How to know if there is NFC in the phone Xiaomi: proven ways

Why it’s important to know that you have NFC in your Xiaomi

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is no longer exotic — it’s now integrated into most smartphones, including Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO lines. But not all models are equipped with this chip, especially in the budget segment. The lack of NFC can come as a nasty surprise if you plan to use the phone for contactless payments, transfer files over Android Beam or work with smart devices (for example, tags for automation).

In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to check for NFC in your Xiaomi, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus, which Redmi and POCO models exactly support the technology and which ones don’t even have it in the top versions, and we’ll also tell you what to do if the phone has NFC but doesn’t work – a common problem after MIUI updates.

We warn you right away: some methods require access to Developer Settings or install third-party apps. If you've never turned on these modes, don't worry, we'll give you step-by-step instructions with pictures (in text format), and for owners of older models (Xiaomi Mi 5, Redmi Note 4X) we have prepared a separate section with nuances.

Method 1: Checking through standard MIUI settings

The quickest and most obvious method is to look at the settings menu. In MIUI, the path to NFC options may vary depending on the firmware version, but the general logic is maintained.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Scroll down and find the NFC or Contactless Payments option.
4. If there is no point, then the NFC chip in your model is physically absent.

Attention! On some devices (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), the NFC option is hidden until you first connect to the payment system. Try adding a card to Google Pay or Mi Pay - if the phone supports the technology, you will be asked to turn on the module.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the firmware region (for China, NFC is often disabled)

Install the NFC Tools app for the test

Reset your network settings (in Settings → System → Reset)

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The screenshot below shows an example menu on Xiaomi 12 Pro (MIUI 14). Note that if you have a different firmware (e.g. HyperOS), item names may differ slightly, but the search logic remains the same.

Method 2: Checking the specifications on the official website

If you haven’t bought a phone yet or want to clarify the data for a particular model, use official sources. Xiaomi always indicates the presence of NFC in the specifications, but there are nuances:

• 🔍 For global versions (Global) ROM) NFC usually.
• 🇨🇳 In Chinese versions (China) ROM) The chip can be switched off software.
• 📦 In some regions (e.g. India) NFC It is not even in the flagships.

How to check:

1. Go to mi.com.
2. In the search, type the model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
3. Open the Specifications tab.
4. Find the Connectivity section – there should be an NFC item.

Important: If the site says "NFC: Yes" but the phone doesn't work, the problem is the firmware. Solution: reflash the device to the global version of MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.

Yeah, that's critical to me.

No, I'm not paying attention.

I check, but not always.

I don't know what it is. NFC-->

Method 3: Using Test Applications

If standard methods fail, install specialized software. NFC testing applications will not only show the chip's presence, but also test its health.

• 📱 NFC Tools – shows the status of the module, allows you to read / write labels.
• 🔧 NFC Check – a minimalist utility for quick check.
• 💳 Google Pay – if you add a card error "NFC Not supported, no chips.

Instructions for using NFC Tools:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and press Check NFC.
3. If there is a module, the NFC option will appear and the chip version will appear.
4. For a test of performance, hold the phone to any NFC-tag (for example, a bank card).

Attention! Some applications (e.g. Mi Pay) may show false positives on Chinese firmware. Use NFC Tools or AIDA64 (Network → NFC) for accuracy.

Method 4: Verification through engineering menu (codes)

For power users, there is a way to check through hidden service menus, which works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but it requires caution – don’t change settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##
3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down to the RF Band Info or Hardware Info section.
5. Find the NFC string – if there is one, the module is installed.

Alternative codes for new models (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 12):

##6484## Test NFC- Antennas
#6437## - information about the chip

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (HyperOS) may not open the engineering menu. MTK Engineering Mode (only for MediaTek processor devices).

Method 5: Physical examination of the phone

If the phone is not turning on or you want to check the NFC before you buy, check the device body. The NFC antenna is usually located at the top of the back cover (near the camera) and visually resembles a small metallized circuit. On some models (Xiaomi Mi 10, Redmi K40), the antenna is hidden under the glass panel, but it can be detected by the characteristic pattern under the light.

Signs of NFC presence:

• 📶 Logo N on a box or in documentation.
• 🔄 Near Field Communication tag on the battery sticker (for collapsible models).
• 📱 Inscription Supports NFC on the seller’s website (for example, on AliExpress).

Important: In metal-body models (Xiaomi Mi 6, Mi MIX 2), the NFC antenna can be integrated into the top plastic insert. If this insert is damaged, the module will not work - even if the chip is installed.

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When buying a used Xiaomi, ask the seller to demonstrate how NFC works through Google Pay or read the tag, which is a guarantee that the chip is not only present, but also functional.

Frequent NFC Problems in Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even if your Xiaomi is equipped with NFC, the module may not work due to software or hardware failures. Here are typical situations and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, check the phone for hardware damage. Often the NFC antenna fails after falls or contact with moisture. In this case, only repair will help - replacing the antenna circuit costs from 800 to 2000 rubles depending on the model.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions