You bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but you're not sure if it supports NFC? Or you want to use contactless payments, but you don't know if your model has the appropriate chip? This problem is familiar to many users - the Xiaomi brand produces both low-end devices without NFC and flagships with full support for contactless functions. While the models may look the same on the outside, and the characteristics on the box or in the online store are not always accurate.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to check for NFC in a Xiaomi phone, from a simple inspection of the case to hidden engineering menus. You’ll learn which Redmi and POCO models have a chip, how to turn on NFC if you have one, and what to do if your smartphone does not support the technology.
1. Checking through phone settings is the fastest way
If NFC-The chip in your Xiaomi is present, it can be found in standard system settings. MIUI (12 to 16) and doesn't require any additional apps:
- Open the Settings app (icon with gear).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down and find the NFC or Contactless Payments option.
If you don't have that option, you probably don't have NFC support on your model. But don't get upset: some firmware may have a hidden item. For example, Xiaomi Mi A2 (Android One) has a different path: Settings → System → Additional → NFC.
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On some POCO models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), the NFC option only appears after the developer mode is activated. To enable it, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version 7 times.
Important! On phones with MIUI for China (the China ROM firmware version), NFC can be disabled at the software level even if the chip is physically present, in which case flashing to the global or European version will help.
2. Physical inspection of the case - where to look NFC-antenna
If you don’t want to dig into the settings, you can try to find NFC-The chip is visual. Most Xiaomi smartphones have an antenna on the top of the back, next to the camera. NFC on the battery (if the lid is removable).
Here’s what a typical location looks like:
- 📱 Removable back cover (e.g. Redmi) 4A, Redmi 5A): the antenna is under the battery, on the board next to the connector for SIM-Frequently marked as NFC or PN54T (chip-model).
- 🔋 Non-removable housing (for example, Xiaomi) 11T, POCO F4): The antenna is integrated into the top of the back, under the camera glass. NFC-device (e.g. bank card) – if there is a chip, you will hear the sound of identification.
- 🛠️ Disassembled phone: on the motherboard look for a chip with the inscription NXP (majority NFC-chips for Xiaomi).
⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models have a visible antenna. For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the chip is hidden under a metal screen, and it is impossible to detect it without disassembling. NFC.
How to check NFC without disassembling your phone?
3.Using engineering codes - hidden opportunities
With the help of special USSD-commands can access service information about the phone, including data about NFC-This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution – incorrect code can cause a failure.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##4636## and press the call.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the RFID/NFC block. If the string is present, the chip is there.
Alternative code for checking hardware components:
##284##Once you enter it, you will open a test menu where you can select the NFC Test, and if you have an option, you will have the module installed.
Enter the code ##4636##| Check the "Phone Information" section | Find the line RFID/NFC| If no string, no chip
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⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 9) SE) The engineering menu can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case the codes will not work, and you will have to use other methods.
4. Verification through third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue. NFC, But it's also testing its performance.-3 tested:
| Annex | Functions | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| NFC Tools | Scans the chip, shows its model, tests reading/writing tags | Download |
| NFC Check | Minimalist utility to check the presence of a module | Download |
| Trigger | Checks NFC and automates tasks (e.g., turning on Wi-Fi when a tag is approaching) | Download |
How to use NFC Tools:
- Install the application and open it.
- Press Check NFC (Confirm NFC).
- If there is a chip, the NFC option and the module model (e.g. NXP PN548) will appear.
- For the test, bring a bank card or a tag to the phone - the application should detect it.
Important: If the app shows an error “NFC not found” but you are sure that the chip is there (for example, according to the characteristics of the model), try updating the firmware or resetting to factory settings.
Yes, contactless payments | Yes, file transfer |No, but I want to try |No, and I don't plan | I don't know if there's NFC in my phone-->
5. Checking by phone model - compatibility table
If you know the exact model of your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, you can check the official specs. Below is a table of popular devices with NFC support (relevant for firmware 2023-2026).
| Series | Model | NFC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | ✅ Yes. | Support for contactless payments and tags |
| Redmi | Note 12 Pro+/12 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Only in versions for the global market |
| POCO | F5/F5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | NXP PN80T chip |
| Redmi | 10A/10C | ❌ No. | Budget models without NFC |
| Xiaomi | Mi 11 Lite | ⚠️ Depends on the region. | In Europe, there is, in India, there is not. |
🔍 How to find out the exact model?
Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. The name will be in M2012K11AC format (for Redmi Note 9 Pro) or 2201116PG (for Xiaomi 12). Copy it and check it on the GSMArena website or the official Xiaomi portal.
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Even if your model is marked as “with NFC” in the table, check the firmware region. For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for China (China ROM version) does not support contactless payments, although the chip is physically present.
6 What to do if NFC is not available – alternatives and solutions
If it turns out your Xiaomi isn’t equipped with NFC, don’t despair. Here are a few ways to get around this limitation:
- 💳 Chip-based bank cards: use a physical card for contactless payments.Most modern terminals support PayPass/PayWave.
- 📱 Outside NFC-Adapter: Connected through USB-C or audio jack (for example, Sonim) NFC Reader.The cost is from 500 rubles.
- 🔄 Warranty exchange: if you bought a phone recently and the specifications were listed NFC, But it is not possible to require a replacement under the law "On consumer protection".
- 🛒 Purchase of tags: NFC-stickers (e.g., stickers, NTAG213) You can program to perform actions (turning on Wi-Fi, launching applications) and glue to your phone.
⚠️ Attention: External NFC-Adapters often do not support contactless payments via Google Pay or Mi Pay due to security limitations, and are only suitable for reading tags or emulating cards (e.g., transport).
If you want an NFC phone, look at Xiaomi’s mid-range and premium models:
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T — flagship with support for all contactless functions.
- 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — Best Price/Quality Balance with NFC.
- 🎮 POCO F5 — chip-box NXP PN80T.