NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a complete guide to functions and configuration

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but many users are worried about the question: does it support NFC technology?In the era of contactless payments, smart devices and fast data transfer, the lack of this module can be a serious limitation. In this article, we will discuss in detail what NFC is in the context of the Redmi 9C, what alternatives exist for owners of a model without a chip, and how to maximize the capabilities of a smartphone even without this technology.

Let’s get straight to the bottom of the secret: Xiaomi Redmi 9C (model M2006C3LG) is not equipped with NFC module in any of its versions, this is confirmed by official manufacturer specifications, tests of independent laboratories and user reviews. However, this does not mean that owners of the device will have to abandon the convenience of contactless interaction.

What is NFC and why is it not in Redmi 9C?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to exchange data or initialize transactions without physical contact.

  • πŸ’³ Contactless payments (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Mir Pay)
  • πŸ”‘ Electronic passes and keys (metro, offices, cars)
  • πŸ“± Fast transfer of files between devices (Android Beam)
  • 🏠 Smart automation (NFC-script-startup)

The main reason for the lack of NFC in the Redmi 9C is the budget focus of the model, the manufacturer deliberately excluded this chip to reduce the cost of the device. For comparison, even the cheaper Redmi 8A (2019) had NFC in some regional versions, but in the Redmi 9 lineup, the technology was only available in Redmi 9T models and above.

Technically, addendum NFC-The chip would increase the price of the smartphone 10-15%, This would be in contradiction to Xiaomi's marketing strategy for this segment. 2020 year of Redmi release (year of Redmi) 9C) Contactless payments have not yet been as widespread in developing countries, the model’s main market.

πŸ“Š How do you usually pay for your purchases?
Cash.
A chip-and-a-chip bank card.
Contactlessly via phone
Through QR-codes (SBP, AliPay, etc.)

How to check for NFC on Redmi 9C: 3 reliable ways to do this

If you are in doubt about the absence of NFC in your device, here is how you can check it without disassembling the case:

  1. Using Android Settings: Go to Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Connection Settings. If the NFC is not listed, the module is not physically present on the device. On Redmi 9C, this section will be empty or contain only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Access Point.
  2. With CPU-Z, you can install the utility from Google Play, open the Sensors tab, and you can't see NFC sensors or modules in the list, and for comparison, the Redmi Note 10 Pro will have NFC: Supported.
  3. Check box and documentation: The original Redmi 9C packaging does not mention NFC in the Specifications section. The same applies to the official Xiaomi website - this module is not listed in the specifications of the model.

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If you buy a used Redmi 9C, check for NFC before payment: some vendors may claim that the module is "software disabled" or "must update the firmware." This is a scam - the chip is either physically there or it is not.

NFC Alternatives for Redmi 9C: How to Get Around the Limits

Lack of NFC doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use today’s contactless technology, but here are working alternatives for the main scenarios:

NFC functionAlternative to the Redmi 9CExamples of applications/services
Contactless paymentsQR-link-codesSBP (Fast Payment System), AliPay, Google Pay (without NFC)
File transferWi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth 5.0Xender, ShareMe (Mi Drop), Nearby Share
Electronic keysBluetooth tags or cloud passesSmart Lock (Android), Pass2U Wallet
Automation (NFC-marker)Geolocation or Wi-Fi triggersMacroDroid, Tasker, Automate

For contactless payments, the most universal solution will be the Bank of Russia’s Quick Payments System (SBP), which works through a network of banks. QR-codes and maintained by most Russian banks to pay for the purchase:

  1. Open your bank’s mobile application.
  2. Select the option "Pay by QR".
  3. Point the camera at the terminal code.
  4. Confirm payment.
How to set up SBP in SberBank Online
1. Open the application and go to the "Payments" section. 2. select "Payment by Payment" QR 3. The scanner will open automatically - hover over the code. 4. Confirm the amount and enter PIN-code.

To transfer files between devices, we recommend using Nearby Share (built into Android 10+):

  • πŸ“² Activate Nearby Share in the settings (Google) β†’ Devices and exchanges β†’ Exchange next to each other).
  • πŸ“€ Select a file, click "Share" β†’ "Exchange next to each other".
  • πŸ” Wait until the second phone appears on the list.
  • πŸ“₯ Accept the file on the second device.

Can we improve on Redmi? 9C: installation NFC-module

Technically, set up NFC-module 9C It's possible, but it's a very complicated and risky procedure:

⚠️ Attention: Self-sustained rationing NFC-chip requires professional equipment (sweeter station, microscope) and skills to work with SMD-The error will cause the device to fail completely without warranty repair:

  • πŸ› οΈ donor NFC-chip (e.g. from Redmi Note 8 Pro) compatible with MediaTek Helio processor G35.
  • πŸ”§ The antenna connection scheme (it must be soldered or attached to the battery).
  • πŸ“± Modified software with support for a new module (requires firmware with a custom core).

The cost of such modification in the service center will be 3000-5 000 rubles (2026), which is comparable to the price of a used smartphone with factory NFC. If you are critically important contactless functions, it is more rational to consider buying another model - for example, Redmi 10C (with NFC) or POCO M4 Pro.

New NFC-chip|Solding equipment (station, flux, soldering)|Backup of data|Firmware with module support|Microelectronics skills-->

The only relatively safe option is to use an external NFC-plug-in USB Type-C: Devices like SonMicro NFC Reader is connected to OTG They emulate the operation of the chip:

  • πŸ’Έ Costs from 2,000 rubles.
  • πŸ”‹ Requires constant connection (discharge the battery).
  • πŸ“± Not all functions (e.g. emulation of bank cards).

Redmi 9C compared to other Xiaomi models for NFC support

If you’re choosing between the Redmi 9C and other Xiaomi smartphones, look at NFC support in the lineup. We’ve compiled a comparison table of current models (2020-2026):

ModelYear of releaseNFCNotes
Redmi 9C2020❌ No.Budget model without support
Redmi 9A2020❌ No.Simplified version of 9C
Redmi 9T2021βœ… Yes.Google Pay support is 20% higher
Redmi 10C2022βœ… Yes.9C analogue with NFC, current replacement
POCO M4 Pro2022βœ… Yes.AMOLED-screen, fast charging

If NFC is critical for you, the best choice among budget models is the Redmi 10C. It features the same Helio G35 processor, but has:

  • πŸ“Ά Support NFC (including Google Pay).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery at 5000 mAh (versus 5000 mAh y) 9C, but with better optimization).
  • πŸ“· Improved main camera (50 MP vs 13 MP y) 9C).

The difference in price between the Redmi 9C and Redmi 10C in the secondary market (2026) is about 1,500–2,000 rubles – a reasonable fee for advanced features.

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When buying a used smartphone with NFC, be sure to check the module’s health through the NFC Tools app. Often the chip fails after falls or moisture, and sellers do not mention this.

Software life hacks: how to imitate NFC-redmi 9C

Even without NFC hardware, you can play some of its functions with software.

1.Contactless payments via QR

As mentioned, SBP and AliPay allow you to pay for purchases without NFC, to speed up the process:

  • πŸ“± Add the SBP shortcut to the home screen (long tap on the banking app icon) β†’ "Label").
  • πŸ” Use the scanner widget. QR (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner).
  • πŸ’³ Set up autofill card data in your browser (for online payments).

Automation without NFC-marker

Replace. NFC-trigger:

  • πŸ“ Geolocation: MacroDroid can run scripts when entering/out of a zone (e.g., enable Wi-Fi at home).
  • πŸ“Ά Connection to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Set up automatic activation of the "Do Not Disturb" mode when connecting to the office network.
  • ⏰ Time triggers: Google Clock alarm clock can trigger schedule actions.

Example of settings in MacroDroid:

  1. Create a new macro.
  2. Select a trigger Connect to Wi-Fi β†’ specify the name of your network.
  3. Add the action Change the volume β†’ set 70%.
  4. Save the macro.

3. Data transfer without NFC

To exchange files between devices:

  • 🌐 Nearby Share: Built into Android, works via Wi-Fi Direct (speeds up to 10MB/s).
  • πŸ“€ ShareMe (Mi Drop): Xiaomi’s app for fast transfer without internet.
  • ☁️ Cloud services: Mi Cloud or Google Drive for backups.

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To speed up the transfer via Nearby Share, before sending the file, turn on the β€œVisibility for All” mode on both devices in the Wi-Fi Direct settings (Settings β†’ Google β†’ Devices and Exchange β†’ Sharing Nearby).

Frequent questions about NFC in Redmi 9C

❓ Can I include? NFC on the Redmi 9C via engineering menu or firmware?
No. NFC is a hardware module, and if it's not installed on the board, no software manipulation will help. The engineering menu (#4636##) does not contain options to activate a non-existent chip. Castom firmware (like LineageOS) will not add NFC support either, since there is no physical antenna and no controller.
❓ Why do some reviews say that Redmi 9C eat NFC?
This is a mistake or deliberate misrepresentation. The most common confusion is between the Redmi 9C and the Redmi 9T or Redmi Note 9, which are actually equipped with NFC. Always check the exact model by marking on the box or in settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Model). The real Redmi 9C is designated M2006C3LG.
❓ What banking applications work on Redmi 9C without NFC?
All major banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online) support work on Redmi. 9C, but only for payments QR Contactless payment via phone (e.g. linking a card to Google Pay) will not be available: πŸ’³ Mir Pay via QR (The world map). πŸ“± Apple Pay on another device (if you have one). πŸ”— Payment by link (SBP, UMoney).
❓ Can I use Redmi? 9C subway NFC?
Yeah, but not through the phone: πŸš‡ Trojand: Buy a plastic card "Troika" and replenish it through the Metro Moscow app. πŸ“± QR-Tickets: In some cities (for example, Kazan, Sochi) there are electronic tickets with the help of the ticket. QR-code. πŸ’³ Bank card: Link contactless card (not via phone) to turnstile.Moscow has been testing a system for paying for SBP travel since 2026 QR, But it's not working at all the stations yet.
❓ Is Xiaomi planning to release an update with support? NFC for Redmi 9C?
No, it's technically impossible. NFC requires a special chip and antenna that are physically absent from the device. Software updates can add software features (like new gestures or camera modes) but not hardware capabilities. The latest official update for the Redmi 9C (Android 10 β†’ Android 11) also didn't include NFC support.