No NFC on Xiaomi: How to pay for purchases without contactless module?

You are the lucky owner of a Xiaomi smartphone, but you found that your model is missing a module NFC? Or did the contactless payment feature suddenly stop working after the upgrade? Don't be too upset, you can pay without it. NFC, In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from the standard to the most convenient. QR-codes to little-known life hacks using Mi Pay and third-party services.

The makers of budget and some mid-budget Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 9A, Poco M3 or Redmi Note 10 Lite) often save on an NFC chip to reduce the final cost of the device. However, this does not mean that you have to carry a physical card or cash. Modern payment systems offer many alternatives, you need to know how to use them. Next you will find step-by-step instructions, comparison of methods on speed and security, and answers to frequent questions.

1. Payment through QR-Codes: The Most Universal Method

QR-Codes have become the standard for contactless payments in Russia, China and many European countries, and this method works on any smartphone, including Xiaomi models without any contactless payments. NFC, And it's backed by most of the banks: Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank, and others — QR-Payments are accepted even in small stores where the terminals do not support Apple Pay or Google Pay.

How it works:

• 📱 The cashier generates QR-code on the terminal screen (or prints it on a check).
• 🔍 You scan the code through a banking application (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).
• ✅ Confirm payment on the SMS or fingerprint.

Some stores (e.g., Pyaterochka, Magnet) also support reverse QR, where you show the code and the cashier scans it with his terminal, which is even more convenient because it does not require the smartphone camera to focus on someone else's screen.

2. Banking applications with support for phone number payments

Many banks allow you to pay for your purchases by simply giving the cashier a card-linked phone number. The system automatically debits your account. This method works on MVideo, Eldorado, Children's World and other major retailers, and the main advantage is that you don't have to scan anything or bring the phone to the terminal.

How to set up:

1. Open your bank’s application (for example, Sberbank Online).
2. Go to the Payments section → Payment settings.
3. Activate the option of Payment by phone number.
4. Link the main card to be written off.

Note: this method only works in stores that have installed terminals that support MPOS (Mobile Point of Sale) technology.

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If you have multiple cards in the same banking application, assign one of them to the "main" for payments by phone number, which will speed up the payment process and avoid confusion.

3.Mi Pay without NFC: a little-known feature for Xiaomi owners

Many users mistakenly believe that Mi Pay works exclusively through the use of the NFC. The service actually supports and QR-Payments, even phone number payments in some regions, are essential to ensure that your smartphone supports Mi Account services (which is true for all official Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models).

How to set up Mi Pay without NFC:

• 🔧 After linking the card, go to Settings → Methods of payment.
• 📋 Choose. QR-phone number or code (if available).
• 🔒 Confirm the setting through SMS graphical.

Important: Mi Pay’s NFC-free functionality may be restricted in Russia due to sanctions restrictions. If the service doesn’t work, try the alternative methods in this article.

4. Payment through messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber

Modern instant messengers are no longer just tools for communication. Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber support built-in payment systems that allow you to pay for purchases directly in chat with the seller. This method is especially convenient for online orders, but some offline stores also accept payments through instant messengers.

How it works on the example of Telegram:

• 🛒 The seller sends you an invoice via a bot @ShopBot manually.
• 💳 You choose the payment method (bank card, QIWI, YuMoney).
• ✅ Confirm payment in the opened window.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant transfers without commissions (in most cases).
• 📱 No need to install additional applications.
• 🔒 All payments are protected by two-factor authentication.

Limitation: Not all stores support this method, and it is most often available at small locations that work through Instagram or VK.

5 Virtual cards and services like Apple Pay (yes, it’s possible!)

Many users are surprised, but Apple Pay and Google Pay can be used on Xiaomi without the help of the user. NFC — But that's true, with some reservations, and that requires a virtual card that's linked to the service, and that's support for payments. QR-code.

Instructions for Google Pay:

1. Install Google Pay from the Play Market.
2. Add your bank card to the service.
3. In the card settings, activate the option of Payment by QR.
4. When paying, select Pay QR in the app and scan the terminal code.

Apple Pay will require an additional step – creating a virtual card through a banking application (such as Tinkoff or Alfa Bank), and then linking it to the service – a method that does not work in all stores, but can be a salvation if other methods are not available.

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Virtual maps on Google Pay/Apple Pay off NFC work only for QR-Contactless payment (carrying the phone to the terminal) still requires NFC-module.

6. Alternative payment systems: UMoney, QIWI, WebMoney

If banking applications for some reason do not suit you, pay attention to e-wallets. Services like YuMoney (formerly Yandex.Money), QIWI WebMoney allows you to pay for purchases through QR-codes, transfers by phone number or even by nickname.

Comparison of popular services:

The Bank of Russia’s Quick Payments System (SBP) is particularly prominent, allowing money to be transferred between bank accounts by phone number without commission, and many stores (e.g. Dixie, Perekrestok) support payment via SBP directly at the checkout.

⚠️ Warning: When using e-wallets, always check the recipient's details. QR-codes in public places (cafes, parking lots), redirecting payments to your accounts.

7. Physical alternatives: cards, key fobs and stickers

If software solutions don't work for you, consider physical media for contactless payments. Many banks issue:

• 💳 Contactless cards with a chip NFC (can be attached to the phone case).
• 🔑 Key fobs with built-in NFC-chip (for example, from Tinkoff or Sberbank).
• 🏷️ Stickers for sticking to the back of the smartphone (work as a full contactless card).

How to order:

1. Open your bank's application.
2. Go to the Maps section → Order an additional card.
3. Choose the contactless key fob or sticker option.
4. Confirm your order – delivery is usually free.

The advantage of this solution is that you get a full contactless payment without depending on the phone. your Xiaomi will run out or break, the payment key fob will remain functional.

Comparison of all methods: what to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table comparing all methods by key parameters:

⚠️ If you travel frequently, consider that you are abroad. QR-payments are less common than in Russia, in which case the best solution will be physical key fobs or stickers with a scalp. NFC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC-free payments on Xiaomi