How to set up Google Pay on Xiaomi Mi9: a detailed guide with solutions to typical problems

Why Google Pay on Xiaomi Mi9 Needs a Special Approach

The Xiaomi Mi9, launched in 2019, is still popular thanks to its powerful hardware and up-to-date firmware, but owners often face the challenge of setting up contactless payments via Google Pay (now Google Wallet), because Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi, don’t always optimize their devices for global payment services due to regional restrictions and firmware features.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to set up Google Pay on the Mi9, including compatibility checks, installing the necessary services, linking a credit card, and solving common errors. We will also discuss why the service may not work even after you set it up correctly and how to fix it. It is important to note that the procedure may differ depending on the version of MIUI and the region of the firmware - more about this below.

If you've tried to set up payments before, but you've got errors like "Device not certified" or "NFC not supported," don't despair. 90% of the time, the problem is solved software-free without going to the service center, and the main thing is to follow the instructions and take into account the nuances that we'll talk about.

Step 1: Checking the compatibility of Xiaomi Mi9 with Google Pay

Before you start setting up, make sure your device meets the key requirements of the service.The Xiaomi Mi9 officially supports Google Pay, but there are a few critical conditions:

• 📱 Android version: not lower than 9.0 Pie (on the Mi9 box-mounted MIUI 10 is based on Android 9, but it is recommended to upgrade to MIUI 12+).
• 🔄 Firmware region: global (MIUI Global) or European (MIUI EU). Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Often blocked Google services.
• 📶 Google Play Services: must be installed and updated to the latest version (especially Google Play Services and Google Pay).
• 🔒 Root and bootloader Unlocking Rights: If they are, Google Pay won’t work for security reasons.

To check the MIUI and Android version, go to Settings → About Phone. If you have Chinese firmware, you will have to change it to a global one, otherwise you can’t set up Google Pay.

If your Mi9 is bought in China or is running firmware for the Chinese market, Google Pay won’t work even after installing all the updates, which would require a complete flashing of the device to the global version of MIUI.

Step 2: Update Google Services and Install Google Pay

Even if your device is compatible, older versions of Google services can block the payment application.

1. Update Google Play Services: Open the Google Play Store. Search Google Play Services. If you have an Update button, click on it. If you don't have a button, you're up to date.
2. Install or update Google Pay (Google Wallet): In the Play Store, find the Google Wallet app (formerly Google Pay), install it if it is missing, or upgrade to the latest version.

Check your Google account settings

• Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
• Make sure your primary account is synced and free of restrictions (e.g., not blocked for suspicious activity).

After the updates, restart your smartphone. This is necessary to make the changes effective. If Google Pay still doesn't start after the reboot, check if Google services are disabled in the battery settings (more on this in the next section).

Step 3: Set up NFC and Optimize Battery

NFC-chip Mi9 It's located at the top of the device (near the camera), and it needs to be on and configured to work with Google Pay. Here's how to do it:

1. Turn on NFC: Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC. Activate the "NFC" switch. Enable the "No Sound and Vibration" option (optional, but convenient for payments).
2. Set up battery optimization: Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management. Go to Google Play Services and Google Wallet. Select Unlimited mode for them.

Check the permissions for Google Pay

• Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Wallet.
• Make sure that the NFC, Camera (to scan maps) and Warehouse permissions are enabled.
• Accept the terms of use and confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.

If no card is added, check:

• 💳 Card type: Visa, Mastercard, MIR (with restrictions) supported, Maestro cards and some virtual cards may not work.
• 🏦 Bank region: Russian bank cards may not be added due to sanctions restrictions (relevant for Google Pay after 2022).
• 📱 Certification of the device: if Mi9 SafetyNet has not passed, the bank can block the binding.

Step 5: Solving Common Mistakes

Even after setting up Google Pay correctly, let’s look at the common mistakes and how to fix them:

Attention! ⚠️ If you use VPN To bypass regional restrictions, disable it after adding a card. Otherwise, payments may not be made due to a mismatch between the location of the device and the credit card.

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If none of these methods worked, check to see if your Google account is blocked for suspicious activity, and check your account security page to make sure there are no warnings.

Step 6: Payment Testing and Security Tips

After successfully setting up Google Pay, test a payment for a small amount (such as a supermarket or cafe).

1. Unlock your smartphone (necessary for security).
2. Bring the top of the Xiaomi Mi9 to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm.
3. Wait for the vibration and the beep to signal a successful payment.

Tips for safe use:

• 🔐 Set up the screen lock: use it PIN, Fingerprint or Face Recognition: Without a Google Pay lock, it won't work.
• 📵 Disconnect Auto Connection to Public Wi-Fi: This Will Reduce the Risk of Data Interception When Paying.
• 📊 Check your transaction history: Google Wallet displays all payments – check them against your bank statement.
• 🔄 Update your application regularly: New versions often contain patches for vulnerabilities.

If the payment does not pass, check:

• Card balance (sometimes banks block transactions with a lack of funds).
• Limits on contactless payments (in some banks they are 1000-3000) ₽ single-operation).
• Terminal settings (some stores are switching off) NFC-payment).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Pay on Xiaomi Mi9