How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: detailed instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, which is still actively used by millions of users. Despite the release of new models, this workhorse continues to please with stable work and extensive functionality, including support for NFC technology. However, many owners do not even suspect that their device is equipped with a contactless communication module, or do not know how to activate it correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at how to enable NFC on the Redmi Note 9, where it’s on the menu, and what it’s like to have, not only basic activation steps, but also the nuances of setting up for contactless payments, file transfers, and smart devices, and we’ll also answer some of the common questions: why NFC might not work, how to check if it’s in your smartphone, and what to do if the module refuses to turn on.

What is NFC and why is it needed in Redmi Note 9?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless protocol (up to 10 cm) that allows you to exchange data between devices or read information from tags. In the Redmi Note 9, this module is built into the top of the case (near the camera) and can be used to:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.).
• 📱 Fast file transfer between smartphones (via Android Beam or similar services).
• 🔑 Control smart devices: locks, tags, bracelets and even some models of routers Xiaomi.
• 🚇 Travel fares in transport (where contactless cards are supported).

It is important to understand that the NFC in the Redmi Note 9 only works in active mode – that is, to exchange data, both devices must be turned on and support the technology. Passive mode (when the smartphone reads information from the tag without power) is also available, but requires special applications.

Compared to the Redmi Note 8, where NFC was only in the Pro version, the Note 9 has a module installed in all versions, except for some regional variants (for example, for India).To make sure your smartphone supports the technology, check for the appropriate item in the settings or use the NFC Tools app from Google Play.

How to check if there is NFC in your Redmi Note 9

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi Note 9 is equipped with this module at all.

1. Visual inspection: The back of the smartphone (near the main camera) should have an NFC logo or tag, and in the Redmi Note 9, it is located to the right of the camera module.
2. Check in settings. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
3. Install NFC Tools or NFC Check from Google Play, and these utilities will show you whether the device supports the technology.

If you bought a smartphone in China or India, chances are that there is no NFC, which is often simplified in these regions, and the module can be disabled at the software level in some firmware (especially custom ones), in which case only reflashing to the global or European version of MIUI will help.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Redmi Note 9

Activation of the NFC module takes less than a minute, but requires a few simple steps.

1. Open "Settings."
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Move the slider to the on position.
5. (Optional) Click Additional to configure data exchange settings.

After activation, an NFC icon will appear in the status bar (top bar), and if it is not there, try restarting your smartphone or checking if the module is power-saving.

Check the presence of the module in the settings

Enable NFC in the Connections menu

Make sure the icon is displayed in the status bar

Update MIUI to the latest version (if there are problems)

-->

Important! In some firmware, the NFC may be elsewhere, such as MIUI 12 and later moved it to Settings → Google → Device and Sharing. If you don't, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Configure contactless payments via NFC

One of the most popular features of NFC is payment for purchases with a smartphone. To set it up on the Redmi Note 9, follow the following steps:

1. Install a payment app. This can be Google Pay, Mi Pay (for China), or a banking app (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).
2. Add a card. Open the app, select Add a card, and follow the instructions, and you'll need to enter the card details and confirm it via SMS or bank.
3. Set up default payments. In Settings → Applications → Default Apps → Payments, select your payment app.
4. Activate NFC. As described in the previous section.

Now, to pay for the purchase, it is enough:

1. Unlock your smartphone (PIN, fingerprint or Face ID).
2. Bring it to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
3. Wait for a sound signal or vibration.

💡

If payments fail, check if your case or protective glass is blocking them.Metal accessories can shield the NFC signal.

Attention! Some terminals require that the smartphone be unlocked. If the payment doesn't work, try entering. PIN-code.

NFC Data Transfer: How to Send a File or Contact

With NFC, you can quickly share small files (photos, contacts, links) between two smartphones.

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file you want to send (for example, a photo in a gallery).
3. Hold your smartphones back to each other (NFC modules should “see” each other).
4. Wait for an audible signal or a pairing notification.
5. Click Send on the source device and Accept on the target.

Use the Android Beam feature (older versions of Android) or similar options in MIUI to transfer contacts or links. Note that transfer speeds over NFC are lower than those over Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, so it is better to use other methods for larger files.

Limitations:

• 📵 Maximum transfer speed is about 424 kbit / s (10 times slower than Wi-Fi).
• 📱 The distance between the devices should not exceed 5 cm.
• 🔋 NFC It consumes more power than Bluetooth. LE, So long-term data exchange drains the battery.

What to do if NFC doesn’t work on the Redmi Note 9

If the NFC module doesn’t turn on or detect devices, try the following steps:

If nothing works, check if the module is physically damaged.

1. Install the NFC Tools app and try to count the test tag.
2. If the smartphone doesn’t respond, it may be an NFC antenna problem (requires repair).

💡

In 90% of cases, NFC problems on the Redmi Note 9 are solved by updating the firmware or resetting the network settings.

Attention! ⚠️ Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS) may not support NFC If you're using unofficial software, try going back to stock. MIUI.

Comparison of NFC in Redmi Note 9 and other Xiaomi models

The NFC module in Redmi Note 9 is a standard NFC Forum Type 2, and supports all basic functions: card emulation, data exchange and tag readers. However, compared to the flagship models (Mi 11, Mi 12), it has limitations:

The Redmi Note 9 lacks UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, which allows for more accurate location of devices and is used in new smart locks and trackers. If you want advanced features (such as virtual car keys), you will have to consider more modern models.

However, for everyday tasks – payment in stores, transfer contacts or work with smart tags – the Redmi Note 9 is quite enough, the main advantage of this model is the stable operation of NFC even on custom firmware (unlike many budget smartphones of other brands).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent NFC Questions in Redmi Note 9