The situation with mobile payments in Russia has changed dramatically, and owners of Xiaomi smartphones, as well as users of other brands, faced the need to look for alternatives to the usual services. If earlier it was enough just to link the card of Sberbank to Google Pay, now this method has ceased to work on devices with Russian SIM-But that doesn't mean your smartphone has become a useless piece of plastic and glass.
Modern Xiaomi phones based on Android retain full functionality NFC-You don’t have to carry a physical card or look for an ATM to withdraw cash. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to pay with your phone using the Sberbank ecosystem and third-party apps.
The main challenge is to set up the right initial setup, as standard ways to install payment applications no longer lead to the Google Play Market. NFC-We're going to look at a step-by-step algorithm that allows you to pay again with a single touch or through a single touch. QR-code.
Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for contactless payment
Before you go to install payment applications, make sure your smartphone is technically ready for transactions. First of all, check the availability and operation of the NFC module. On most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, it is built-in by default, but you need to activate it in the system settings.
Go to the settings menu and find the section related to connectivity or additional features. The path may vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. It usually looks like Settings → Connection and Sharing → NFC. Make sure the switch is activated and the primary payment application is the one you plan to use, such as Mir Pay.
⚠️ Note: If the default payment application list does not include the service you want, the system may suggest you download it or select another app you have installed. Don't ignore this choice, as it will be triggered when you bring your phone to the terminal.
It is also important to check the security of the device. To work banking applications, the phone does not need to have a Root right or unlocked bootloader in some configurations. If you have not previously made deep changes to the system, this item can be skipped. For ordinary users, it is enough to simply update the operating system to the latest available version through Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
Installation and configuration of the Mir Pay application
The most universal payment method for Android phones in the current environment is the use of the Mir Pay application. This is an official solution supported by the National Payment Card System, which allows you to emulate the cards of the Mir payment system.
Since the app is removed from Google Play, it needs to be downloaded from alternative sources, and the safest option is the official developer site or trusted app stores such as RuStore. APK-So you can start the program and follow the instructions on the screen, and you'll need to enter the code from the text message to confirm the phone number.
To add a bank card, click the “Add card” button and follow the hints:
- 📱 Scan the card with the camera or enter data manually (number, expiration date, CVV-code).
- 📜 Accept the terms of the agreement on the use of the service.
- 🔐 Create and enter a PIN code to sign in to the Mir Pay app.
- ✅ Check the SMS from the issuing bank.
Once you've successfully linked the card, it'll be on the list of available cards, and now when you pay in the store, you'll have to unlock your phone, open the Mir Pay app, select the card you want, and bring the device to the terminal, and the NFC module will automatically work, and the terminal will confirm the operation.
☑️ Checking readiness for payment
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☑️ Checking readiness for payment
Using SberPay and QR-code
The second popular payment method, which is actively promoted by Sberbank itself, is called SberPay. NFC in the classical sense, and uses the technology of payment for QR-code-wise NFC-terminal tag, if it supports this function, and this solution works through the Sberbank Online app.
To use this method, make sure you have the latest version of the bank app installed. If Google Play doesn't have an update, download the current version from the bank's official website. Search the Payments → SberPay section of the app and follow the connection instructions. Often you just need to confirm your use of the service.
The payment process is as follows:
- Open the SberBank Online app and go to the SberPay section.
- Click the “Pay” button or select “Show” QR-code" (if the terminal requires code from the phone screen).
- Bring your phone to the terminal with the SberPay logo or scan it. QR-code on the cashier screen with a smartphone camera.
- Confirm the payment using a biometric or PIN code.
⚠️ Note: When paying through QR-The buyer’s commission is usually absent, but the process itself can take a few seconds longer than contactless payment. NFC. Open the payment code in advance so as not to delay the queue.
The advantage of SberPay is that it works even on phones where NFC is incorrect or non-configured, and it often supports loyalty programs and cashbacks of the bank itself, which may not be available with other payment methods.