How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones that has received support for NFC technology. However, many users face difficulties when first turning on this module: it simply does not appear in the quick settings, and it is hidden in the menu of parameters in an unobvious way. In this article, we will discuss not only how to turn on NFC on the Redmi Note 10S, but also how to check its performance, where the chip is in the device’s case, and what to do if the module does not respond to cards or other devices.

It’s important to understand that NFC functionality is not just hardware-dependent, but also the version of MIUI firmware. For example, in older builds (below MIUI 12.5), the option may not be on the menu, and in new ones, it may require additional permissions for applications. We tested the instructions on current versions of the software (including HyperOS) and collected all the nuances in one guide.

If you plan to use your smartphone for contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay), transfer files via Android Beam or work with smart devices (Mi Band, NFC tags), this article will help avoid common mistakes.

Where is NFC in Redmi Note 10S: hardware location of the chip

Before you turn on NFC software, it is useful to know where the module is physically located in the case of the Redmi Note 10S. This will help to properly bring the smartphone to the terminal or other device for a stable connection.

The Redmi Note 10S has an NFC chip installed at the top of the back, next to the main camera (on the left of it, if you look at the screen).

• 📱 Do not cover this area with a case with metal inserts or magnets – they can shield the signal.
• 💳 When paying, bring your smartphone to the terminal with the upper part (where the camera is), not the lower part.
• 🔄 If NFC If it does not work, try turning the device to 90.° — Sometimes it helps to change the angle of inclination.

Inside the smartphone, the NXP PN80T chip supports all the major contactless standards: ISO 14443 Type A/B, FeliCa (for Japan), and MIFARE.This means that the Redmi Note 10S is compatible with most bank cards, transport tags and smart devices.

💡

If you use a magnetically mounted case (for example, for a holder in a car), remove it before paying - the magnet can block the NFC signal.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Redmi Note 10S

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where NFC can be enabled through the Quick Settings Panel, the Redmi Note 10S has this option hidden in the settings menu.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select Connection and Sharing (in some versions of MIUI, Wireless Networks).
3. Slip on NFC (usually next to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct).
4. Transfer the NFC slider to the On position (blue lights up).
5. Optionally, enable Android Beam (if file transfer is required) or Default Payments (for contactless transactions).

Once activated, the status bar (top bar) will have an N icon, which means the module is ready to go. If the icon is not, check if it is disabled in the Notification Panel → Edit the icons.

Make sure your smartphone is unlocked (NFC does not work on a locked screen)

Turn off the power saving mode (it can block the background operation of the module)

Update MIUI to the latest version (old firmware may not have NFC)

Check if the chip is blocked. NFC cover-->

NFC Issues on Redmi Note 10S: Why It Doesn't Work and How to Fix Them

Even after NFC is enabled, Redmi Note 10S users sometimes find that the module does not recognize cards, does not work when paying, or periodically disconnects.

If the problem persists, try resetting the NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find NFC Service (or com.android.nfc).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Reset the settings.

How to set up contactless payments via NFC on Redmi Note 10S

One of the main uses of NFC is to pay for purchases with a smartphone, and you need to not only turn on the module, but also set up the wallet app, and let's take Google Pay and SberPay as an example:

Setting up Google Pay

1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market and log in.
2. Add a bank card: press + Add the card and scan it or enter the data manually.
3. Confirm the card via SMS or bank application.
4. Set Google Pay as the default app: Settings → NFC → Default Payments → Google Pay.

SberPay setup

The algorithm is similar for SberPay, but there's a caveat: the app may require you to unlock the screen before each payment.

1. Open SberBank Online.
2. Go to Settings → SberPay → Security.
3. Turn off the option Unblocking is required (if available).

After setting up, check the payment on the PayPass/PayWave terminal. If the terminal does not respond:

• 🔄 Try to bring your smartphone to another location on the terminal (sometimes the sensor is hidden under the bank logo).
• 📵 Make sure the terminal supports contactless payments (it should have a sign on it). 📶).
• 💳 Check if the card is blocked for contactless transactions (sometimes banks limit the limit).

Using NFC for data transfer and labeling

In addition to payments, NFC on the Redmi Note 10S can be used to:

• 📁 Transfer files between devices (via Android Beam).
• 🏷️ Readings/recordings NFC-tags (for example, to automate tasks).
• 🔑 Connections to smart devices (Mi Band, speakers, locks).

How to transfer a file via NFC (Android Beam):

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Bring the Redmi Note 10S to another smartphone (spins to each other).
4. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission on both devices.

To work with NFC-The tags will need an app like this. NFC Tools (available on the Play Market:

• 📖 Read information from labels (for example, in museums or on products).
• ✏️ Write to the command label (enable Wi-Fi, launch the application, etc.).
• 🔄 Cloning tags (if permitted by their type).

💡

NFC in Redmi Note 10S supports only passive read/write tags. Active data exchange (for example, with another smartphone) requires support for Peer-to-Peer (P2P), which is not available in all firmware.

Comparison of NFC in Redmi Note 10S and other Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with NFC, And where it is, it can be different. 10S popular:

The main difference between the Redmi Note 10S and the flagships (Mi 11, Mi 12) is the lack of hardware Secure Element for storing banking data, which means that all payments are processed through Host Card Emulation (HCE), which is less secure but meets the requirements of most banks.

If you want to be more compatible with banking services, look for models with the NXP PN67T chip (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro) that support dual payment systems (coupled with Google Pay and Mi Pay).

NFC Security: How to Protect Data on Redmi Note 10S

NFC technology is convenient, but it's not without risks, and attackers can intercept data using scanners or fake terminals to minimize the threat.

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (for example, through the Quick Settings Panel).
• 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication in banking applications.
• 📵 Do not bring your smartphone to unknown terminals (especially on public transport).
• 🔄 Check your mobile bank’s transaction history regularly.

MIUI has built-in protection against unauthorized access to NFC:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Select NFC and check which apps have access.
3. Turn off permissions for unreliable applications.

💡

If you lose your smartphone, block your bank cards right away via an online bank. NFC payments will not be available without unlocking the screen, but it's better to be safe.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Russia), banks may block contactless payments through the Internet. NFC, If the smartphone is rooted or custom firmware is installed, this is due to the requirements. PCI DSS (payment data security standard).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S