How to Include NFC on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

The modern smartphone has become a universal tool that is difficult to imagine everyday life without. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to quickly set up wireless connections to pay for purchases or exchange contacts. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology provides instant connection over short distances, making the process of interacting with gadgets and terminals as convenient as possible.

However, despite its ease of use, finding a switch in the MIUI or HyperOS shell can be a challenge for inexperienced users. The settings interface is constantly changing, and the location of the icons varies from model to model. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the module, configure contactless payment, and what to do if the function stops working.

Before you get to the settings, make sure your smartphone is technically equipped with the appropriate module. Not all budget models support this communication standard, so checking the specifications is the first step to success. If the hardware is present, then software activation will only take a few seconds of your time.

Checking the presence of the NFC module in the smartphone

The first thing you need to do is verify that you have a hardware module in your device. Manufacturers often release the same models with different characteristics for different markets, and in some versions, the communication chip may not be available. The fastest way to check is to use the search bar in the settings menu.

Type the word "NFC" into the system settings search box, and if a module is present, the system will suggest that you go to the appropriate switch, but if it's empty, it may mean that there's no chip or that you need to manually search the connection menu.

• 📱 Open Settings and search the menu.
• 🔍 Enter the request"NFC" And wait for the results to come.
• ⚙️ Go to Connections and Sharing for manual verification.
• 📦 Check the box from the smartphone or specs on the official website.

Also worth paying attention to is the back cover of the device. Often the NFC logo is applied directly to the body of the smartphone, which is a direct indication of the presence of technology. In models with glass backs, the markings may be barely noticeable, so use a magnifying glass or flashlight for a detailed inspection.

⚠️ Note: Having a logo on the box does not always guarantee the module will work in a specific regional firmware version.

Switch location in MIUI and HyperOS

The interface of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS has its own navigation features. The path to activation of the module may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and regional settings. The standard algorithm of actions involves moving to the main settings menu.

Find the connection section. Most current firmware versions call it Connections and Sharing or just Additional Features, and that's where you're managing all the wireless interfaces, including Bluetooth, IR port, and NFC.

Once you log in, find the switch of the same name. Activate it by tapping the slider. The system can request confirmation of action or automatically enable related services such as Android Beam (if supported) or payment services.

In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the path may look different. Users may find the option where control is placed in the top notification menu. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the curtain, and find the NFC icon. If it's not available in quick access, click on a pencil or three tiles editing dots and add the necessary one.

Google Pay Contactless Payment and Alternatives

The main reason why users are looking to turn on NFC is the ability to pay for purchases with a smartphone.In the current realities of 2026, the standard Google Pay service may not be available to cards of some banks due to sanctions restrictions.

For foreign bank cardholders or those using cryptocurrency cards, the settings remain standard, adding the card to the Google Wallet app (or Wallet) and after adding and verifying by the bank, the phone is ready for use in terminals.

If direct payment through Google Wallet doesn't work, many users are switching to alternative solutions.Apps from banks, such as Mir Pay or financial institutions' own wallets, often use card emulation to make payments. In the settings of such applications, you must select the Main Application NFC and assign the right service there.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party payment apps, the terminal may request a pin more often than usual.

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For stable payment, remove the metal case or pass card lying on the back cover. Metal shields the signal and interferes with reading.

Using NFC to Transfer Data and Tags

Beyond payments, the technology is widely used for fast data transfer and automation of actions: the exchange of contacts, links to sites or small files occurs instantly when touching two devices, both smartphones must be enabled Android Beam or its modern analog Quick Share with support for NFC.

Of particular interest NFC-Labels. These are small chips that can be programmed to do certain things, so when you put your phone to that tag, your smartphone can automatically switch to Do Not Disturb mode, turn on Wi-Fi, or start the navigator.

• 🏷️ Programmable tags allow you to create smart home scenarios.
• 📲 Contacts are transferred faster than Bluetooth.
• 🔗 Instant connection to Wi-Fi network without entering a password.
• 🎮 Launching games or apps with one touch.

To work with tags, you need a special application, for example, NFC Tools, which allows you to write various commands to the chip.

Elimination and diagnosis of the module

When a module is enabled in the settings but the terminal is not seeing it, it is quite common. First of all, check if the correct NFC Basic Application is selected. If multiple payment applications are installed in the system, the priority conflict can block any of them from working.

Go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → Tap and Pay (or similar). Make sure that the app you plan to use is the one you want to use as the primary option. Also check if the Pay without unlocking screen option is activated if the terminal requires you to enter your password too often.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings. This won't delete your personal files, but will return Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile settings to factory values. Often this helps fix software failures in the communication module drivers.

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth → Reset Settings

In rare cases, the problem may lie in physical damage to the antenna, usually located at the top of the back cover or around the camera block.

⚠️ Warning: If the module is not detected by the system after resetting and restarting (disappears from the menu), there is a possible hardware malfunction.

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90% of NFC problems are solved by choosing the right payment application in the system settings.

The influence of covers and accessories on the signal

The NFC antenna in Xiaomi smartphones is compact and sensitive to foreign objects. Thick protective cases, especially those with a metal insert or magnetic fastener, can completely block the signal. Even a metal layer of 1-2 mm can create a shielding effect.

Also consider the presence of third-party accessories, such as rings or access cards attached to the back. If you notice that payment stopped after buying a new case, try removing it and repeat the operation.

There are special cases with a cutout in the antenna area or made of materials that do not interfere with the passage of radio waves. When choosing accessories, pay attention to the labeling "NFC Friendly" or "Anti-interference".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)