You just bought a Xiaomi Redmi. 9C And they noticed in the characteristics the mention of NFC โ But you're not sure what it is or how to use it, or maybe you've been using a smartphone for a long time but you've never tried contactless? NFC as an example of Redmi 9C From scratch: from basic principles to hidden possibilities that are not written in the manual.
We're not going to be limited to dry technical details. Instead, you'll learn how to save time with the help of a new technology. NFC-Payments, simplification of everyday tasks (such as fast file transfer or connecting to smart devices), and even protection of your data from fraudsters. 9C And how to fix it.
Spoiler: at Redmi 9C NFC-There is a chip, but it's limited by the hardware features of the model โ for example, there's no support for emulating bank cards for Google Pay. But that doesn't mean that the technology is useless.
What is it? NFC Smartphone and why you need it in 2026
NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range (up to 10 cm) wireless communication technology that allows devices to share data or initialize actions with a simple touch. 9C It is implemented through a built-in chip, but with important nuances.
Main use cases NFC 2026:
- ๐ณ Contactless payments โ payment in stores, transport or cafes without a physical card (but with reservations for Redmi) 9C).
- ๐ฑ Data transfer โ the rapid exchange of contacts, links or files between smartphones (via Android Beam or analogues).
- ๐ Smart home โ connecting and managing compatible devices (lamps, locks, sensors).
- ๐ Identification โ reading tags to automate tasks (for example, starting the navigator when touching a tag in the machine).
It is important to understand that Redmi 9C It is a budget segment, so it is NFC-The chip has limited functionality compared to the flagships. HCE (Host Card Emulation is a technology that allows you to emulate bank cards for services like Google Pay.
Does Xiaomi support Redmi? 9C contactless?
This is the most common question of Redmi owners. 9C. Unfortunately, the answer will disappoint many: no, this model does not support payment through Google Pay, Samsung Pay or similar services. HCE).
There are, however, workarounds:
- ๐ฐ Bank cards with NFC โ You can link a physical card with contactless payment to the phone through a case with NFC-chip (but it's inconvenient).
- ๐ฑ Alternative wallets โ some local payment systems (e.g. Mir Pay in Russia) may work but require compatibility checks.
- ๐ Other devices โ if you have a smartwatch or fitness bracelet with NFC (Mi Band 7 Pro, which can be used for payments instead of a phone.
โ ๏ธ Note: There are instructions on the Internet for hacking" NFC Not only does this violate bank rules, but it can also lead to a card being blocked or a phone warranty being lost!
If contactless payments are critical to you, consider the Redmi Note or the Redmi Note. POCO fully supported NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro).
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Before buying a smartphone for payments, check its compatibility on the official website of Google Pay or your bank. the list of supported devices is rarely updated, but there is current information.
How to turn on and set up NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C
Activate NFC on the Redmi 9C simple, but the settings menu may differ depending on the version MIUI. Follow this instruction:
- Open Settings โ Connection and Sharing.
- Find the section NFC (This may be called contactless payments or other wireless networks).
- Transfer the NFC slider to the On position.
- (Optional) Enable Android Beam to share data with other devices.
If the paragraph NFC No menu, check it out:
- ๐ Version MIUI โ Update your smartphone to the latest firmware through Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ Firmware region - some versions MIUI China or India may be covered by NFC. Try to change the region to Global.
- ๐ ๏ธ Hardware check โ in rare cases, the chip may be turned off at iron level (e.g. after repairs).
โ๏ธ Verification NFC beforehand
To test the job NFC You can use free apps from Google Play, for example. NFC Tools or Trigger. They'll help you check the tags and basic functions.
How to use NFC on the Redmi 9C: 5 practical scenarios
Even without payment support NFC on the Redmi 9C It can be useful in the home. Let's look at some real-world examples.
1. Fast transfer of files and contacts
Using Android Beam (if supported by your version) MIUI) can be sent:
- ๐ Photos, videos or documents (up to 1 GB at a time).
- ๐ Contacts or business cards.
- ๐ Links to websites or applications.
Instructions:
- Enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
- Open the file or contact you want to send.
- Hold the phones with the back covers to each other (distance < 5 cm).
- Wait for the beep - the transmission will start automatically.
2.Managing a smart home
Redmi 9C Compatible with Xiaomi Mi Home devices and other smart home systems that support NFC. For example:
- ๐ก Smart lamps โ touching the phone to NFC-The mark on the wall may turn on/off the lights.
- ๐ Electronic locks โ some models (such as Aqara Smart Lock) open when the smartphone is held.
- ๐ก๏ธ Sensors โ fast binding of new devices without entering passwords.
To set up:
- Install the Mi Home app or similar (like Google Home).
- Add the device through NFC โ Usually it is enough to bring the phone to the tag on the body of the gadget.
- Follow the instructions in the app to complete pairing.
3. Automation of tasks with NFC-marker
NFC-Labels (or "tags") are small stickers that can be programmed to perform actions when you touch a phone:
- ๐ Sticker in the car โ starts the navigator and turns on Bluetooth.
- ๐๏ธ The tag on the bedside table - puts the phone in silent mode and turns on the alarm clock.
- ๐ง Tag on headphones โ opens Spotify and plays the last track.
The work will require:
- NFC-tags (bought on AliExpress or in electronics stores).
- Trigger app or app or NFC Tools for programming.
Where to buy NFC-tagging?
4. Identification and access
Some offices, fitness clubs or educational institutions use NFC for:
- ๐ Access control (instead of blank cards).
- ๐๏ธ Visiting marks in the gym.
- ๐ Issuance of books in the library.
To use the phone instead of a card, you may need to:
- Special application from the organization.
- Registration of the device in their system (usually through an administrator).
5. Games and entertainment
Yes, NFC You can use it for fun, too:
- ๐ฎ Amiibo for Nintendo Switch - Redmi 9C They can read the figures if they are tied to the phone.
- ๐ Card games with NFC-maps (e.g. Skylanders).
- ๐จ Interactive books or toys with NFC-chip.
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NFC on the Redmi 9C It doesn't support payments, but it's great for automation, smart home management, and data sharing, and the key is to turn the chip on in your settings and install the right apps.
Problems with NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C: causes and solutions
If NFC on your Redmi 9C It doesn't work, it can be different, and we'll look at the typical cases and the ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC is not included in the settings | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update. MIUI Up to the latest version or change the region to Global |
| The phone doesn't read tags. | Weak signal or damaged label | Try a different tag or bring your phone closer (1-2 centimeter) |
| Android Beam is not working. | The feature is removed in new versions of Android | Use alternatives (e.g., Nearby Share) |
| NFC shuts down on its own | Battery Optimization Shuts Down the Chip | Add NFC to the optimization exceptions in battery settings |
If none of these things work, check the hardware health of the chip.
- Install the NFC Check app from Google Play.
- Run a test to see if the chip is found in the phone.
- If the test fails, contact the service center (especially if the phone falls or gets wet).
โ ๏ธ Warning: After replacing the battery or motherboard NFC The antenna may be shut down due to damage. 9C It's located under the back cover next to the camera!
NFC Security: How to Protect Your Data
NFC It's considered safe technology, but there are risks, too. 9C:
Potential threats:
- ๐ต๏ธ Data scanning โ an attacker can read information from your phone up to 10 cm away (e.g. in a subway or cafe).
- ๐ธ Payment swap โ if you use uncertified wallets, scammers can intercept the transaction (although on Redmi). 9C It's unlikely because of the absence. HCE).
- ๐ Attacks through tags - harmful NFC-Tags can redirect you to phishing sites.
How to defend yourself:
- ๐ Turn it off. NFC, It's going to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- ๐ก๏ธ Use the covers with RFID-Blocking โ they block the signal NFC, When the phone is in your pocket.
- ๐ซ Do not download unknown tags - if you find them NFC-tagged in a public place, do not bring your phone to it.
- ๐ Update. MIUI โ New firmware versions close chip vulnerabilities.
An application can be used to check security NFC It's a security test. It's testing your Redmi. 9C Vulnerability and recommendations.
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If you use it often NFC In public places, enable the "Only when unlocked" option in the chip settings, which will prevent unauthorized reading when the phone is locked.
Alternatives NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C: What to do if the chip is broken
If NFC on your Redmi 9C It's stopped working or it never was (some regional versions may not have the chip installed), don't despair:
| The challenge | Alternative to NFC | Example of application/device |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless payments | QR-card-code | SberPay, Tinkoff, Apple Pay (for other devices) |
| File transfer | Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth | Nearby Share, SHAREit, Xender |
| Smart home. | Bluetooth or Wi-Fi | Mi Home, Google Home, Tuya Smart |
| Automation | Geolocation or timers | Tasker, Automate, Macrodroid |
For payments without NFC:
- ๐ณ Use a physical card with a PayPass or PayWave chip.
- ๐ฑ Set up payment through QR in a banking application (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).
- โ Buy a smart watch with NFC (For example, Amazfit. GTR 4 or Huawei Watch GT 3).
For file transfer:
- ๐ถ Nearby Share (built into Android) โ works over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, speeds up to 10MB/s.
- ๐ Links via messengers โ send the file to Telegram or WhatsApp, and then open on another device.