Owners of Xiaomi smartphones, particularly the popular Redmi 9, often face difficulties when trying to set up contactless payment via SberPay.This is due to the features of the MIUI shell and the security policy that the Android operating system implements. Unlike standard application installation procedures, it requires attention to detail, as automatic setting may not work correctly.
The main problem is that payment systems require not only the NFC module, but also the correct operation of Google Play services. On Redmi 9 devices with different versions of MIUI (11, 12, 13 or 14), the paths to settings may differ.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you activate SberPay on your device, we will consider not only the standard installation, but also methods of circumventing restrictions if the standard method did not work.
Compatibility check and availability of NFC module
Before you start installing and configuring a payment service, you need to make sure that your smartphone is physically able to perform contactless transactions. The Redmi 9 came in several versions, and the availability of the NFC chip (Near Field Communication) depends on the specific version of the device and the delivery region. Without this module, payment by phone is physically impossible, regardless of the installed applications.
There are a number of ways to check for technology, and the quickest way is to look at the specification on the box or the documentation that should have the logo, but if the box is lost, the easiest way to check it is through the software settings or diagnostic codes, and you should also look at the back of the smartphone: often on the top, next to the camera, there is an NFC logo.
If you don't find any external signs, go to the settings menu. Connections and Sharing or Additional Features should have an NFC switch. If there's no such item on the menu, chances are your version of Redmi 9 doesn't have the necessary module, and you won't be able to set up payment via your phone.
- 📱 Check the back cover of the smartphone for the presence of a logo NFC.
- ⚙️ Go to the settings and look for the "Connections" section or"NFC".
- 📄 Examine the technical documentation or box from the device.
- 🔍 Use applications to check the characteristics, for example CPU-Z.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to emulate software NFC This is not possible and could lead to the installation of malware masquerading as system utilities.
It is important to understand that even if you have a module, it must be activated. In some cases, after updating the MIUI firmware, the settings may reset. Make sure that the switch is active before you switch to installing banking software.
System Preparation and Updating of Google Services
The correct operation of SberPay directly depends on the state of the system components of Android. On Xiaomi smartphones, there are often situations when the basic services of Google Play Services are outdated or work incorrectly, which blocks the possibility of adding cards.
The first step is to check for updates for the operating system itself. Manufacturers routinely release security patches that are critical to financial transactions. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press the Update Check button. If a new version is available, install it and restart the device.
Next, you need to update Google components. Open the Play Market app, click on your profile avatar and select App and Device Management. In Update Availables, click Update All. Pay special attention to Google Play Services and Google Pay (if installed).
After the update, it is recommended to clear the cache of system services, this will help avoid conflicts between the old and new version of the code. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, search for Google Play Services, select Memory and click Clear Cache. No data need to be deleted, only temporary files.
| System component | Where to find out. | Action. | Status |
|---|
| MIUI version | Settings → About the phone | Update to the last. | I'll be sure. |
| Google Play Services | Play Market | Update | Critically. |
| SberBank Online | Third-party source | Install the current version | I'll be sure. |
| System time | Settings → Date and time | Auto-tuning | It's important. |
Installation of the application SberBank Online
Since the SberBank app has been removed from the Google Play store due to sanctions restrictions, Redmi 9 users need to use alternative installation methods.It is important to download the installation file (APK) only from official and verified resources so as not to put their financial data at risk.
The most reliable way is to use the official website of the bank or the specialized app store GetApps, which is preinstalled on Xiaomi smartphones. In the search box GetApps, type "SberBank" and select the application with the developer logo "Sberbank", which ensures that you download the original, modified to work without Google Play, copy of the program.
When installing security systems, MIUIs may issue warnings that the application is downloaded from an unknown source, which is a standard system response. You need to confirm your consent by allowing the installation. During the installation, you may need to enter a screen unlock password or a text code to verify the identity of the device owner.
What if GetApps doesn’t find the app?
If the app does not appear in the GetApps store, go to the official website of Sberbank via the Chrome browser or Mi Browser. APK-Before installing, the browser will request permission to install from unknown sources — confirm it. Once installed successfully, launch the application and log in to your account using your username and password. The system can request that security components be updated within the application itself — you agree to that. Only after full authorization and balance check can you proceed to SberPay. SberPay feature allows you to pay for purchases with one touch, without opening the bank app. On Redmi 9 this process requires manual activation, since automatic binding to Google Pay does not work for Russian cards now. You'll need to set up your payment directly within the Sbera ecosystem. Open the SberBank Online app and go to your profile (the little man icon or the avatar in the corner). Find the SberPay section. If you see a suggestion to connect the service, click the appropriate button. The system will suggest you choose the card you want to use for contactless payment by default.The key is to choose the payment method. SberPay settings on Xiaomi often offer two options: MI Pay (if supported by the operator) or via card emulation. Select the option marked as "Recommended" for your device. After selecting the card, the system may ask to confirm the action with a code from the SMS. 💳 Select the main card to link to SberPay. 🔐 Create or confirm a pin code for quick access. 📲 Allow the application to access NFC window-in. ✅ Pass a security check (SMS or push notification) in some versions MIUI You may need to adjust the Security menu if you don't make a payment after you set up at the bank, check if the antivirus has blocked access to the module. NFC. Also make sure that in the settings NFC SberPay or SberBank is chosen as the default payment application.Using Secure Folder and circumventing Shell restrictions MIUI It has an inbuilt application isolation feature that can be useful for working with financial services, but sometimes it is this feature or conflicting security settings that interfere with SberPay, let's see how to use Second Space or Hidden Applications correctly. Some users are trying to install a banking app in the "Second Space" to separate their personal and work lives. This can be a problem for SberPay, as the module is a problem. NFC It works at the core system level, and it is recommended to keep the bank application and the payment service in the main user profile, and if you have a global firmware version installed, but you are in Russia, regional conflicts may arise. In rare cases, changing the region to Russia or China (with caution) helps, however, Redmi 9 often just needs to prioritize correctly. NFC. ⚠️ Note: Do not install modified versions of the SberBank app (mods) with automatic payment features if you do not trust the source.This can lead to a bank blocking account for suspicious activity. Xiaomi’s energy saving system can “kill” the SberPay process in the background, which is why payment does not pass the first time. Go to Settings. → Battery and performance, find SberBank and set the mode of operation "Without restrictions". 💡Tip: Once you set up SberPay, be sure to make a test payment at any store or cafe for a small amount to make sure the transaction is successful before relying on the phone in a critical situation. Even with the right setup, Redmi 9 users may encounter errors when trying to pay.The phone may vibrate, but the terminal will write "Error" or "Card not accepted." Most often, the problem lies in the wrong application chosen for emulation of the card, or in the contamination of the module. NFC. If the terminal is not responding to the phone, check if the smartphone is wearing a case with a metal plate or magnet. These materials screen the signal. Take off the case and try again. Also make sure you attach the top of your smartphone (where the camera is) to the terminal, not the middle or bottom.A common mistake is trying to pay via Google Pay instead of SberPay.Since Russian cards are removed from GPay, this method will not work. Make sure that when the screen is unlocked (or with the application running), you use the native SberPay mechanism, which activates automatically when you bring the phone, if everything is set up correctly. 💡The main reason for the mistakes is the attempt to use Google Pay for Russian cards. Use only SberPay inside the bank application or through the quick payment widget. The table below shows common errors and ways to solve them: Error Possible reason Decision "failed to contact the bank" No Internet or server failure Check mobile Internet/Wi-Fi Terminal can't see phone off NFC Or cover. NFC, uninstall the case "Payment not supported" Incorrect application by default Select SberPay in the settings NFC Request pin code card Tokenization failure Re-link the card in the application Questions and answers (FAQ) Is it safe to pay with a Redmi phone? 9 It's safe. When you pay through SberPay, your card number is not transferred to the terminal, instead, it uses a unique digital token, and even if the transaction data is intercepted, the attackers will not be able to access your real card details. What to do if you update after the update MIUI missing SberPay? After a major update, NFC settings may have reset. Open the SberBank Online app again, go to SberPay and re-activate the function. Also check in the NFC settings that the default payment application is selected. Does SberPay work on Redmi 9 without the Internet? To conduct the transaction itself, the Internet on the phone is not required when it is accessed to the terminal, as an offline token is used. However, to generate new tokens and display the current balance, connection to the network is periodically required. Can I add a card to Google Pay Xiaomi? Why does the phone warm up when paying? A little heat in the area of the camera (where the NFC module is located) during payment is a normal physical phenomenon caused by the antenna. If the phone heats up very much in idle, check the background processes and close the unnecessary applications.