Where in the Redmi Note 8T is the NFC module: disassembly, circuit and diagnosis

You bought a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T supportive NFC, But you can't find out where the module is in the phone, or the chip stopped working after the fall, and you want to check its physical condition? NFC-The antenna and controller in the Redmi Note 8T, How they work and what to do if the function refuses to work.

The NFC (Near Field Communication) controller in Xiaomi smartphones is usually integrated into the motherboard, but the antenna can be located in different parts of the body — it depends on the model. In the case of the Redmi Note 8T (codename willow), the manufacturer chose a not-so-obvious solution, which causes many users to mistakenly look for the chip at the top of the device. In fact, it is different — and we will show this in the diagrams and photos.

Important: if you plan to disassemble your phone to test the module, remember that the Redmi Note 8T has a fragile battery plume and easily damaged back cover.

1. Where physically located NFC-module in Redmi Note 8T

In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T, the NFC module consists of two key elements:

• 🔹 Controller (chip) - chip NXP PN54T, soldered into the motherboard next to the processor.
• 📡 Antenna - a flexible loop of copper foil, located under the back cover.

The NFC antenna in the Redmi Note 8T is located at the bottom of the case, under the battery, and covers the area around the USB-Type C connector. This is not an obvious solution, since most smartphones place the antenna closer to the top edge (for example, the Samsung Galaxy or iPhone). In the Redmi Note 8T, the signal is best caught if you apply the phone to the terminal with the bottom part.

The image of the device being disassembled shows that the antenna is a thin metal track glued to the inside of the back cover and connects to the motherboard through a small connector next to the camera:

If you are trying to diagnose hardware damage, pay attention to:

• 🛠️ Integrity of the antenna (whether there are breaks or detachments).
• 🔌 The density of the connector connection to the motherboard.
• 💥 Traces of oxidation or moisture on the chip NXP PN54T (It is located next to the Snapdragon 665 processor).

2.How to check if NFC works on Redmi Note 8T

Before you disassemble the phone, make sure the problem is not software. Here are 3 ways to diagnose:

1. Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → NFC. If the switch is active but the function is not working, the problem may be in the antenna or chip.
2. Test app: Install NFC Tools from Google Play. Run the scan - if the phone doesn't detect tags, it's a sign of hardware failure.
3. Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and check for NFC status. If the field is empty or an error is displayed, the chip is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: If NFC It was previously used but stopped after the update. MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version. In some builds (e.g, MIUI 12.5.3) were driver bugs NXP PN54T.

3. Why? NFC It may not work: top-5 cause

If the module doesn't respond, the reasons are software and hardware, and here are the most common ones.

🔍 Advice: If NFC It stopped working after the crash, probably the connector of the antenna left or the board cracked, and in this case only disassembly will help. If the problem occurs after the update, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → The phone. → Resetting settings).

4.How to disassemble the Redmi Note 8T access NFC-module

If you decide to check the antenna yourself, follow the instructions. Redmi Note 8T is relatively easy to disassemble, but requires accuracy:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (a temperature of ~60°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Tap the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the lower left corner (near the Type-C connector).
4. Unscrew 10 screws that fix the metal plate (they are of different lengths - remember the location!).
5. Unplug the battery plume (it's under the black tape) Don't pull the wires!
6. The NFC antenna will be visible under the battery – it’s a thin copper track with a connector by the camera.

⚠️ Warning: If you're not planning to replace the antenna, don't tear it off the lid, it's glued to double-sided tape and it can break.

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If the screen becomes unfit after disassembly, use a new double-sided tape (for example, 3M 9088) or heat glue.

5. Can I reschedule? NFC-module with another Redmi Note 8T

Technically, a replacement NFC-antennas are possible, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 The antenna is assembled with a back cover - it is almost impossible to buy it separately.
• 🔄 Chip. NXP PN54T soldered to the board, and its replacement requires a soldering station.
• 📱 If you find a donor Redmi Note 8T, You can move the entire back panel with the antenna, but it is risky - new models may have other connectors.

Cost of repair in the service center:

• Replacement of antenna (with cover) – 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• Chip soldering NFC — 3 000–5 000 ₽ (if the fee is intact).
• Diagnosis - 500–1000 ₽.

💡 Conclusion: If NFC You only need contactless payments, it is cheaper to buy NFC-mark (worth it) ~200 ₽) And then you stick it on the back cover, and it'll emulate the operation of the module through applications like this. NFC Tools.

6.Alternative ways to use NFC if the module is broken

If repair is not possible or feasible, there are workarounds:

• 💳 Bank cards: Link the card to Google Pay or SberPay – some terminals support payments via QR-code.
• 🔑 Intercoms: Use applications like My Intercom or KeyMaster that work via Bluetooth.
• 📱 File Transfer: Replace NFC on Mi Share (built-in MIUI) Or Google's Nearby Share.

⚠️ Note: Some labels (for example, for office passes) require that NFC. There are no alternatives to this: you will have to repair your phone or buy a new one.

7. Frequent questions about NFC in Redmi Note 8T

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If the NFC in the Redmi Note 8T does not work, first check the software settings and update the firmware. Disassembly of the phone is justified only in case of mechanical damage (fall, moisture).