Why do you need NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic, but is now integrated into bank cards, transport systems and even smart locks. However, not all Xiaomi Redmi Note models have this module, which often causes confusion when buying. Why is this happening?
Xiaomi is also producing the same models for different regions. NFC-The chip may not be available in the budget versions for Asia or India, whereas European and global versions get it.+ 5G China is not going NFC, This article will help you understand which Redmi Notes support contactless payment, how to check the availability of the module and what to look for when buying.
We analyzed all the models of the series that are up to date for 2026, studied their technical specifications and user reviews to make the most accurate guide, and pay special attention to the pitfalls β for example, why some sellers do not say about the lack of NFC or how to distinguish the original global version from the βgrayβ imports.
List of all Redmi Notes with NFC: current models of 2026
Below is a full list of Redmi Note models that officially support NFC in global and European versions. Please note: even if the model is on this list, check the marking on the box or in the settings - some batches for Russia can be delivered without NFC due to logistical constraints.
- π± Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G β The flagship of the series supports Google Pay and MI Pay, antenna. NFC top-case.
- π± Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G β Global version (model number) 23116PN6BC), Chinese (23113RKC4C) slippery NFC.
- π± Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G β European (22101316G), Indian (22101316I) β without NFC.
- π± Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G β Only global modification (22101316UG), Chinese (22101316C) β no.
- π± Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G β All versions except the Indian version (21091116I).
- π± Redmi Note 10 Pro β European version only (M2101K6G).
Important: Redmi Note 13/12/11 (without the prefix "Pro") does not have NFC in any version, and there is no module in all devices in the Redmi Note 9 series and older - buying them for contactless payments is pointless.
| Model | Global version (with NFC) | Chinese/Indian version (without NFC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G | 23127PN0BC | 23117RKC4C | Supports MI Pay and Google Pay, antenna in the upper frame |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | 22101316UG | 22101316C | Indian version (22101316I) also without NFC |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | 21091116BG | 21091116C | Supports virtual keys for cars (only in China) |
How to check for NFC in Redmi Note before buying
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, check for the presence of NFC-The chip before you pay. Here are 4 reliable ways to do this:
- Box marking: Look for "NFC" next to the logo or in the list of characteristics. Chinese boxes may have a character.
- Model number: Check it against the table above. For example, if the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G box shows the code 22101316C, it's a Chinese version without NFC.
- Online Services: Enter the IMEI device on the IMEI.info website β the specifications will indicate the presence of the module.
- Physical check: Ask the seller to turn on the phone and go to Settings β Connected devices β NFC. If there is no item, there is no chip.
β οΈ Note: Some vendors stick stick stickers"NFC" On boxes of devices without a module. Always require that you turn on your phone and demonstrate the function!
Compare model number with table above|
Check for NFC in the settings |
Make sure the box isn't overstuffed|
Try paying a small amount via Google Pay (if the phone is on)-->
Why some Redmi Notes donβt have NFC: Technical and Marketing Reasons
Xiaomi often cuts functionality in budget versions of its smartphones, and the lack of NFC is one of the most common examples.
- π° Constituent savings: NFC-chip and antenna increase the cost of the device 3-5 In the face of fierce competition in Asian and Indian markets, this is critical.
- π Regional features: China has its own contactless payment systems (Alipay, WeChat Pay) that do not require any payment. NFC. In Europe and Russia β Google Pay and transport cards.
- π¦ Logistics: To produce a single universal model with NFC More expensive than a few regional options.
- π Market segmentation: Xiaomi encourages customers to switch to more expensive models (for example, from Redmi Note 12 to Redmi Note 12 Pro) where the new model is more expensive. NFC present.
Interesting fact: in 2023, Xiaomi began to return NFC even in some budget models (for example, the POCO X5 Pro), but in the Redmi Note series this trend is not observed, probably, the company believes that the main buyers of the series are not ready to overpay for contactless technologies.
How to cheat with NFC on AliExpress?
How to enable and configure NFC on Redmi Note: step-by-step instructions
If your Redmi Note supports NFC, you just need to activate and configure the module.
- Activate the module: Go to Settings β Connected devices β NFC and move the slider to the "On" position. On some firmware, the path may differ: Settings β Additional β Wireless Networks β NFC.
- Contactless payment settings: Download Google Pay or MI Pay from Google Play. Add a bank card following the app's instructions. MI Pay may require a Chinese bank account (not working in Russia).
- Checking: Bring your phone to the payment terminal, the card icon should appear. If the payment does not pass, check: π Reboot the phone. πΆ Make sure the terminal supports contactless payments (look for the PayPass or PayWave logo). π‘οΈ Turn it off. VPN β Some banks block payments when using it.
β οΈ Note: Redmi Note with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) NFC If you plan to use contactless payments, don't install unofficial software.
1. Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
2. Return to Settings β Additional β For developers.
3. Find the Calibration item NFC and follow the instructions on the screen.-->
NFC vs Bluetooth vs QR-Codes: What is more convenient for payments in 2026
Despite the popularity of NFC, there are alternatives to the technology, and let's compare them in key terms:
| Technology | Speed. | Security | Universality | Energy consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFC | β‘ Instantly (0.1-0.3 sack) | π High (encryption, limited radius) | π It works with most terminals. | π Minimum |
| Bluetooth (BLE) | π’ 2-5 Sec (conjugation required) | π Medium (connection vulnerabilities) | π± Not all terminals are supported. | π Average. |
| QR-code | π’ 1-3 sec (depends on camera) | π Low (can be replaced) QR) | π Popular in Asia, but not everywhere | π Minimum |
Conclusion: NFC The best solution for payments in Russia and Europe is due to speed and security. QR-codes (e.g. China), advantage NFC Xiaomi takes these features into account when releasing regional versions of the Redmi Note.
π‘
NFC is the fastest and safest method of contactless payments to date, but its support depends on the smartphone model and the region of sale.
Frequent NFC Issues on Redmi Note and How to Fix Them
Even if your Redmi Note is equipped with NFC, you may encounter difficulties.
- π« NFC Not enabled: Check if the module is disabled in the developer settings (Settings) β For developers β Shut down. NFC). Also make sure there is no metal cover on the phone β it can shield the signal.
- π³ Payments through Google Pay do not work: Delete and add the card again. If the problem persists, check if your bank supports tokenization (the list of supported banks is available on the Google Pay website).
- π NFC Battery discharges quickly: This is only normal if the module is actively used (for example, for tags). In the background, consumption is minimal. If the discharge is even without use, reset the network settings (Settings). β System system β Reset β Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
- π΅ Terminal does not see phone: Try bringing the device to another part of the terminal (antenna) NFC Also make sure that the terminal displays a contactless payment indicator.
β οΈ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC stopped working, reset settings (Settings) β The phone. β This is due to firmware errors β Xiaomi usually fixes them in the next updates.