NFC in Xiaomi smartphones: what it is, how to turn on and use in 2026

Ever wondered why your Xiaomi can pay for coffee with a touch to the terminal, or instantly transfer photos to a friend just as soon as you touch their phone? Behind it is NFC technology, the magic that turns a smartphone into a universal key, wallet and data exchange. But how exactly does it work in Xiaomi devices, which models support this feature, and how do you set it up for maximum benefit?

In this article, we’ll take the NFC in Xiaomi smartphones under a microscope, from basic principles to hidden features: you’ll learn where the chip is physically located in the phone’s case (this is important for the right work!), how HCE and Card Emulation modes differ, and why some Redmi models lack this feature, and step-by-step instructions for setting up contactless payments, sharing files via Android Beam, and integrating with smart Mi Home devices.

Spoiler: If you think NFC is just for payment, you're missing 80 percent of the power. Even in low-end POCO and Redmi Notes, it can automate routine tasks, make it easier to access transportation, or become a reliable security tool. Ready to unlock the potential of your phone?

What is NFC in a Smartphone and How Does It Work?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a ultra-short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to communicate or initialize actions with a simple touch. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it does not require pairing and works almost instantly - just hold the phone to another device or tag.

In smartphones, Xiaomi NFC is implemented through a separate chip that is integrated into the motherboard. It supports three main modes:

• 💳 Card Emulation – The phone behaves like a bank card, transport ticket or key card (used for payment and access).
• 📱 Read/write mode (Reader/Writer) – A smartphone reads data from NFC- tags or writes it (e.g., to automate tasks).
• 🔄 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) – data exchange between two devices (photos, contacts, links).

It's important to understand that NFC in Xiaomi is not just a pay feature, for example, it can be used to:

• 🚇 Attach a virtual transport card (Troika, Arrow, Metro) and pass through the turnstiles.
• 🔑 Open the doors of an office or home if a NFC- lock is installed.
• 🤖 Automatically turn on Wi-Fi or start the navigator by touching a tag in the car.
• 🎮 Connect gamepads or accessories without Bluetooth (e.g., Mi Game Controller).

Technical limitations: NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and consumes minimal power, but the data rate is low – up to 424 kbps. This makes the technology ideal for short commands, but unsuitable for transferring large files (it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth 5.0).

Where is the NFC-Chip in Xiaomi Phones: Why it Matters

If you tried to pay for your purchase by bringing your phone to the terminal, but nothing happened, the problem may be in the wrong position of the chip. In most Xiaomi models, the NFC antenna is located at the top of the rear panel (near the main camera), but there are exceptions.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a case with a magnetic attachment or metal elements, NFC may not work. Try removing the case or flipping the phone the other side to the terminal.

To check the location of the chip in your model:

1. Open the documentation to the phone (section "Technical characteristics").
2. Or find the scheme on Xiaomi’s support site (enter the model in search).
3. Experimental method: Hold your phone to the payment terminal from different angles until you hear the beep.

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If the NFC stopped working after the phone fell, the cause could be the antenna damage, in which case only the replacement of the module in the service center will help.

Xiaomi models support NFC: full list of 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with NFC — especially the budget lines Redmi A and POCO M. However, since the 2020 years, even some models of the Redmi Note series have received this feature.

Flagship models (100% NFC support)

• 📱 Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Ultra
• 📱 Xiaomi 13T / 13T Pro
• 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 / Flip
• 📱 Black Shark 6 Pro (Gaming Smartphone)

Mid-size segment (most models)

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro / Pro+ / 12S Ultra
• 📱 POCO F5 / F5 Pro
• 📱 Xiaomi Civi 3
• 📱 Redmi K60 / K60 Pro

Budget models (selectively)

• 📱 Redmi Note 11 NFC (special version)
• 📱 POCO X5 Pro 5G
• 📱 Redmi 12 5G (Europe version only)

⚠️ Warning: Models for the Chinese market (marked CN in the title) are often devoid of NFC even if global versions support it. Check the labeling on the box!

How to know if there is NFC in your phone:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. Or enter the "NFC" request in the settings search.
3. Use the CPU-Z app (Sensors → NFC).

How to enable and configure NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Activation of NFC in Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but there are nuances depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Turn on NFC in settings: Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. Activate the NFC switch. It is recommended to enable Autorun when locked (lets you use NFC without unlocking the screen).
2. Set up contactless payments: Open the Google Pay or Mi Pay app (depending on the region). Add a bank card following the prompts. Set Google Pay as the default app for payments in NFC settings.

Check the work:

• Bring the phone to the payment terminal (screen up, chip to the reader).
• Wait for vibration and sound signal.

If payments don't work:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in old firmware there are bugs with the NFC).
• 💳 Check if your bank supports contactless payments via Google Pay.
• 🛠️ Reset the settings. NFC: Settings → Annexes → Application management → NFC → Warehouse → Clear the data.

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In Xiaomi with MIUI 14 appeared the function "Fast payments" - now for payment it is enough to double press the power button (setting in Settings → Buttons and gestures).

How to Use NFC in Xiaomi for Smart Home and Automation

NFC in Xiaomi smartphones can become a smart home control center, for example, you can:

• 🏠 Manage Mi Home devices: By touching a tag, turn on the light, run a robot vacuum cleaner, or open a smart lock.
• 🚗 Automate tasks in the machine: A tag on the phone holder can include Google Maps, connect Bluetooth, and run music.

How to set up automation with NFC- tags:

1. Buy programmable NFC- tags (for example, Mi NFC Tag or universal NTAG213/215/216).

Example of settings for a smart home:

1. Place the NFC- tag next to the bed.


2. Set up a script in Mi Home:




When the tag → is triggered, turn off all lights, close the curtains, turn on the night mode on the phone.




3. Now just touch the phone to the mark before bedtime!

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You can also use Google Assistant Routines to automate. Create a routine with the trigger "NFC- tag" and add the necessary actions (for example, send SMS or turn on the alarm).

NFC File Transfer: How to Exchange Data Between Phones

Want to send a photo or a contact to a friend without using messengers? With NFC, it is done in seconds. Xiaomi smartphones have Android Beam feature for this (in newer versions of MIUI it is called Quick Transfer).

How to transfer a file via NFC:

1. Turn on NFC on both phones.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Bring the phones back to each other (chip to chip!).
4. On the screen will appear a notification Touch for transmission – confirm the action.

Limitations:

• 📎 The maximum file size is 1 GB (but in practice it is better to transfer files up to 100 MB).
• 🔋 Transfer consumes more power than Bluetooth, so it’s better to use Wi-Fi Direct for larger files.
• 📱 Both phones must support Android Beam (on iPhone, this feature works differently).

If the transmission does not begin:

• Check that both phones have Android Beam enabled (Settings → Connected Devices → Connection & Sharing → Fast Transfer).
• Make sure that your files are not protected by DRM (e.g., some music tracks from Google Play Music cannot be transferred).
• Reboot both devices.

NFC problems in Xiaomi: why it doesn’t work and how to fix them

NFC can stop working for many reasons, from software failures to physical damage, and these are the most common problems and solutions.

⚠️ Warning: If the MIUI NFC has stopped working after the update, try retracing to the previous version via Fastboot.

Diagnosis of malfunctions:

1. Check if NFC is detected in CPU-Z (Sensors section), and if not, the problem is in the hardware.
2. Test with another phone: If your Xiaomi doesn’t read tags, but other devices do, it’s the chip’s fault.
3. Try using NFC in Safe Mode (without third-party apps) if it works, conflict with the software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi smartphones