How to add a bank card to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports contactless payments via NFC, but not all users know how to properly link a bank card. In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from standard Mi Pay to alternative services like Google Pay or SberPay.

Many people face the problem of not adding a card due to regional restrictions or outdated firmware, and we will explain in detail how to circumvent these restrictions without risking security, and we will also consider what to do if the NFC on Redmi 9 suddenly stopped working or the card is not tied due to a bank lock.

Important: the procedure for adding a card may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the firmware region, for example, on the global version (MIUI Global) Google Pay is available, and in Chinese (MIUI China) only Mi Pay with restrictions on banks.

1. Verification of compatibility of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with contactless payments

Before you add a card, make sure your Redmi 9 is physically NFC-enabled. Not all versions of this smartphone are equipped with a contactless payment chip.

Method 1. Look at the box or sticker on the back of the phone - if there's an NFC logo, the chip is present. Method 2. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If the partition is missing, your model doesn't support contactless payments.

Even if NFC is present, there may be problems with card binding due to:

• 📱 Outdated firmware (required) MIUI 12 or newer).
• 🏦 Bank restrictions (some Russian banks block Google Pay cards after 2022).
• 🌍 Regional settings (on Chinese firmware, Mi Pay only works with Chinese banks).

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 9 on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, chances are you have Chinese firmware (MIUI Google Pay doesn't work on it, only Mi Pay with a limited list of banks.

To avoid problems, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If it says China, you will either have to install global firmware or use alternative payment methods (for example, SberPay or Tinkoff Pay).

2. Add a card via Mi Pay (official way for MIUI)

Mi Pay is Xiaomi’s branded contactless payment service, pre-installed on all NFC smartphones, but it has strict restrictions:

• 🇨🇳 It only works on firmware. MIUI China, MIUI Russia MIUI Global, but not all).
• 💳 Supports a limited list of banks (in Russia it is Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank).
• 🔒 Requires a Mi Account binding (without it, adding a card is impossible).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the Mi App Store).
2. Sign in via Mi Account (if not registered, create an account).
3. Click Add Card and select the bank from the list.
4. Enter the card data manually or scan it with the camera.
5. Confirm the addition via SMS from the bank (the code will come to the number associated with the card).
6. Come up with it. PIN-payment code (it will be requested at each payment).

Check for NFC in your phone

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the bank is supported by Mi Pay

Register your Mi Account (if not)

Connecting mobile Internet (SMS confirmation)-->

If Mi Pay doesn’t see your bank, try adding a card via Google Pay (instruction below) or using alternative services like SberPay.

⚠️ Note: Mi Pay may block the addition of cards of Russian banks due to sanctions restrictions on some firmware, in which case only changing the firmware to global or using workarounds (for example, virtual cards) will help).

3. map binding via Google Pay (for global firmware)

If you have MIUI Global or MIUI Russia, the easiest way to use Google Pay is to use Google Pay, which is supported by most Russian and international banks, but with important reservations:

• 📵 On Chinese firmware (MIUI Google Pay is not working due to lack of Google services.
• 🔄 After adding the card, you may need to update the bank’s data (sometimes it takes up to 24 hours).
• 🛡️ Some banks (such as Gazprombank and Raiffeisen) block the addition of cards to Google Pay from 2022.

How to add a card to Google Pay:

1. Install Google Pay from the Play Market (if not, turn on Google services in your settings).
2. Open the app and click Add the card.
3. Select a Credit or Debit Card and enter the details manually (or scan).
4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Accept the terms of use and set the screen lock (required for security).

Once added, the card will appear in the Payments section. To pay for the purchase, unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal - the payment will be automatically completed (if the amount is up to 1000). ₽) or require confirmation by fingerprint/PIN code.

If you have previously used Google Pay on another phone, you may need to remove the old device from the list of trusted in the bank’s personal account.

4. Alternative methods: SberPay, Tinkoff Pay and virtual cards

If Mi Pay and Google Pay don't work, use alternative services. They don't require you to use them. NFC, They allow you to pay for purchases through QR-codes.

Comparison of alternative services:

How to set up SberPay:

1. Download the Sberbank Online app.
2. Sign in and go to the SberPay section.
3. Activate the function and link the main card.
4. To pay, open the app, select Pay by QR and scan the terminal code.

The advantage of these services is that they work even on smartphones without NFC or with blocked Google Pay, but contactless payments (for example, at the subway or at the checkout) will still require a physical card or phone with a working NFC.

💡

If your bank doesn’t support contactless payments, order a contactless sticker (like from Tinkoff or Sber) that is attached to the card and glued to the back of the phone, simulating NFC.

5. Solving common errors when adding a card

Even if you do everything right, you can make mistakes, and we'll look at the most common problems and the ways to solve them.

Error 1: "The device is not supported"

• 🔹 Reason: Outdated firmware, Chinese version MIUI Lack of Google Certification.
• 🔹 Solution: Update MIUI up to the latest version or install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu).

Mistake 2: "The bank is not supported"

• 🔹 The Bank has blocked the addition of maps to Google Pay/Mi Pay.
• 🔹 Solution: Use a virtual card or alternative services (SberPay, UMoney).

Mistake 3: "NFC is not working"

• 🔹 Reason: Chip is disabled in settings or damaged.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the settings NFC If it doesn't work, go to the service center.

Error 4: “Card added but payments are not made”

• 🔹 Reason: Bank blocks security transactions.
• 🔹 Solution: Call the bank support and confirm the card’s addition to the mobile application.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Pay or Mi Pay and clear the cache.
3. Restart the phone and repeat the card.

💡

If a bank blocks the card from being added to Google Pay, try linking it to SberPay or Tinkoff Pay, which often works even where Google Pay refuses.

6.Security: How to Protect Your Linked Card

Contactless payments are convenient but require a heightened focus on security, and follow these rules to avoid fraud:

Basic protection measures:

• 🔒 Install. PIN-code or pattern lock to unlock the screen.
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication in Mi Account and Google Account.
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic payments without confirmation (in Google settings) Pay/Mi Pay).
• 📵 Do not store PIN codes from cards in notes or SMS phone-on.

What to do if your phone is stolen:

1. Block the card immediately via the Internet bank or by hotline number.
2. Remove the device from the trusted list in Google Pay or Mi Pay.
3. Change the passwords from Mi Account and Google Account.

How to check if the card is not compromised:

• Open the transaction history in the bank application.
• Check if there are any suspicious payments (for example, for small amounts – this could be a scam test).
• If you notice unauthorized charges - immediately block the card and contact the bank.

⚠️ Warning: Never hand your phone over to someone with an unlocked screen if a bank card is attached to it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)