Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro comes with an NFC module that allows you to make contactless payments directly from the screen of the device. This feature saves time, eliminates the need to carry physical bank cards and makes purchases as convenient as possible. However, many device owners face questions: how to set up payment, which applications are supported, and what to do if the terminal does not read the payment.
In this article, we’ll go through all the steps from checking your Redmi Note 8 Pro to solving typical problems, how to tie a card to Google Pay (now Google Wallet), which banks support the technology, and how to secure transactions, and we’ll also talk about the hidden capabilities of NFC that many people don’t know about.
If you have just purchased the Redmi Note 8 Pro or have been using it for a long time, but have not tried contactless payment yet, this guide will help you understand all the nuances. It does not matter whether you plan to pay in the supermarket, cafe or transport: after setting up, you can do it literally in one touch.
Check NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
Before you set up contactless payments, make sure your smartphone supports NFC technology. Redmi Note 8 Pro came in several versions, and not all of them are equipped with this module.
1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC.
2 If there is no NFC partition, your model does not support the function, in which case contactless payment from the phone is not possible.
3. If there is a partition but the switch is inactive, try updating the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
You can also use third-party diagnostic applications, such as NFC Tools from Google Play, which will show not only the presence of the module, but also its specifications.
- 🔍 Models for the Chinese market (marked China) are often devoid of versions. NFC, Global versions usually support technology.
- 📱 Where to watch the version? On the box or in settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Global firmware contains letters EU or RU).
- ⚠️ Some vendors deliberately conceal the absence of NFC Always specify this detail before buying.
What apps support contactless payment
The Redmi Note 8 Pro offers several contactless payment services, including:
- 💳 Google Pay (Google Wallet) is the most popular solution, works with most bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Mir). Supports tokenization, which increases security.
- 🏦 SberPay/Tinkoff Pay — apps from Russian banks optimized for local cards, often offering cashback for phone payments.
- 🚇 Troika / Strelka - for fare in the Moscow metro and ground transport (requires a separate setup).
- 🛒 Samsung Pay – despite the name, works on Xiaomi devices, but with restrictions (you need to register a Samsung account).
Important: since 2022, Google Pay in Russia is not officially supported, but it was replaced by Google Wallet with similar functionality. For maps, it is better to use the applications of issuing banks (Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank, etc.).
If you travel frequently, look for multi-currency services like Revolut or Wise, which allow you to link virtual cards of different currencies and pay for purchases abroad without fees.
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Before traveling abroad, add a backup card to Google Wallet in case your main card is blocked.
Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay)
To start working with contactless payments through Google Wallet, follow the following steps:
- Install the Google Wallet app from the Play Market (unless preinstalled).
- Open the app and log in to your Google account. Make sure your phone is on NFC (Settings → Connection & Sharing → NFC).
- Click Add and scan it or enter the data manually. The application will offer to confirm the card via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- After confirmation, the card will be tokenized (its real number will be replaced by a virtual one for security).
- You can now pay for your purchases by bringing your phone to the terminal.
Important: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, contactless payment only works when the screen is unlocked, and if the phone is locked, you will have to unlock it first and then bring it to the terminal.
Included NFC in settings
Google Wallet is installed and authorized
Card added and confirmed by the bank
Phone screen unlocked
The terminal supports contactless payments (icon) 📶)
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If there is an error when adding a card, check:
- 🔄 Does your bank support contactless payments through Google Wallet (the list of partners is available on the official website).
- 📱 Is firmware updated? MIUI Up to the latest version (older versions may not support tokenization).
- 🛡️ Is there root rights or custom firmware installed on the phone (this blocks the work of Google Wallet).
How to pay for purchases from the phone: a step-by-step algorithm
When you add a card to Google Wallet, it takes a few seconds to pay, and here's how it works in practice:
1.Unlock the Redmi Note 8 Pro screen (PIN-Code, fingerprint or face unlock).
2. Hold the top of the phone (where it is located) NFC-module) to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
3. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – this means that the payment has passed.
4. if necessary, enter PIN-Card code at the terminal (will request it if the amount exceeds the contactless payment limit, usually 1000–5000) ₽).
Some terminals require additional confirmation, such as pressing the OK button on your phone screen, and if you don't pay the first time, try changing the device's tilt slightly.
What if the terminal can’t see the phone?
For convenience, you can set up quick access to Google Wallet:
Add the app widget to the main screen.
– Set up the gesture: double press the power button (in Settings → Special features → Gestures and movements).
Contactless Payment Security: Myths and Reality
Many users fear that paying with a phone is less secure than paying with a plastic card.
| Myth | Reality. |
|---|---|
| You can steal card data from NFC at a distance. | Tokenization technology replaces the card number with a virtual one, and even if an attacker intercepts the signal, they will receive a useless set of characters. |
| Your phone can be unlocked and charged off by accident. | Payment requires unlocking the screen, and without it, NFC won't activate. |
| When you lose your phone, scammers can pay with my cards | You can remotely delete all maps through your Google account or lock your device through Find My Device. |
| NFC quickly drains the battery | The module only consumes energy during the transaction (a fraction of a second). |
Additional security measures:
- 🔒 Set up a screen lock (fingerprint or complex) PIN-code).
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When you are not using (through the notification curtain).
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication in your Google account.
- 📲 Install an application for remote device management (e.g. Find My Device).
⚠️ Warning: Never store map pictures or data screenshots in the phone gallery, and attackers can use them if they gain access to the device.
Solving Typical Contactless Payment Problems
Even after you set it up properly, Redmi Note 8 Pro users sometimes encounter bugs, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The terminal can't see the phone.
Decision:
- Check if NFC is turned on in the notification curtain (sometimes it shuts down after a reboot).
- Make sure the terminal supports contactless payments (it should have an icon on it). 📶).
- Try to hold your phone to another part of the terminal (sometimes the sensor is not in the center).
Problem 2: Google Wallet does not open or it is an error.
Decision:
- Update the app to the latest version.
- Clear the cache: Settings → Apps → Google Wallet → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Check if the phone has root rights (they block the service).
Problem 3: Card added, but payment does not pass.
Decision:
- Make sure there is enough money on the card.
- Check if the bank has blocked contactless payments (sometimes this is done by default).
- Try removing the map from Google Wallet and adding it again.
⚠️ Attention, if after the update MIUI Contactless payment stopped working, try resetting the settings NFC: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting wireless settings. It won't delete your data, but it will return the communication settings to the factory.
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Most NFC issues on the Redmi Note 8 Pro are solved by updating the firmware or resetting the module. If nothing helps, contact the service center to check the hardware.
Additional NFC features on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
Contactless payment is not the only application of the NFC module. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can use the technology for other tasks:
- 🔑 Emulation of keys and omissions: using applications such as NFC Tools or Mi Key can be recorded on the phone data from the intercom, office pass or e-ticket.
- 📱 Fast file transfer: between two devices with NFC (For example, to exchange contacts or photos).
- 🎫 Payment for fares: in some cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) you can link a transport card (Troika, Strelka) and pay for the metro by phone.
- 🛒 Label Reading: Some stores use NFC-tags for quick access to shares or product information.
Emulation of keys will require:
Annex to the recording NFC-labels (e.g, NFC Tools Pro).
2. the original key or pass (to read the data).
3.Empty. NFC-tag (sold in electronics stores) or the ability to record directly to the phone (not all models support emulation).
Please note that to work with transport cards, you may need an official application (for example, Metro Moscow for Troika). NFC-tagging due to security restrictions.