NFC on Xiaomi Watches: How to Connect, Configure and Use in 2026

Xiaomi’s NFC feature on smartwatches offers a range of options, from contactless payment to using a watch instead of a transport card. However, many users have difficulty setting up — especially the first time with technology or models released for the Chinese market. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to connect NFC on different Xiaomi devices, including the Mi Band 7 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3 Active and others.

You will learn how to link a bank card, configure a transport application, and what to do if the NFC does not work after a firmware update.

If you're just planning on buying an NFC watch, at the end of this article, there's a comparison table of models that support the technology and its key features, and for those of you who are already struggling, we've prepared an FAQ with solutions to some of the most common bugs.

What Xiaomi Watches Support NFC?

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches feature NFC, a feature available primarily in flagship and some mid-range models, and here are the key devices that support the technology as of 2026:

• 📌 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – the flagship with full support for Google Pay and transport cards.
• 📌 Xiaomi Watch S3 — New model with improved chip NFC Expanded list of supported banks.
• 📌 Redmi Watch 3 Active - budget version with basic functionality (payment only, no transport).
• 📌 Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro – fitness bracelets with a NFC, but with regional limitations.
• 📌 Xiaomi Mi Watch (first generation) is an outdated model, but still relevant for some users.

Important: Chinese versions of the watch (with the CN marking in the title) often have restrictions on working with foreign banks and transport systems. For example, the Mi Band 8 Pro CN does not support Google Pay, but can work with Alipay or local payment services.

Before buying, check whether your model supports global firmware (designation Global or EEA), which ensures compatibility with most banking applications in Russia, Europe and Asia.

Preparing the clock for NFC setup

Before you start setting up, make sure your watch and smartphone are ready to work with NFC.

1. Update the watch firmware to the latest version. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models), go to Profile → My devices → Software update.
2. Install on the smartphone official app for managing the clock: 📱 For Mi Band and Redmi Watch, Mi Fitness (Android/iOS). 📱 Xiaomi Watch: Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit).

NFC on a smartphone

Android

Settings → Connected devices → NFC

Contactless payments

Critical detail: If you use the Chinese version of the watch, NFC may require a change of region in the firmware or a patch installed through third-party utilities (such as Mi Band Master) to function properly.

How to tie a bank card to a Xiaomi watch

The process of map binding varies by watch model and region, and let’s consider two main scenarios: for global versions (with Google Pay) and for Chinese versions (with Alipay or local services).

For global models (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3 Active Global):

1. Open the Google Pay app on your smartphone and log in.
2. Go to the section Payment methods → Add a card.
3. Follow the bank's instructions for confirmation (usually card details are required and SMS-code).
4. Once you add a card to Google Pay, it will automatically be available on your watch (if you connect to the same Google account).

For Chinese models (Mi Band 8 Pro CN, Xiaomi Watch S3 CN):

• 💳 Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (Chinese phone number and bank account required).
• 📱 In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device → Contactless payments → Add a map.
• ⚠️ For binding foreign cards may be required VPN Chinese IP.

List of supported banks for Google Pay on Xiaomi watches (relevant for Russia and CIS in 2026):

⚠️ Note: If payments do not pass after the card is tied, check whether the Payment mode is turned on on on the clock without confirmation (for amounts up to 1000-5000). ₽ The setting is in Mi Fitness. → The device → Contactless payments → Security settings.

Setup of the transport map (World, Troika, Arrow)

Xiaomi NFC watches can replace transport cards in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities.

• 🚇 World Pay (for cards "World") - works on most global models (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3 Active).
• 🚆 Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Tro Troika/Arrow - supported only on some firmware (check in the application My travel card is required).
• ⚠️ Restriction: Chinese versions of watches (CN) Do not support Russian transport cards.

Instructions for linking the Troika card:

1. Download the application My Pass (official from the Moscow Metro).
2. Log in and go to the Devices section → Add a new one.
3. Select your Xiaomi watch model from the list (if not, there is no support).
4. Bring the watch to the smartphone for synchronization (should appear sound signal).
5. You can pay for the fare by bringing the watch to the turnstile.

⚠️ Note: If the transport card fails after the link, try resetting the clock (hold the side button for 10 seconds). Also check the card balance - some turnstiles require a minimum amount (for example, 50). ₽ for the Troika»).

Why is the NFC on Xiaomi not working?

If NFC has stopped working or is not activated at all, the causes can be both software and hardware, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the clock to factory settings:

1. Open Mi Fitness → Profile → My Devices → Reset.
2. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
3. Set up the clock again and repeat the map binding.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data from the clock, including training statistics and screen settings. pre-synchronize the data with the cloud in the Mi Fitness app.

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If the NFC on the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro suddenly stopped working after the update, try rolling back the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool utility. Instructions are on the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums, but beware - this can lead to a loss of warranty.

Xiaomi versus NFC: What to Choose in 2026

If you haven’t bought a watch yet and want a device with full NFC support, look for the following models:

For most users in Russia, the best choice will be the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – it supports Google Pay, transport cards and has a good screen. If the budget is limited, pay attention to the Redmi Watch 3 Active, but be prepared for functionality restrictions.

⚠️ Note: When buying a Xiaomi watch with NFC on AliExpress or other sites, check with the seller what firmware is installed (CN) Often do not support foreign payment systems, even if the description indicates otherwise.

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If you need an NFC watch to pay in Russia, choose models labeled Global or EEA. Chinese versions (CN) require additional firmware manipulation, which is not always safe.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi watches