NFC in Xiaomi Mi Band 4: A Complete Guide to Features and Setup

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets thanks to its combination of affordable price and wide-ranging functionality. Among the key features of the model is NFC technology, which has taken the device to a new level of convenience. But what exactly does this chip give the wristband owner? Can it help you pay for purchases, go through turnstiles or open doors?

In this article, we will discuss in detail how it works. NFC-The module in the Mi Band 4, what versions of the bracelet support it, and why the feature may be useful (or useless) in 2026, will explore the nuances of customization, region-specific restrictions, and alternative ways to use the chip, from contactless payments to smart home management. And we will answer the main question: is it worth overpaying for NFC-bracelet version today.

What is NFC in Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and why you need it?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to communicate without an internet connection. In the context of the Mi Band 4, the NFC chip performs three main functions:

• 💳 Contactless payments – emulation of a bank card to pay for purchases in stores with support PayPass/PayWave.
• 🚇 Transport cards – using a bracelet instead of a ticket on the subway, buses or trains.
• 🔑 Smart access – opening doors, barriers or running scripts in the Xiaomi Smart Home system.

It is important to understand that the NFC in the Mi Band 4 only works in passive mode – the bracelet can not read data from other devices (for example, a smartphone when scanning tags), it only transmits pre-recorded information, like a regular contactless card.

Technically, the chip in the bracelet complies with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, which ensures compatibility with most payment terminals and transport systems. However, there are nuances: for example, in Russia, the payment function through Mi Band 4 is not officially supported due to restrictions on banking services.

What versions of Mi Band 4 support NFC?

Not all Xiaomi Mi Band 4 models are equipped with NFC-In 2019, the company released two versions of the bracelet:

Officially. NFC-The version was sold mainly in China under the name Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4. NFC. In Europe and Russia, such bracelets appeared only through parallel imports, which created problems with the configuration of payment systems.

⚠️ Note: When buying a used bracelet, check the availability NFC via the Settings menu → About the device in the Mi Fit app. Fraudsters often pass off the standard version as NFC-modification.

Distinguish NFC-The version can be visually: the box should be indicated "NFC Version or "Supports Mi Pay." And the chip is also located under the top cover of the bracelet -- if you carefully remove the silicone strap, you can see the metal contact.

How to set up NFC on Xiaomi Mi Band 4: step-by-step instructions

If you're lucky enough to own the Mi Band 4 NFC, the first thing you need to do is tie the bracelet to a payment system or a transport card, and the process varies by region, but the overall pattern is this:

Download the latest version of the Mi Fit app (not lower than 4.6.0)

Make sure the bracelet is updated to the last firmware.

Connect Mi Band 4 to your Xiaomi account (required to have your phone number tied)

Have a contactless payment support bank card on hand (for Mi Pay)-->

For China, the binding process looks like this:

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Pay.
2. Click Add Card and scan your bank card (UnionPay, Visa or Mastercard from Chinese banks are supported).
3. Confirm the binding through SMS-bank-code.
4. Choose Mi Band 4 as your payment device.

For transport cards (e.g. Beijing Metro):

1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Transport card.
2. Select the city and type of card (e.g. Beijing Transit Card).
3. Pay the top-up via Alipay or WeChat Pay.
4. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 24 hours).

⚠️ Note: In Russia and Europe, it is not possible to officially link a bank card to the Mi Band 4 due to the lack of support for Mi Pay outside China!).

For the smart home:

To open doors or start scripts, you need to:

1. In the Mi Home app, add Mi Band 4 as a control device.
2. Create automation on the event NFC-marker.
3. Attach the bracelet to the reader (for example, Xiaomi Smart Door Lock).

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If the NFC stopped working after the firmware update, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings via Settings → Reset to Mi Fit. This often helps to get functionality back.

NFC Limitations and Challenges in Mi Band 4

Despite the convenience, the NFC technology in the Mi Band 4 has a number of significant limitations that you should be aware of before buying:

• 🌍 Regional locks – Mi Pay only works with Chinese banks, and transport cards are only linked to local systems (e.g. Shanghai Public Transportation Card).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – with active use NFC bracelet discharges 20-30% faster 20 before 14-15 days of autonomy).
• 🛑 Limited compatibility – some payment terminals will not recognize the bracelet due to weak signal NFC-chip.
• 🔒 Security – if you lose your bracelet, anyone can pay with your tied card (you can not remotely disable it).

Another problem is that there is a lack of official support in most countries, such as Russia, where even if you manage to link a card through a Chinese account, payments may not be made due to the blocking of banking systems.

Users also complain about the NFC’s unstable performance after firmware updates, such as the 1.0.9.54 release, when many owners found that the bracelet was no longer readable by subway terminals, whether it was a rollback to the previous firmware or a reset.

Alternative ways to use NFC in Mi Band 4

Even if you can’t tie a bank card, NFC-You can use the chip in the bracelet differently. Here are some non-obvious options:

• 🔐 Opening the doors – if you have a reader installed in your entrance NFC, You can write a copy of the intercom on the bracelet (you need special software like NFC Tools).
• 💡 Smart home management – running scripts in Xiaomi Home (e.g. turning on the lights when approaching the door).
• 🎮 Game consoles – some users use the bracelet as an amiibo for Nintendo Switch (requires chip flashing).
• 📱 Android Automation – Tasker or Automate can be used to configure actions when you touch the bracelet to your phone (for example, enable Do Not Disturb mode").

For the recording of arbitrary NFC-tagging will be required:

1. Download NFC Tools (Android) or NFC TagWriter (iOS)
2. Bring the bracelet to the phone and select Write down the tag.
3. Specify data (URL, text, command for a smart home).
4. Save and test.

For example, you can write a link to your Telegram profile or a Wi-Fi password for guests on your bracelet, and the main thing to remember is that the Mi Band 4 only supports recording, not reading tags.

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NFC in the Mi Band 4 is not a universal tool, but rather a “bonus” for users in supported regions, and its utility outside China is nearing zero in 2026, if not bypass solutions.

Comparison with other fitness bracelets on NFC-functions

To understand how relevant NFC-Mi Band 4 is now available, compared to more modern devices:

As you can see from the table, the Mi Band 4 NFC is losing out to newer models in terms of payment system flexibility and autonomy, for example, the Huawei Band 6 supports Huawei Pay, which operates in Europe and Russia, and the Mi Band 6 has received enhanced compatibility with transport cards.

The Mi Band 4 NFC is still relevant for:

• 🏠 Xiaomi Smart Home Users (to run scripts).
• 🚇 Residents of China (for subway and buses).
• 💰 Fans of experimenting with alternative payment systems.

If you need full contactless payments in Russia or Europe, it is better to consider bracelets from Huawei, Amazfit or Samsung.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi Mi Band 4