NFC in Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide to functions, configuration and application

Have you ever noticed a small icon with wavy lines on your Xiaomi body or an NFC in the specs? This module is found in almost all modern smartphones of the brand – from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO, but not all users understand what it is for. Meanwhile, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology opens up opportunities that many people think are “magic”: from contactless payments to smart home automation.

In this article, we will explore what NFC is in Xiaomi smartphones in practice, without complex technical terms, but with specific examples. You will learn how the module works, what tasks it solves (and what it does not), how to activate it and where to apply it. And we will reveal several hidden NFC features that Xiaomi does not talk about in official instructions, for example, how to automate routine actions using tags or exchange contacts in a single touch.

If you think NFC is just about paying with your phone, you're missing 80 percent of the power. Let's fix it!

What is NFC in a smartphone: in simple words

NFC (Near Field Communication) is an ultra-short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm, but usually 2-4 cm) that allows two devices to communicate or initialize actions with the simple touch or touch.

In fact, NFC — It's a smart heir" RFID-tags (the ones used in passes or transport cards), but with advanced features. NFC It operates at 13.56 MHz and supports three main modes:

• 📱 Active mode: both devices (e.g. two smartphones) generate their own electromagnetic field to exchange data.
• 💳 Passive mode: one device (smartphone) reads data from a passive chip (bank card, tag, fob).
• 🔄 Card emulation: the smartphone behaves like a contactless card (for example, to pay in the terminal).

It is important to understand that NFC is not a replacement for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; it is not designed to transfer large files (maximum speed is 424 kbps, which is 100 times slower than Wi-Fi), but it consumes minimal energy, turns on instantly and does not require devices to pair.

Why you need NFC in Xiaomi smartphones: 7 real scenarios

Many users mistakenly believe that NFC in Xiaomi is only for Google Pay or Mi Pay, but in fact, the range of applications is much wider.

1. Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay, Samsung Pay or banking apps (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, etc.) Just bring your phone to the terminal - you do not need to get a card.
2. Fast data transfer between smartphones (contacts, links, photos) via Android Beam (older versions of Android) or Fast Share (newer versions).
3. Automation of actions by means of NFC-For example, touching a phone to a mark on a bedside table can turn on the night mode, alarm clock and turn off Wi-Fi.
4. Identification and access: The smartphone replaces the office pass, the key to the electric scooter or the loyalty card in the store.
5. Connecting to smart devices: Many Xiaomi gadgets (like Yeelight lamps or robot vacuum cleaners) support fast tuning via NFC.
6. Reading information from smart packages, business cards or advertising posters (for example, a quick transition to a brand website).
7. Games and entertainment: Some mobile games (such as Pokémon GO) use NFC to interact with physical objects.

Interesting fact: in the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the NFC module supports two-way communication, allowing the phone to be used as a universal remote for the smart home. In the POCO F4 GT, the technology is integrated with game triggers for quick profile launch.

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If you have a Xiaomi smartphone without NFC (Like Redmi. 9A or POCO M3), can be purchased externally NFC-It's a key fob adapter or sticker that connects over Bluetooth and emulates the functions of the built-in module.

How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi smartphone

Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with NFC module – especially for ultra-budget lines (Redmi A, some POCO). Here are 4 ways to find out if your phone supports the technology:

1. View the characteristics on the official website

Go to your model page on Xiaomi or POCO. In the "Specifications" section, look for Wireless Networks or Connections - it should indicate NFC: Yes.

2. Check in the phone settings

Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC (or Settings → Settings → NFC in MIUI 12 and older). If there is no partition, there is no module.

Exception: some regional firmware may have a hidden item, and then a third way will help.

3. Use the CPU-Z application

Download the free CPU-Z app from Google Play. Go to the Sensors tab — if there is an NFC string with Supported status, the module is present.

4. Visual examination

On some models (Xiaomi Mi 10, Redmi Note 10 Pro), the NFC icon is placed on the back of the logo or camera, and it looks like a stylized letter "N" with waves:

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Even if your model has NFC, support for it may depend on regional firmware. For example, in Xiaomi for China, Google Pay is often disabled, but Mi Pay works.

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

If your smartphone supports NFC, you can activate it in a few seconds. Here is a universal guide for all models with MIUI 12/13/14:

Check the presence of the module in the characteristics

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure that SIM-The card supports contactless payments (for Google Pay)

Download the necessary applications (Google Pay, Mi Pay, Trigger, etc.)-->

1. Enable NFC in the settings: Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC (or Settings → Additional → NFC). Translate the slider to On.
2. Set up the mode: In the same menu, select how to use it. NFC: 💳 Emulation of the card – for contactless payments. 📱 P2P (Peer-to-Peer – to exchange data with other phones. 🏷️ Reading tags - for reading NFC-tag.

Add a bank card (for payments)

Open Google Pay or Mi Pay, follow the instructions for linking the card. In some banks (Sber, Tinkoff), the card can be added directly to their mobile application.

Check the efficiency

Bring your phone to the payment terminal or other NFC-If you see a vibration or a notification, the module works correctly.

Important: In some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K40), NFC is disabled by default to save charge. To keep it running, in the NFC settings, activate the option Always On (instead of On when unlocked).

Contactless payments via NFC: Google Pay vs Mi Pay

The main application of NFC in Xiaomi is payment by phone, but there's a nuance here: depending on the model and the region, you can use Google Pay, Mi Pay or both, and let's see how they differ and which one to choose.

In 99% of cases, Google Pay is the best service for users in Russia and Europe. Mi Pay only makes sense if you often buy in Chinese stores (for example, on AliExpress with payment via Alipay).

Instructions for setting up Google Pay:

1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and press Start.
3. Add a bank card (you will need to enter data from a physical card or scan it).
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Now, you just have to unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal.

What you need to set up:

1. Buy it. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 on AliExpress or electronics stores).
2. Download the tag programming app: Trigger, NFC Tools or Automate.
3. Write down the desired action on the label (see the instructions below).

The following is a step-by-step instruction (on the example of NFC Tools):

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Click Add Record and select an action (such as Open URL, Enable Wi-Fi, or Launch App).
3. Fill in the settings (e.g., enter a link or select an app).
4. Put the phone to the tag, the data will be recorded.
5. Check the work: touch the tag again with your phone.

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NFC-You can use tags to do hidden automation, like hiding a tag under a table in a cafe, and when you touch your phone, you'll see a menu with current promotions or a form of payment.

NFC problems in Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Sometimes NFC in Xiaomi smartphones is unstable: it doesn’t read tags, it doesn’t pass payment or the module doesn’t turn on at all.

⚠️ Note: If you have recently dropped your phone or taken it apart, a malfunction NFC This could be due to damage to the antenna, and only repairs to the service center would help.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

This won’t delete your data, but it will return the network settings to factory settings.

Turn it on. NFC and hold the phone to the back of another smartphone with the phone on NFC. If both devices emit an audible signal or a vibration, the antenna is intact. If there is no reaction, perhaps the plume or the module itself is damaged.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi