NFC Xiaomi Phone: What It Is and How to Use It in 2026

Have you ever noticed a small icon with wavy lines or an inscription on the body of your Xiaomi? NFC Many people ignore this feature as unnecessary, but in fact, Near Field Communication offers a lot of possibilities, from paying for purchases to managing a smart home. NFC Xiaomi phones, how to turn it on, where it is used and why it is already difficult to do without it in 2026.

If you think that NFC You only need contactless payments via Google Pay or Mi Pay, so you are wrong. Modern Xiaomi smartphones (from the budget Redmi Note 13 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra) support this technology at the level of hardware chips, which allows you to use it for file transfer, accessories connection, identification and even automation of tasks. But how exactly does it work and what Xiaomi models are equipped with? NFC? Let's get this straight.

What is NFC and how does it work in Xiaomi smartphones

NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to communicate without an internet connection, NFC It consumes minimal energy and is activated instantly when two compatible devices approach.

In smartphones Xiaomi chip NFC It is usually located at the top of the body (near the camera or under the back cover) and operates at 13.56 MHz and supports three main modes:

• 📱 Active mode – both devices generate their own electromagnetic field (for example, when transferring files between two smartphones).
• 💳 Passive mode – one device (like a payment terminal) powers another (your phone), allowing data to be read without a power source on the second side.
• 🔄 Emulation of the card – the smartphone imitates a contactless bank card or transport ticket (used in Google Pay, Mi Pay, subway).

It is important to understand that NFC Xiaomi is not just a payment lotion, it's a full-fledged platform for interacting with the world around you:

• 🔑 Put your phone to a smart lock and open the door.
• 🎧 Quickly connect wireless headphones (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) with one touch.
• 📲 Transfer contacts or photos to a friend by simply touching your phone.
• 🚇 Pay for the subway or bus fare without a physical card.

Xiaomi models support NFC in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a module NFC — This is especially true for low-end models and devices in emerging markets, but starting in 2020, the company is actively implementing the technology even in mid-budget series. POCO, supportive NFC (2026):

In China, many Xiaomi models are sold without NFC Even if they have international versions with this feature, always check the specifications for your region!

If you're not sure if there is NFC On your phone, check this in two ways:

1. Look at the Settings. → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
2. Use the app. AIDA64 (section → NFC).

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On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) NFC It can be turned off by default to save battery power. Turn it on manually if you need it!

How to Enable and Configure NFC on Xiaomi

Activation. NFC Xiaomi takes less than a minute on smartphones, but many users face difficulties due to different versions of the shell MIUI. Here is a step-by-step guide for the latest versions (MIUI 14/15):

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the Use NFC switch.
5. (Optional) Enable Android Beam (for file transfer) and Card Emulation (for payments).

If you have Xiaomi with a version MIUI Below 12, the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Wireless Networks → NFC

After inclusion NFC You can adjust his behavior:

• 🔄 Automatic shutdown – the module will deactivate after 5-10 seconds without use (saves charge).
• 💳 Payment System Priority – Select Google Pay, Mi Pay or the other default.
• 📱 Read notifications – the phone will vibrate when a tag is detected.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) post-refresh MIUI setting NFC If payments stop working, check the priority of the payment system on the menu. NFC → Payments.

Where and how it is used NFC on Xiaomi phones

Now that you know how to turn on NFC, So let's see where this technology is going to be in everyday life!

1. Contactless payments

The most popular application NFC — Payment for purchases through Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc:

1. Add your bank card to the app.
2. Bring the phone to the terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
3. Confirm the payment with a fingerprint or PIN-code.

Important: In Russia, since 2022, Google Pay does not support the binding of new cards, but the already added ones continue to work. The alternative is Mi Pay (requires registration in Mi Account) or banking applications.

Transport cards and tickets

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities NFC-Xiaomi chips can be used instead of Troika, Arrow or Plantain:

• Download the official transport app of your city (for example, Metro Moscow).
• Buy a virtual ticket and activate it.
• Put your phone on the validator at the turnstile.

⚠️ Warning: Some older validators may not be able to read virtual cards on phones. If the turnstile doesn't respond, try another one or use a physical card.

3. Data transfer between devices

With help. NFC Android Beam (or Mi Share in newer versions) MIUI) fast-transmitting:

• 📎 Contacts (business cards).
• 📷 Photos and videos (up to 1 GB).
• 🔗 Links to websites or applications.
• 🎵 Playlists or individual tracks.

For this:

1. Enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
2. Open the file you want to send.
3. Combine the back panels of the phones (chip to chip).
4. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission.

4.Managing a smart home

If you have Xiaomi smart devices (Yeelight lamps, Aqara sockets, robot vacuum cleaners), NFC can be used:

• 🔌 Quickly connect new gadgets (instead of entering a password from Wi-Fi).
• 🏠 Activation of scripts (e.g., a mark on the door turns on lights and air conditioning).
• 🔐 Unlocking Smart Locks (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Door Lock).

It's gonna take a while. NFC-Tags (you can buy them on AliExpress or in the official Xiaomi store) are set up through the Mi Home app.

5. Games and entertainment

Yes, NFC You can use it for entertainment:

• 🎮 Like in games. Pokémon GO Ingress to interact with real objects.
• 🎲 In board games with NFC-chips (for example, Xiaomi) MJXJD02YM).
• 🎟 To store electronic tickets for concerts or movies.

NFC issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Despite the reliability of the technology, Xiaomi users sometimes face problems when working with the company. NFC. Here are the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the app's cache NFC In Settings → Annexes → Application management.
2. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
3. Install the latest version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware (especially custom) NFC It may not work properly because there are no drivers, and if you're using an informal firmware, go back to the stock. MIUI.

Hidden opportunities NFC Xiaomi that you didn’t know about

Few people know, but NFC Xiaomi phones can be used for more than just their intended purpose:

1. Automation of tasks with NFC-marker

With apps like this. NFC Tools or Trigger you can program tags to perform any actions:

• 🔕 Do not disturb when touching the mark on the bedside table.
• 🚗 Starting the navigator and connecting to a Bluetooth magneto in the car.
• 🏋️ Turning on the training playlist in the headphones when touching the tag in the gym.

2. Access map cloning

If you have a physical access card (such as an office or a driveway), you can copy it to your phone.

1. Download the app NFC Card Emulator.
2. Bring the original card to the phone for reading.
3. Save data and emulate the map through NFC.

Important: Cloning of bank cards or transport tickets is prohibited by law! This method is only suitable for non-critical access cards.

3. Wireless charging through NFC

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) support reverse wireless charging via the X-ray. NFC. You can:

• 🔋 Charge other devices (such as Mi Band or headphones).
• 📱 Transfer power between phones (if both support Qi).

To activate, go to Settings → Battery → Wireless charging.

4. Games with NFC-chip

Xiaomi is releasing table games with NFC-It's a chip that interacts with a smartphone, like in a game called Mijia. NFC Dice cubes are read by the phone, and the result of the throw is displayed on the screen with animation.

5. Health diagnosis

In China. NFC It's used to read data from medical bracelets or glucose meters, like the Xiaomi Mi Bunny Blood Glucose Monitor, which transmits blood test results to your phone. NFC.

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NFC Xiaomi is not just about payments, it can automate routine tasks, clone access cards (where legal), manage a smart home, and even play interactive games.

NFC Security: How to Protect Your Data

Like any wireless technology, NFC It has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by fraudsters:

1.Skimming (data interception)

Attackers can use special devices to read your credit card or phone data from a distance, to avoid this:

• 🛡 Use the covers with RFID-Blocking (they screen the signal).
• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, when you don't use it.
• 📱 Set up payment confirmation by fingerprint.

Phishing tags

Fraudsters can place NFC-Labels in public places (such as on poles or in transport) that are redirected to phishing sites when read!

Unauthorized access

If you use NFC To unlock doors or smart locks, make sure that:

• 🔑 Your phone is secure. PIN-code-key.
• 📲 Encrypting data in settings is enabled MIUI.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware (new versions close vulnerabilities).

⚠️ Note: If you have lost your phone with a setup NFC-Payments, immediately block it through Find My Device and remove your bank cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay!

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi