Contactless payment via smartphone has become an integral part of everyday life. Xiaomi device owners can take advantage of this feature thanks to the built-in NFC module, which is supported by most of the brand’s modern models. However, not all users know how to properly configure and use this technology to pay for purchases with a single touch.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate contactless payment on Xiaomi smartphones, which applications are suitable for this (Google Pay, Mi Pay, banking applications), as well as give tips on security and troubleshooting possible problems. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different models - from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13/14.
What Xiaomi models support contactless payment
Not all Xiaomi smartphones have the NFC module required for contactless payments, which is mainly available in mid- and premium devices released after 2018.
- 📱 Flagship models: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11, Mi 10, Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)
- 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 11/12/13 Pro, POCO F4/F5, Redmi K50/K60
- 📱 Budget options: Redmi Note 10 NFC, POCO M4 Pro 5G (Pay attention to the markings "NFC" titled)
To check for NFC on your device, go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC. If you don’t have a partition, your model doesn’t support the technology. You can also search by settings by typing in “NFC.”
Preparing a smartphone for contactless payments
Before setting up the payment, several mandatory steps must be taken:
- Update your firmware. Outdated software can cause NFC malfunctions. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest patches.
- Activate the NFC module. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC and turn on the switch. It is also recommended to activate the HCE Wallet option (for banking applications).
- Install a payment app, to choose from: Google Pay (for Visa/Mastercard cards), Mi Pay (for Chinese banks, it works only in Russia), or your bank’s mobile application (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
Important: Some banking applications require rooted rights or special security settings. For example, SberBank Online may need to disable USB Debugging in Settings → For developers, if it has been activated.
Update the firmware to the latest version|Turn on NFC customized|Install Google Pay or a banking app|Check the compatibility of the card with the selected service-->
Setting up Google Pay on Xiaomi
Google Pay is the most versatile contactless payment method for Xiaomi users outside of China.To add a card:
- Download Google Pay from the Play Market (unless set by default).
- Open the app and click Add Card → Credit or debit card.
- Scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually. Confirm the addition via SMS from the bank.
- Come up with it. PIN-payment confirmation code (required for amounts over 1000)₽ Russia).
Once you add a card, you can use it to pay in stores with PayPass or PayWave terminals.
- 🔄 Unlock your smartphone (PIN, faceprint ID).
- 📱 Hold the top of the phone (where it is located) NFC-chip) to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
- ✅ Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the payment was successful.
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If the terminal is not reading the card, try to hold the smartphone to another part of the device (sometimes the chip is not in the center), and check if the case is blocking the signal.
Use of Mi Pay and other services
Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded payment service, but its functionality is limited in Russia, and it supports cards from some Chinese banks (UnionPay) and local payment systems in Asia.
- Install Mi Pay from the Mi App Store or Play Market (if available in your area).
- Register with your Mi Account account.
- Add the card via Add a bank card and follow the instructions.
Alternatives can be banking applications:
- 🏦 SberBank Online: supports Mir Pay and contactless payments through the Internet NFC.
- 💳 Tinkoff: allows you to link the card to Google Pay or use your own payment system.
- 💰 VTB Online: Works similarly, but may require additional authorization.
Attention: some banks are blocking the ability to add cards to Google Pay for devices with an unlocked bootloader.
Security of contactless payments
Despite the convenience, NFC-Payments require precautionary measures:
- 🔒 Don't keep it. PIN-codes and passwords in notes on your phone. Use password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password).
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC This will reduce the risk of unauthorized reading (although the probability is extremely low).
- 🛡️ Set up a lock screen. Without it, payments over 1,000 are in.₽ Russia requires entry PIN-card code, which is inconvenient.
It is also recommended that:
- Periodically check the history of transactions in the banking application.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to manage payment data.
- If you lose your phone, immediately block your cards via bank or Google Pay (the “Find Device” function).
What to do if your phone is stolen?
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Sometimes contactless payment on Xiaomi fails, and let’s look at the typical mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal doesn't see the phone | NFC is disabled or blocked with a cover | Check the NFC settings, remove the case, reboot the phone |
| Payment does not pass (card error) | Bank blocks transactions | Call the bank, check the limits. |
| Google Pay does not add a card | Incompatibility with a bank or region | Try another application (such as a banker) |
| The phone vibrates, but the payment does not pass | A weak NFC signal or terminal malfunction | Try another terminal or restart your phone |
If the problem persists, try:
- 🔄 Reset the settings NFC In Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📲 Remove and add the card to Google Pay.
- 🔧 Check for updates to the bank app or Google Play Services.
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If contactless payment stopped working after the firmware update, try rolling back on the previous version of MIUI or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
Comparison of Contactless Payment Methods on Xiaomi
The choice of payment service depends on your needs, and below is a comparison of the key options:
| Service | Supported cards | Regions | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | Visa, Mastercard, Mir (partially) | The whole world (except some countries) | Universal, works with most terminals |
| Mi Pay | UnionPay, local Chinese banks | China, some Asian countries | Limited support outside China |
| Banking applications (Sber, Tinkoff) | Cards of the relevant bank | Russia, CIS | Additional authorization may be required |
For users in Russia, the best choice is Google Pay or banking applications with support for Mir Pay. Mi Pay is suitable only if you have cards from Chinese banks or you often visit Asia.