Near-range contactless technology, known as NFC, has long since ceased to be an exclusive feature of flagship devices and has become the de facto standard for most modern gadgets. Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder whether their device is equipped with the necessary module for fast payment or pairing with smart devices. The answer depends on the specific series, year of release and even the region for which the device was intended. Understanding the technical characteristics of your device will help avoid awkward situations at the checkout or when trying to set up smart home automation.
In recent years, the company has been introducing communication chips in almost all lines, from the budget Redmi to the top Mi and Black Shark. However, there are exceptions, especially in the segment of ultra-budget models or specific Chinese versions, where support for the module may be absent. Chinese versions of smartphones (CN) are often devoid of the NFC module, while global (Global) and Russian (RU) versions are almost always equipped with it.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to determine the presence of a chip in your device, which series are guaranteed to be equipped with a module, and also consider the step-by-step algorithm for setting up payment. You will learn about the intricacies of the technology in different shells of MIUI and HyperOS, as well as get answers to frequently asked questions regarding compatibility with banking applications.
How to check for NFC in Xiaomi’s phone
The quickest way to make sure you have a module is to go to the official specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the device box, but if you already have the phone, you can use the system checker, go to the device settings, search for the word "NFC" or "Contactless Payment" in the settings. If the menu item is found, then the hardware is present.
An alternative method involves using an engineering menu or third-party diagnostic applications that read information about available sensors. Often users confuse the absence of a point in the "curtain" of notifications with the absence of the module itself. In new versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS, the switch can be hidden in the "More" menu or only be available after the first activation of the function in the main settings.
Also worth noting is the back cover of the smartphone, which has featured the NFC logo on many models, especially in the past years, and if there is no logo, it doesn't guarantee that there is no module, but it's an indirect sign of the budget segment, where manufacturers sometimes skimp on communication components.
- 🔍 Go to Settings. → Connect and share and look for the appropriate switch.
- 📱 Use detector applications like this"NFC Check from Google Play for accurate diagnostics.
- 📦 Check the marking on the box: the presence of a logo or abbreviation in the technical specifications.
⚠️ Note: If there is no item in the settings menu NFC, But the specifications on the box say, try to update the software to the latest version. In early software builds for some regions, the module could have been software-disabled.
The flagship series Mi and Xiaomi with a communication module
Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone lineup has always been equipped with advanced communication modules. Starting with the Mi 2 and Mi 3, technology support has become standard for the top segment. Users of the Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 14, and their Pro and Ultra versions can be absolutely sure of the full support for contactless payments and fast data exchange.
Importantly, flagships use more powerful antennas that provide stable connection even through thick cases. Modules in these devices often support additional protocols such as Mi Pay (where the service is available) and emulation of access cards. Owners of Mi Note series devices can also count on this feature, as it is a sub-flagship line.
The Xiaomi Mix series is worth a special attention. Despite the experimental nature of these smartphones, the company’s engineers have never sacrificed a communication module. Even in models with ceramic housings that could theoretically shield the signal, the antennas are arranged in such a way that they ensure smooth operation.
When choosing a used flagship, be sure to check the operability of the module, since physical damage to the antenna during poor repair is a common problem. Unlike public sector, in flagships, the antenna is often integrated into the main board or back cover, making it difficult to replace it.
NFC support in Redmi and POCO lines
The situation with the budget and mid-budget lines of Redmi and POCO is more ambiguous, and the rule is that the higher the number in the series name and the presence of the Pro console, the higher the probability of having a module. For example, the Redmi Note series from the 8th generation and the Pro model is almost always equipped with a chip.
In the POCO lineup, which is a rebranding of Chinese Redmi models, support depends on the globality of the version. POCO F models (former flagships) usually have a module, whereas in the POCO M series and POCO C (budget segment), the presence of NFC is more a pleasant exception than the rule. For example, the POCO X3 NFC directly in the name indicates the presence of a feature, while the regular X3 could ship without it depending on the region.
Users of the Redmi 12, Redmi 13 and their C versions should be especially careful. In these models, Xiaomi often releases several modifications for different markets. The European version may have NFC, while the version for India or China does not. Checking a particular model by code (for example, 23049PCD8G) on specialized sites will help avoid errors.
- ✅ Redmi Note 10 Pro, 11 Pro, 12 Pro, 13 Pro – Guaranteed Support.
- ❌ Redmi 10C, 12C, 13C — Most often, no communication module.
- ⚠️ POCO M4, M5, C40, C50 — presence NFC It is unlikely that a check is required.
⚠️ Warning: Don't rely on the model name in the store. Marketplace vendors can be wrong. Always check the specifications on the official mi.com website by entering the exact model number.
Compatibility table of popular models
For the sake of comparison, we have compiled a summary table covering popular models of recent years, which will help you quickly navigate whether you should expect contactless payment from a particular device, and remember that the list can be replenished with new modifications, so for rare models it is better to conduct a personalized check.
| Series | Model | Presence of NFC | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Flagman | Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro / 13 Ultra | Yes. | Full support for all protocols |
| Redmi Note | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Yes. | Depends on the region (Global/China) |
| POCO | POCO F5 Pro | Yes. | Flagship level |
| Redmi Budget | Redmi 12C | No. | Ultra-budget segment |
| Xiaomi Lite | Xiaomi 13 Lite | Yes. | Mid-segment with flagship functions |
As you can see from the table, the gap between flagships and public sector companies persists. However, the trend is that the technology is gradually sinking down the price ladder. If you are critical to having a module but have a limited budget, consider buying the previous generation of Redmi Note Pro models — they often offer better value for money.
Why do some models remove NFC?
Instructions for setting up and paying
Once you've made sure that the module is available, you need to set it up properly for comfortable use. In modern Xiaomi smartphones, this process is as automated as possible. The first step is to activate the function in the settings menu or through the control center.
To pay for purchases in Russia, where Google Pay does not work, users actively use payment system applications (Mir Pay, Sber Pay, etc.) or third-party solutions. It is important to install the application, link the card and assign it to the main means of payment in the NFC settings.
☑️ Setting up contactless payment
When paying, bring the top of your smartphone (where the antenna is located) to the terminal. Don't press the device too tightly, light contact or a 1-2 cm distance often works better. If the terminal doesn't respond, try changing the angle of tilt or removing the metal case.
- 📲 Open the Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC.
- 💳 In the "Location of the security element" select HCE Wallet (or) SIM-card, if the banking service is used through the sim).
- 🔒 Make sure the screen is unlocked, although payment often goes through with the screen locked, provided the app is configured.
⚠️ Note: If you have two inserted SIM-cards, when selected"SIM-card as a security element, payment will work only through the SIM that is selected in the settings NFC. For applications such as Mir Pay or Samsung Pay (on other Androids), it is preferable to choose from the mobile app. HCE.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the module is available but does not work, a common cause is a failure in the services of Google Play or the system process of NFC, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the relevant applications or simply restart the device.
Another common problem is application conflict, and if you have multiple payment apps installed, the system may be confused about which one to run by default, go to the NFC settings and explicitly specify the application as the primary one.
In rare cases, the module may be software-disabled after a firmware update. Check if you have a Chinese version of the software on a global device or vice versa. Flashing to a current stable version for your region often solves the problem.
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Use flight mode to quickly reboot communication modules. Turn on the flight mode for 10 seconds and turn it off - this will restart all radio modules, including NFC, without fully restarting the phone.
If the smartphone fell or was exposed to moisture, the antenna plume could move away, in which case software methods will not help, and you will need to contact a service center to check the physical connection of the component.
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90 percent of NFC problems are solved by restarting your phone or reinstalling your payment app. Hardware breakdowns are rare.