NFC in Xiaomi smartphones: a full list of models with support (2026)

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has long been an integral part of modern smartphones, allowing you to make contactless payments, share data and manage smart devices with a single touch. However, not all Xiaomi models are equipped with this module – the manufacturer often saves on budget lines, leaving NFC only for flagships and mid-range devices. In this article, we will analyze which Xiaomi models support NFC in 2026, how to check the presence of a module in your phone and what to look for when choosing a new device.

It is important to understand that NFC availability is not only model-specific, but also region-specific. For example, some smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM) may lose the module, while global versions (Global ROM) retain it, and it is worth considering that even with hardware support, the feature can be blocked software-based, for example, in some countries due to local payment system restrictions.

What is NFC and why it is needed in a Xiaomi smartphone

NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that operates at 13.56 MHz. In Xiaomi smartphones, it is used to:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or local services (for example, Mir Pay in Russia).
• 🔄 Data transfers between devices (Android Beam, although the feature is outdated and removed in new versions of Android).
• 🔐 Identification – reading tags, passes, electronic tickets.
• 🏠 Smart home management – conjugating with NFC-tags for script automation.

Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC does not require pairing and works almost instantly. For example, to pay for a purchase, you just need to bring your phone to the terminal - you do not need to open the application or unlock the screen (some Xiaomi models support payment with the display turned off).

However, there are limitations: NFC consumes more power than Bluetooth Low Energy, so when used actively (for example, in the subway with turnstile tags), battery life can be slightly reduced, and not all bank cards are supported on services like Google Pay, depending on the policy of the bank and the region.

How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi

If you’re not sure if your smartphone is equipped with an NFC module, there are a few ways to find out:

1. View specifications on the box or in the documentation – usually the presence of NFC is indicated in the list of technical parameters.
2. Go to phone settings: Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC (on MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Wireless Networks → NFC). If there is no point, most likely the module is not physically present.

Use third-party applications

NFC Tools

View the model in the database

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On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), NFC can be disabled in the firmware for certain regions, in which case flashing to the global version of MIUI will help (but this voids the warranty!).

Note that if you have an NFC in your settings, but the function is not working, it may be a firmware or antenna problem, and you should contact the service center, and some metal cases may shield the signal, so try removing the case before using it.

Full list of Xiaomi models with NFC (2026)

We have compiled an up-to-date list of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones that officially support NFC. Data is based on global versions of devices (Global ROM), as the Chinese versions of the module may not be available.

The full list includes more than 50 models, but we have listed only current models for 2026. Among budget devices, NFC is rare — usually only in models with the prefix Pro or Plus. For example, in the Redmi Note 12 line, the module is only in the Note 12 Pro + 5G, but is not in the base Note 12.

If your model is not in the table, check it on the Xiaomi website in the specifications section, and it is worth considering that in some countries (for example, in India), the manufacturer can produce simplified versions of flagships without NFC.

Why some Xiaomi models don’t have NFC

The lack of NFC in Xiaomi’s budget smartphones is due to several reasons:

1. Constituent savings – The NFC module increases the cost of the device by $5–10, which is critical for models priced at up to $200.
2. Regional restrictions – contactless payments are not common in some countries, so the manufacturer excludes the module.
3. Hardware limitations – compact cases may not have enough space for an NFC antenna (especially if the phone is thinner than 7.5 mm).
4. Marketing strategy – NFC often becomes a “chip” for more expensive models, encouraging buyers to overpay.

Interestingly, the Xiaomi Mi A3 (2019) had NFC physically present but was disabled software due to issues with Google Pay certification. Later, enthusiasts found a way to activate it through modified firmware, but the feature never officially worked.

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If NFC is critical to you, always check for a specific region of sale – even one model can have a module-free version.

It is also worth remembering that some NFC features (e.g. emulating cards for transport) may require special certification, for example, in Moscow, for payment of fares through the Troika phone must support the MIFARE standard, which not all Xiaomi models can.

How to set up NFC on Xiaomi for contactless payments

If your smartphone supports NFC, you can set it up for payments in a few steps:

Install Google Pay from Google Play|Add a bank card to the app |Activate NFC in your phone settings |Configure a screen lock (PIN or pattern lock)|Check the terminal

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Detailed instructions:

1. Make sure the phone has the latest version of MIUI installed (updates often fix NFC errors).
2. Activate NFC: Settings → Connected Devices → NFC → Switch “On”.
3. For Google Pay: Download the app and add a card. Confirm it via SMS or bank. Select Google Pay as the default payment option in your NFC settings.

Mi Pay

Mi Pay → Add a card → Scan to scan a physical card

Important: for contactless payments, the phone must be unlocked (but the screen can be turned off).

• 🔋 Battery level (below 5% NFC may be off).
• 📶 Internet availability (for the first linking of the card).
• 🔒 Lack of root rights (they block Google Pay).

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If the terminal is not reading the phone, try holding it to another part of the case – the NFC antenna is usually located at the top of the back panel.

Frequent NFC Problems in Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Xiaomi users often face typical NFC problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings:

Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

In extreme cases, flashing the phone to the global version of MIUI can help, but it is risky and unwarranted, and it is also worth checking whether the NFC antenna is damaged - it is located under the back cover and can suffer from falls or disassembly of the phone.

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If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

NFC in Xiaomi vs Other Brands: Comparative Analysis

Compared to its competitors, Xiaomi is in the middle of the NFC smartphone lineup, for example:

• 📱 Samsung is installing a new set of NFC In all models, starting with the budget line of Galaxy A.
• 🍎 Apple is equipping the module all iPhones, starting with the iPhone 6 (2014).
• 🤖 Google always includes its Pixels. NFC, even in budget models.
• 💰 Realme/Oppo often NFC cheaply 250$, Like Xiaomi.

Xiaomi’s advantage is that even in the mid-range ($200-400), most models receive NFC. For example, the POCO X6 Pro 5G costs about $ 350 and supports contactless payments, while the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy A34 is also equipped with a module, but loses in performance.

However, there are downsides: Xiaomi often has regional restrictions, such as Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G for India does not support Google Pay, while the global version does, and Chinese firmware may not be able to link foreign bank cards.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi smartphones