How to Pay with a Card from Xiaomi Redmi 9 Phone: NFC, Google Pay and Mi Pay in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a budget smartphone with contactless payments, but not everyone knows how to set up the feature correctly. In 2026, paying with a card via your phone became even easier thanks to the updated services of Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and Xiaomi’s proprietary Mi Pay solution. However, there are nuances: not all bank cards are supported, and in some Redmi 9 models, the NFC module can be disabled by default.

In this guide, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to check if there is NFC In Redmi 9, not all versions support payments)
• 💳 Step-by-step setting up Google Wallet and Mi Pay with map binding
• 🛡️ Ways to protect payments: PIN-code, fingerprint, face unlock
• 🚫 Typical payment errors and how to fix them (e.g., "device not supported")

In Russia, Google Pay has officially been shut down since 2022, but there are workarounds through Mir Pay or virtual cards, and in Europe and Asia, Redmi 9 may require additional NFC activation through an engineering menu.

1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Not all versions of Redmi 9 have an NFC module. For example, the Redmi 9A model doesn't have one, and in the Redmi 9C NFC depends on the region of sale.

1. Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC.
2. If there is no item, check the specifications on the box or in Settings → About the phone → Full specs.
3. For models with NFC (e.g. Redmi 9T NFC), turn on the Contactless Payments switch.

⚠️ Note: In some firmware (especially Chinese) NFC To activate it, go to the engineering menu code ##36446337## and select RF Test → NFC.

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If your model is not NFC, but IR-Port, you can pay for purchases through QR-codes in the applications of banks (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).

2. set up Google Pay (Google Wallet) on Redmi 9

Since 2022, Google Pay has been renamed Google Wallet, but the functionality has remained the same.

1. Download Google Wallet from the Play Market.
2. Open the application and click Add Card → Payment card.
3. Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS from the bank (the code will come to the number associated with the card).

⚠️ Note: Google Wallet does not work with bank cards directly in Russia due to sanctions:

• 💰 Virtual cards (Revolut, Wise) with reference to foreign accounts.
• 🏦 Mir Pay (World Cards Only) – requires a separate application.
• 📱 QR-payments through banking applications (SberBank, VTB, Alfa-Bank).

Download the latest version of the application|Update MIUI before 12.5+|Turn it on. NFC customized|Connect to the Internet (Wi-Fi/4G)|Have a card with contactless payment support-->

3.Alternative: Mi Pay for Xiaomi Redmi 9

Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded payment service that operates in China, India and some European countries, and is officially unavailable in Russia, but can be activated via a VPN:

1. Install Mi Pay (APK-file if not in the Play Market).
2. Enable VPN with India or China.
3. Launch the application and follow the instructions for linking the card.
4. To pay, bring the phone to the terminal, having previously unlocked the screen.

🔹 Benefits of Mi Pay:

• 🔒 It works without the Internet (card data is stored in a secure chip).
• 📱 Supports payment even with a discharged battery (up to 5%).
• 🌍 Compatible with most banks in Asia and Europe.

4. Payment security: PIN, biometrics, lock

Contactless payments via Redmi 9 are protected by several layers:

• 🔐 PIN-code – requested for each payment over 1000-3000 ₽ (limit set by the bank).
• 👆 Fingerprint – works if fingerprint unlock is enabled in the settings.
• 👤 Facial recognition is less reliable, but convenient for small purchases.
• 📱 Blocking when lost - turn off NFC via Mi Cloud if your phone is stolen.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), payments via Google Wallet may be blocked due to non-compliance with SafetyNet security standards:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

The value of orange or yellow means that the phone has not passed the check.

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Never keep it. PIN-card code in your phone notes or cloud services. Use only official bank channels to restore access.

5. Typical errors and their solution

Redmi 9 payment issues are most often related to NFC settings or banking restrictions.

🔧 If the terminal does not see the phone:

• 📶 Reboot the Redmi 9 - sometimes NFC reset after updates.
• 🔄 Reconnect the map to Google Wallet/Mi Pay.
• 📱 Check if the In-plane or Energy Saving mode is on (they turn off). NFC).

6. Payment without the Internet and in the subway

One of the main advantages of contactless payments through Redmi 9 is that it works without a connection to the network.

• 🌐 Google Wallet requires the Internet only for the first card binding.
• 🚇 Moscow/Petersburg subway smartphone should support standard EMV (check the characteristics).
• 💳 Mi Pay works offline always, but only with cards of partner banks (in Russia – Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank).

📌 How to pay for the subway fare:

1. Unlock the Redmi 9 screen (PIN/fingerprint).
2. Hold the top of the phone to the yellow circle at the turnstile.
3. Wait for the green signal (usually 1-2 seconds).

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If the subway payment doesn’t pass, try to link the Troika card through the Metro Moscow app – it often recognizes Xiaomi smartphones better.

7.Comparison of Google Wallet and Mi Pay for Redmi 9

The choice between services depends on the region, the bank and personal preferences.

💡 Conclusion: For travel abroad, it is better to set up Google Wallet with a virtual card (Revolut, Wise). + QR-bank-app codes.

FAQ: Frequent questions