NFC in Xiaomi smartphone: what is this feature and how to use it in 2026

Have you ever noticed the words “NFC” on your Xiaomi box and wondered what it means? Or tried to pay for it with your phone, but it didn’t work? This technology has long ceased to be exotic, but many users still don’t understand how to use it. In this article, we will understand what NFC is in Xiaomi smartphones, what it is for, how to turn it on and where to apply it in practice.

Now, the big question is, NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows you to exchange data between devices or read information from tags. Xiaomi smartphones use it for contactless payments, fast file transfer, smart device management, and even for identification in transport, but not all models support this feature, we'll talk about this too.

If you own a Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or any other NFC model, but you’ve never used it, you’re missing out on a lot of convenient features. Next, we’ll go through all the application scenarios in detail, from setting up Google Pay to creating automation with Mi Home.

What is NFC and how does it work in Xiaomi smartphones

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless communication protocol that operates at 13.56 MHz and allows devices to communicate at a distance of up to 10 cm. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it does not require pairing and works almost instantly - just hold the phone to another device or tag.

In Xiaomi smartphones NFC-The chip is usually built into the top of the body (near the speaker or camera) and can operate in three modes:

• 📱 Active mode – both devices generate their own electromagnetic field (for example, when transferring files between phones).
• 💳 Passive mode – one device reads data from a tag or card (contactless payment, reading) NFC-tag).
• 🔄 Card emulation – the phone behaves like a contactless card (for example, when paying in a store or passing through a turnstile).

It's important to understand that NFC is not a replacement for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, it's a different task: it's optimized for fast data exchange (up to 424 Kbps) and consumes minimal energy, which is why it's used for payments: the transaction takes a fraction of a second, and the battery almost never goes down.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t recognize you NFC-Tags, try to hold the phone to them on the other side - sometimes the chip is not symmetrical.

What Xiaomi models support NFC (full list)

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with NFC-It's usually installed in flagship and mid-budget models, and in the cheapest lines (like the Redmi A or the Redmi A). POCO M) it is often absent. Below is an up-to-date list of supported devices NFC 2026:

To find out if you have NFC in your model, you can:

• 🔍 View the features on the official website of Xiaomi.
• 📦 Check the inscription on the box (usually there is a logo) NFC).
• 📱 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → NFC.

Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) have NFC only in versions for the global market, and in Chinese versions this chip may not be available.

How to enable and configure NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your smartphone supports NFC, you can activate it in a few seconds. Here is a universal guide for all models on MIUI 14/13/12:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. (Optional) Enable Android Beam (for file transfer) or Secure Transaction (for payments).

After turning on in the top notification panel, an icon will appear NFC (📶 If you don't have one, try restarting your phone or updating your firmware.

Is NFC enabled in the settings?

Is there an icon in the notification panel?

Phone responds to touch NFC-marker?

Have you tried restarting the device?

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For convenience, you can add an NFC shortcut to the Quick Settings panel:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slap the pencil badge (✏️) editable.
3. Find the NFC tile and drag it to the active area.

The main ways to use NFC in Xiaomi

Now that NFC is activated, let's figure out how to use it in practice. Here are the most popular scenarios:

1. Contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay, SberPay)

The most common use of NFC is to pay for things by phone.

• 💳 Install Google Pay (or Mi Pay for China).
• Add your bank card (supported by VTB, Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.).
• When paying, unlock your phone and bring it to the terminal (no need to open the application).

⚠️ Warning: If payments are not working, check if the mode is on HCE Wallet in the settings NFC. Some banks also require the first transaction to be confirmed through SMS.

2. File and Contact Transfer (Android Beam)

With NFC, you can quickly send a photo, video, or contact to another phone:

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file you want to transfer.
3. Hold the phones back to each other.
4. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission.

3. Control of smart devices (lamps, locks, tags)

NFC-So tags can be programmed to do different things:

• 💡 Turn on the Yeelight smart lamp when touching the phone to the tag.
• 🔑 Open the Mi Smart Door Lock.
• 📱 Run a script in Mi Home (such as Home or Sleep»).

For this you will need special tags (they can be bought on AliExpress for 100-200 rubles) and the application NFC Tools or Mi Home.

4. Identification in transport (Troika, Arrow, Metro)

In some cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan) you can use an NFC phone instead of a transport card.

1. Install the Metro Moscow or Strelka app.
2. Link the virtual card of the Troika to the phone.
3. When passing through the turnstile, unlock the phone and bring it to the reader.

NFC problems in Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Sometimes NFC stops working or doesn't work, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If nothing helps, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🧹 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).

⚠️ Note: on some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) NFC It may conflict with some metal covers or magnets.

Hidden NFC Features in Xiaomi: Life Hacks and Automation

Few people know, but NFC can be used for more than just payments.

1. Quick application launches

With the help of the NFC Tools application, you can program the tag to:

• 🎵 Launching Spotify with your favorite playlist.
• 📷 Opening the camera in selfie mode.
• 📞 Requirement of frequently used contact number.

2. Smart home automation

If you have Xiaomi Mi Home devices, you can create scenarios:

• 🏠 Touching the tag at the door turns on the light, air conditioner and starts the robot vacuum cleaner.
• 🛌 The tag on the bedside table turns off all the lights and sets an alarm clock.

3. Wi-Fi password exchange

You want to dictate a complicated Wi-Fi password to your guests? NFC-You can put a tag on the fridge, and guests can connect to the network just by attaching their phone.

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NFC-Labels cost a penny, but they allow you to automate routine activities, for example, a tag in a car can start a navigator and turn on Bluetooth, and a tag on the desktop can open the desired tabs in the browser.

NFC Security: How to Protect Your Data

While NFC is considered a safe technology, there are a few risks to be aware of:

• 🕵️ Skimming – Attackers can read your card details from a distance (although this is difficult due to the short range of the device). NFC).
• 💻 Phishing tags – scammers can place malicious NFC-tagging.
• 🔓 Unauthorized payments – if the phone is unlocked, someone can pay for the purchase without your knowledge.

To protect yourself:

• 🔒 Always lock your phone after use NFC.
• 🚫 Turn it off. NFC, When not needed (especially in public places).
• 🛡️ Use encryption apps (like Google Pay instead of saving your card in plaintext).
• 📱 Regularly check the transaction history in the banking application.

⚠️ Note: If you lose your phone with your cards tied to Google Pay, lock it immediately through Find My Device and delete all payment details.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi