How to connect Google Pay to Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s modern smartphone, without contactless payment, is losing a significant portion of its functionality. NFC-The payment is due to the fact that new models often lack Google services, which is due to trade restrictions, but the solution is there and does not require complex technical knowledge.

The process of connecting Google Pay (now Google Wallet) to devices in Chinese versions or global models without GMS (Google Mobile Services) requires sequential action.You need not just to install the app, but also to properly configure system permissions so that banking applications see the phone as a secure device for transactions.

In this article, we will cover everything from checking hardware support to adding the first card, learn how to avoid common mistakes that may cause payment to be lost at the store terminal, and set up MIUI or HyperOS correctly to ensure that the payment service is stable.

Compatibility check and availability NFC-module

The first step before installing any apps is to make sure your device physically supports short-range technology. Not all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with the appropriate chip, especially in the budget segment.

To quickly check, go to the settings and search for the word "NFC." If that's not available, it's likely that the module isn't installed by the manufacturer. You can also lower the notification curtain and look for the NFC icon. If it's not in the quick switch list, add it through the Control Panel edit menu.

  • πŸ“± Open the settings on your smartphone.
  • πŸ” Enter "NFC" in the search bar at the top of the screen.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure the switch is active and lit in blue.
  • πŸ’³ Check the contactless payments item in the menu NFC.

It is important to understand that even with a module, some banking applications may not work on devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

⚠️ WARNING: If you have reflashed your phone to the Chinese version of global firmware or vice versa, the module NFC In such cases, a return to stock firmware for your region is recommended.

Installation of Google Services (GMS) on new models

Owners of new Xiaomi models released after 2021 often find that the system does not have a Google Play store. Without this component, installing Google Wallet is impossible by standard methods. Fortunately, the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS has a built-in mechanism for installing basic services.

To start, you need to activate the installation from unknown sources, as the system installer will request permission to download components. Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Privacy β†’ Special Permissions β†’ Install unknown applications. Here you need to select Google Services or Google Play and allow installation.

Once you have permissions, search the Google Services app (often with the G logo or in the Tools folder) and launch it and click Update or Install. The system will download the necessary files from Xiaomi servers and automatically install the app store and frameworks.

β˜‘οΈ Installation verification GMS

Done: 0 / 1

The process can take a few minutes depending on the speed of the Internet connection. Once completed, the Play Market logo will appear in the notification curtain and in the app menu. Sign in to your Google account to sync data and access the app store.

⚠️ Attention: Download the installer GMS Only through the system application "Google Services" or from the official website. the use of third-party builds can lead to unstable system operation and data leakage.

Download and set up Google Wallet

Once you have successfully installed Google services, you can go to download the payment app directly, which was formerly called Google Pay, but now it's moved to Google Wallet, and it's the app that will store your cards and communicate with the payment terminal.

Open Play Market, search for Google Wallet and click the installation button. Make sure the developer says Google LLC. Once installed, open the app and log in to your account. The system will prompt you to add a map following the instructions on the screen.

You can add a card manually by entering a number, or scan it with a camera. The bank will send the verification code via SMS or through the bank's application to confirm ownership of the card. Once successful verification, the card will become active for payment.

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Use a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G) when you add your card to avoid synchronization errors with your bank server.

Importantly, Google Wallet requires that the Google Play Services app be installed and updated on the device, which runs in the background and ensures the security of card data tokenization.

Setting up NFC and selecting a payment application

Even after installing all the components, the phone may not know which app to use for payment, if there are several.In Android, priority is given to one service.

Go to Settings β†’ Connection & Sharing β†’ NFC β†’ Contactless payments (the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI). In the list that opens, select Google Pay or Google Payment. Now, when you bring your phone to the terminal, this service will run.

Also make sure that the NFC settings include Android Beam if required for data transfer, although this is not always necessary for payment.The main thing is that the screen is unlocked. Payment through a locked screen on many Xiaomi models may not be possible for security reasons.

Setup parameterRecommended valueWhere to find out.
NFC moduleIncluded.Curtain/Settings
Payment applicationGoogle WalletNFC β†’ Contactless payments
Screen unlockingRequired.Security settings
HCE-serviceActive.For developers (optional)

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Choosing the right default app in the NFC menu is a critical step without which the terminal won’t see your card.

Solving problems with map display

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the application is installed, but the card is not added or marked as "Not supported", this often happens if the bank suspects suspicious activity or if informal modifications to the system are installed on the phone.

Check to see if the developer mode is enabled with active debugging features that the bank may consider a security threat, and some banks require you to install your own app to tokenize the card before adding it to Google Wallet, for example, the SberBank Online or Tinkoff app must be updated to the latest version.

  • πŸ”„ Update all Bank and Google Play Services apps to the latest versions.
  • πŸ”’ Check if the phone has a Root right (Magisk may hide them, but not always).
  • πŸ“ž Contact the bank if the card is blocked when pegged.
  • πŸ“² Reinstall Google Wallet by pre-deleting old app data.

In some cases, cleaning the cache of the Google Wallet app helps. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps β†’ Google Wallet β†’ Memory and click Clear Cache. This will not delete your cards, but will reset temporary sync errors.

What to do if the card is deleted after adding?
If the card disappears from Google Wallet immediately after adding, it means that the bank is forced to untie the token. Try re-releasing the card in the bank's application or contact for support for clarification of the reasons for blocking tokenization.

Features of payment on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

Shell MIUI The new HyperOS has its own permission management features, and the latest versions have increased control over background processes, which can interfere with the work of the system. NFC-module when the screen is turned off.

You want to stop Google Wallet from killing the process, go to the battery settings, find the Wallet app, and select No Limits mode, which will allow the service to stay active and respond quickly to bringing the phone to the terminal.

In addition, newer firmware versions have changed the interface of calling cards, which often requires double-clicking on the power button or confirmation via fingerprint/Face ID before the transaction itself, an additional measure to protect the user’s funds.

πŸ“Š What's your version of the shell?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS

Users of Chinese firmware (CN) may need to adjust their region further, and in some cases, changing the region in settings (Settings β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Region) to a country where Google services are fully operational (e.g. India or Kazakhstan) helps activate hidden NFC features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I pay for my purchases if my phone is empty?
Some modern Xiaomi models support the payment function with a discharged battery (NFC backup charge), but this is not worth counting on, since the feature only works if the phone has recently turned off and there is a minimum charge for one or two transactions.
Is it safe to store a map in Google Wallet on a Chinese smartphone?
Yes, it's safe. Google uses tokenization, which means that the real card number is not passed to the seller, but using global firmware versions is always preferable in terms of getting security updates in a timely manner.
Why does the terminal write "Communication Error" when NFC is on?
Most often, the problem is the case. Metallic cases or magnetic-latch cases block the NFC signal. Remove the case and try again. Also check if there is a metal plate on the back for the magnetic holder in the car.
Does Google Pay work if the screen is broken?
If the touchscreen is working and you can unlock your phone or confirm payment with your fingerprint, the payment will pass. If the sensor does not respond and you cannot unlock the phone, the payment will not take place, since security requires proof of ownership of the device.