Contactless payments via a smartphone have long ceased to be a novelty, but still many owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro face difficulties when configuring SberPay. Despite the fact that the model is equipped with an NFC module, not all users know how to properly activate the function and link a bank card. In this article, we will analyze the process by steps - from compatibility check to the first payment, and also consider typical errors and ways to fix them.
It is important to understand that Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse) supports contactless payments only through Google Pay and SberPay, but not through Mi Pay (Xiaomi service is closed in 2022), while the SberPay setting has its own nuances: for example, the application may not see the NFC module if it is disabled in the system settings or blocked by the manufacturer.
1. Verify compatibility of Redmi Note 9 Pro with SberPay
Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone meets the service requirements. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (model M2003J6A1G for the global market) is equipped with an NFC chip, but there are several criteria:
- 📱 Version. MIUI: should be no lower MIUI 12 (on older versions, contactless payments may crash).
- 🔄 Firmware region: Global (Global) or European (EEA) Firmware. On Chinese versions (China) NFC may be blocked.
- 🛠️ Status of the module NFC: The chip must be in good working order (check in Settings). → Connected devices → NFC).
- 💳 Bank card: Sberbank cards are supported (Visa/Mastercard/Mir) with activated contactless payment function.
If your smartphone is bought in China or stitched with custom firmware, NFC may not work with payment systems due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case you will need to flash it to the global version of MIUI.
2. Preparation of the smartphone: the inclusion of NFC and software update
Before installing SberPay, you need to activate the NFC module and make sure that the smartphone has an up-to-date version of the firmware.
- Open Settings → About Phone → System Update. If a new version of MIUI is available, install it. The minimum supported version for SberPay is MIUI 12.0.3.
- Return to the main settings menu and go to Connected Devices → NFC. Activate the switch.
- Enable Contactless Payments (may be called HCE Wallet in some versions of MIUI).
If the NFC item is not on the menu, it means one of three:
- 🔴 Your firmware doesn't support NFC (For example, the Chinese version).
- 🔴 Module NFC physically damaged.
- 🔴 In the developer settings, the option Wireless debugging (affects work) is disabled NFC rare).
Update MIUI last-minute|Turn on NFC customized|Activate the option "Contactless payments"|Check the firmware region (should be) Global/EEA)|Make sure your bank card supports contactless payments-->
3. Installation and configuration of the SberPay application
The SberPay app is available on Google Play, but before installing, make sure your Google account allows payment services.
- Open Google Play and find the application "SberPey" (developer - Sberbank).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- After installation, open the application and log in via SberBank Online (you will need a login and password or fingerprint).
- In the main menu of the application, select Add a map and follow the instructions on the screen.
If the application does not see the NFC module, follow the following steps:
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Check if NFC is enabled in the notification curtain (quick settings).
- Remove the SberPay app cache in Settings → Apps → SberPay → Memory → Clear the cache.
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If you add a card error "Device is not supported", try temporarily disabling the VPN or changing the region in the settings of Google Play to "Russia".
4. Bank card binding and first payment
Once you install the app, you have to link the card and make a test payment, and it's important that the card is issued by SberBank and supports PayPass or PayWave technology.
- In the SberPay app, click Add Card.
- Select a card from the list (if it is already linked to SberBank Online) or enter the data manually.
- Confirm the binding via SMS (the code will come to the number associated with the card).
- After successful binding, the card will appear in the main window of the application.
To make a payment:
- Unlock your smartphone (fingerprint, pattern lock or PIN will do).
- Bring the top of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (where the NFC module is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
- Wait for the vibration and the sound signal – payment is made.
What happens if the terminal does not accept payment?
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right setup, Redmi Note 9 Pro users may encounter errors, and we’ve collected some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Device not supported" | Firmware region mismatch or NFC disconnected | Reflash to global MIUI or enable NFC in settings |
| "Can't add a map." | The card does not support contactless payments or is blocked | Check the status of the card in SberBank Online or contact the bank |
| The terminal doesn't see the smartphone | Weak NFC signal or cover interference | Remove the case, bring the smartphone closer to the terminal |
| "Service temporarily unavailable." | Problems on the side of Sberbank or the lack of the Internet | Check the network connection or try again later |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔄 Reinstall the SberPay app.
- 📱 Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
- 🛠️ Contact in support of Sberbank through chat in the application.
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If after all the manipulations, SberPay does not work, check whether there are applications on the smartphone to block NFC (for example, NFC Tools or Tasker with the corresponding tasks).
6. Alternative methods of contactless payments
If SberPay setup has caused difficulties, consider alternatives:
- 💳 Google Pay: runs on Redmi Note 9 Pro without additional settings, supports cards of most banks.
- 🏦 Application of your bank: many banks (Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank) offer their own solutions for contactless payments.
- 📱 Samsung Pay: If you have previously used Samsung devices, you can try to transfer cards (but officially the service does not support Xiaomi).
Comparison of services:
| Service | Support for Redmi Note 9 Pro | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| SberPay | Yes (with limitations) | Integration with the ecosystem of SberBank, cashback | Frequent errors in setting up, works only with Sberbank cards |
| Google Pay | Yes. | Support of most banks, stable operation | Google Account Requires, Restrictions in Some Countries |
| Bank's annex | Depends on the bank. | Reliability, customer service support | It may not support all terminals. |
If you travel frequently, note: Google Pay operates overseas with no additional settings, whereas SberPay may be geographically restricted.
7.Security of contactless payments on Xiaomi
Using SberPay on the Redmi Note 9 Pro is safe, but you should follow a few rules:
- 🔒 Install a reliable way to unlock the screen (PIN, fingerprint or face recognition).
- 📵 Do not hand over your smartphone to strangers with an unlocked screen.
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication in Sberbank Online.
- 🔄 Regularly update the SberPay app and firmware MIUI.
In case of loss or theft of a smartphone:
- Block your card immediately via SberBank Online or by calling 900 support.
- Remove the card from SberPay via the web version of the service.
- Use the Find Device feature in your Xiaomi account to remotely lock your phone.
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To improve security, turn off the display of payment notifications on the locked screen. To do this, go to Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen and select Do not show the contents of notifications.