You're trying to find NFC-The problem is familiar to many users - especially when you need to check the functionality of the module, replace it or just understand why contactless payments do not work. Unlike obvious elements like a speaker or camera, NFC-The chip and its antenna are hidden deep inside the case, and their location varies depending on the model.
In this article, we will discuss the exact coordinates. NFC-modules in popular smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (2020–2026, show unique layout schemes for flagships and budget models, and explain how to independently diagnose problems with the environment. NFC — You'll learn why some phones have antennas under the battery and others have them integrated into the back cover, and what to do if the module stops responding after a drop or upgrade.
What is it? NFC-The antenna and how it works in Xiaomi
Before looking for an antenna, it is important to understand how the NFC (Near Field Communication) system works in Xiaomi smartphones.
- 🔹 NFC-Controller: A chip that processes signals (usually from a computer) NXP or Broadcom).
- 📡 Antennas are a loop made of thin wire or metallized plastic that picks up radio signals at 13.56 MHz.
- 🔌 Connecting tracks – contacts connecting the antenna to the motherboard.
In Xiaomi, the antenna is most often performed in the form of:
- 🔄 Flexible printed circuit board (FPC) — thin tape with conductive tracks (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- 📏 Metallic layer on the back cover (typical for budget Redmi Notes).
- 🔋 Built-in module under the battery (found in older models like the Mi 9).
The system works like this: when you bring the phone to the terminal, the antenna picks up the electromagnetic field, the chip decodes the signal, and the firmware. MIUI It processes a command (e.g., payment via Mi Pay or data transfer via Android Beam) if the antenna is damaged or contacts have left, the phone stops seeing" NFC-The device, although the chip may remain in good working order.
Top.-5 hiding-place NFC-Xiaomi antenna
The antenna location depends on the device series, its price and year of release, and we analyzed more than 20 Xiaomi models and identified the most common placement options:
| Location | Xiaomi models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under the battery (on the motherboard) | Mi 9, Mi 9T, Mi 10, Redmi Note 8 Pro | The antenna is soldered to the board, often suffering when replacing the battery. |
| In the back cover (metalized layer) | Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11 Lite | Damaged when disassembling or falling on a corner. |
| On a flexible plume (separate module) | Xiaomi 12/13 series, Mix 4 | Often attached to the middle frame, requires accuracy when disassembling. |
| Near the camera (top of the body) | POCO F3/F4, Redmi K40/K50 | It can interfere with the signal if a cover with metal elements is installed. |
| V SIM-tray (integrated into tract) | Xiaomi Civi, Redmi Note 12 | It is a rare solution, but it is found in compact models. |
⚠️ Note: In models without official support NFC (Like Redmi. 9A or POCO M3) There's no antenna, even if there's a setting in the firmware for the module. Check the specifications of your model on Mi.com.
Why does Xiaomi NFC have an antenna in the back?
Step-by-step instructions: how to find NFC-antennae in your model
To determine exactly where the antenna is in your Xiaomi, follow this algorithm:
- Check the phone model: Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. Write down the full name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
- Learn about disassembly schemes: On sites like iFixit or 4PDA Find a guide to disassembling your model: 🔧 Connectors on the motherboard with marking NFC or ANT. 📱 Flexible plumes running from the back cover to the board. 🔋 Contacts under the battery (if any).
Use a tester.
If the phone is disassembled, turn on the diagnostic mode (#4636##) and check the NFC response to the approach of another device.
Make sure that NFC is enabled in settings (Settings → Connections → NFC)
Check contactless payments (for example, through Google Pay)
Examine the body for cracks or dents
Prepare tools: plastic mediators, screwdrivers T3/T5, tweezers-->
💡 Useful tip: If you're not sure about your disassembly skills, use an ultraviolet lamp. Many antennas in Xiaomi are covered with phosphor composition and glow under the surface of the device. UV — This will help you find them without risking damage.
Photos and diagrams: NFC-antenna in popular models Xiaomi
Below are real photos and location schemes NFC-modules in the most common smartphones of the brand. note the differences between the series:
Xiaomi 13 Pro / 13 Ultra
In the flagship Xiaomi 13 antenna is made on a flexible board that is attached to the middle frame to the right of the camera, it is connected to the motherboard through the connector J4502. When disassembling, it is important not to bend the plume - this is a common cause of NFC failure after repair.
Redmi Note 11 Pro / Pro+
Here, the antenna is integrated into the back cover (the metallic layer under the plastic) and when the housing is replaced, the NFC stops working unless the antenna is moved from the old cover or the original module part is used.
POCO F4 GT
In POCO game models, the antenna is located under the battery, next to the charging connector. This makes access difficult, but protects the module from external damage.
💡
In models with a metal body (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4) NFC-antenna is always placed on a flexible board or back cover – metal shields the signal, so it is impossible to integrate the module into the frame.
Signs of malfunction NFC-antennas and how to diagnose them
If your Xiaomi NFC has stopped working, the problem could be either the antenna or the chip or the firmware.
- ❌ The phone does not see other devices (terminals, tags, smartphones), but it is determined by them. → The transmitting part of the antenna is probably damaged.
- ❌ NFC is enabled but not triggered (for example, payment does not pass, although the terminal is). → Problem with antenna contacts or shielding (for example, because of cover).
- ❌ The module turns off on its own or the phone overheats when used NFC. → Perhaps a short circuit in the antenna circuit or a chip malfunction.
🔧 How to check the antenna without disassembly:
- Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging over USB and connect your phone to your PC.
- Enter the command in ADB: adb shell dumpsys nfc If the answer has the string mIsNfcEnabled=true, but the devices are not detected - the problem is in the antenna.
⚠️ If you have a phone drop after a phone drop NFC It stopped working, but the other functions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are fine - with a probability of 90% of the antenna is damaged.
Can I replace myself? NFC-Xiaomi antenna?
Replacing an antenna is a medium-sized task that requires:
- 🛠️ Skills of working with a soldering iron (for models with soldered antenna).
- 🔍 Precise tools: tweezers, mediators, screwdrivers T3/T5.
- 📦 Original spare parts (antennas from other models will not work!).
📌 Step-by-step replacement process (on the example of Redmi Note 10 Pro):
- Plug off the back cover (use a hair dryer to soften the glue).
- Disconnect the battery plume to avoid short circuit.
- Find the antenna (in this model it is on the lid) and carefully separate it from the plastic.
- Install a new antenna, connect contacts to the motherboard.
- Check out the NFC before final assembly!
💰 Cost of repair:
- 🔧 Self-sustained replacement: 500–1500 ₽ (antennae + tool).
- 🏥 Service center: 2000–4000 ₽ (model-wise).
⚠️ Note: In models with an integrated antenna in the lid (for example, Mi 11 Lite), replacing the body without moving the module will lead to loss of the body. NFC! When ordering spare parts, check whether the antenna is included in the kit.
💡
Before replacing the antenna, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. In rare cases, after repair, you may need to reset your settings to keep the NFC running properly.