How to pay for purchases with Xiaomi Redmi 8 instead of Sberbank card: all ways 2026

Paying with a smartphone instead of a bank card is convenient, fast and safe. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 on Android can use the phone for contactless payments in stores, cafes and transport if you set up the NFC correctly and choose the right payment service. But how to do this if you have a Sberbank card, and not other banks? In this article, we will analyze all working methods of paying with a Redmi 8 phone — from standard Google Pay to branded Mi Pay and alternative solutions.

The main problem with Xiaomi Redmi 8 users is that there is no official support for SberPay (formerly Sberbank Online) for contactless payments via NFC. However, this does not mean that payment by phone is impossible. We tested all available methods and prepared step-by-step instructions based on the features of the model. Importantly, Redmi 8 supports NFC, but it needs to be activated manually - this is the first step to successful payments.

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 How to check and turn on NFC Xiaomi Redmi 8 (if the button is not on the menu)
• 🔹 Google Pay vs Mi Pay vs SberPay: What works and what doesn’t
• 🔹 Step-by-step customize each method with screenshots and safety tips
• 🔹 Alternative methods of payment if NFC The terminal is not working or the phone is not receiving the phone
• 🔹 Common Errors and How to Fix Them (e.g., "Device Not Supported")

1.Verify and enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 8

Before you set up payments, make sure that the NFC module on your Redmi 8 is active. In some firmware, this feature is hidden or disabled by default.

Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC. If there is no option, try an alternative path: Settings → Additional → Wireless Networks → NFC. On some versions of MIUI (e.g., global) the option may be called Nearby Share – don’t confuse!

Check the MIUI version (should be at least 11)

Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (on some models). NFC tied up)

Restart your phone and try again.-->

If NFC is on but not working:

• 📱 Check if the case or metal sticker is blocking the antenna (located at the top of the phone).
• 🔄 Switch the mode. NFC c Only reading on On (in settings).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi 8 with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) NFC If you've been installing unofficial software, go back to the stock room. MIUI.

2. Method 1: Payment via Google Pay (Google Wallet)

Google Pay (now Google Wallet) is a universal contactless payment service that supports Sberbank cards, and is the most reliable way to pay with a Redmi 8 phone if the NFC works correctly.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Google Wallet from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and click Add Card → Credit or debit card.
3. Scan the card of Sberbank or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
4. Confirm the addition via SMS from Sberbank (the code will come).
5. Install Google Wallet as the default app for contactless payments in NFC settings.

To pay:

• 🛒 Unlock the phone (PIN, faceprint ID).
• 📱 Bring the top of Redmi 8 to the terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
• ✅ Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment has passed.

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If the terminal does not accept payment from your phone, try disabling the Quick Unlock feature in Redmi 8 security settings. Some ATMs require a full screen unlock.

3. Method 2: Mi Pay – a proprietary service from Xiaomi

Mi Pay is Xiaomi’s alternative to Google Pay, which also supports Sberbank cards, but it has limitations: it doesn’t work in all countries and may require a link to a Chinese Mi Account.

How to set up:

1. Download Mi Pay (if it’s not in your area, use a VPN to download it).
2. Open the app and log in to your Mi Account (required!).
3. Click Add Card and select Sberbank from the list.
4. Enter the card details and confirm via SMS.
5. In NFC settings, select Mi Pay as your primary payment service.

Features of Mi Pay on Redmi 8:

• 🌍 Works only with cards issued in Russia, Ukraine, India and China.
• 🔒 Requires a permanent internet connection to authorize payments.
• 📱 Supports payment even on a locked screen (if the feature is enabled in the settings).

⚠️ Note: If you add a card to Mi Pay, you get an error “This card is not supported”, try linking it via Google Pay or contact Sberbank to activate contactless payments.

Google Pay|Mi Pay|SberPay|Other |No contactless payments-->

4: Method 3: SberPay – Why it doesn’t work on Redmi 8 and what to do

Many users try to configure SberPay (a built-in feature in the Sberbank Online app), but they encounter the error “Your device is not supported”, because SberPay officially only works on a limited list of smartphones, and Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not included there.

But there is a workaround:

• 🔧 Install the Sberbank Online application and log in.
• 📱 Go to the Payments section → Contactless payments.
• 🔄 If the Add button to SberPay is inactive, try it:

Important: There are instructions on forums to manually activate SberPay via ADB or change build.prop settings, but these methods do not guarantee stable operation and may compromise the security of the phone.

5. Alternative methods of payment by phone

If the NFC on your Redmi 8 is not working or the terminal is not accepting contactless payments, other methods can be used:

Payment on QR-code

Many stores (for example, Five, Magnet) support payment through QR-codes in the application Sberbank Online:

1. Open the Sberbank application and select Pay by QR.
2. Put the camera on QR-checkout.
3. Confirm the amount and pay.

Samsung Pay (if you have a watch or fitness bracelet)

If you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch or a fitness bracelet with NFC, you can tie your Sberbank card to them via Samsung Pay and pay for purchases, even if the phone does not support contactless payments.

Virtual cards

Sberbank allows you to issue virtual cards for payment on the Internet, they can be linked to Google Pay or Mi Pay, if the main card is not added.

1. In the application Sberbank Online go to Cards → Virtual cards.
2. Create a new virtual card (linked to the main account).
3. Add it to Google Pay or Mi Pay.

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QR-Virtual Cards and Codes – Reliable Alternatives NFC, The main advantage is that you do not require special equipment from the seller (you only need a smartphone with a camera).

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

When setting up contactless payments on Xiaomi Redmi 8, users often face problems, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

A few more tips:

• 🔋 If the phone is under 10%, some terminals may not accept payment – charge the device.
• 📶 For the first setup of Google Pay or Mi Pay you need Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 If you reset your phone to factory settings, you will have to add cards to payment services again.

7.Contactless Payment Security: What You Need to Know

Paying with a phone instead of a card is not only convenient, but also safe, if you follow the simple rules.

How to protect your money:

• 🔐 Set it up solid. PIN-code or pattern lock to unlock the phone.
• 🚫 Do not store cards in the phone gallery.
• 🔄 Regularly check the history of transactions in the application of Sberbank.
• 📱 Turn off payment notifications on the locked screen (in security settings).

What to do if your phone is lost:

1. Block your card immediately via Sberbank Online or by calling 900.
2. Remove the cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay remotely via your Google or Mi Account.
3. Use Find the device in MIUI to locate the phone or erase the data.

⚠️ Warning: Never hand over your phone to someone else to pay for you. Fraudsters can copy card details through the NFC or install malware. Always hold the device in your hands when making a payment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about payment with Xiaomi Redmi 8