How to set up phone payments on Xiaomi: NFC, Mi Pay and Google Pay in 2026

Paying by phone instead of a credit card has become a standard feature of modern smartphones, and Xiaomi devices are no exception. With built-in NFC chip and support for Mi Pay, Google Pay and banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.), owners of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 13/14 can pay for purchases with a single touch, but not everyone knows how to set up this feature, which models support contactless payments, and what to do if the terminal does not read data.

In this guide, we will look at all the ways to pay with your phone on Xiaomi, from basic NFC settings to adding cards to Mi Pay and Google Pay. Particular attention will be paid to compatibility with Russian banks in 2026, as after the departure of international payment systems, many users faced restrictions, you will learn how to circumvent typical errors (for example, “the device does not support contactless payments”) and what alternative methods to use if NFC refuses to work.

What Xiaomi models support phone payments

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have the NFC chip needed for contactless payments. The table below shows the current models (2020-2026) that officially support the feature. Note that even if your device has NFC, it may not be in the version for some regions (for example, in the Indian versions of POCO).

To check for NFC on your device, go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC. If you don’t have one, your smartphone doesn’t support contactless payments. Alternatively, type “NFC” into your settings search.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) chip NFC It is not physically available, but the specifications on the sellers’ websites may include support.

NFC setup on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Before adding cards to payment services, you need to activate the NFC and adjust the security settings, the process takes no more than 2-3 minutes:

1. Open Settings and go to Connections and Sharing (on some firmwares, Wireless Networks).
2. Slip on NFC and switch the switch to "On".
3. Select the mode of operation: 📱 Default card – for payment without unlocking the screen (less secure). 🔒 Only after unlocking - the recommended option for protection against accidental write-offs.

Turn on the option. HCE-Service (required for Google Pay and banking applications).

Once you activate the NFC, check it: hold your phone to another device with the chip on (like a friend's smartphone) and it should be audible or vibrating. If there is no reaction, restart your phone or update your firmware.

Activated NFC in settings |Selected "Only after unlocking" |HCE-service enabled |The phone makes sound when brought to another device-->

Mi Pay vs Google Pay: What’s Best for Xiaomi in 2026

Xiaomi smartphones support two major payment services: the branded Mi Pay and universal Google Pay, depending on your bank, region and security preferences.

In Russia, Mi Pay has lost support for international payment systems (Visa/Mastercard) since 2022, but continues to work with Mir cards through SberBank Online. Google Pay, on the contrary, has adapted to local realities and supports most Russian banks, including:

• 🏦 Sberbank (World and own solutions)
• 💳 Tinkoff Bank (via virtual cards)
• 💰 VTB, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisenbank

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Pay with a Mir card, make sure that the terminal in the store has the Mir Pay logo. Otherwise, the payment will not pass, even if the payment is not valid. NFC working properly.

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If the terminal doesn't accept payment via Mi Pay, try linking the same card to Google Pay or a banking app, often addressing compatibility issues.

How to add a card to Mi Pay on Xiaomi

The branded Mi Pay service is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones (except models for Europe, where it is replaced by Google Pay).

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the App Gallery or APKMirror).
2. Click Add a card and scan it with the camera or enter the data manually.
3. Confirm the addition via SMS from the bank (the code will come to the number associated with the card).
4. Install Mi Pay as the default application for contactless payments in NFC settings.

Once you add the card, you can use it to pay: unlock the phone, bring it to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm and wait for the beep. On the screen, a notification will appear about the successful payment with the amount and the last digits of the card.

If Mi Pay does not see the card or gives an error "unsupported bank", check:

• 📱 Compatibility of your bank with the service (the list of supported banks is available on the website of Xiaomi).
• 🌍 Your Mi Account region (should match the region of your bank card).
• 🔄 Update the Mi Pay app to the latest version.

Google Pay setup on Xiaomi: features for Russian users

Google Pay remains the most versatile mobile payment solution on Xiaomi, especially in Russia, where it supports most local banks.

• 📵 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Google Pay may not work due to lack of Google Mobile Services certification (GMS).
• 🔐 To add a card, you need to unlock the bootloader (on custom firmware such as Xiaomi.EU).
• 💳 Virtual cards (tokens) may not be supported on old-style terminals.

To add a card to Google Pay:

1. Download the app from Google Play (unless it is installed by default).
2. Open Google Pay, click Add Card and select the bank from the list.
3. Enter the card data manually or scan it with the camera.
4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.

To pay, unlock your phone, hold it to the terminal and wait for the vibration. Some Xiaomi models (like POCO F5) may need to pre-select Google Pay as the default app in NFC settings.

⚠️ Note: If the terminal gives an error "incorrect payment method" after adding a card to Google Pay, try disabling the option "Use for transport in the card settings" - this feature conflicts with some banking systems in Russia.

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In 2026, Google Pay remains the most reliable method of payment with a phone on Xiaomi in Russia, but requires checking compatibility with your bank and smartphone model.

Payment through banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.)

If Mi Pay and Google Pay are not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can use banking applications that support NFC.

• 🏦 SberBank Online - supports World and virtual cards.
• 💳 Tinkoff Bank – works with virtual and physical cards.
• 💰 VTB Online and Alpha-Click – require activation of the option “Contactless payments” in the card settings.

To set up payment through the banking application:

1. Open the bank application and go to the section with cards.
2. Select the card you want to link to NFC and click "Add to Contactless Payments".
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (SMS confirmation or biometrics may be required).
4. Install the banking application as the primary for payments in the NFC settings.

The advantage of this method is high speed of payments and minimal fees (banks often do not charge extra for contactless transactions).

• 📱 The bank application must be constantly running in the background (otherwise the payment will not pass).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is higher than when using Google Pay or Mi Pay.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting up your phone to Xiaomi correctly, users are faced with errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, check:

• 📶 Availability of firmware updates (sometimes bugs) NFC Corrected in new versions MIUI).
• 🛠️ Integrity of the antenna NFC (When it falls or repairs, it may be damaged).
• 📋 Compatibility of the terminal with your payment system (for example, Mir Pay does not work abroad).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi phone payment