Xiaomi smartwatch with NFC: a full review of models 2026

Xiaomi’s NFC-enabled smartwatch has become an integral part of the active-user gadget ecosystem, allowing not only one-touch purchases, but also a smart home, unlocking a smartphone, or even using the watch as a pass. In 2026, the range of NFC-enabled models expanded significantly from budget options to premium solutions with advanced functionality.

However, not all Xiaomi watches are equipped with NFC module, and among those that have it, there are significant differences in the features supported. For example, some models work only with the Chinese Mi Pay system, while others are compatible with Google Pay or Apple Pay (when paired with the iPhone).

Why is NFC in Smartwatches Important?

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in smartwatches opens up access to several key features that make the gadget truly versatile:

• 💳 Contactless payments – payment in shops, cafes and transport without the need to get a smartphone or bank card.
• 🚇 Transport cards – use of the clock as a pass on the subway, buses or trains (in supported regions).
• 🔓 Smart unlocking – automatic opening of doors, gates or smartphones when the clock approaches.
• 🏠 Smart Home Management – Quickly run Mi Home or Google Home scripts with a single touch.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi NFC watches support international payment systems, for example, models for the Chinese market (CN-version) often work only with Mi Pay, which is not available in Russia and Europe, so you need to pay attention to regional firmware and supported services when choosing.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Watches with NFC, Buying in China may not support Google Pay even after changing the firmware. CN).

Top.-5 Xiaomi models NFC into 2026 Year: Comparison and Characteristics

In 2026, Xiaomi released several new smartwatch models with support for NFC, and also updated firmware for older devices. Below are the best options to date, sorted by price/function ratio.

The table shows that flagship models (Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3) support Google Pay, making them versatile for international use, while budget options (Redmi Watch 4 and Mi Band 8 Pro) have restrictions on payment systems, but win in price.

How to set up NFC on Xiaomi watches: step-by-step instructions

Activation and configuration of NFC on Xiaomi watches depends on the model and firmware. Below is a universal instruction, suitable for most devices with Wear OS or MIUI Watch.

Check the compatibility of the model with payment systems

Install the latest firmware version on the clock

Download the Mi Fitness or Wear OS app

Connect the watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth

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Step 1: Testing NFC Support

Not all Xiaomi watches have an NFC module, even if it is specified in the specs.

1. Open the settings menu on the watch (usually a swipe down or a Settings button).
2. Find the Connection or Security section.
3. If there is an NFC or Contactless payment option, the module is present.

Step 2: Bank card binding

For models with Google Pay support:

1. Open the Google Wallet app on your smartphone.
2. Select Add a map → On the clock.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen by confirming the transaction via SMS from the bank.

For models with Mi Pay (Chinese versions only):

1. Install the Mi Pay app (only available in the Chinese App Store).
2. Link a Chinese bank card (e.g. China UnionPay)
3. Activate the option in the clock settings.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Watches with Wear OS (For example, Watch 2 Pro, Google Pay only works when you connect to an Android smartphone. NFC will be unavailable.

NFC for Transport: How to Use a Watch Instead of a Pass

One of the most popular features of NFC smartwatches is the ability to use them as a transport card, which is supported in Moscow, St. Petersburg and some other regions through the Troika or Strelka system.

How to link a transport card to a Xiaomi watch:

1. Make sure your model supports NFC transport mode (the list of compatible devices is available on the website of Mosgortrans).
2. Download the official application "Metro Moscow" or "Transport map" for your region.
3. In the application, select the option Add to the device → Smart watch.
4. Bring the watch to your smartphone to transfer data.
5. Confirm the binding and replenish the balance of the card.

Important: NFC transport mode only works on the original firmware watch, and if you've reflashed the device to the custom version, the feature may not be available.

iPhone Compatibility: Does Xiaomi Watch Work with NFC on iOS?

Many iPhone users are wondering if NFC can be used on Xiaomi watches in conjunction with the iPhone, the answer depends on the model of the watch and the desired function:

• ✅ Transport cards – work on most models (e.g. Mi Band 8 Pro) as they use the standard ISO 14443 compatible with iPhone.
• ❌ Google Pay / Mi Pay - not working on iPhones due to Apple restrictions.The contactless payments feature through the clock is only available on Android.
• ⚠️ Smart home and unlocking – partially work, but require additional settings in the Mi Home app.

If you want an NFC watch for your iPhone, look for the Apple Watch, which is fully integrated with the Apple Pay ecosystem and supports all contactless payment features. However, if you only care about transport cards, then the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro or Redmi Watch 4 can be a budget alternative.

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To check the compatibility of your watch with your iPhone, install the Mi Fitness app and try connecting the device. If the NFC settings display the "Transport" option, the watch supports travel tickets.

Frequent NFC Issues on Xiaomi Watches and How to Solve Them

Despite its convenience, the NFC on Xiaomi watches sometimes doesn’t work as well, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 NFC It doesn't turn on, check if the firmware is updated. On some models (e.g., Watch) S1) The module is activated only after updating to MIUI Watch 3.0+.
• 💰 Payments don’t pass – make sure the card is tied to the same Google account as the watch. Also check if the bank is blocking transactions through wearable devices.
• 🚇 If the transport card is not being read, try resetting the clock and re-tiing the card. If the problem persists, contact the transport operator's support team.
• 📱 Watches don’t see smartphone to set up – disable Bluetooth on both devices, then turn on again and repeat pairing.

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

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Reset all data

⚠️ Warning: After resetting all tied cards and settings NFC Pre-reserve data backups in the Mi Fitness or Wear app OS.

How to choose a Xiaomi watch with NFC: criteria and recommendations

When choosing a Xiaomi smartwatch with NFC, pay attention to the following parameters:

• 🌍 The regional version – the Global version supports Google Pay, and CN-Versions are often limited to Mi Pay.
• 🔋 Autonomy - models with Wear OS (For example, the Watch 2 Pro discharges faster than the devices on the device. MIUI Watch.
• 💳 Payment support – check if Google Pay or just the shipping cards work.
• 📱 Smartphone Compatibility – If you have an iPhone, check if the features you need are supported.
• 🏃 Additional sensors – if you care about sports and health, pay attention to the presence of SpO₂, ECG or GPS.

Model recommendations:

• 🥇 Best flagship – Xiaomi Watch S3 (functional NFC, Premium design, long work).
• 💰 Best Price/Quality Rate: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (Google Pay support, good screen, price from 18,000) ₽).
• 🎯 Budget option for transport - Mi Band 8 Pro (cheap, light, but without payments).

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If you need an NFC watch to pay for purchases abroad, only opt for the Global versions that support Google Pay. Chinese (CN) versions outside of Asia are useless for payments.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about NFC in Xiaomi Watches