How to pay for purchases with Xiaomi Redmi 8: NFC, Google Pay, Mi Pay and alternative methods

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget devices with support for contactless payments, but many users still do not know how to properly configure payment with it. Unlike the flagship models, there is no built-in chip for Mi Pay (the Chinese alternative to Apple Pay), but there is a chip for the mobile phone. NFC and support for Google Pay, and if the module NFC - Is there no device in your version? QR-codes, banking applications and even USSD-team.

In this article, we will break down all available payment methods with Redmi 8 – from setup NFC You will learn how to tie a card, which banks are supported, what to do when payment errors are made, and how to protect your finances from fraud. We will focus on regional restrictions (e.g. why Google Pay may not work in some countries) and hidden features. MIUI, simplifiers.

If you've just bought a Redmi 8 or you've been using it for a while, but you've never tried paying with your phone, this is the guide for you. We've done without water introductions and we're getting to the point.

1. Verification of support NFC Xiaomi Redmi 8

Before you set up contactless payments, make sure your Redmi 8 supports you at all. NFC. The fact that Xiaomi has released several versions of this smartphone, and not all of them are equipped with a module for contactless communication.

To check for NFC:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. If there is no NFC, your model does not support the technology.
3. Versions with NFC mark "NFC" on the box or in the characteristics (e.g. Redmi) 8 4/64GB NFC).

If NFC Don’t worry, we’ll talk about alternative payment options in the following sections (QR-codes, banking applications, etc.).

It matters, even if NFC It's available, you need to activate it in the settings. By default, the module is disabled to save battery power.

2.Setting up Google Pay on Redmi 8

Google Pay is the most versatile contactless payment method for Redmi 8.The service works in most countries (except China) and supports Visa, Mastercard, Mir (in Russia) and other payment systems.

Step 1: Install the Google Pay app from Google Play. If you already have one, upgrade to the latest version.

Step 2: Open the app and sign in to your Google account, and if you don't have an account, create one, or your payments won't work.

Step 3: Click Add and scan it or enter the data manually.

• 💳 Debit and credit cards Visa/Mastercard/Mir
• 💳 Virtual cards (for example, from Tinkoff or Revolut)
• 💳 Loyalty cards (in some stores)

Step 4: Confirm the binding of the card through SMS Some banks require additional authorization in their mobile application (for example, Sberbank or Alfa-Bank).

Download and update Google Pay|Link the main map|Activate NFC customized|Unlock the screen before payment-->

Attention! ⚠️ If you add a card error "This type of card is not supported", check it:

• Does your bank support Google Pay (the list is available on the official website)
• Is the card blocked for online payments (sometimes banks restrict new cards).
• Are you using it? VPN Google Pay can block payments from “untrusted” regions).

3. Google Pay alternatives: Mi Pay and other services

In China and some Asian countries, Mi Pay, Xiaomi's own payment service, is used instead of Google Pay, but it is not working in Russia, Europe and the United States due to regional restrictions. If you try to set up Mi Pay on Redmi 8 in these regions, you will see the error "Service is not available in your region."

But there are workarounds for enthusiasts:

• 🌍 Change of region MIUI China (which can be dangerously disrupted by other functions).
• 📱 Using Chinese firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 💳 Alipay card binding (works with some Chinese banks).

For most users, these methods are not suitable due to the complexity and risks, instead of Mi Pay, it is better to use:

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If you are a frequent visitor abroad, link a multi-currency card (such as Revolut or Tinkoff) to Google Pay, which allows you to pay in local currency without high fees.

Payment without payment NFC: QR-codes and banking applications

If your Redmi 8 doesn’t support your NFC, It doesn't mean you can't pay with your phone. There are several alternative methods:

Method 1: QR-codes through banking applications

Many banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank) allow you to pay for purchases through the Bank. QR-That's what codes are for:

1. Install the official application of your bank.
2. Log in and find the Payment section. QR or Translations.
3. Put the camera on QR-terminal code (usually on the checkout or check).
4. Confirm payment by SMS or fingerprint.

Method 2: USSD-team SMS-payment

Some stores (especially small ones) accept payment through the USSD-For example, requests:

• 📱 Enter *900*Amount*Number MAGIN# (for Sberbank).
• 📱 Send. SMS with the text of the payment 1000 1234 to the short bank number.

Check the exact command with the cashier or the support bank.

Method 3: Online wallets (UMoney, WebMoney, Qiwi)

If you have an account in an electronic wallet, you can:

1. Ask the cashier to generate QR-payment-code.
2. Open the wallet app and scan the code.
3. Confirm the transfer.

5 Payment Security: How to Protect Money

Contactless payments are convenient but require increased attention to security.Here are the basic rules for Redmi 8 owners:

1. Screen lock setting

Google Pay and banking apps require you to unlock your phone before you pay.

• 🔒 Fingerprint (the fastest and most reliable way).
• 🔒 pattern lock (minimum 6 points).
• 🔒 Pin code (at least 6 digits, without simple combinations like 123456).

2. Disconnection NFC public space

Fraudsters can read card data from a distance of up to 10 cm if NFC It's on all the time:

1. Turn it on. NFC prepayment.
2. Use the Only Payment Mode in Settings NFC (if).
3. Turn off the module after use.

3. Monitoring of transactions

Install your bank’s app and enable push notifications about payments, so you’ll know immediately if someone tries to write off money without your knowledge.

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Never store pictures of cards or screenshots of props in the phone gallery. Scammers can access them through malicious apps or data leaks.

⚠️ If you lost your phone or it was stolen:

1. Block the cards immediately through the banking app or by phone hotline.
2. Remove the device from the list of trusted in Google Pay (pay.google.com).
3. Use the function Find the device in MIUI, locking the smartphone remotely.

6. Solving payment problems

Sometimes, payment with Redmi 8 may not work.

Problem 1: The terminal can't see the phone

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📵 NFC Disabled - check the settings (Settings) → Connections → NFC).
• 🔋 Battery is dead – contactless payments require at least 5% charge.
• 📱 Phone in case - some cases block the signal NFC. Take it off before you pay.
• 🛒 The terminal does not support Google Pay – try paying with a card or QR-code.

Problem 2: Error "Card is not supported"

What to do:

1. Check if your bank supports Google Pay (the list is available on Google’s website).
2. Update the Google Pay app to the latest version.
3. Try to link another card to the same bank.
4. Contact the bank – sometimes the card needs to be activated for contactless payments.

Problem 3: Payment is debited, but does not pass

This may be due to:

• 🌐 Poor Internet connection – Google Pay requires a network connection to confirm payment.
• 🏦 Bank restrictions – some banks block payments over a certain amount.
• 🕒 Processing Delays – Wait 5-10 Minutes and Check Balance.

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If the terminal issues an error "Operation rejected", try to pay a multiple of 100 rubles (e.g. 200 instead of 187).

7. Payment in transport and other specific cases

Redmi 8 is not just a shopping car, but also a transportation car, a gas station, and even some online service.

1. Tube/bus fare

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities with contactless payments:

• 🚇 Attach your phone to the turnstile (like a card).
• 🚌 In buses/trams – to the validator at the door.
• 💳 Supports Google Pay, SberPay and some bank cards.

⚠️ Attention! In some regions (for example, in the Kazan metro) contactless payments via phone do not work, only physical cards.

Payment at gas stations

At the gas station "Gazpromneft", "Lukoil" and others:

1. Tell the cashier you'll pay by phone.
2. Bring Redmi 8 to the terminal (usually on the rack).
3. Confirm payment with a fingerprint or unlock the screen.

3. Online payments via phone

Many sites (e.g. AliExpress, Ozon, Yandex.Market) support payment via Google Pay.

1. Select the product and proceed to payment.
2. In the payment methods, look for Google Pay or Contactless Payment.
3. Confirm payment on your phone.

8.Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones

If you’re thinking about changing your phone, it’s helpful to know how the Redmi 8 compares to other Xiaomi models in terms of payment options:

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If you need advanced payment options (like Mi Pay or support for transport cards), consider Xiaomi Mi 10 and newer models. NFC-Modules and better optimized for contactless transactions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about payment with Redmi 8