Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder about contactless payment, but Redmi 6 is a controversial device, because the base model of this smartphone, released in 2018, is technically not equipped with an NFC module, making it impossible to install a chip for payment in stores. Many users confuse this feature with an infrared port or try to find hidden settings in the engineering menu, which are simply absent there due to hardware limitations.
This is a very different situation if you have a Redmi 6 Pro or later version of the series, where the availability of the module depends on the region of delivery, which is why you need to clearly understand what version of the device you are holding before you start any manipulations. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to check for a chip, where to look for settings in the MIUI shell and what to do if the module is physically present but does not work.
There is a common misconception that a software update or flash can magically add contactless support to a phone where it wasn't provided by the manufacturer.In fact, the lack of an antenna and controller on the motherboard makes any software methods useless.
However, if your device does support the technology, but the function is disabled or glitchy, then a competent system configuration can solve the problem. We will look at the algorithms for cases where the module is present, but it is not activated in standard ways through the notification panel.
Checking hardware compatibility Redmi 6
The first and most important step is to determine the exact model of your smartphone, as the Redmi 6 line has many modifications for different markets. The global version of Redmi 6A and the standard Redmi 6 in most cases are deprived of the necessary equipment, while the Pro version is often equipped with the right chip.
For quick check, you can use the official website of the manufacturer or the box from the device, where the NFC logo should be indicated in the specs box. Also a reliable way is to use specialized applications from the Google Play store, which read the list of supported sensors and display a detailed report on the hardware composition of the gadget.
⚠️ Note: If specialized applications are written"NFC hardware missing" or "Not supported", then no settings in the menu will help to enable the function, since there is no physical module.
Do not trust third-party programs that promise to emulate the chip at the software level, since payments require a secure security element that is built into the hardware of the phone. Attempts to install such utilities can lead to malware infection or unstable operation of the operating system.
Where to find NFC settings in MIUI
If the check confirmed the presence of the module, you can activate it through the standard settings menu of the Android operating system. The path to the switch may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the Xiaomi brand.
Usually, the item you need is in the connection and wireless network section, and you need to go to Settings, then select Connections and Sharing (or just Additional in older versions) and find the NFC string there.
- 📱 Open the main menu of your smartphone settings.
- 📡 Go to "Connections and Sharing" or "Additional Features".
- 🔘 Find the switch. NFC and activate it.
- 💳 Click on text next to the switch to enter the advanced settings.
In the advanced settings, it is important to pay attention to the “Secure Item” option, where you should choose HCE Wallet or HCE Wallet if you plan to use Google services, and this option determines which application will take priority when bringing your phone to the payment terminal.
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Enable Android Beam in the same menu if you plan to transfer files or contacts to other devices by touch.
Google Pay and other payment systems
Once the module is successfully activated, you need to configure the payment software. Xiaomi smartphones most often use Google Pay (now Google Wallet), which requires a number of security conditions to work.
First, make sure that the device has the latest versions of Google Play services and the wallet application itself. In the application settings, you need to add a bank card, following the instructions on the screen, and confirm your account ownership via SMS code or a call from the bank.
Settings -> Passwords and Security -> Privacy -> Special Access -> Access to NotificationsIt is important to note that the device’s screen must be unlocked to work properly, and unlike some other vendors, Xiaomi requires the device to be unlocked even when using a fingerprint if it has been a long time since the last unlock.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Screen locking | PIN or pattern lock | Necessarily safe. |
| Location | Included. | Required by banks for verification |
| Root rights | Absent. | If you have rights, payment will not pass |
| Loader | Locked (Blocked) | Unblocking blocks Google Pay |
☑️ Pre-payment checks
Resolving module problems
Even with proper equipment, users may experience situations where the terminal is not reading the phone or the system writes about an error, often caused by a discharged battery, as when the charge is low, the system automatically turns off energy-intensive modules to save energy.
Another common problem is a thick case or the presence of a metal plate for a magnetic holder in the car.The metal shields the signal, making it impossible to exchange data between the reader and the smartphone at a distance of several centimeters.
⚠️ Warning: If you use a case with a metal insert, remove it or move the plate below the camera so as not to block the antenna. NFC, which is usually located at the top of the body.
In some cases, network resets help, which returns all connection settings to factory values, which will not affect your personal files, but will require re-entering passwords from Wi-Fi networks and pairing Bluetooth devices.