Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often wonder about contactless payment, especially when there is no physical bank card at hand.Modern technology allows you to make purchases with a single touch of the device to the terminal or through reading. QR-This is not only convenient, but also increases security, since your card details are not transmitted directly to the seller.
However, the setup process can vary depending on your device model and the version of the Android operating system. In this article, we will discuss how to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged payment tool, even if you do not have plastic with you.
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For the operation of NFC-payment, the presence of a physical card on your hands at the time of purchase is not required, but it must be pre-linked in the bank application.
Testing the technical capabilities of NFC
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your Xiaomi or Redmi device is equipped with a short-term contactless communication module. Without this component, payment by touching the terminal will be technically impossible. Usually, the presence of the module is indicated in the specifications on the box or in the system settings.
To check for a feature, lower the notification curtain and find the NFC icon. If it's not available, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing. There should be a switch that activates the module. You can also type in the "NFC" request in the settings search.
- 📱 Open your smartphone settings and enter in search "NFC".
- 🔍 Make sure the switch is active and lit in blue.
- 📡 Check for the "Safe Element" option in additional settings NFC.
It is important to understand that even with a module, some Redmi budget models may not support all payment systems due to software constraints in the region, and in such cases, you should pay attention to alternative payment methods, which we will discuss below.
Set up Mi Pay for contactless payment
Mi Pay is the main tool for smartphone owners, which allows you to add cards to various payment systems and banks, and the process of linking the card occurs through a secure communication channel, which minimizes the risk of data leakage.
You'll need a Mi Account to get started. Once you're logged in, open the Mi Pay app and press the add card button. The camera automatically reads the plastic data, or you can enter it manually. The bank will send it. SMS-code.
⚠️ Note: When adding a card, make sure your bank supports mobile tokenization.Some regional banks may block the binding to third-party payment systems.
Once successfully linked, the card becomes a virtual copy of the physical card, and when you pay, the terminal will request a screen unlock or a fingerprint, which ensures that even if you lose your phone, you can't make a purchase.
☑️ Setup Mi Pay
Alternative methods of payment through QR-code
If the module NFC Not working or not working, help is coming. QR-This method is universal and works on any smartphone with a camera. Many Russian banks and payment systems have switched to paying for the camera. QR-SBP (Fast Payment System).
To pay, open your bank's application, such as SberBank, Tinkoff or Yandex Pay. Select the QR Payment or SBP function. Point the camera at the code provided by the seller. The amount and recipient will be verified automatically.
| Method | Conditions required | Speed of operation | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFC (Mi Pay) | NFC module, tied card | Instantly. | Tall. |
| QR-code (SBP) | Camera, Internet, Bank application | 10-15 seconds | Tall. |
| Shop appendix | Retailer's installed app | 5-10 seconds | Medium |
Use of the QR-The codes often allow cashback to be obtained directly from the bank or payment system, and it is independent of the chip. NFC In the phone, making it available to owners of older Xiaomi models.
What to do if the camera is not focused on QR-code?
Use of applications of banks and retailers
Many large retailers have developed their own Android apps that allow you to pay for purchases in-store, programs such as My Magnet, Five, or Crossroads often have built-in functionality to generate a personalized payment barcode.
To use this method, you need to replenish the balance in the store application in advance from a linked card or through the SBP. At the checkout, you open the Payment or Loyalty Card section, where a unique barcode is generated, the cashier reads it with a scanner, and the amount is deducted from the internal balance.
This is especially useful when you want to control costs or use accumulated bonuses. Xiaomi app allows you to bring widgets of such programs to the desktop for quick access without a long search on the menu.
- 🛒 Download the official app of the trading network from GetApps or Google Play.
- 💳 Link a card or replenish an internal account through SBP.
- 📲 Add a payment widget to the home screen for quick access.
⚠️ Note: The balance in the store’s apps is not insured by the Deposit Insurance Agency. Do not store large amounts of money there, replenishing the account exactly with the amount of the current purchase or in small parts.
Solving Payment Problems on Xiaomi
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone stops seeing the terminal or payment does not pass. Often the problem lies in the security settings or background processes. Android on Xiaomi aggressively optimizes the battery, which can block the operation of payment modules.
Go to the battery settings and find the app you plan to pay through, set the "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from forcedly shutting down the payment service, and check if NFC is on when you bring the phone to the terminal.
If the problem persists, try restarting the device. In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps, but this will require re-entering passwords from Wi-Fi. Make sure the date and time on the device are set automatically, as time desynchronization blocks the secure connection to the bank.
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If payment fails, try removing the case from your phone. Metalized or too thick cases can shield the NFC signal, interfering with reading.
Security of payments from mobile devices
Payment from a phone is considered more secure than using a plastic card, using a one-time token rather than a real card number, and even if hackers intercept the signal, they will not be able to use that data for other purchases.
However, the security of your Xiaomi depends on you: Never install payment apps from unverified sources; Use complex passwords to unlock the screen and biometric protection; and update the operating system and banking apps regularly.
If you lose your phone, contact your bank immediately to block virtual cards, and many banks allow you to do this instantly through your personal account on your computer or from another device, and Google or Mi Cloud's Find Device feature will help you remotely erase your data.