How to set up Android Pay (Google Pay) on Xiaomi Mi6: full instruction with error solutions

The Xiaomi Mi6, released in 2017, is still a popular smartphone among users who value performance and reliability. However, with the release of new versions of Android and MIUI updates, many are facing problems when setting up contactless payments. In this article, we will discuss how to properly install and configure Android Pay (now Google Pay) on the Mi6, even if the system issues errors about device incompatibility or lack of certification.

The main difficulty is that Xiaomi Mi6 does not have official Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification for contactless payments in some regions, and after the MIUI 12/13/14 updates, conflicts may arise with the NFC module that is responsible for the operation of Google Pay. We will look at all the steps from checking hardware compatibility to adding bank cards and fixing typical errors such as “Device is not certified” or “NFC is not supported”.

Important: The instructions are relevant for all firmware versions, including custom ones (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but with the specifics of each option in mind. If your Mi6 runs on MIUI Global, MIUI Europe or MIUI China, follow the recommendations for your specific build.

1. Verification of compatibility of Xiaomi Mi6 with Google Pay

Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports Google Pay at the hardware and software level. Xiaomi Mi6 is equipped with an NFC chip (like NXP PN547), but its operation depends on several factors:

• 📱 Android Version: Android 5.0 Lollipop is minimally required, but Android 8.0 Oreo and higher is recommended for stable operation. Mi6 it MIUI 9 and newer.
• 🌍 Firmware region: Devices with MIUI China may not support Google Pay due to lack of certification, which would require a change of region or installation of Global Pay. ROM.
• 🔄 Root status: If a smartphone has Magisk or SuperSU installed, Google Pay may block card addition due to a SafetyNet breach.
• 💳 Bank support: Check with your bank if it supports contactless payments via Google Pay for Xiaomi devices.

To check the hardware compatibility:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. Activate the NFC switch and make sure the contactless payment option is available.
3. If there is no contactless payment, your firmware is not certified for Google Pay.

2. Preparing the smartphone for setting up Google Pay

If your Xiaomi Mi6 is compliant but Google Pay is not working, pre-set:

Update. MIUI last-minute|Remove old versions of Google Pay and Google Wallet|Clear cache and data of the Google Play Services application"|Check the work. NFC with another device (for example, headphones or tags)|Turn it off. VPN and proxy if they're active.-->

Step 1 Update MIUI and Google Play Services

Outdated versions of MIUI or Google Play Services may cause errors when adding maps.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update the system and install the latest patches.
2. Open the Google Play Store, search for Google Play Services and update the app.

Step 2. Reset the NFC settings

Sometimes the NFC module doesn't work properly due to conflicts with other applications.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find NFC in the list of system applications.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear cache and data.
4. Reset the device.

Step 3. SafetyNet check

Google Pay requires you to pass the SafetyNet check. If you have root or custom recovery (TWRP) installed, the app may not work.

1. Install SafetyNet Test from Google Play.
2. If ctsProfile: false status, root masking (e.g., Magisk Hide) is required.

💡

If you have Magisk installed, activate the Magisk Hide option and add Google Pay to the list of hidden apps.

3.Install and configure Google Pay on Xiaomi Mi6

Now, to go directly to Google Pay, if the app is not installed, download it from the Google Play Store. Importantly, use the official version, not modified APKs from third-party sources.

Step 1: Starting Google Pay and Logging in to your account

1. Open Google Pay and sign in to your Google account (required to be the one that is linked to the device).
2. Accept the terms of use and allow access to NFC and location.

Step 2: Adding a Bank Card

Click Add Card and follow the instructions. The system can request:

• 💳 Card number, expiration date and CVV.
• 📱 Confirmation through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 🔒 Creation of a pattern lock or PIN-code for Google Pay.

If you add a card with the error “This device is not certified for contactless payments”, go to section 5 of this article – there are ways to circumvent the restriction.

Step 3: Set up the default payment

After adding the map:

1. Open Settings → Contactless payments in Google Pay.
2. Select the card that will be used by default.
3. Activate the Unlock option for payments so as not to enter PINs for amounts up to your bank’s limit.

4. Testing contactless payments

After setting up, check the work of Google Pay in practice.

1. Bring Xiaomi Mi6 to the contactless payment terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
2. Wait for vibration or sound signal – this means that the terminal has recognized the device.
3. If necessary, confirm the payment with a fingerprint or PIN-code.

If the payment does not pass, check:

Important: Some terminals may not support payments via Google Pay due to outdated software, in which case try to pay from another store or through another terminal.

💡

If Google Pay works again, try turning off the power saving mode for the application in the MIUI settings. This will prevent the service from automatically closing in the background.

5. Solution of the error "Device not certified"

The most common problem on the Xiaomi Mi6 is the message, "This device is not certified for contactless payments," which is because Google blocks uncertified devices or firmware, and there are several ways to solve the problem:

Method 1: Change the firmware region to Global

If you have MIUI China installed, reflash the device on MIUI Global:

1. Download the official Global ROM for the Mi6 from Xiaomi.
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool to install firmware in Clean All mode.
3. After flashing, reset the settings (Wipe Data).

Method 2: Using Magisk to bypass SafetyNet

If the device has root installed,

1. Install Magisk Manager and activate Magisk Hide.
2. Add Google Pay to the list of hidden apps.
3. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
4. Restart the device and check the SafetyNet status.

Method 3: Manual addition of the certificate

For experienced users:

1. Download the certificate google_wallet_certificate For your model (available on the forums) XDA Developers).
2. Place the file in /system/etc/security/cacerts/ with 644 rights.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Manually modifying system files can cause your device to run unstable or lose warranty.

6. Alternative ways of contactless payments on Xiaomi Mi6

If Google Pay never worked, consider alternative services:

• 💳 SberPay – works with Sberbank cards, does not require certification of the device.
• 🍎 Apple Pay (via emulation) – bypass for some banks, but requires additional settings.
• 🌐 Wallets of banks – many banks (Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, VTB) offer their own applications for contactless payments.
• 📱 Samsung Pay – You can install it APK, You will need a Samsung certified device to work.

SberPay setup on Xiaomi Mi6

1. Install the SberBank Online app from Google Play.
2. Sign in and go to the SberPay section.
3. Add the card and activate the contactless payment option.
4. When paying, select SberPay as your payment method (the terminal must support Mir or Mastercard/SberPay).

The advantages of SberPay over Google Pay:

• ✅ It works on non-certified devices.
• ✅ Supports the maps of the world.
• ✅ Below is the commission for payments in Russia.

⚠️ Note: Some terminals may not recognize SberPay as a contactless payment, in which case, ask the cashier to choose the Mir or Mastercard payment type manually.

7. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)