How to add a card to Google Pay on Xiaomi phone: instructions 2026

Adding a credit card to Google Pay on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models) opens up access to contactless payments via NFC, online purchases and fast in-app transactions. However, many users face binding errors ranging from no menu option to being blocked by the bank. In this article, we will discuss current ways to add cards in 2026, including bypassing typical restrictions and setting up NFC for stable operation.

The process depends on the version of MIUI (global/Chinese firmware), the phone model (starting with Xiaomi Mi 5 supported by NFC), and the card issuing bank. For example, for Sberbank or Tinkoff, the algorithm will differ from regional banks. We will consider the universal method, as well as the individual nuances for popular financial institutions.

Important: If your Xiaomi is purchased in China (CN firmware), Google Pay may not be available due to regional restrictions, which would require unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware – read about this in the last section of the article.

1.Preparing Xiaomi phone to add a map

Before linking the card, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

📱 Model with NFC: Check for the module in the specifications (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T). List of supported devices - on the official website of Xiaomi.
🌐 Google Pay doesn’t work on Chinese versions MIUI (designation CN You can check the version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
🔄 Updated Software: Install the latest updates through Settings → System system → Update: Google Pay requires stable operation MIUI 12.5+.
🔒 Unlocked bootloader (for Chinese firmware): If the phone is purchased in China, it may be necessary to switch to a global version.

Also make sure that:

📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
🔋 Battery charge above 20% (when the card is first added, the system performs a safety check).
🛡️ Disabled. VPN Proxies – they can block the connection to Google servers.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to add a card to Google Pay

Follow this algorithm to link a debit or credit card:

Open the Google Pay app (if not, download from Google Play).
Click Add the card (the + button in the lower right corner).
Choose the type of card: Credit or debit card.
Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually: 💳 Card number (16 digits). 📅 Duration (month/year). 🔐 CVV-code (3 digits on the back). 📍 Address of the owner (for some banks).

Accept the terms of use and confirm via SMS or push notification from the bank.

Wait for activation (can take up to 5 minutes).

Is the map clearly scanned (no glare)|

Is NFC enabled in settings (Settings → Connections → NFC)|

Does the bank support Google Pay (list on the bank’s website) |

Are there any restrictions on the region (for example, for cards of foreign banks)

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If the error "This card is not supported" appears after scanning, try:

🔄 Enter the card data manually (without scanning).
📞 Call the bank to see if Google Pay is allowed.
🌍 Change the region in Google Pay: Settings → Country or region (select EU or Russia).

Sberbank|

Tinkoff |

VTB|

Alfa-Bank |

Another bank.-->

3.NFC setup for contactless payments

Even if the card is successfully added, payments through the terminal may not work without the proper NFC setup. On Xiaomi smartphones, the NFC module is often disabled by default to save charge.

How to turn on and configure NFC:

Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
Activate the NFC switch.
Select mode: Read cards only to scan tags; emulate cards for payments (Google Pay required). P2P-Transmission – to exchange data with other devices.

Default payments

Google Pay

Xiaomi model	Support for NFC	Features of settings
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	✅ Yes.	It requires MIUI 14+ to keep Google Pay running.
POCO X5 Pro	✅ Yes.	In some regions, NFC is disabled by default.
Xiaomi 13 Lite	✅ Yes.	Supports virtual cards (for example, from Tinkoff).
Redmi 10A	❌ No.	A budget model without an NFC module.

After setting up, check the NFC:

Bring the phone to the payment terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
Wait for vibration and sound signal.
Confirm the payment with a fingerprint or pattern lock.

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen:

Block the card through the bank application or by the hotline number.
Remove the card from Google Pay remotely: Go to pay.google.com from your computer. Select the lost device in Devices. Click Delete the card.
Use the Find a Device function from Google to lock your smartphone.

How does Google Pay Payment Protection work?

Google Pay does not transfer the real card number to the merchant. Instead: 1. When you add a card, a virtual number (token) is created. 2. Each transaction generates a unique one-time code. 3. The data is stored in a protected Titan M chip (on new Xiaomi models) or in the Google cloud with encryption. 4. To confirm the payment, you need to unlock the phone (fingerprint, PIN or Face ID).

⚠️ Warning: Never take pictures or save screenshots of map data (number) in the gallery, CVV, Attackers can access them through malicious applications or cloud storage leaks.

6.How to add a map to Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (CN)

Xiaomi phones bought in China often run on MIUI CN firmware, where Google Pay is not available due to regional restrictions.

Unlock the bootloader: Link your Mi Account to your phone. Apply for unlocking through Xiaomi's official website (can take up to 72 hours). Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
Install global firmware: Download the official global firmware (Fastboot or Recovery) for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website. Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi forum).
Set up Google Pay: After you have firmware, reset (Settings → About Phone → Reset) Set up Google Pay and add a card according to the instructions in Section 2.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader and the phone firmware will void the warranty. It can also cause data loss. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Alternative methods for Chinese firmware:

💳 Use Mi Pay (built-in payment app in China, but doesn’t work with all banks).
🌍 Install Google Pay APK manually (such as with APKMirror), but this may not be secure.
📱 Buy it. NFC-tag and link the card to it through the banking application (for example, Sberbank Online supports such labels).

7. Google Pay Alternatives for Xiaomi

If Google Pay is not working or supported by your bank, consider alternative services:

Service	Xiaomi support	Features
Samsung Pay	✅ Yes. APK)	It works on most NFC models, supports MST (payments on old terminals).
Mir Pay	✅ Yes.	Only for maps, the World is officially supported on global firmware.
Apple Pay	❌ No.	Only for Apple devices.
Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff)	✅ Yes.	Many banks allow you to pay via NFC directly from your app.

How to install Samsung Pay on Xiaomi:

Download. APK-file.
Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
Register with your Samsung account (you can create a new one).
Add a card and set up payments via NFC.

The advantages of Samsung Pay over Google Pay:

🔄 Support MST (Magnetic data transfer – works even on terminals without NFC.
🛡️ Additional Fingerprint Authentication.
💳 Supporting more banks, including some regional banks).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Pay on Xiaomi

Can I add a Sberbank card to Google Pay on Xiaomi?

Yes, Sberbank officially supports Google Pay. To tie in: Make sure you have global firmware MIUI. Enable NFC in your settings. Add a card via the Google Pay app or Sberbank Online (Contactless Payments section) If no card is added, call the bank at 900 and ask to activate the Payments via Google Pay option.

Why does Google Pay ask you to unlock your phone every time you pay?

This is a standard security measure. To simplify the process: Set up the unlock with your fingerprint or face in Settings. → Lock screen → Add a fingerprint. Enable Unlock when you reach the terminal in Google Pay settings (if available). Make sure the phone security settings disable Strict Lock mode. On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), payments up to 1,000 ₽ can be done without unlocking.

How to remove a card from Google Pay if your phone is broken?

If your phone is lost or not turning on, delete the card remotely: Go to Google Pay from your computer or other device. Sign up with the same Google account as the broken phone. Select Payments → Maps. Find the card you want and click Delete. It is also recommended to block the card through the bank app or by calling the hotline.

Can I use Google Pay without the internet?

Yes, contactless payments via NFC do not require Internet. However: The first card addition is only possible when connected to the network. For online payments (in apps or on sites), the Internet is mandatory. If the phone has been without communication for a long time, Google Pay can request re-authentication. Tip: before traveling to places with poor coverage (metro, planes), check that the card is added and NFC is turned on.

Why does the terminal not accept payment via Google Pay?

Possible causes and solutions: Problem Solutions Terminal does not support contactless payments Look for Contactless or PayPass sign on terminal. the payment amount exceeds the limit (usually 5000-10000). ₽) Enter. PIN-Card code to terminal or split payment. NFC on the phone is disabled Include in Settings → Connections → NFC. Card blocked by bank Call the bank to check card status. Phone unlocked or flashed Use alternative services (e.g. Samsung Pay).