Contactless payment from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to set up

The modern smartphone has long since ceased to be just a device for calls and has become a full-fledged digital wallet that always lies in your pocket. Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9 model often wonder whether you can use their gadget to pay for purchases in one touch without getting a plastic card. The answer lies in the presence of a special communication module that is not built into all budget and medium-budget devices of the Chinese manufacturer.

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology allows data to be exchanged up to 10 centimeters, ideal for payment terminals. However, despite the similarities of all Redmi models, the hardware can vary dramatically depending on the region of release, which is why the first step before setting up a payment is to thoroughly check the hardware of your particular instance.

If the short-range contactless module is present, the activation process will take only a few minutes, after which you can forget about carrying a wallet. Otherwise, users will have to look for workarounds or put up with the need to carry plastic.

Check the availability of NFC module on Redmi 9

The fastest and most reliable way to know if your device has the right chip is to visually inspect the back cover. On the cases of Xiaomi smartphones equipped with a short-range communication module, the “NFC” logo is usually present. It can be located on the bottom of the case or next to the camera, but its presence is a guarantee that the hardware supports the technology.

However, the absence of a sticker does not always mean that the function is unavailable, since in some regions the marking may be available, in which case you should consult the diagnostic software, go to the device settings and search by parameters, entering the acronym "NFC." If the system gives a result and suggests a switch, then the module is physically present.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 modifications released for India and China (Global Version with index) M2004J19C), They often don't have this module to make the design cheaper.

You can also use third-party utilities from the Google Play store, such as "NFC Check" or "AIDA64" These applications scan system reports and accurately report the presence or absence of a corresponding controller. If programs write "Not Supported", then software activation is impossible.

NFC Activation and Security Setup

Once you've made sure the hardware is available, you need to activate the function correctly in the MIUI system. The standard path is through the settings menu, where you need to find the "Connect and Share" or "More" section. This is where the master switch that starts the module.

It is important to understand that simply turning on the switch is not enough to work safely, the system will require a lock screen if it is not already configured, a mandatory requirement of payment systems, since tokenization of card data requires verification of the identity of the owner at each turn on the screen.

For maximum protection, it is recommended to use a digital pin or biometrics rather than a pattern lock. The fingerprint scanner on the back of the Redmi 9 works quickly and conveniently, allowing transactions to be confirmed by touching a finger.

The NFC settings menu also includes touch and pay, which selects the service that will be launched when you bring your phone to the terminal, and Google Pay (or its current counterpart) is the default, but the list can be empty if you don't have the appropriate apps installed.

Installation and configuration of payment applications

The main tool for payment in the Android ecosystem is the service from Google. its work requires a Google account and installed services Google Play. Due to changes in the operation of payment systems in Russia, standard Google Pay may not display cards of Russian banks.

In the current environment, users are actively switching to alternative solutions, such as Mir Pay, which is available in the official AppGallery store or on the developer's website, and the installation process requires permission to install from unknown sources, which is standard for applications outside the Play Market.

After installing the application, you need to add a bank card, you can use a camera to scan data or enter information manually, the bank will send a SMS code for verification, after which the card will be available for payment.

Some banks offer their own NFC-enabled solutions that work independently of Google’s system services, such as Sberbank or Tinkoff apps (in certain versions) that can emulate a card directly.

Payment process in the store Step-by-step

Using a smartphone to pay is as simple as possible and does not require running specific apps before going to the store.Suffice it to unlock the screen and the NFC module is activated.Put the top of the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to the terminal.

The device will identify the terminal itself and run the default payment application, and the card animation and confirmation request will appear on the screen if required by the security settings, usually just hold the phone at the terminal for 1-2 seconds.

The sound signal and the vibration will confirm the successful transmission of data, the terminal will also issue a check for payment, it is important not to remove the phone too sharply, so as not to interrupt the encryption process.

⚠️ Note: When paying large amounts, the terminal may require input PIN-It's a standard security procedure that doesn't depend on the phone.

In case the payment didn't go through the first time, try changing the phone's angle or slightly shifting it higher or lower.The NFC antenna in Redmi 9 is located at the top of the main camera module.

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Attach the phone to the terminal exactly on the side where the camera is located, and hold it still until the inscription "Payed".

Solving Connection Problems and Errors

The most common problem is when the phone sees the terminal but the payment doesn't go through. This may be because the default NFC settings have the wrong app. Check the Settings path → Connection and Sharing → NFC → Touch and Pay.

There may also be conflicts with installed antivirus or memory cleaner software that can block access to a secure security element. Try temporarily disabling such utilities and checking payment.

If the terminal says "Communication error," it's possible that the phone has a metallic coated protective film that's too thick or a magnetic fastener case, and the metal shields the signal and interferes with the reading.

• 📱 Make sure that in the settings NFC switched on"HCE" (Host Card Emulation).
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone if the module stops responding to terminals.
• 🏦 Check in the bank application if the card is blocked or if a re-agreement with the terms is not required.
• 📶 Make sure the date and time on the phone are set automatically, desynchronization can cause certificate errors.

In rare cases, resetting network settings helps, which will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but can resuscitate radio modules.

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90% of payment problems are solved by reassigning the application by default in NFC settings or rebooting the device.

Alternative payment methods without NFC

If the check showed that your Xiaomi Redmi 9 is physically missing a short-range module, despair early.There are other ways to pay using a smartphone that do not require the presence of a short-range communication module. NFC-chip.

Payment on QR-And the code is becoming more popular. You open the bank app, you choose Payment by Payment. QR", You point the camera at the checkout code and confirm the transfer. It works on any smartphone with a camera and the Internet.

Many stores also support payment through retailer-branded apps or bank widgets: You form a check in the app, and the cashier reads the code from your screen or you send a payment link.

⚠️ Note: When paying through QR-The code of the phone screen must be bright enough for the cashier's scanner to read the image.

Another option is to use NFC stickers that the bank glues onto the back of the phone, and the sticker works like a regular card, and the phone is just used as the carrier of this sticker, and it's a cheap way to get contactless payment on the device without the built-in module.