NFC on Xiaomi Mi 8: how to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Mi 8 is one of the first flagships of the brand to support NFC technology, but many users still face problems when activating it. Despite the fact that the chip is built into the hardware platform of the smartphone, its work depends on the firmware version, regional settings and even installed applications. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable NFC on the Mi 8, including hidden settings for the Chinese versions of MIUI, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors when setting up contactless payments.

It’s important to understand that NFC on Xiaomi Mi 8 works not only for payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay, but also for transferring files (via Android Beam), connecting to smart devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker speakers), and even for reading tags in transport. However, due to the features of MIUI, some functions can be hidden – they will have to be activated manually.

Check NFC support for Xiaomi Mi 8

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone does support this technology. On the Xiaomi Mi 8, the NPN NXP PN547 chip is built into all the modifications, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Global version (Global) ROM): NFC It is enabled by default, but can be turned off in settings.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China) ROM): NFC Often blocked at the firmware level (unlocking required).
• ⚙️ LineageOS (Pixel Experience): Support NFC It depends on the build (sometimes a separate patch is required).

To check for the chip:

1. Open the Settings app → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Scroll down to the Network or Wireless Networks block.
3. Look for the NFC string – if there is one, the chip is physically present.

If the NFC specs don’t specify, but you’re sure you have the original Mi 8 (not a fake), try entering the dialer code:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, go to the Phone Information tab and check for an NFC partition. If it's not there, it's possible that the chip is disabled at the kernel level (solved by flashing).

Standard way to enable NFC

If your Xiaomi Mi 8 is running on the official global firmware (MIUI 12 and later), you can turn on NFC via the standard menu:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Move the slider to the on position.

After activation, an additional menu will appear with settings:

• 💳 Contactless payments – the default application selection (Google Pay, Mi Pay).
• 📤 Android Beam – Transfer files when you touch another device.
• 🔍 Label reading - scanning NFC-tags (for example, in stores or on transport).

Activated NFC slider in settings

Selected application for default payments

Android Beam mode enabled (if file transfer is required)

Phone reboots after changes-->

Important: on some versions of MIUI, the NFC item may not be in the main menu - it must be searched through the settings search (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

NFC on Chinese firmware (China ROM)

If you have a Xiaomi Mi 8 with Chinese firmware, NFC may be blocked due to regional restrictions.

1. Install global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (Data Loss Risk!).
2. Or activate NFC via a hidden menu:

For the second method:

1. Open the phone application and enter:
2. In the MIUI NFC Test menu, tap Enable NFC.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

If the menu doesn’t open, try the alternative code:

##284##

⚠️ Attention: Activation NFC If you use hidden menus, you may crash the contactless payment module. Once enabled, be sure to check the health of Google Pay or Mi Pay for a small amount (for example, pay for coffee).

Setting up NFC for contactless payments

To use the Xiaomi Mi 8 for payment via NFC, it is not enough to simply turn on the module, you need to configure the payment app. Consider two popular options: Google Pay and Mi Pay.

After setting up the payment application, check its operation:

• 🛒 Bring the phone to the terminal at a distance of 2-4 cm.
• 🔒 Wait for vibration or sound signal (read confirmation).
• 📱 Unlock the screen (some terminals require fingerprint confirmation or a print confirmation). PIN-code).

💡

If the terminal is not reading the card, try to disable the case — some models block the NFC signal. Also check if the power saving mode is on: it can turn off NFC in the background.

NFC problems on Xiaomi Mi 8 and their solutions

Even after properly configuring NFC to the Mi 8, there may be failures, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 NFC Not enabled: Check if there are any blocking apps installed (such as Greenify or Battery Saver). MIUI. Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 💳 Payments do not work: Make sure you select the right region in your phone settings (e.g. Google Pay should have a supported region). Check if the card is blocked by the bank for contactless transactions. Reinstall the payment app.
• 📱 The phone can't see the others. NFC-Devices: Enable Android Beam in Settings NFC. Make sure that the second device also supports NFC Try restarting both devices.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC Stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version. MIUI 13/14 have driver bugs NFC Xiaomi Mi 8. The list of stable versions can be found on the forum Xiaomi.eu.

Additional NFC features on Xiaomi Mi 8

In addition to payments, NFC on the Mi 8 can be used to:

• 🔑 Smart home: Connect to Xiaomi Mi Home devices (such as Mi Smart Door Lock door locks) Manage automation scenarios via Google Assistant or Mi Home.
• 📁 File Transfers: Sending photos, contacts or links to another smartphone NFC (To do this, just touch the devices with the back covers and confirm the transfer.
• 🚇 Transport cards: In some regions, the Mi 8 supports virtual travel cards (for example, Troika in Moscow via Mi Pay). NFC.

To work with smart devices, you may need to install additional applications:

• Mi Home – for managing Xiaomi gadgets.
• NFC Tools - for reading and writing NFC-marker.
• Trigger – to create automated scripts (for example, turning on Wi-Fi when touching a tag).

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The NFC on the Xiaomi Mi 8 supports all major standards (ISO 14443, ISO 15693, Felica), but some devices (such as Japanese Felica terminals) may require manual region settings in firmware.

Safety in the use of NFC

NFC is a convenient, but potentially vulnerable technology, to protect your data.

• 🔐 Turn it off. NFC, This will prevent unauthorized reading of data (for example, in the subway or shopping center).
• 🛡️ Use it. PIN-A code to confirm payments even if the terminal does not require it.
• 📱 Do not store sensitive data in NFC-tags (for example, passwords or card numbers).
• 🔍 Check the authenticity of terminals before paying – scammers can use skimmers to intercept data.

For additional protection, you can install scanner applications that check the surroundings. NFC-Devices for suspicious activity:

• NFC Security scans tags for malicious code.
• NFC TagInfo – shows the technical data of the tags being read.

⚠️ Note: If you lose your phone with the phone on NFC and associated payment cards, immediately block the cards through the bank and remove the device from the account Google/Mi Account.This will prevent unauthorized payments.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Mi 8