How to set up contactless payment on Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instruction 2026

Contactless payments from a smartphone have long ceased to be a curiosity - this is the standard way to pay in stores, cafes and transport. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the question: can you use a phone instead of a bank card if the model does not have a separate NFC chip? The answer is ambiguous: it all depends on the version of the device and the region of sale. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to configure contactless payment on Redmi 9, including workarounds for models without NFC, as well as the nuances of working with Google Pay, Mi Pay and SberPay.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to add a card to an app to make payments, but in practice, you have to consider the version of MIUI, the limitations of banks and even the firmware of the phone. We tested all the current methods with Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) and collected step-by-step instructions with illustrations of the processes, as well as a list of typical errors and their solutions. If you want to pay with your phone instead of a card, read on.

This article is relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T modifications). Other models (e.g. Redmi Note 9) may require different settings.

1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you set up contactless payments, you need to make sure your Redmi 9 supports NFC (Near Field Communication) technology at all. Unfortunately, not all versions of the device are equipped with this chip – it all depends on the market for which the phone was released.

Here’s how to check for NFC:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. If there is no NFC, your model does not support the technology.
3. Alternatively, enter the “NFC” request in the settings search.

⚠️ Redmi 9 models sold in Russia and Europe are most often deprived NFC-Exceptions are some batches for India and China (designated as Redmi 9 Prime or Redmi 9 Power). AIDA64 (section “Network” → NFC»).

If NFC is not available, contactless payments through standard services (Google Pay, Mi Pay) will not be available, but there are workarounds, which we will discuss in the section on alternative methods.

2.Preparing the phone for payment settings

Even if you have NFC in your Redmi 9, there are several mandatory steps to follow before you set up payment services, and skipping any of them can lead to errors when adding a card or the terminal refuses to accept payment.

Preparation checklist:

Let's take a closer look at each item:

Update MIUI. Payment services require the latest firmware version. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → System Update: Redmi 9 has minimum supported version — MIUI 12.5 (Android 10+). If there are no updates, but the version is outdated, you will have to install the firmware manually via Fastboot or Recovery.

Install a payment application. Depending on the bank, you will need:

• 💳 Google Pay for Cards Visa/Mastercard most banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, etc.).
• 🏦 Mi Pay is an official solution from Xiaomi, working with a limited list of banks (mostly Chinese).
• 🇷🇺 SberPay – if you are a client of Sberbank and want to pay without a card binding.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 9 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), Google Pay may not work due to lack of Google Mobile Services certification (GMS). In this case, only a return to the standard will help. MIUI.

3. Google Pay setup on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Google Pay is the most versatile contactless payment method supported by most Russian banks.

Step 1. Installation and entry.

1. Download Google Pay from Google Play.
2. Open the app and log in to your Google account (required to be one that is linked to your phone!).
3. Accept the terms of use and allow access to NFC and geodata.

Step 2. Add a map.

1. Click on “Add Card” → “Credit or Debit Card”.
2. Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
3. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.

Step 3: Set up the default.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Payment application.
• 💳 Choose Google Pay as your primary payment.
• 🔒 Enable the option “Unlock when paying” (required) PIN finger-print).

⚠️ Note: If, after adding a Google Pay card, you get an error that says “Not supported on this device,” check it:

• 🔹 Availability of Google Certification (in Settings) → Google → Certification of the device).
• 🔹 Lack of root rights or unlocked bootloader.
• 🔹 Google Account Region (should match the region of the bank card).

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If Google Pay doesn't see NFC, try restarting your phone and turning on the plane mode for 30 seconds, often resetting module errors.

4. Alternative payment methods without NFC

If your Redmi 9 doesn't support NFC, contactless payments are still possible, but with limitations.

Method 1. QR-codes through banking applications.

Many banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) allow you to pay for purchases through scanning QR-- The code is at the checkout:

1. Open your bank's application.
2. Select the option “Payment by QR”.
3. Point the camera at the code on the terminal.

✅ Pros: It works on any phone, does not require NFC.

❌ Cons: Not all stores support QR-payment; slower than NFC.

Method 2: Wearable devices with NFC.

If you have a smartwatch (such as the Mi Band 6 NFC or Amazfit GTR 3) or a fitness bracelet with NFC, you can tie the card to them and pay by phone indirectly:

• 📱 Link the card to a wearable device through its proprietary app (e.g. Mi Fit or Zepp).
• 💳 Bring your watch/bracelet to the terminal instead of your phone.

Method 3: Virtual cards in messengers.

Some services (for example, Sberbank Online or YuMoney) allow you to create virtual cards for payment through chatbots in Telegram or Viber.

1. Open the bank bot in the messenger.
2. Create a virtual card (for example, via the /card command).
3. Use her data to pay online or via Apple Pay/Google Pay on another device.

5. Solving Typical Payment Mistakes

Even after setting up contactless payments properly, we’ve collected the TOP-5 errors on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the terminal issues an error “Card is not supported for contactless payments”, the problem may be in the card settings. Call the bank and ask to activate the contactless payment option (sometimes it is disabled by default).

Another common problem is the conflict of payment apps: If you have both Google Pay and Mi Pay installed, the terminal can get confused about which one to use. Solution: In your Android settings (Settings → Apps → Default Payment App), leave only one service.

6.Security of contactless payments

Paying for purchases by phone is convenient, but the risks of fraud remain.

Basic security measures:

• 🔒 Always set up the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint without it, payments up to 1,000₽ may occur without confirmation!
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When you are not using it (in the quick settings panel).
• 🛡️ Use virtual cards for online purchases (for example, at Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).
• 📲 Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to protect against phishing applications.

What to do if your phone is stolen?

1. Block your cards immediately via an online bank or hotline.
2. Delete your payment details remotely through your Google account (Security → Your Devices section).
3. Change the passwords of your Google account and banking apps.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi 9 with bootloader unlocked, Google Pay can block payments due to security breach.If you unlocked your phone to install custom firmware, return the official bootloader via Mi Flash Tool.

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Never save. PIN-Card codes in notes or screenshots on your phone, and scammers can access them through malicious apps.

7. Comparison of payment services for Xiaomi

Which service to choose for contactless payments? We compared three popular options:

For most Redmi 9 users in Russia, the best choice is Google Pay (if there is one). NFC) or QR-Payment via Sberbank Online (if applicable) NFC Mi Pay is not considered - the service is not adapted to our region.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contactless payment