Can you pay with a Xiaomi smartphone without NFC?
Module NFC It has become the standard for contactless payments, but many of Xiaomiβs budget and older models (like Redmi) are also available. 9A, Poco M3 or Mi A2 Lite is not a device that doesn't mean that the owners of these devices don't have the ability to pay with their phones. Modern technology offers several alternative ways that work just as well, and sometimes even more conveniently, than the classic one. NFC-chip.
In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of how to pay for a purchase with a Xiaomi smartphone without NFC: scan QR-You'll learn the pros and cons of each option, and you'll get step-by-step instructions based on the features of the firmware. MIUI. We pay special attention to security - in the absence of hardware protection (as in the case of the NFC) Fraud risks are increasing.
Spoiler: the most universal way β QR-Payments, but not all stores, and the most reliable is to link the card to Google Pay or SberPay with virtual card generation. Read on to choose the best option for your Xiaomi model.
1. Payment through QR-Codes: How it works for Xiaomi
QR-Payments are the most common method of payment without NFC. It works in most supermarkets, cafes, even markets. The principle is simple: you scan. QR-terminal code with the phoneβs camera, confirm the payment in the application, and the money is debited from your card or account.
On Xiaomi smartphones, this is suitable for:
- π± Sberbank Online (supports) QR shop-to-store)
- π³ Tinkoff Bank (scans codes through built-in scanner)
- π Yandex.Money (works with the QR in Russia and abroad)
- π AliPay or WeChat Pay (if you buy in Chinese stores)
To pay for the purchase:
- Open the bank application (for example, Sberbank Online).
- Click on the icon. QR-code (usually at the bottom of the screen).
- Hover the camera at the terminal code β the application automatically recognizes the amount.
- Confirm payment by SMS or fingerprint.
β οΈ Warning: Never scan. QR-Codes from suspicious sites or sent by strangers in messengers, scammers can swap codes to steal data, check the recipient's address before confirming payment!
2. Banking applications with virtual cards
If your Xiaomi is not supported NFC, But you have a bank card, you can use virtual cards in mobile applications. QR-codes, as it does not require scanning - just show the screen to the cashier.
How it works:
- Install your bankβs application (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Alpha-Click).
- Activate Contactless Payments or Visa/Mastercard Pay.
- Create a virtual card (if not) or link the main card.
- At the checkout, select the option of Paying by QR or Entering the card manually.
- Show the cashier generated in the application QR-write-off code or enter card details.
Advantages of the method:
- π Security: Card data is not transmitted directly to the terminal.
- π± Universality: Works even on older Xiaomis (e.g. Redmi) 4X).
- π° Cashback: Many banks give bonuses for payment through the app.
| Bank | Support for virtual maps | Max. Payment limit. | cashback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sberbank | Yeah (SberPay) | 100 000 β½ | 10%. |
| Tinkoff | Yeah (Tinkoff Pay) | 150 000 β½ | Up to 30%. |
| Alfa-Bank | Yes (Alpha Click) | 50 000 β½ | Up to 5%. |
| VTB | Yes (VTB Online) | 100 000 β½ | Up to 7 percent. |
βοΈ Preparation for payment by virtual card
3. Cloud wallets: Yandex.Money, WebMoney, PayPal
If you don't have a credit card or you prefer electronic money, you can use cloud wallets, which allow you to pay for purchases online and offline through generated payments. QR-codes.
The most popular services for Xiaomi:
- π΅ Yandex.Money β works in Russia, supports QR and telephone number translations.
- π PayPal β for overseas purchases (for example, on AliExpress or eBay).
- π WebMoney β suitable for payment in some online stores.
- π¨π³ AliPay β if you buy from Chinese stores (for example, Taobao).
Instructions for Yandex.Money:
- Install the Yandex.Money app from Google Play.
- Refill your account (for example, from a bank card or through a terminal).
- In the store, select the option of Payment by QR.
- Open the Payments section in the Appendix β QR-code.
- Show the code to the cashier or scan it with the phone's camera.
β οΈ Note: When paying via PayPal or AliPay in foreign stores, check the currency conversion fee. For example, PayPal charges up to 4.5% for transfers in another currency.
How to avoid commissions when paying via PayPal?
4. Payment through instant messengers (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp)
Many instant messengers now support embedded payments, which is convenient for transfers between people or payments in small stores that accept money through chat.
How it works for Xiaomi:
- π² Telegram: bots of the type @Wallet or @BankingBot Allows you to send money by phone number.
- π¬ Viber: built-in Viber Pay feature (works with bank cards).
- π WhatsApp: some countries support payments via WhatsApp Pay (not in Russia yet).
Example of payment via Telegram:
- Open a chat with the seller or bot of the store.
- Click on the Pay button (if it is in the message).
- Choose the payment method (bank card, Yandex.Money, etc.).
- Confirm your payment via SMS or 3D-Secure.
Payment via instant messengers is not as common in Russia as in Europe or Asia, but this method is actively developing, for example, in Viber you can already pay for utilities or replenish your phone bill.
π‘
If the seller asks to pay through the messenger, but he does not have a verified account (for example, a blue checkmark in Telegram), it is better to use another method - for example, a bank transfer with a comment.
5. Alternative methods: Sound Pay and Bluetooth payments
If none of the above methods are suitable, you can try exotic methods that work without NFC:
- π Sound Pay: Technology for transmitting data through speaker and microphone. LISNR SoundPay generates an audio signal that reads the terminal, suitable for older Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi). 3S).
- πΆ Bluetooth payments: Some banks (like Raiffeisen) are testing Bluetooth Low Energy payments.
- π§ Payment by link: the seller sends you a link to the payment (for example, via UKassa or Robokassa), you open it on your phone and confirm the charge.
How to set up Sound Pay:
- Download the SoundPay app from Google Play.
- Link your bank card.
- At the checkout, select the Payment by sound option.
- Hold the phone to the terminal microphone, it reads the data through sound.
β οΈ Warning: Sound Pay doesn't work in all stores -- check with the cashier before you pay. QR virtual-card.
Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best payment method without NFC on Xiaomi, compare them on the key parameters:
| Method | Speed. | Security | Prevalence | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QR-code | ββββ | βββ | ββββ | Supermarkets, cafes, markets |
| Virtual cards | ββββ | ββββ | βββ | Any shops with terminals |
| Cloud wallets | βββ | βββ | ββ | Online shopping, transfers |
| Messengers | βββ | ββ | β | Translation between people |
| Sound Pay | ββ | ββ | β | Experimental terminals |
Selection recommendations:
- π For offline shopping: QR-codes.
- π For overseas purchases: PayPal or AliPay.
- πΈ For transfers to friends: messengers or Yandex.Money.
- π§ For older Xiaomi (until 2018): Sound Pay or QR.
π‘
The most reliable way is to use virtual cards in banking applications, as they are protected by two-factor authentication and do not require scanning of third-party codes.