NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9: How to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but many users are faced with the problem: how to run NFC on this device? Unlike flagship models, contactless function is often hidden here or requires additional manipulation. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate the module, including checking hardware support, setting up MIUI and solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that not all Redmi 9 versions have an NFC chip, for example, the global version of Redmi 9C is devoid of it, while Redmi 9 (NFC) or Redmi 9T support technology out of the box, and we’ll show you how to accurately detect the presence of the module, avoid common setup errors, and even use NFC to pay through Google Pay or Mi Pay.

1. Check NFC support on your Redmi 9

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone supports this feature at all.Even within a single Redmi 9 lineup, there are models with and without a chip.

The most reliable way is to check the markings on the box or in the settings:

• 📦 Device box: Look for the inscription «NFC» Some versions may include "Near Field Communication" next to the logo or in the list of characteristics».
• 🔍 Model number: Go to Settings → The phone. → If the title has a suffix NFC (for example, M2003J15SC For the Chinese version, the chip is present.
• 🔧 Service menu: Enter the code ##4636## in the phone app, then select "Phone Information" and the list should show the item. NFC.

If none of the methods have confirmed the presence of the module, your Redmi 9 will not physically support the module. NFC. The only way out is to buy an external adapter (for example, NFC-marker USB-C, but this is a separate topic.

2.Where is NFC in MIUI settings?

If there's a chip, but you can't find an option on the menu, the problem may be in the firmware version or regional settings. In MIUI, the path to NFC isn't always obvious.

Standard route:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Slip on NFC. If it's not there, scroll down and find Additional.
4. Turn on the NFC slider and confirm the action.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 for the global market), the option may be called Contactless Payments or Smart Devices. If there is no option at all, try upgrading or relocating (more on this below).

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If you don't have NFC in your settings but you're confident of chip support, try resetting your network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. Sometimes this returns hidden options.

3.Why NFC is not turned on: Common errors

Even with a module, users face activation problems, and here are the most common causes and solutions:

Critical detail: on Redmi 9 with China Firmware (CN ROM), contactless payments via Google Pay are blocked at the system level, the solution is to reflash the phone to a global or European version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware update NFC It stopped working, a rollback to the previous version can return functionality, but it is risky - the discrepancy between the software versions and the hardware sometimes leads to a "brick" (breakdown) of the device.

4.NFC setup for contactless payments

Activating the module is only half the battle. To use Redmi 9 for payment, you need to set up a payment app. Let's take two options: Google Pay and Mi Pay.

Google Pay

• 📱 Install the app from the Play Market (unless preinstalled).
• 💳 Add a bank card: scan it or enter the data manually.
• 🔒 Confirm the binding through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 📶 Make sure that in the settings NFC Included in contactless payments (or HCE).

Mi Pay

This is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, which works even on Chinese firmware:

• 🌐 Download Mi Pay from the Mi App Store (or via the app) APK, If it is not in your area).
• 🆔 Link your Mi Account and add a supported bank card (the list is available in the app).
• 🔄 In the settings NFC Select Mi Pay as the default payment app.

Important: Some banks (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff) can block the addition of cards to Mi Pay on uncertified devices, in which case only Google Pay or a physical card remains.

NFC enabled in settings

Selected payment application by default

Bank card added and confirmed

Phone screen unlocked (some terminals require)

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5. Alternative ways to use NFC

Contactless payments aren't the only application of the technology. Redmi 9 allows you to:

• 🔑 Read tags: Use apps like NFC Tools for reading/writing data to smart tags (e.g., for automating tasks).
• 🚗 Connect smart devices: Fast pair with Mi Band, wireless headphones or smart locks.
• 🎫 Emulate cards: For example, transport tickets or passes (root or special firmware required).
• 🔄 Transfer files: via Android Beam (old, but some devices still support).

To work with tags, we recommend the Trigger app, which allows you to create automatic scripts, for example, touching a tag on your desktop can include silent mode, and a tag by the bed can activate the alarm clock.

6. Solving NFC issues after MIUI update

Firmware updates often break the NFC, especially if you're moving from Chinese to global or vice versa.

1. Reset NFC settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (menu) → Show system → NFC → Storage → Clear data
2. Switching region: Changing region to "India" or "Russia" sometimes returns hidden features. To do this: Settings → Additional → Region → Select "India" After changing region, restart your phone.
3. Firmware rollback: If NFC It worked on the old version. MIUI, But you're missing after the update, you can get your previous firmware back through Fastboot. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

⚠️ Note: Changing region may cause data loss in some applications (e.g. Mi Fit or Mi Home). → System system → Backup.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when to contact the service

If you've tried all the ways, but NFC still doesn't work, the problem may be the hardware.

• 🔌 The phone does not respond to tags, although the module is on.
• 🔄 NFC spontaneously shuts down after restarting.
• ⚡ On the service menu (##4636##) the status of the chip is displayed as N/A error.

Frequent causes:

• 🛠️ Antenna damage (under the back cover, next to the camera) often breaks after falling or disassembling the phone.
• 🔋 Power problems with the chip (for example, a bloated battery puts pressure on the board).
• 💧 Corrosion of contacts after moisture.

The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers varies from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the nature of the breakdown. If the phone is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.

dumpsys nfc

If the answer is mIsNfcEnabled=False, the problem is software, not hardware.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Redmi 9