Where to find NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9: check and setup

The issue of the availability of near-to-shore contactless technology in budget smartphones is a hot debate among users. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is no exception, as there is confusion between the global version and modifications for different markets. Many owners try to find the antenna in the settings or on the case, but do not always understand the specifics of the module.

It's worth noting that NFC (Near Field Communication) is not just a payment feature, but also a convenient tool for quickly pairing gadgets. In this model, the manufacturer's strategy of selectively deploying chips, depending on the region of sales, so the answer to the question "where to find" often lies not in the menu, but in the specifications of a particular build.

First, let's look at the physical location. Unlike older phones, where you had to look for the antenna under the battery, in modern Xiaomi monoblocks, it's built into the main board. In Redmi 9, the NFC antenna module, if you have it in your version, is located on the top of the case, next to the main camera. However, you can't see it without disassembling the body, so you have to rely on software methods of verification.

Dependence of the module availability on the regional version

The main reason you can’t find the feature is because of the regional features of the device: the global version of the smartphone, designed for the markets of Europe, Russia and CIS countries, is often equipped with the necessary chip, while versions for the Indian or Chinese markets may be deprived of this option for the sake of reducing the cost.

The manufacturer uses different code names for the same models in different countries. For example, Redmi 9 codenamed lancelot may have different hardware content. If you purchased a device with a “gray” import or ordered it from abroad, the likelihood of not having a module increases dramatically.

To figure out what to expect, look at the packaging or information in the About Phone menu, which always shows the region, and if you're looking for India or China, you don't need to look for a software switch -- it's not at the hardware level.

• 🌍 Global version (Global) – high probability of having a chip.
• 🇮🇳 Indian version (India) – most often missing module.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China) – requires flashing and checking specifications.
• 🇷🇺 The version for Russia and the CIS - usually equipped with a full set of functions.

Software verification through system settings

The first and easiest way to detect what you want is to look at the system menu, and even if you don't see the icon in the curtain, the switch can be hidden in the depth of the settings, so unlock the screen and go to the basic settings of the device.

Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, the path may be slightly different, and you usually need to open the Connections and Sharing section or the Additional Features section, and that's where the logic switch is, which activates the antenna.

If you don’t see “NFC” after you log in, it’s a sure sign that the hardware on your smartphone doesn’t support the technology, in which case no third-party apps will help activate the missing module.

The sequence of actions for search:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Select Connection and Sharing.
3. Look for the NFC line in the list.
4. If there is no line, check the Additional Functions section.

Using the Engineering Menu for Diagnostics

When standard methods fail, you can use a hidden engineering menu, which is designed to test hardware and can show the presence of a module even when it is software-enabled or hidden.

To enter the diagnostic mode, a special code is used, which is typed in the Phone application. Enter the combination ##6484#. If the menu opens, find the item associated with NFC or Wireless in the test list.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful in the engineering menu. Do not change the settings that are not sure, as this can lead to improper operation of radio modules.

If nothing happens when you enter the code or the test item is not on the list, then the system does not see the relevant hardware, which confirms that the chip is not on the board of your Xiaomi instance.

Verification through Google Pay and third-party apps

Another reliable way to check is to try contactless payment services, and the Google Pay app (or its equivalent) scans the device for a secure item when it first starts.

If you find a module, the app will suggest you add a map, and if you get a message that the device does not support NFC, you can stop searching, and you can install any tag reader from the Play Market store.

Run the scanner app and hold a bank card or a travel card to the back of your phone, and if the phone vibrates or sounds, the module is running, and the lack of response confirms that it is not there.

Adjustment and use of technology

If the test is successful and the module is detected, you need to configure it correctly for comfortable operation. First of all, turn the switch on the Connections menu, and then the system will prompt you to select the default application for payment.

You should choose Google Pay or Wallet so that when you bring your phone to the terminal, the service you want to use automatically, and you can also set your device’s response to other people’s tags in this menu so that your phone doesn’t vibrate every time you put it next to your card.

To add a card, follow the instructions on the screen: scan the plastic or enter data manually, confirm the code from the SMS. After that, the smartphone is ready for use in stores and public transport.

• 📲 Select Google Pay as your primary payment app.
• 🔒 Install a reliable method of locking the screen (PIN-code).
• 🚌 For transport, add a card "Troika" or analogue to the appropriate application.
• ⚙️ Enable the option “Always Enable” NFC» quick-search.

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For quick payment, you don't have to unlock your phone completely. It's enough to have the screen on and the module active.

Possible problems and solutions

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the module is there, but it doesn't work, and often it's a software failure or an application conflict. Try restarting the device, it solves 90% of the time errors.

If the problem persists, check for system updates. In About Phone, click on MIUI. The new firmware may contain fixes for wireless drivers.

Also make sure that your phone doesn’t have any apps that block the module or location emulation programs that might conflict with Google’s services.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom firmware (Custom) ROM), lack of NFC It may be due to the wrong drivers in this assembly.

In rare cases, network resets help. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory settings.

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Rebooting the device and updating the system are the first steps in case of any failure in the operation of wireless modules.

Frequently asked questions