How to pay with a card from a Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions on NFC, Google Pay and Mi Pay

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, they have become full-fledged financial assistants. Contactless payments via NFC, integration with Google Pay and the branded service Mi Pay allow you to pay for purchases with a touch, without getting a physical card. But how to properly configure this feature on your Redmi, POCO or flagship Xiaomi 13/14? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances: from checking the compatibility of the device to solving typical payment problems.

It is important to understand that the technology of contactless payments depends not only on the phone model, but also on the firmware version. MIUI, Banks' regional restrictions and even the SIM-We have collected up-to-date information for 2026, including support for new security standards (e.g. Mi Pay, 3D Secure 2.0) and compatibility with the latest versions of Android. If you just bought Xiaomi or have long been delaying payment settings, this guide will help you understand all the details.

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support contactless payments?

Before you set up payments, make sure your device is equipped with a module. NFC (Near Field Communication is a technology that transmits data over short distances, and it allows a smartphone to simulate a bank card. NFC:

• 🔍 Models with NFC: Almost all of Xiaomi’s flagships, starting with 2018 year (Mi series) 8/9/10/11/12/13/14, Redmi K20/K30/K40/K50/K60, POCO F2/F3/F4/F5), Some budget models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro).
• ❌ Models without NFC: Most of the Redmi Note devices are 10-generation, POCO M-series and old models of the Mi type A1/A2 or Redmi 5/6.
• 📱 How to check: Go to Settings → Connected devices → NFC. If you don’t have a phone, your phone doesn’t support technology.

Even if you have NFC, make sure it's activated in the settings.

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to Connected Devices (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Find the NFC and move the slider to the right.
4. Activate Contactless Payments (can be called HCE Wallet or Mi Pay).

Important! On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 Ultra), NFC can be turned off by default to save battery power. If you don’t plan to use contactless payments all the time, it’s better to turn off the module manually, which will extend the autonomy by 5-10%.

Google Pay setup on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Google Pay (now Google Wallet in some regions) is the most versatile way to link a bank card to a smartphone, working with most Russian and international banks, supports tokenization (protection of card data), and allows you to pay even without an Internet connection.

Installation and updating of the application:

Download Google Pay from Google Play Market (if it’s not the default one). Update the app to the latest version — critical for compatibility with new bank security standards. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Pay → Update.

Addition of the map:

• 💳 Open the app and click Add the map.
• 📷 Point the camera to a physical card (or enter data manually).
• 🔒 Confirm the addition through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 📱 Choose Use as a default payment method.

Security setting:

Google Pay requires additional authentication for payments, and you will be asked to choose one of the options:

• 🔐 Pin code / password: standard method, but less convenient.
• 👆 Fingerprint: The fastest and safest way (works on all Xiaomis with fingerprint sensor).
• 😊 Facial recognition: available on models with 3D-Scanner (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Test payment:

To make sure everything works, try paying for a small purchase (such as a coffee or a transport fare). Put the top of the phone to the terminal, the screen should automatically turn on and show the card. If the payment did not pass, check:

• ✅ NFC included;
• ✅ Card activated in bank;
• ✅ There is no energy-saving mode on the phone (it can block background work). NFC).

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If the terminal doesn’t recognize the phone, try to bring it to another part of the case – the NFC antenna can be located not only in the top, but also in the middle (for example, in the POCO F4).

Mi Pay: Xiaomi’s proprietary payment service

Mi Pay is an alternative to Google Pay from Xiaomi itself, available in some regions (including Russia), supports the binding of MIR, Visa and Mastercard cards, and offers its own bonus system.

To set up Mi Pay:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the Mi App Store or Google Play).
2. Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Card and select the bank from the list.
4. Enter the card details and confirm via SMS.
5. Install Mi Pay as the default payment app in NFC settings.

Attention! ⚠️ Mi Pay may not work on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or on devices with an unlocked bootloader. If payments fail after setup, check Bootloader status in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 5 times on the core).

Payment in transport: how to link a transport card

Many Xiaomi users want to use their smartphone not only for shopping, but also for subway, bus or train travel, depending on the region, you may need:

• 🚇 Troika (Moscow): works through Google Pay or My Pass.
• 🚌 Arrow (MO): Supported in Mi Pay (only for some banks).
• 🚆 Pomorodnik (St. Petersburg): requires a separate application Metro SPb.

To set up a transport card in Google Pay:

1. Open the application and go to the Travel tab.
2. Choose your city and type of map (e.g., Troika).
3. Follow the binding instructions - you may need to scan QR-code.
4. After binding, bring the phone to the turnstile - it should work like a regular card.

It's important! ⚠️ Some transport cards (e.g. Troika) require a permanent Internet connection when you first use them. If you don't have a mobile network, connect to Wi-Fi in advance or turn on data transfers.

Solving the problems: why does not work with a card with Xiaomi

Even when you set up the payments correctly, these are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings NFC: Go to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting settings NFC.
• 📲 Reinstall the app: Remove Google Pay or Mi Pay, clear the cache and install it again.
• 🔧 Check regional settings: Some banks block payments if the phone is installed VPN erroneous.

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If the problem only occurs with one card, try to tie another card to help determine if the bank or the phone is to blame.

Contactless Payments: How to Protect Your Money

Contactless payments are convenient but require increased attention to security, and here are the key precautions:

• 🔒 Use a screen lock: without it, anyone can unlock their phone and pay with your card.
• 🚫 Don't keep it. PIN-Codes in Notes: Even if the phone is locked, an attacker can access data through vulnerabilities.
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC In public places: In theory, fraudsters can read card data from a distance (although this is unlikely due to tokenization).
• 🔄 Check your payment history regularly: Google Pay and Mi Pay have a section with the latest transactions.

Attention! ⚠️ If you lose your phone, immediately:

1. Lock the device through Find My Device.
2. Remove all cards from Google Pay via the web version of the service.
3. Call the bank and block physical cards tied to the phone.

On Xiaomi models with IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can additionally configure the remote lock through the remote control of household appliances - this will add another level of protection.

Payment Methods Comparison: Which to Choose: Google Pay or Mi Pay?

Both have their pros and cons, and here's a quick comparison to help you determine:

• ✅ Google Pay is a good option if you:
• ✅ Mi Pay is fine if you want to:

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can configure both services at the same time and switch between them depending on the situation.

1. In NFC settings, select the Default Payment App.
2. Set Ask for each payment.
3. When paying, the phone will offer to choose between Google Pay and Mi Pay.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions