Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are equipped with many useful communication modules, among which a special place is occupied by the technology of short-term contactless communication. Users often buy a device with an already built-in chip, but face the need to initially activate it to make purchases or transfer files. This process is not complicated, but in the shell MIUI or HyperOS may have its own nuances that should be considered for the correct operation of the service.
Before you get to the specific steps in the menu, it is important to make sure that your device physically supports this feature. Not all budget models, even well-known brands, have the appropriate antenna module. If there is no hardware, software activation will not be possible, and no manipulation of the settings will lead to the desired result.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for turning on the module, checking its operability and adjusting the main use cases. You will learn where to look for the switch in new versions of the shell, how to add a bank card and what to do if standard methods do not work.
Checking the presence of the NFC module in the smartphone
The first and most important step is to verify the specifications of your gadget, and many users mistakenly believe that if the phone is modern, then the feature is the default, but this is not always the case, especially in devices designed for certain markets, such as Chinese versions without global firmware.
The easiest way to find out the truth is to look at the device box or the official specification on the manufacturer's website. Look for the NFC logo or the Near Field Communication acronym in the specs list. Also, the antenna is often listed under "Communications" or "Sensors." If the documentation is silent, it's likely that the module is not.
There's a software method of checking that doesn't require a box, and you just go to the system settings and you search for keywords, and if the system comes up with a result, you have hardware, and if you don't find anything, you have a very high probability of not having a module.
⚠️ Warning: Install third-party applications from unreliable sources that promise to emulate" NFC It can be a software program that can infect the device with malicious code.
For quick diagnosis, you can use built-in system tools or special utilities. Below is a table that will help you compare popular series of smartphones with the presence of a module:
| Series of devices | Presence of NFC | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi (flagships) | There are in all models | Full support for all functions |
| Redmi Note (middle class) | There's often (Pro versions) | In the basic versions may not be available. |
| POCO F/X series | Present. | Standard for gaming models |
| Redmi (budget segment) | Rarely. | Only in the top models of the year |
Activation through the Quick Access Panel
The fastest way to run a communication module is to use a notification curtain, which is suitable for daily use when you need to quickly pay for a purchase in a store or transfer a contact. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same.
Swipe from the top edge of the screen down to open the control panel. If you don't see the right icon right away, try swiping again or pressing the edit button (usually a pencil icon or three dots). Find an icon that says NFC and tap it.
The bright color of the icon indicates that the module is active. In the same menu, you can often choose a mode of operation, for example, "Secure element" or "Host Card Emulation." For normal payment through Google Pay or Mi Pay, it is usually enough to simply turn on the switchboard, the system will choose the correct protocol.
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If the NFC icon is missing from the curtain, press the edit button (pencil) and drag it from the list of available widgets to the active zone.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the switch is present but does not respond to pressing, which may indicate a temporary failure in the system process responsible for communication, in which case a simple reboot of the device often solves the problem, returning functionality.
Configure in the system menu of parameters
If you can't activate a function through the curtain, you should go to the full settings menu, and there are deeper settings that allow you to control the behavior of the chip in different situations, the path to these can vary, but it's usually in the "Connect and share" or "Additional features."
Open the Settings app and find the Connection and Sharing section. In some firmware versions, this may be simply called Additional Features. Inside, you'll find an NFC switch. Move it to the "On" position.
Once the base switch is activated, an additional menu will open where you can configure specific parameters, and it is important to choose the right Security Element. The most common way to link bank cards is to use HCE Wallet or the operator's SIM card if it supports the technology.
☑️ Checking settings NFC
This section often contains the "Tap Payment" option, and by clicking on it, you can select the default application for transactions, make sure you select Google Pay or Wallet, or the phone may try to run another program when you reach the terminal.
Using Mi Pay and Google Pay
The main purpose of the module for most owners of Xiaomi smartphones is contactless payment. Google Pay (now Google Wallet) is the standard for Android, but the Chinese brand’s devices have their own development – Mi Pay. Understanding the difference between them is critical.
Google Pay works on most global firmware versions, and you need to add a card to your app, verify it through SMS or a client bank, and then when you pay, the phone will emulate a plastic card, transferring tokenized data to the terminal.
Mi Pay is a service that was originally designed for the Chinese market, but is gradually being rolled out in global versions, allowing you to pay for purchases even on a locked screen, without having to unlock your smartphone and open an app. However, support for banks in Mi Pay may be limited compared to Google.
⚠️ Note: When paying through NFC The smartphone screen must be unlocked (unless you use Mi Pay with Always-on support), otherwise the terminal does not count the signal.
To add a card, open the payment system app, click Add Card and follow the instructions. The system can request permission to use the NFC module, be sure to agree. Once successfully linked, you can make purchases at any retail outlets that have the corresponding logo on the terminal.
Transfer files and tags via Android Beam
While payment is the most popular scenario, the technology allows other activities, such as fast file transfer between devices or reading tags. To transfer data between two smartphones, Android Beam technology (or its counterparts in newer versions of Android), which is based on NFC for pairing, and then switches to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct for data transfer.
To send a file, turn on NFC and Bluetooth on both devices. Open the photo, document or contact you want to transfer. Bring the backs of your smartphone to each other (usually at the top where the camera is located), when you detect the device, you will see a characteristic sound and vibration, and on the screen you will be asked to send a file.
In addition to data transfer between phones, the module can read NFC-These are little sticker chips that you can program to do things, like, if you touch a phone on a tag at the front door, you can automatically turn on your Wi-Fi and set your alarm at 7:00.
How to program NFC-marker?
Using tags automates routine tasks, so you can create a tag for a car that includes a navigator and a Bluetooth headset, or a desktop tag that puts the phone into silent mode, which makes the smartphone a powerful environmental management tool.
Solving and diagnosing problems
Even when set up correctly, there can be disruptions. Often users complain that the terminal in the store can't see the phone, even though the module is on. One common reason is a thick case with metal inserts or a magnetic fastener. Metal shields the signal, making communication impossible.
Another problem is multiple NFC-enabled apps, so if you have multiple banking apps or wallets installed, the system can get confused about which one to run when you touch the terminal, so you need to clearly specify the default application in the system settings.
It is also worth noting that some operators block the work. NFC level SIM-If the plan does not involve the use of this technology, in rare cases, it helps to replace the SIM card with a new one from the operator.
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Metal cases and magnetic holders are the main enemies of the stable operation of NFC. If payment does not pass, try to remove the case.
If nothing works, try resetting your network settings, which will return all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile internet settings to factory values, often eliminating driver software conflicts.