How to pay with Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro instead of Sberbank card: NFC setting and service choice

Paying with a smartphone instead of a bank card is convenient, fast and safe. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro on Android can use contactless payments via NFC, but not everyone knows how to set up the system and which service to choose. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to pay with a phone instead of a physical card of Sberbank: from connecting Google Pay and SberPey to solving typical errors like “device is not supported” or “incorrect card format”.

It's important to understand that Redmi 9 Pro is equipped with an NFC module, but it depends on the firmware version and the region of sale (for example, the global version of MIUI Global may require additional settings). We tested all the current methods on Android 10/11/12 and collected checklists for each step from adding a card to the first payment in the store. If you have not already used mobile payments, after reading you can pay with your phone faster than you can get your wallet.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro NFC support?

Before you set up payments, make sure your smartphone is physically capable of working with contactless technology.The Redmi 9 Pro came in a number of modifications, and not all of them are equipped with an NFC chip:

• 🔍 Global version (MIUI Global): NFC It is present in all devices, but can be disabled in firmware for some regions (e.g. India).
• 🔍 Chinese version (MIUI China): NFC It is available but requires manual activation through Settings. → Connections → NFC.
• 🔍 Modifications for operators (e.g. Redmi 9 Pro) 5G from MTS): NFC It can be blocked at the firmware level.

How to check for NFC:

1. Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC (or Settings → Wireless Networks → Additional → NFC in older versions of MIUI).
2. If you don’t have a check, install the NFC Check app from Google Play.
3. Run the test: If there is a chip, the app will show its model (e.g. NXP PN54T).

⚠️ Attention: If NFC not in the settings, but the test shows its presence - update the firmware to the latest version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Update system: 30 percent of the time, the module is activated after the update.

2. Choosing a contactless payment service: which is better than Google Pay, SberPei or Mir Pay?

On Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, you can connect a Sberbank card through several services. Each has its own pros and limitations:

For most users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, the best choice is Google Pay, as it:

• 🌍 Maintains maximum number of banks and terminals.
• 🔒 Uses virtual card numbers (the real number is not given to the seller).
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI free-of-setting.

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If you have a Mir card, install Mir Pay as a backup service, and some terminals (such as Moscow’s subway) are better at recognizing payments through it than through Google Pay.

3. Google Pay Step-by-Step Setting Up on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

You can connect Sberbank card to Google Pay in 5 minutes.

1. Install the app: Download Google Pay from Google Play. If the app isn't available in your area, use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) or download an APK from a trusted source (like APKMirror).
2. Add a card: Open Google Pay and click Add a card → Debit/credit card. scan your Sberbank card with a camera or enter data manually. Confirm the addition via SMS (the code will come to the number associated with the card).

Set up the NFC

• Go to Settings → Connected Devices → NFC and turn on the switch.
• Select Contactless Payments → Google Pay as the default service.

NFC enabled in settings

Google Pay is installed and a map added

Phone unlocked (lock screens interfere with payment)

The terminal supports contactless payments (icon) 📶)

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Once set up, test a small payment (such as a coffee shop or supermarket) and attach the top of the phone (where the NFC antenna is located) to the terminal for 2-3 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: If the terminal is not supported, try: Reboot your phone and repay. Delete your card from Google Pay and add it again. Use another service (e.g. Mir Pay for Mir Cards).

4.SberPey setup: an alternative for Sberbank cards

If you prefer an official solution from Sberbank, install SberPey, which works only with Sberbank cards, but offers additional bonuses (for example, cashback up to 10% in affiliate stores).

Instructions for connection:

1. Download SberBank Online (if not installed) and log in.
2. In the application menu, select SberPey → Connect.
3. Accept the terms and confirm the connection via SMS.
4. Add the card: select it from the list in SberBank Online or enter the data manually.
5. Activate NFC in your phone settings and select SberPey as the default service.

SberPei has one key advantage over Google Pay: support for offline payments (up to 5 transactions without the Internet), which is useful in subways or places with poor signal.

• ❌ It only works with Sberbank cards.
• ❌ Can conflict with Google Pay (priority needs to be set manually).
• ❌ On some firmware MIUI Requires manual update of security certificates.

5. Problem Solving: Why Paying by Phone Doesn't Work?

Even after setting up properly, contactless payments may not work.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If the problem is not resolved, check:

• 📶 Internet availability (Google Pay requires a connection at first payment).
• 🔋 Battery charge (at level below 5% NFC may be off).
• 🛡️ Antivirus (some programs block Google Pay as a "suspicious" app).

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If the terminal issues an error but the debit is over, don’t panic. The money will be returned to the card within 1-3 days (this is standard practice of banks in case of transaction failures).

Mobile Payment Security: How to Protect Your Money?

Paying with a phone is safer than a physical card, but requires compliance with the following rules:

• 🔐 Use the lock screen (PIN, faceprint ID). Google Pay will not allow payments without it.
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC in public places if you do not use it (this will prevent accidental write-offs).
• 🛡️ Do not install pirated firmware – they may contain viruses that steal card data.
• 📱 Set up payment notifications in SberBank Online (you will immediately learn about unauthorized write-offs).

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen?

1. Block the card via Sberbank Online or by number 900.
2. Remove the card from Google Pay via the web version of the service.
3. Use Google’s Find Device feature to lock your phone remotely.

⚠️ Warning: Never keep it. PIN-The card code is in your phone notes or in your photo, and attackers can access it even through a locked screen (for example, through notifications).

7. Comparison with other smartphones: why Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro is more profitable?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro is one of the few budget smartphones with full support for NFC and contactless payments.

The Redmi 9 Pro beats the competition in price/opportunity ratio, and Xiaomi regularly updates firmware, which is important for payment security, for example, in 2023 the phone received support for Android 12, which extended the relevance of Google Pay and other services.

If you’re choosing between the Redmi 9 Pro and other budget models, pay attention to:

• 🔄 Update frequency: Xiaomi releases security patches monthly.
• 📡 Quality of antenna NFC: Redmi 9 Pro has a high-end location, which is convenient for payments.
• 🔋 Operating time: capacious battery (5020 mAh) allows you not to worry about discharge during the day.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions