Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many owners still do not know that it supports contactless payments. Unlike the flagship models, there is no separate chip for NFC, but the functionality is implemented through software emulation - and it works! In this guide, we will discuss how to check the compatibility of your device, set up Google Pay and Mi Pay, and solve typical payment problems.
Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) does not officially support hardware NFC-Module, but Xiaomi has added the ability to emulate through HCE (Host Card Emulation means that payments will only work with certain banks and services — but cover 90% of everyday needs. If your phone is bought in China or India, check the firmware region: contactless payments require a global (Global) or European one (EEA) version MIUI.
In the article you will find:
- 🔍 How to check if your Redmi Note 9 supports payments NFC
- 💳 Step-by-step setting up Google Pay and Mi Pay with bank card binding
- ⚠️ Common errors and ways to fix them (e.g., "Device not certified")
- 📱 Alternative methods of payment by phone, if NFC doesn't work
1. Verification of NFC support and smartphone compatibility
Before you set up payments, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is technically capable of conducting them. NFC-chip, emulation works on most devices - but there are nuances.
Open the Settings menu → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If the NFC item is not listed, your firmware does not support emulation.
- 📲 Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Payments are required MIUI 12.0.3.0 or later.
- 🌍 Make sure the firmware region is — Global/EEA. Chinese (CN) Indian (IN) versions are not supported HCE.
- 🔄 If the paragraph NFC No, but the firmware is global - update your phone through Settings → Updating the system.
Attention! On the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9S, the NFC works differently — there's a physical chip. If you have these models, the instructions below will work, but the settings may differ (e.g., you don't need emulation).
| Model | Type NFC | Support for Google Pay | Support for Mi Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 (merlin) | Emulation (HCE) | Yes (limited) | Yes. |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) | Hardware chip | Yes. | Yes. |
| Redmi Note 9S (curtana) | Hardware chip | Yes. | Yes. |
2. Google Pay setup on Redmi Note 9
Google Pay is the most versatile payment method, but on the Redmi Note 9, its setup has features due to NFC emulation.
Step 1: Install the Google Pay app from Google Play. If it is already installed, upgrade to the latest version.
Step 2. Open the app and log in to your Google account. Click Add a map and scan it or enter data manually. Visa, Mastercard, MIR cards are supported (but MIR may not work abroad).
Download the latest version of Google Pay|Log in to a Google account|Connect to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)|Have a physical bank card with you-->
Step 3: Once you add a card, the bank will send an SMS with a confirmation code, enter it into the application. If the SMS does not come, check if your carrier blocks service messages (for example, Tele2 sometimes filters such SMS).
A critical feature for the Redmi Note 9: Google Pay may give an error "Device not certified". NFC. To correct, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Google Pay → Permits and include all permissions, including"NFC".
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If the bank refuses to add a card to Google Pay, try first linking it to the bank’s online bank or mobile app, and then repeat adding it to Google Pay – this often solves the problem.
3.Alternative: Mi Pay for payment in China and Russia
If Google Pay doesn’t work or you’re in China often, set up Mi Pay, Xiaomi’s branded payment service, which supports UnionPay (Chinese cards) and some Russian banks (e.g. Sberbank, Tinkoff).
Step 1. Install Mi Pay from AppGallery (if you don’t have access, download APK from Uptodown).
Step 2. Open the app and link your bank card. Russian cards may require confirmation via SMS or push notification in a mobile bank.
Step 3: Activate Quick Payments in Mi Pay settings. You can now pay for purchases by simply unlocking your phone and bringing it to the terminal (no need to open the app).
⚠️ Note: Mi Pay does not work with all terminals in Russia. Before paying, check with the cashier whether the terminal supports UnionPay or Mir (depending on your card).
4. Solving common mistakes
Even when you set up the payments correctly, these are the typical problems and solutions:
- 🚫 "Device Not Certified in Google Pay Reason: Emulation NFC Solution: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache for Google Pay. Delete and add the card again. If it doesn't work, update it. MIUI last-minute.
The phone is too fast when using NFC.
Emulation HCE consumes additional energy. Turn off NFC in settings when you're not using payments.
Terminal doesn't see the phone
Check it out.
- The phone screen is unlocked.
- NFC is on in the notification curtain.
- You use a supported bank (the list is available on the Google Pay website).
What to do if the bank blocks the binding of the card?
5 How to pay with a phone without NFC: alternative ways
If the NFC on your Redmi Note 9 is not working or you are in a country where contactless payments are not supported, there are alternatives:
- 📱 QR-codes: many banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff) allow you to pay for purchases through QR You just have to open the code in the banking application and scan it with the cash terminal.
- 💻 Samsung Pay: Despite being a Samsung service, it can be installed on Xiaomi via Samsung Pay APK. Supports MST (Technology that works even on older terminals without NFC).
- 🔄 Phone number transfer: Services like SBP (Fast Payment System) allow you to pay for a purchase by simply telling the cashier your phone number.
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QR-Payment is the most reliable way to do this if NFC They are supported in 99% of stores in Russia and China, and the payment speed is not inferior to contactless cards.
6.Contactless payments security: how not to lose money
Paying by phone is convenient, but requires a heightened focus on security.
- 🔒 Use the lock screen: PIN-Without it, anyone can pay with your phone for a purchase.
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When not using: this will reduce the risk of accidental write-offs (for example, on the subway or bus).
- 🛡️ Set up payment notifications in the banking app, so you will immediately know about unauthorized write-offs.
- 🚨 Do not store PIN codes from cards in phone notes or SMS. Use password managers (like KeePass or Bitwarden).