How to check the presence of NFC in the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its modifications are very different in the “stuffing”. The main question of owners is: does my Redmi 9 have an NFC module? This depends on the possibility of contactless payments, using transport cards and working with smart devices. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable methods of verification, including hidden nuances that are not written about even in the official instructions.

The manufacturer often does not specify the presence of NFC in the model name (unlike flagships like Mi 11 or POCO F3), so users face confusion. For example, Redmi 9 in the base version (model number M2003J15SC) comes without NFC, and the Redmi 9 NFC (M2004J19G) modification with a module. But how to check if the box is long ago thrown out, and there is no explicit item in the settings?

1. Verification through model and specification

The most accurate way is to find out the exact model number of your Redmi 9 and check the official data.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Model line (e.g. M2003J15SC or M2004J19G).
3. Compare it to the table below.

Important: Even if your model number matches the NFC version, the module could be software-enabled in some regions (e.g. India), in which case only a physical check (see section 5) will help.

If the tables are not enough, check the specifications on official resources:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website (select region!).
• 📱 GSMArena (in the Comms section, look for the line) NFC).
• 🛒 Amazon or AliExpress – in the product description (if you bought online).

2. Search in Android settings

If the NFC module is installed and activated, it can be found in the settings menu.

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Look for NFC or Contactless Payments.

Display options:

• 🔍 Item NFC It is present – the module is available, it can be included.
• ❌ There is no point - either there is no module, or it is disabled at the firmware level.
• 🔄 The item is, but when turned on it gives an error - a hardware defect is possible (see Section 6).

On the Redmi 9 with MIUI 12 and later, the path may be different:

Settings → Google → Device and Sharing → Contactless payments

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If you don't have an NFC, but you're confident in the module model, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Sometimes this "exhibits" hidden features.

3. Use of test applications

Special utilities will help to check for NFC even if it is turned off in the settings.

• 📱 NFC Tools (Google Play) – shows the status of the module and allows you to test the reading of tags.
• 🔍 CPU-Z — In the Sensors section, look for the line NFC.
• 💳 Google Pay – when you try to add a card, you will give an error if there is no module.

Instructions for NFC Tools:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and wait for the scan.
3. If an NFC message appears, it is not supported, there is no module.
4. If the application offers to enable NFC, the module is there, but is turned off.

Critical: Some apps (like Google Pay) may not show an NFC-free error if the smartphone is rooted or custom firmware is used, in which case trust only hardware tests (Section 5).

Install the application|Run and wait for the scan.|Check the error message|Try to turn on NFC (if available)-->

4. Verification through codes and engineering menu

Hidden service codes allow you to get technical information about the device, including NFC data.Warning: Not all codes work on Redmi 9 due to MIUI limitations.

Method 1: Code #4636##

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination ##4636##.
3. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
4. Scroll down – if there is an NFC string, the module is installed.

Method 2: Engineering Menu (MTK)

On the Redmi 9 with the Mediatek Helio G80 processor, you can try:

##36446337## → CIT → Single Test → NFC

If the test is available, the module is there. If the code doesn't work, your firmware version has blocked the engineering menu.

5. Physical examination of the smartphone

If the software methods have not yielded results, it remains to disassemble the device or inspect it from the outside. NFC-The antenna in Redmi 9 is located under the back cover, next to the battery.

Signs of NFC presence:

• 🔍 On the back cover (under the cover) there is a metal plate in the upper part - this is an antenna.
• 📶 When you bring another NFC-the device (for example, a bank card) hears a weak squeak (if the module is active).
• 🛠️ Under the battery (when disassembling) a separate plume with marking is visible NFC.

Warning: Disassembling your smartphone is warranty-free and can damage your device. If you're not sure, contact your service center. Alternatively, use a transparent case and flashlight to see the antenna without disassembling.

The photo below shows the location NFC-antennas in Redmi 9 NFC (model M2004J19G):

Note: The image is conditional, as the real antenna is hidden under a metal screen.

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Physical testing is the most reliable method, but it requires caution, and if there is no antenna visually, there is no NFC module, even if the firmware shows otherwise.

6. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

There are times when NFC is in the specification, but it doesn't work.

• 🔌 The antenna plume has disconnected (after falling or disassembling).
• 🔋 Controller damaged. NFC motherboard.
• 📱 The firmware has blocked the module (relevant to the unofficial ones) ROM).

How to check:

1. Bring your smartphone to another NFC-Device (e.g., payment terminal).
2. If there is no reaction, try restarting your phone.
3. Install an alternative firmware (like LineageOS) – if NFC works, the problem was in the software.

To diagnose hardware problems, you will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter (calm antenna on cliff).
• 🔍 Loop (inspect the controller soldering).
• 📡 Service software (e.g., Mi Flash Tool for flashing).

⚠️ Attention: if NFC It stopped working after the update. MIUI, Do not try to roll back to the old version through Fastboot - this can block the bootloader. Better wait for a patch from Xiaomi or contact the service.

7.Alternatives if NFC is not available

If the test shows that there is no NFC in your Redmi 9, don't despair.

• 💳 Chip-based bank cards – most terminals support card insertion.
• 📱 Annexes with QR-codes (SberPay, Google Pay in mode) QR).
• 🔄 External NFC-Adapters (connected through the USB-C Or Audio Jack).
• 🚇 Transport cards in a case (for example, Troika in a case with a NFC-chip).

For contactless payments without NFC:

1. Activate the QR Payment option in the banking application.
2. Use Samsung Pay (works on some Xiaomi via MST emulation).
3. Buy a smartwatch with NFC (such as the Mi Band 7 Pro or Amazfit GTR 3).

⚠️ Attention: external NFC-Adapters often require root rights and are unstable.Before buying, check the reviews for your Redmi 9 model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Redmi 9