How to pay for purchases with Xiaomi Redmi 9 instead of Sberbank card: full instructions on NFC

Introduction: why paying by phone is more profitable than a card

Contactless payments via a smartphone are no longer a curiosity — it is now a standard way of payment in stores, cafes and transport. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC module can completely abandon the physical card of Sberbank, using the phone as a universal means of payment. But how does this work in practice? What services does the model support, and what pitfalls await beginners?

In this article, we’ll look at all the payment methods available through Redmi 9, from the official Google Pay (now Google Wallet) to alternative solutions like Mi Pay or SberPay, how to tie a card, set up NFC on Android 10/11, and what to do if the terminal doesn’t accept payment, and compare the speed, security, and limitations of each method to make sure you choose the best option.

Important: Xiaomi Redmi 9 came in several versions, and not all of them are equipped with NFC. Before setting up, check the presence of the module in the characteristics of your device (in the Settings menu → About phone → Full specifications). If there is no NFC option, you can not pay with your phone without additional accessories.

Check NFC support for Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you set up payments, make sure your Redmi 9 does support NFC. Even if the store specs have a module, sometimes the manufacturer changes the configuration for different regions.

1. Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
2. Download the NFC Tools app from Google Play and try scanning any contactless chip (like a transport card). If the app doesn't see the device, there's no NFC.
3. Look at the back cover of the phone: next to the camera should be the NFC logo (wavy line with a dot).

If there is no module, but paying by phone is critical, consider the options:

• 🔄 Buy it. NFC-sticker (stands) ~300–500 ₽) And you can put it under a case, and it works like an external chip, but it requires manual activation before you pay.
• 📱 Upgrade your smartphone to a model with NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 10 or later).
• 💳 Use the key fob with NFC (Banks are issued by banks, including Sberbank).

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Redmi 9S MIUI 12 and older function NFC It can be disabled by default to save charge. Turn it on manually in the settings!

Payment methods by phone instead of Sberbank card

Xiaomi Redmi 9 has several contactless payment services available, each with its own pros and cons:

For most Sberbank users, Google Pay (now Google Wallet) is the best choice. It supports all types of cards, works without Internet after setting up and is accepted by almost all terminals. Mi Pay is suitable if you have a Mastercard card and want to use a branded solution from Xiaomi. SberPay is convenient for those who often use other services of Sberbank (for example, SberSplais).

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If the terminal does not accept payment via Google Pay, try restarting your phone or temporarily disabling the ad blocker (some of which interfere with NFC).

Google Pay (Google Wallet) is set up on Xiaomi Redmi 9

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-13. If you have a different version, the steps may differ slightly.

1. Make sure your phone is enabled with NFC (Settings → Connected Devices → NFC) and Android Beam (not mandatory for payments, but sometimes required for compatibility).
2. Download the Google Wallet app (formerly Google Pay) from Google Play. If it's already installed, upgrade to the latest version.
3. Open the app and click Add Card → Credit or debit card.
4. Scan the Sberbank card with a camera or enter the data manually. CVC-code (three digits on the back).
5. Confirm the binding via SMS from Sberbank (the code will come to the number tied to the card).
6. Come up with it. PIN-emergency access code (needed if phone runs out or biometrics fails).
7. You can pay by bringing your phone to the terminal.

Important nuances:

• 📶 The first card binding requires Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and the subsequent payments are offline.
• 🔋 Make sure your phone is at least 10 to 15 percent charged, with a charge below 5% NFC can be automatically switched off.
• 🛡️ Don't keep it. PIN-code from the card in your phone's notes. Use a password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager).

Included NFC in settings

Google Wallet App Installed

Sberbank card is tied and confirmed

The phone is charged at least 15%

The screen is unlocked (biometry or PIN)-->

If the terminal issues a card not supported error, check if your bank blocks contactless payments through third-party services. At Sberbank, this option is usually enabled by default, but sometimes it is disabled at the request of the customer.

Setup Mi Pay for Mastercard cards from Sberbank

Mi Pay is Xiaomi’s proprietary payment service, which is based on Tokenization technology (like Google Pay), but it only supports Mastercard cards, so owners of Visa or MIR from Sberbank will have to choose another way.

To set up Mi Pay:

1. Make sure the phone has the latest MIUI update installed (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the Mi App Store or Google Play).
3. Click Add Card and select Sberbank from the list of supported banks.
4. Enter the card details (Mastercard) and confirm the binding via SMS.
5. Create. PIN-code for Mi Pay (other than the PIN-map-code!).
6. Enable the option of Quick Access in the app settings to pay without unlocking the screen.

Advantages of Mi Pay:

• 🔄 It works even if Google Pay is blocked (relevant for some enterprise devices).
• 💰 Supports discounts and cashback from Xiaomi when paying in partner stores.
• 🛡️ Additional protection: You can configure a payment confirmation by fingerprint.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete the Mi Pay app or reset your phone to factory settings, the attached cards will automatically unplug!

Payment through SberPei: when it is profitable

SberPei is Sberbank’s own solution, which allows you to pay by phone without being tied to Google Pay or Mi Pay. The main advantage is the integration with the SberSupport bonus program and the ability to pay even at terminals where you do not accept payment. NFC-Payments through third-party services (for example, in some government agencies).

To set up SberPay:

1. Install or update the Sberbank Online app to the latest version.
2. Log in to the application and go to the Payments → SberPay section.
3. Click Connect and select the Sberbank card you want to link.
4. Confirm the connection via SMS or push notification.
5. Create. PIN-SberPay code (it will be requested at each payment).
6. Enable the Quick Payment option so as not to enter PIN for amounts up to 1,000 ₽.

SberPay features:

• 🏦 Works only with Sberbank cards (including Visa, Mastercard and MIR).
• 📱 Requires the mandatory opening of the application Sberbank Online before payment (unlike Google Pay, where it is enough to unlock the phone).
• 🎁 SberSponsibilities are awarded for each payment (as with using a physical card).

Cons:

• ⏳ Payment takes 2-3 seconds longer than Google Pay.
• 🌍 Does not work abroad (even if the card supports overseas payments).
• 📵 In case of poor Internet, there may be an error "failed to make a payment".

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SberPay is the best choice for those who actively use the bonuses and often pay in places where Google Pay is not accepted (for example, in some pharmacies or government services).

Solving the Problem: Why Paying by Phone Doesn't Work

Even when set up properly, NFC payments may not be made, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Remove the card from the payment service and link it again.
2. Update your MIUI firmware to the latest version (sometimes NFC bugs are patched).
3. Check if the Power Saving mode is on – it can turn off NFC in the background.
4. Contact Sberbank or Xiaomi for a description of the problem (specify the phone model and MIUI version).

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (such as LineageOS), payments through NFC They may not work because they don't have Google Mobile Services certificates, and the only way out is to go back to the official service. MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions