or entering the data manually. When paying, simply unlock the screen and bring the top of the Redmi 8 Pro to the terminal.
Owners of Xiaomi devices sometimes face a problem when the terminal does not see the phone even though NFC is enabled.This may be due to the fact that the application is not authorized to read the chip data. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Google Pay → Permits and make sure that access to NFC is allowed.
| Parameter | Requirement | Status on Redmi 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | 5.0 Lollipop and higher | Supported |
| Loader | Locked (Blocked) | Recommended |
| Root rights | Absent. | Absence required |
| HCE (Host Card Emulation) | Included. | Actively default |
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For Google Pay to work on Xiaomi, it is critical that the bootloader is blocked and root rights are not available.
File transfer and device pairing
NFC is not limited to financial transactions; on the Redmi 8 Pro, it is a great way to quickly transfer files through Android Beam technology (or Nearby Share in new versions of the OS). To transfer photos or contact, you just need to turn on NFC on both devices and attach them backs to each other.
In addition, the technology is used to instantly pair with accessories. Headphones, smartwatches or Xiaomi speakers often support the quick connection function. You do not need to search for a device in the Bluetooth list; just tap the phone tag on the accessory, and the Redmi 8 Pro itself initiates the connection.
To read electronic tags (such as smart key fobs or posters), special applications may not be necessary - the system itself recognizes the type of content. However, to write its data on empty tags, you will need third-party software that uses the module in the emulation mode of the map.
⚠️ Note: When transferring large files through NFC-The pairing speed can be slow, as the channel is only used for handshakes and the data is sent via Bluetooth.
Diagnostics and problem-solving
If you've done all the steps, but the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro still can't see the tags or terminals, maybe the problem lies deeper. First, check if you have a case with a metal plate or a magnetic latch. The metal shields the signal, making it impossible to communicate at a distance of several centimeters.
The second common cause is a malfunction of Google Play services. Try clearing the Settings app cache → Apps → All Apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear the cache. After that, be sure to restart your smartphone.
In rare cases, resetting network settings helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. Note that this action will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi, but will not affect your personal data.
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If the NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try switching the region in settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → Region) to India or Singapore, activate the module, and then return your region.