What is NFC and why is it needed in Xiaomi
Contactless payments via NFC (Near Field Communication) have long ceased to be exotic — today it is the standard method of payment in stores, cafes and transport. Xiaomi smartphones support this technology since the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) and Mi 9, and in new flagships like Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6, the NFC chip is integrated into the system module for maximum speed. But many users still do not know how to set up payment correctly or face errors such as “Device is not supported” or “Card is not added”.
In this article, we will discuss all payment methods through NFC Xiaomi: from linking a bank card to Google Pay and Mi Pay to using a transport card (like Troika or Strelka), you will also learn how to check the chip’s performance, which models support contactless payments, and what to do if the phone does not recognize the terminal. We pay special attention to hidden settings MIUI, which allow for faster operation NFC when the screen is blocked – this is important for owners of devices based on the MIUI 14/15.
What Xiaomi smartphones support NFC
Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with a chip NFC — This is especially true for Redmi’s budgets and POCO. To avoid disappointment, check the technology support by the official list or specifications of your model. NFC:
- 📱 Xiaomi flagships: all models starting with Mi 8 (2018), including Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix 4, Black Shark.
- 💰 Mid-size segment of Redmi: Redmi Note 11 Pro/Pro+, Note 12/13 Pro, K50/K60.
- ⚡ POCO: only flagship models — POCO F4/F5/F6, X3 GT, X5 Pro.
- ❌ No NFC: Most budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) and older devices until 2018.
You can check for NFC in two ways:
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no chip.
- Use the NFC Tools app from Google Play: it will show the status of the module.
NFC setup on Xiaomi: first launch
Before you can link the cards, you need to activate NFC in the system settings. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path may be slightly different, but the general scheme is as follows:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
- Slip on the NFC item and turn on the slider.
- In the submenu, select Contactless payments and specify your preferred application: Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking (for example, SberBank Online).
One important nuance: MIUI 14/15 has a Quick Access to NFC feature that allows you to swipe the payment menu down the notification bar to enable it:
Settings → Notification Panel → Quick settings → Add NFCActivate NFC in the settings
Update MIUI to the latest version
Install Google Pay or Mi Pay
Add a bank card to the app
Check the balance on the account-->
Payment methods via NFC on Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphones have three main ways of contactless payment, each with its own pros and cons – choose depending on the bank and region.
| Method | Annex | Supported banks | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | Google Pay | Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, VTB, etc. | It works in all countries and supports virtual cards. |
| Mi Pay | Mi Pay (China only) | UnionPay, some local banks | Does not work in Russia and Europe, requires Chinese SIM |
| Banking applications | Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc. | Depends on the bank. | It may not support all terminals, but it is more reliable for large amounts. |
For Russia and CIS countries, the best option is Google Pay. It supports most banks and works with Mastercard PayPass and Visa payWave terminals. Mi Pay is only relevant for users in China, and banking applications are convenient if you often pay at one bank (for example, only through Sberbank).
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If the terminal does not accept payment via Google Pay, try to restart the phone or temporarily disable the VPN – some banks block transactions if you suspect a change in region.
Step-by-step: how to link a card in Google Pay
Adding a card to Google Pay takes no more than 5 minutes.
- Download Google Pay from Google Play Market (unless set by default).
- Open the app and click Add Card → Credit or debit card.
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
- Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
- Come up with it. PIN-payment code (to be requested for amounts in excess of 1000-3000) ₽ depending on the bank).
After adding the card will appear in the list.
- Unlock your phone (PIN, fingerprint or Face ID).
- Bring the top of the smartphone to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
- Wait for the vibration and the sound signal – the payment has passed.
What if Google Pay does not accept the card?
Payment by transport cards (Troika, Strelka, Podparlok)
Xiaomi smartphones can replace transport cards in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities.
- 🚇 Metro Moscow - for the map "Troika" (works with the MIUI 12+).
- 🚌 Arrow - for St. Petersburg and Leningrad region.
- 🚊 Moscow region - for the map "Strelka" in the Moscow region.
Instructions for Troika:
- Download the Metro Moscow app from Google Play.
- Sign in and select Add Three. → Virtual card.
- Pay the deposit (minimum amount - 50) ₽).
- Activate the card in the application and bring the phone to the turnstile.
⚠️ Note: Virtual "Troika" works only on phones with certified NFC (If the card does not work after activation, try to restart the phone or update it. MIUI.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right NFC setup, you can have failures, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device does not support contactless payments. | NFC is disabled or not certified | Check the NFC settings and update MIUI |
| "No map added" | The bank does not support Google Pay | Add the card through the banking application |
| Terminal's not responding. | Weak signal or interference | Bring the phone closer or restart it. |
| "Inadequate funds" | Restriction of the Bank on contactless payments | Pay up to 1,000. ₽ enter PIN |
If the problem is not solved, try:
- 🔄 Reset the settings NFC: Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📱 Install alternative payment software (e.g. PayPal or Revolut).
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the antenna NFC (If the phone falls or is repaired).
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If after all the manipulations, the NFC does not work, the problem may be in the hardware, in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center - the chip could move away from the board after hitting or getting moisture.
Security Tips for Paying Through NFC
Contactless payments are convenient but require caution, and follow these rules to avoid fraud:
- 🔒 Don't keep it. PIN-codes in phone notes or on a piece of paper in a wallet.
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When you do not use it, you will reduce the risk of unauthorized debiting (although for transactions over 1,000). ₽ I'll need confirmation anyway).
- 🛡️ Use two-factor authentication in banking applications.
- 📲 Set a limit on the amount of contactless payments in the personal account of the bank.
It is also worth knowing about skimming - a fraudulent scheme when attackers read card data using portable devices. NFC-Readers, to protect themselves:
- Use virtual cards (such as Tinkoff or Revolut) for everyday purchases.
- Turn off Automatic Unlock in the lock screen settings.
- Periodically check the transaction history in the banking application.
⚠️ Warning: If you lose a phone with a linked card, immediately lock it through the bank and remove the device from Google Pay via the web version of the service (pay.google.com.