Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones often face the need to quickly and conveniently pay for purchases in the store. Using NFC technology allows you to turn the device into a full-fledged payment tool, eliminating the search for a wallet or trifles. However, the process of setting up on devices of this brand has its own peculiarities, especially when it comes to cards of a large bank such as SberBank.
Modern security standards require careful compatibility checks for software components, which take no more than ten minutes to set up if you follow the algorithm, and in this article we will discuss all the steps, from checking the hardware to setting up Mi Pay and third-party payment systems.
Note that MIUI software is constantly updated, changing the location of some menu items, so it is important to focus not only on the names, but also on the interface logic. The Redmi 9 model has an NFC module, but it can be disabled at the software level depending on the firmware region.
Verification of hardware support and firmware region
The first step is to confirm that you have a short-range contactless module on your device. Although the Redmi 9 is marketed as a budget smartphone, the manufacturer often equips it with a full set of communications, but there are versions for different markets where functionality can be cut.
To start, you need to go to your device settings and find the connection section. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC. If you don't have one on the menu, try searching by settings by entering the acronym NFC. The lack of a search result may indicate that your phone modification has a module that is physically missing or locked.
⚠️ Note: If the menu settings item NFC - no, do not attempt to install third-party drivers from unverified sources, this can lead to a security breach and loss of warranty.
It is also critical to check the region of the device. Global firmware versions (Global) are usually fully functional, while Chinese versions are generally functional (CN) You can check the version in the About Phone menu by looking at the "Version" line. MIUI".
Basic activation of the NFC module in the system
Once the module is confirmed, you need to activate it to work, by default the function can be turned off to save battery power, turn on through the Quick Settings Panel or through the main system settings menu.
Open the notification curtain with a swipe from top to bottom and find the NFC icon. Click on it to illuminate. If the icon is not there, click on a pencil or edit button to add it to the panel. Alternative path: Settings → Connect and share → NFC, where you need to move the switch to the active position.
- 📱 Make sure the screen is unlocked when you reach the terminal.
- 🔒 Check what's in the settings. NFC Selected application by default for payment.
- 📶 Make sure the internet is turned on for the card’s initial tokenization.
The important option is to choose a security element. In the NFC settings menu, find the Security element or the Security element. To work with bank cards through Google services or their counterparts, you need to choose the HCE Wallet option. This is a software emulation of the card that allows the phone to interact with the terminal as a plastic card.
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If the phone stopped responding to terminals after the upgrade, try restarting the device, often resetting NFC driver errors.
Installation and configuration of the SberBank Online application
The main tool for managing the card is the official application of the bank, which on Redmi 9 must be installed from a reliable source, and due to changes in the policy of the app stores, the installation may require additional actions.
Download the APK installation file from the official website of the bank or use the GetApps store preinstalled on Xiaomi. After installation, log in to your account using your login, password and SMS code. Without authorization, adding cards to payment systems is impossible.
Inside the app, look for Payments or Services, and it should be Pay or Contactless, and it will suggest adding a card to the payment service, and follow the instructions on the screen: confirm the virtual token issue, and come up with a PIN to access the app.
Procedures in the annex:
1. Open a user profile.
2. Select the section "Design and issue".
3. Find the "World Pay" block or similar service.
4. Press "Connect" and follow the instructions.Payment services: PayPass and Mi Pay
Xiaomi Redmi 9 devices, especially those with global firmware, may not have native support for Google Pay as usual, instead using Mi Pay or substitute services such as PayPass, which is where SberBank’s card is tied.
Go to your phone's settings and find the Mi Pay (or PayPass) section. If the section is empty, click "Add Card." The app will prompt you to scan the card with your camera or enter data manually. Enter the SberBank card number, expiration date and CVV code on the back.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Card number | 16 digits on the front side | Front side of the map / Appendix |
| Duration of validity | Month and year (MM/YY) | Front side of the map |
| Code CVV/CVC | 3 digits on the back | The reverse side of the map |
| Name of holder | Latin letters. | Front side of the map |
Once you enter the data, the bank will send an SMS code to confirm it, enter it in the appropriate field, the card will be tokenized, replaced with a unique digital code. Now, as a payment method in Mi Pay, select the Sberbank card that has just been added.
☑️ Checking payment settings
Solving problems with terminal definition
Sometimes it's set up right, but the terminal in the store doesn't see the phone, which is a common problem with antenna location or software conflicts. The NFC antenna in Redmi 9 is usually located at the top of the case, next to the camera.
When paying, bring the top of the phone to the terminal, not the middle. Keep the device tight, but don't press it hard. If the terminal makes an error sound, try changing the angle of inclination. Also make sure that there are no metal plates or magnetic holders on the back that shield the signal.
⚠️ Warning: Thick cases with metal inserts or magnetic locks can completely block the signal NFC. Remove the cover to check the performance.
If the problem persists, check the list of applications with NFC rights. In privacy settings or special features, make sure that nothing blocks the module. Sometimes cleaning the cache of the Mi Pay application helps: Settings → Applications → Mi Pay → Memory → Clear the cache.
What to do if the terminal writes "Map error"?
Security issues with contactless payment
Contactless payment through tokenization is considered more secure than using a plastic card, and the transaction does not transfer real card data, but a one-time code, and even if hackers intercept the signal, they will not be able to use this data for other purchases.
However, the user should follow basic safety hygiene rules: Set a screen lock (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint). Without unlocking the device, payment via NFC on Redmi 9, as a rule, does not pass, which protects the funds when losing the phone.
- 🛡️ Never give SMS codes to strangers.
- 🔒 Use a complex password to log into the bank application.
- 👁️ Regularly check the history of transactions in Sberbank Online.
If you lose your phone, contact your bank immediately to block your cards and use Xiaomi or Google’s Find Device feature to remotely reset your data, which will prevent unauthorized access to your financial instruments.
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Tokenization of card data makes payment via NFC safer than holding a plastic card, since the real card number is not transmitted to the terminal.