Where is NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9: Chip location, verification and activation

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains a popular choice among users who value balance of price and functionality. However, the availability and location of the NFC module is confusing: some versions of the chip is present, others are not. If you plan to use contactless payments, transport cards or smart devices, it is important to know exactly whether your model supports this technology.

In this article, we will not only show you where you are physically located. NFC-The chip is in Redmi 9, but we'll also teach you how to check for it through settings and specialized applications, and we'll also learn why the module might not work even if it's available, and what to do in such cases. Special attention will be paid to the differences between the global and Chinese versions of the smartphone – this is a key point for owners.

Spoiler: If your Redmi 9 is bought in Russia or Europe, the chances of NFC are minimal, but there are ways to test it without disassembling the device!

1.Does NFC exist in your Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to determine the modification

The first thing to understand is that not all versions of Redmi 9 are NFC-enabled. The manufacturer has released several modifications of the device, and the availability of the chip varies by region and model.

• 🌍 Global version (Redmi 9, M2004J19G) — without NFC Exception: separate parties for some European countries (e.g. Spain).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (Redmi 9, M2004J19C) — s NFC, It requires Russification and adaptation to work with Google Pay.
• 📱 Redmi 9 Prime/9 Power/9T — always NFC, These are other models, often confused with the base Redmi. 9.

To determine your modification, go to Settings → About Phone → Model. If the model number has a letter C (e.g., M2004J19C) – this is the Chinese version with NFC. If G (M2004J19G) is global, most likely without a module.

Important: Even if your smartphone supports NFC, the feature can be disabled at the software level in firmware, which is true for Chinese versions where the module is physically present but not active out of the box.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers deliberately mislead buyers by indicating the characteristics of the seller. NFC For global versions, always check the model. IMEI on the Mi Verify website before purchase.

2 Where physically located NFC-chip in Redmi 9: disassembly and external signs

If your model supports NFC, the chip is located on the motherboard at the top of the smartphone, next to the antenna module.

• 📍 Under the back cover, closer to the upper left corner (when looking at the screen).
• 🔧 Next to the coil of wireless charging (if you have one in your modification).
• 📶 Under a metal screen, soldered to the board as a separate chip size ~5×5 mm.

Externally determine the presence NFC It's impossible to disassemble without disassembly, either in body or in stickers, and the only visual sign is that if you have an N-mark on the back, it's implicitly supporting the technology.

If you're not afraid to take your smartphone apart, you can gently remove the back cover (you'll need a mediator and a hairdryer to soften the glue) and check for the chip, but the warranty will be lost, and the risk of damaging the plumes or battery is high.

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Before disassembling, take a picture of all the plumes and screws, which will help to assemble the phone back without errors. Use plastic blades to avoid damaging the case.

3. How to test NFC on Redmi 9 without disassembly: 3 working ways

You don't have to take apart a smartphone to see if it has NFC, but here are three reliable ways to check:

Method 1: Through Android Settings

Open Settings → Connected devices → Connection. If there's an "NFC" item on the list, the module is present. If it's not, it's either not physically present or it's disabled at the firmware level.

Method 2: Specialized applications

Install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 🔍 NFC Check (by Tapkey) – shows the chip and its condition.
• 📱 NFC Tools – Tests reading/writing tags.
• 🛠️ CPU-Z — In the "Sensors" section, information about NFC-controller.

If an application says "NFC not available," it means either the chip is missing or the chip is software-based, and in the first case, you can't do anything, in the second case, NFC-enabled firmware will help (more on that below).

Method 3: Checking through the Engineering Menu

This is a method for advanced users. Type in the phone app the code:

##4636##

Go to Hardware testing → NFC. If the partition is missing, the module is not. If there is but it does not work, try to enable it through this menu (the option "Enable NFC").

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of Redmi 9 NFC dead-line MIUI. Even if there is a chip, it won’t be visible in the settings before installing custom firmware (e.g. PixelExperience or LineageOS).

Why NFC doesn't work on Redmi 9 even if it's available: 5 reasons

You've made sure there's a chip, but NFC doesn't turn on or detect the devices?

1. Global versions of MIUI often block NFC at the software level, even if the chip is physically present.
2. In Chinese versions, for example, NFC can only work with Mi Pay, not Google Pay.
3. The antenna module is damaged. NFC-The chip is connected to an antenna that can oxidize or move away after falling.
4. Conflict with other modules, for example, if Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct is active at the same time.
5. An outdated version MIUI. In the old firmware (below) MIUI (12) support NFC could be unstable.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. PixelExperience) if your version MIUI block NFC.

In Chinese versions of Redmi 9 (M2004J19C) NFC Often requires manual activation through ADB-team:

adb shell settings put global nfc_enabled 1

After completing the command, restart the smartphone.

5. How to turn on NFC on Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

If your smartphone supports NFC but the feature is disabled, follow this instruction:

1. Activate in settings: Open Settings → Connected devices → Connection → NFC. Transfer the slider to “On.” Enable the “Android Beam” option (if you need to transfer files).
2. Contactless payment settings: Install Google Pay or Mi Pay app (for Chinese versions). Add a bank card to Google Pay → Payments → Add a payment method. Set up a screen lock (PIN or pattern lock) - this is a must for security.

Verification of work

• Bring your smartphone to the payment terminal (distance < 5 cm).
• Wait for vibration or sound signal.
• If the payment fails, check if your bank supports contactless transactions.

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On the Chinese versions of Redmi 9, you need to change the device region to supported (e.g. Singapore or Hong Kong) before setting up Google Pay via MIUI settings.

NFC Alternatives for Redmi 9: What to Do When No Module

If your Redmi 9 doesn't support NFC, don't despair. Here are working alternatives for the main scenarios:

For payments through QR-code:

• 💳 In most stores (for example, Pyaterochka, Magnet) terminals support payment by QR.
• 📱 In banking applications (for example, SberBank) there is a generation function. QR translational.
• 🚇 In the subway of Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can tie Troika to an Apple Watch or a special key fob.

If you are critically interested in NFC, consider buying an external module, for example:

• 🔌 NFC-reader USB-C (It connects to a smartphone, it is worth it. ~1000–1500 ₽).
• 💳 NFC-SIM card insert (emulates a bank card, but requires an unlocked bootloader).