Contactless payment with a smartphone instead of a plastic card has long become the standard for many users. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often wonder: can this budget device be used for payments in stores, linking a debit card to Sberbank? The answer is yes, but with nuances. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of setting up NFC-Payment on Redmi 9, including official and alternative methods, and how to avoid common mistakes.
It is important to understand that the Redmi 9 (M2004J19C) is equipped with an NFC module, but its support depends on the firmware region. In Russian versions, the chip is usually active, but in some cases additional configuration is required. We will look at each step from compatibility check to the first payment, and also compare Google Pay and SberPay as the main tools for contactless transactions.
1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before you set up a payment, make sure your Redmi 9 supports NFC technology. In Xiaomi’s budget models, this module is sometimes disabled at the software level or missing in individual versions.
To check for NFC:
- 🔍 Open the Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC. If there is no item, your phone version does not support the function.
- 📱 Install the app NFC Tools from Google Play. If an error appears at startup "NFC Not detected" - no module is available.
- 📦 Check the phone box: the specifications sticker should have a logo NFC.
If NFC is available but not enabled, try upgrading to the latest version of MIUI (current for 2026 - MIUI 14). In rare cases, resetting to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Resetting), but this is an extreme measure.
2. Google Pay setting up for Sberbank card
Google Pay (now Google Wallet) is the main tool for contactless payments on Android.
- Download Google Wallet from Google Play.
- Open the app and click Add Card → Debit/credit card.
- Photograph the map or enter the data manually: number, expiration date, CVC-code.
- Confirm the binding via SMS from Sberbank (the code will come to the number tied to the card).
- Install Google Pay as the default contactless payment app in Settings → Apps → By default → Payment.
Once you add a card, you can use it to pay in stores that support PayPass. Just unlock your phone and bring it to the terminal, and the payment will be automatic. ₽ You may need to enter a PIN code of the card.
Make sure that NFC included|Unlock the phone screen|Bring the phone to the terminal at a distance 2-3 centimeter|Wait for the sound signal of successful payment-->
3. Alternative: Payment through SberPay
If Google Pay is not suitable (for example, due to bank restrictions), you can use the official SberPay application, which works on the same principle, but with some features:
- 📲 Requires installation of SberBank Online app (available on Google Play).
- 🔒 It only supports Sberbank cards (B)ISA, Mastercard, the World).
- 🛡️ Additional protection: each transaction requires confirmation of SMS or.
To set up SberPay:
- Open SberBank Online and go to Payments → SberPay.
- Select a map to tie and confirm the action.
- Enable the Payment option from the lock screen (optional, but convenient).
- Install SberPay as the default contactless payment app.
The main difference from Google Pay: SberPei works even on phones without a phone NFC, disposable QR-codes for payment in terminals that support this feature (for example, in "Pyaterochka" or "Magnet"). NFC still necessary.
What is the difference between Google Pay and SberPei?
4.Typical problems with the NFC-pay
Even after setting up the phone payment system correctly, let’s look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal doesn't see the phone | NFC is disabled or faulty | Check the NFC settings, restart the phone, update the firmware |
| Error "Card not supported" | Bank blocks contactless payments | Contact Sberbank to unlock the function or use another card |
| PIN code is required for any amount | Terminal security settings | Try another terminal or pay up to $1,000 ₽ |
| The app doesn't see the map | An outdated version of Google Pay or Sberbank Online | Update apps through Google Play |
If the problem persists, check:
- 🔄 Firmware region: Redmi 9 with global firmware (MIUI Global) NFC It is more stable than in Chinese.
- 📶 Internet connection: first card binding requires network access.
- 🔋 Battery charge: Contactless payments can be blocked at levels below 5.
💡
If the terminal is not responding to the phone, try to bring it to another part of the case – the NFC antenna in Redmi 9 is located at the top of the back panel.
5.Security of contactless payments
Paying by phone is convenient, but requires a heightened focus on security.
⚠️ Warning: Never store map photos or screenshots of props in the phone gallery.Attackers can access them through malicious apps.
- 🔐 Use a lock screen (fingerprint, pattern lock or PIN code), without it, payment is possible even from a locked phone!
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC in settings when you do not use payments (this will also save battery power).
- 🛡️ Enable transaction notifications in the Sberbank app to see write-offs immediately.
- 🚫 Do not install third-party payment apps (only official Google Play).
If your phone is stolen, immediately lock your card via SberBank Online or 900. Contactless payments will not be possible without unlocking the screen, but it is better to be safe, and you can remotely delete data from your phone through Find My Device.
6. Comparison of payment methods: what to choose?
Which contactless payment method is better for Xiaomi Redmi 9? Compare Google Pay and SberPei on key parameters:
| Criteria | Google Pay | SberPei. |
|---|---|---|
| Supported banks | Any (VISA, Mastercard, World) | Only Sberbank. |
| NFC required | Yes. | No (there is a QR payment) |
| Speed of payment | Instantly (without confirmation up to 1,000) ₽) | Requires confirmation in the appendix |
| Bonus programmes | No integration | Supports "Thank you" from Sberbank |
| Work abroad | Yes (if the card supports) | Yes, for cards only. VISA/Mastercard) |
The choice depends on your priorities:
- 🌍 If you travel frequently or use cards of different banks, Google Pay is more universal.
- 💳 If you pay only with a Sberbank card and want to save bonuses - SberPay is more convenient.
- 📱 If the phone is broken NFC — Pay-by-pay SberPay QR It's the only option.
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For maximum compatibility, it is recommended to configure both services: Google Pay for universal payments and SberPay for purchases in stores that support the service. QR-code.
7. Additional Opportunities: Payment in Transport and Online
Contactless phone payments are not only useful in stores, but with Xiaomi Redmi 9 and a tied card of Sberbank you can:
- 🚇 Pay for the fare by subway, buses and trains (in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities with the Troika or Strelka system.
- 🛒 Buy online without entering card details: many sites (e.g. AliExpress, Ozon) support payment via Google Pay.
- 🎫 Book tickets to the movies, theaters or trains – just select the option “Pay through Google Pay” when you make a checkout.
For transportation fares:
- Make sure there is enough money on the card (the limit for write-offs per trip is usually up to 100). ₽).
- Unlock the phone and bring it to the yellow validator at a distance of 2-3 cm.
- Wait for the sound signal and the tick on the screen.
⚠️ Note: In the Moscow metro, when paying by phone through Google Pay, the charge is at the rate of "90 minutes" (as with a Troika card), and not as with a bank card.