Modern payment technologies have radically changed our idea of payments in stores, and for owners of Xiaomi smartphones, the question of using the device is not a problem. NFC-A few years ago, users were actively looking for ways to activate Android Pay, but today the situation needs more clarification, as the service has undergone global changes. Now, instead of the outdated name Android Pay, Google Pay or Google Wallet is used, which often causes confusion among those who are used to the old terminology.
Owners of Mi and Redmi devices face the need to configure correctly NFC-It is important to understand that the process depends not only on the model of the phone, but also on the region of issue of the device, as well as the current payment system policies in your country. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you turn your smartphone into a full-fledged digital wallet.
Differences between Android Pay, Google Pay and Google Wallet
The first thing Xiaomi users need to understand is the evolution of the names and functionality of payment applications from Google. Android Pay is the historical name of the service, which was renamed Google Pay back in 2018. However, in 2022, Google shared the functionality: Google Wallet is now designed for card storage and payment in stores, and the Google Pay app has been transformed into a tool for paying for cards in some regions. P2P-Transfer and financial management.
On Xiaomi devices with MIUI shell or new HyperOS, the logic remains the same: you add a card to Google Wallet, and when paying, the terminal reads data from there. It is critical to understand that contactless payment on Xiaomi requires the presence of a valid Google Wallet application, not just the old Android Pay. The lack of the right application will make it impossible to conduct transactions, even if the NFC module is active.
Users often confuse these apps by installing the wrong versions or trying to find items with outdated names in the settings. In modern versions of MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, the system will offer to install the necessary component when you first try to add a map, but manually checking for Google Wallet will not be superfluous.
Why did Android Pay disappear?
Requirements for the smartphone and preparation for setting up
Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi device technically supports contactless payment. NFC-The module is checked through settings or visual inspection of the case for the corresponding logo, although in the latest models of Redmi and the POCO logo is often absent.
The service requires a number of software requirements to work properly, including the operating system version and Google services. If you use a Chinese version of a smartphone without global firmware, the process may require additional manipulations with the installation of Google Play Services. Without these components, the security system simply will not allow you to add a bank card.
Also worth paying attention to the condition of the screen and protective films. Too thick protective glasses or cases with metal inserts can shield the signal, making payment impossible or requiring a perfect attachment to the terminal. Unlocking the screen is also a prerequisite: payment will not pass if the smartphone is locked, even if NFC is on.
☑️ Checking Xiaomi’s readiness to pay
Step-by-step instructions for adding a map
The process of linking a credit card to Xiaomi is standardized and takes no more than a few minutes if all the prerequisites are met. First, open the Google Wallet app on your device. If it is not installed, download it from the official Google Play store. Click on the Add button or the plus in the corner of the screen to start the customization wizard.
The system will suggest you select the type of item to be added. Select "Payment card" and follow the instructions on the screen. You can enter the card details manually or use your smartphone camera to automatically read the number through the screen. OCR-After entering the data, it will be necessary to confirm the ownership of the card through SMS-code or call to the bank, as well as accept the terms of use of the service.
Once verified successfully, the card will appear on the list of available payment options, which will be the default card, but you can change the priority in the application settings at any time. It is important that at the time of addition there is a stable Internet connection, since it requires communication with the bank and Google servers to tokenize data.
Settings -> Connections and Sharing -> NFC -> Contactless Payment -> Choosing a Payment Application (Google Pay)💡
When entering the card data manually check the expiration date and CVV-A single-digit error will result in a binding failure, and the procedure will have to be re-started.
Setting up NFC and Payment Priorities
The correct operation of contactless payments on Xiaomi directly depends on the correct settings NFC-Go to the smartphone settings menu, look for the “Connections and Sharing” or “Additional Features” section where the switch is located. NFC. Make sure it is activated and check that the Contactless Pay feature is also enabled.
Special attention should be paid to choosing the default payment application. The NFC menu has a contactless payment option (or "touch payment") where you need to select Google Pay (or Google Wallet). If you choose another application or ask for it, the system may not respond to the terminal or open unnecessary menus.
In some cases, especially after the MIUI firmware update, settings may be reset. If the payment stops working, check this setting first. It is also worth noting that some banks require additional protection, such as fingerprint payment confirmation for each transaction, which can be configured in the bank's application itself or Google Wallet.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| NFC | Included. | Settings/Connections |
| Touch payment | Included. | NFC settings |
| Default application | Google Pay / Wallet | NFC settings |
| Mode of work | Emulation map | Additional NFC settings |
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Choosing the right default app in NFC settings is the most common reason for Xiaomi to refuse payment after system updates.
Payment process in the store and troubleshooting
Using a smartphone to pay at the point of sale is as simplified as possible and does not require the launch of applications. It is enough to unlock the screen of the device and bring it to the top (where the device is located). NFC-The smartphone itself recognizes the terminal field, vibration confirms the reading and conducts the transaction through the default method.
If the payment didn't go through, the terminal writes "Error" or the smartphone is just silent, try changing the angle of inclination or distance. Sometimes metal cases or the location of the card in the phone case (if you use a physical card as an amplifier antenna, which is rare) can interfere. Also make sure that at the time of payment there is an Internet connection, although it is not always necessary for the transaction itself, tokens must be relevant.
In case of system failures, when the phone does not see the terminals at all, a reboot will help. NFC-module: turn it off and turn it on in the notification curtain. If the problem persists, check if the phone is a third-party application that conflicts with the communication module, or if the flight mode is activated.
⚠️ Warning: If you don't bring your phone to the terminal, don't force it. It can damage the camera or the screen. You'd better change your position or remove the thick case.
Payment security and tokenization
One of the main reasons for the popularity of Google Pay on Xiaomi is the high level of security provided by the technology of tokenization: when you add a card, its real number is not stored in the memory of the phone and not transmitted to the seller, instead, a unique virtual account (token) is generated, which is used for a specific transaction.
Even if your smartphone is lost or stolen, attackers will not be able to use your funds without unlocking the device. ID) or PIN-You can also remotely block access to Google Wallet through Find Device».
Banks also monitor suspicious activity and can block tokens in unusual behavior. Xiaomi users are advised not to root the device and install modified versions of the system, if the security of financial transactions is important, as this violates the integrity of the secure loop Android SafetyNet.