How to enable contactless payment on Xiaomi Redmi 9: NFC, Google Pay and Mi Pay

Why Redmi 9 is a good choice for contactless payments

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) module, which allows you to use it to pay for purchases instead of a bank card, this feature works through special applications — Google Pay, Mi Pay (for Chinese cards) or banking services like SberPay. However, many owners face problems: the NFC module is not turned on, the bank is not supported, the terminal does not see the phone.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working ways to set up contactless payments on Redmi 9 in 2026, including hidden MIUI settings, bypassing regional restrictions, and solving common bugs. You’ll learn how to link a card, which terminals are supported, and why sometimes payment doesn’t go through the first time.

Check NFC support for Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you set up a payment, make sure your Redmi 9 does support NFC. The fact is that there are regional versions of the smartphone where the module may not be available. For example, the Indian version of Redmi 9 Prime is often sold without NFC, whereas the global version (marked M2003J15SG) is equipped with it by default.

You can check for NFC in two ways:

• 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
• 🔍 The model: look at the sticker under the lid or in the box. NFC have the letter N in the article (for example, M2003J15SG — s NFC, M2003J15SI — without).

If NFC is not available but you need contactless payment, consider alternatives:

• 💳 PayPass Bank Card: Classic, Works Everywhere.
• 📱 Another smartphone: even the budget models of the Redmi Note 10 or POCO M4 Pros have NFC basic.
• ⚙️ Outside NFC-Module: sold as stickers or covers, but require root access to customize.

⚠️ Some sellers position the Redmi 9 as a device with a NFC, Although they actually ship versions without a module, always check the article before you buy it, especially on AliExpress or in small stores.

Google Pay Setting Up for Xiaomi Redmi 9

Google Pay is the most versatile contactless payment service supported by most Russian and international banks. To set it up on Redmi 9, follow the following steps:

1. Install the Google Pay app from Google Play (unless preinstalled).
2. Open the app and log in to your Google account. Make sure the phone has geolocation and NFC enabled (otherwise adding the map will be blocked).
3. Click Add Card → Credit or debit card. scan the card with the camera or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank. Some banks (such as Tinkoff or Alfa-Bank) require additional authorization in their mobile application.

Enable NFC in Xiaomi Settings

Update Google Pay to the latest version

Connect your phone to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Have a physical bank card with you to scan-->

After adding the card, it can be used to pay:

1. Unlock your phone (PIN, fingerprint or Face ID).
2. Move the top of Redmi 9 (where the NFC antenna is located) to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm.
3. Wait for the vibration and the sound signal – the payment has passed.

⚠️ Note: If the terminal issues an error "Card is not supported", check: 🔄 Restart the phone and terminal. 💳 Make sure the card is added to Google Pay as contactless (not all virtual cards are supported). 📶 Check your internet connection – sometimes online transaction confirmation is required.

Mi Pay: Google Pay alternative for Xiaomi

Mi Pay is Xiaomi’s signature contactless payment service, originally designed for the Chinese market, but it can also be customized to the global version of Redmi 9 if you change region correctly in MIUI. Mi Pay’s main advantage is that it supports UnionPay cards that don’t work on Google Pay.

To activate Mi Pay:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download APK from APKPure).
2. In MIUI settings, change the region to China (Settings → About Phone → Region).
3. Add a UnionPay card or a supported Chinese bank (e.g. ICBC, China Construction Bank).
4. Confirm the link via SMS (you will need a Chinese phone number or help from friends in China).

Compare Google Pay and Mi Pay on Xiaomi Redmi 9

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If you are in China often, set up both services: Google Pay for Russian cards and Mi Pay for UnionPay, which will save you from payment problems in local stores, where terminals often do not accept foreign cards.

SberPay and other banking services

In addition to Google Pay and Mi Pay, many Russian banks offer their own contactless payment solutions, such as Sberbank’s SberPay or Tinkoff Pay, which are often integrated into mobile banks and do not require separate installation.

To set up SberPay on Redmi 9:

1. Open the SberBank Online application and log in.
2. Go to the Maps section → select the desired card → SberPei.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will automatically check the phone's compatibility with NFC.
4. Once tied, payment will be available even without the Internet (card data is stored in a secure element of the phone).

The advantages of banking services over Google Pay:

• 🔒 Greater security: Card data is not shared with third parties (unlike Google).
• 💰 Bonus programs: some banks give cashback for payment by phone (for example, 1-5% in Sberbank).
• 📱 Working without Google: relevant for users who do not want to link a Google account.

⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate card or card with special conditions (for example, a virtual or credit card with a grace period), check with the bank whether it is supported for contactless payments.

Solving common problems

Even after setting up properly, contactless payment on Redmi 9 may not work, and let’s look at common errors and how to fix them.

1.The terminal doesn't see the phone

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 NFC switched off: check the settings (Settings) → Connection and sharing → NFC).
• 🔋 Battery discharged: at a charge level below 5% NFC may be off.
• 🛠️ The antenna is damaged. NFC: If the phone fell, the antenna (under the top cover) could come off. NFC with other devices (for example, when transferring files).
• 📶 Cover interference: Metal or thick covers block the signal. remove the cover before payment.

2. "Card not supported" error

What to do:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 💳 Remove and add the card again to Google Pay.
• 🏦 Check the bank’s restrictions: some banks (for example, Raiffeisen) do not support Google Pay in Russia.
• 📱 Update Google Pay and Google Play to the latest version.

3.Payment passes, but is written off twice

It's a rare but possible problem.

• 🔄 Double-touch: If you bring your phone to the terminal twice, two transactions can go through.
• 🛒 Terminal error: Some older terminals send a payment request twice.Ask the cashier to restart the device.
• 💰 Bank Delay: If the write-off is processed for a long time, do not leave the terminal until you see the check.

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If the problem recurs, temporarily disable contactless payment in your card settings (mobile bank) and use a physical card until you figure out the cause.

Security of contactless payments

Many users fear that contactless payment is less secure than traditional cards, NFC-Payments via phone are safer than physical cards, thanks to multiple layers of protection:

• 🔐 Tokenization: instead of a card number, a one-time token is transferred, useless for fraudsters.
• 👆 Biometrics: Payment requires unlocking with a fingerprint or PIN-code.
• 📍 Geo-reference: Bank tracks phone location and blocks suspicious transactions.
• 🛡️ Protected element (SE): The card data is stored in an isolated chip that is not accessible to viruses.

To further improve safety:

• 🔄 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (in settings or through the notification panel).
• 📱 Do not install pirated firmware – they may contain malicious code to intercept payments.
• 🔍 Check terminals: Avoid suspicious devices with stickers or hack marks.
• 💳 Set limits: You can set a daily limit on contactless payments (e.g., 5,000) in a mobile bank. ₽).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions