How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions with photos and tips

Why you need NFC on Redmi Note 9 and how to activate it

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 provides access to contactless payments, fast file transfers and interaction with smart devices. However, many users face the problem: the module is there, but how to turn it on is unclear. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate NFC on this model, including hidden settings and solutions to typical errors.

It is important to understand that not all versions of the Redmi Note 9 are equipped with the same equipment. NFC-For example, the global version of the Redmi Note. 9S (The codename curtana doesn’t have it, whereas the European and Chinese versions of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) support the technology. Be sure to check the specifications of your device before setting up – more on this in the next section.

If your smartphone supports NFC but the feature doesn’t work, it could be due to outdated firmware, a disabled module in an engineering menu, or a conflict with apps, and we’ll look at all possible scenarios, including setting up Google Pay, Mi Pay, and alternative payment systems.

NFC Support Checker: How to Find Out if You Have a Module in Your Redmi Note 9

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi Note 9 model is equipped with it. There are several ways to check:

  • πŸ” Official specifications: go to Xiaomi's website and find your model. NFC: Yes.
  • πŸ“¦ Box and documentation: the sticker at the back of the box or the user manual usually indicates the presence of NFC.
  • πŸ“± Annex CPU-Z: install it from Google Play, go to the Sensors tab and check for a point NFC.

If none of the methods have confirmed NFC, your device probably doesn’t support the technology, and consider alternatives:

  • πŸ’³ QR-payment codes: many banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff) support payment through scanning QR.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth LE: You can use Mi Share to transfer files between Xiaomi devices.
  • πŸ”„ Adapters NFC: external tags or card readers connected through USB-C.

⚠️ Some sellers position the Redmi Note 9 as a model with a NFC, The Redmi Note 9 Pro or Redmi Note 9T. Always specify the exact modification by model code in the settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Model).

πŸ“Š You've tried to turn it on. NFC on the Xiaomi?
Yeah, but it didn't work.
No, I'm just going to.
I have another smartphone.
I don’t know if there is an NFC in my model.

Step-by-step: how to enable NFC on Redmi Note 9 via settings

If your device supports you NFC, You can activate it in a few steps. MIUI 12/13/14:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Slip on NFC (may be in the submenu Additional).
  4. Activate the NFC slider in the On position.
  5. (Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer files (if required).

After activation, an NFC (stylized letter "N") icon will appear in the status bar. If it is not, try the following steps:

Reboot the phone.

Bring the smartphone to NFC-tag (for example, a bank card)

Try adding a card to Google Pay

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

On some firmware, the NFC item may not be on the menu.

  • πŸ”„ Regional restrictions: in some countries NFC disabled at the program level.
  • πŸ“± Castom firmware: informal assemblies MIUI can remove functionality.
  • πŸ”§ Failure of settings: resetting to factory parameters sometimes solves the problem.

πŸ’‘

If NFC is not turned on, try resetting your network settings: Settings β†’ System β†’ Settings Reset β†’ Resetting your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will not delete your data, but will reset the communication modules.

Contactless Payments: Google Pay, Mi Pay and Alternatives

Activating NFC is just the first step, and to use your smartphone to pay, you need to set up a payment app. Let's look at three popular options:

AnnexSupported banks (Russia)FeaturesDownload link
Google PayTinkoff, Alfa-Bank, VTB, RaiffeisenIt works with most terminals and supports virtual cards.Google Play
Mi PaySberbank, Gazprombank, OpeningIntegration with MIUI, support for transport cards (Moscow, St. Petersburg)Pre-installed at MIUI
SberPaySberbank, Mir cardsPayment by QR and NFC, cashback up to 10%Google Play

To set up Google Pay:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and press Add the map.
  3. Take a picture of the map or enter the data manually.
  4. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
  5. Once confirmed, the card will appear on the list. To pay, unlock your phone and bring it to the terminal.

Mi Pay is set up in a similar way, but requires binding to a Xiaomi account. An important nuance: Mi Pay in Russia may require changing the account region to Russia (in the Xiaomi profile settings).

⚠️ Note: Some banks block the addition of cards to payment systems on rooted devices or with an unlocked bootloader.If you get an error "Device not certified", check the status of SafetyNet through the SafetyNet Test application.

Problem Solving: NFC is not working or detecting devices

If NFC is on but not working, the causes can be both software and hardware, and let's look at typical scenarios and ways to address them:

1. NFC is enabled but does not read tags/cards

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge: at a charge level below 5% NFC It can be turned off to save energy.
  • πŸ“± Cover or film: Metal or thick covers block the signal.
  • πŸ”„ Application conflict: Some programs (such as Tasker or Automate) may block NFC. Check the permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes.

2. NFC is not in the settings

If the NFC item is not on the menu, try:

  • πŸ“² Update MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ”§ Resetting settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset all settings (data will not be deleted).
  • πŸ› οΈ Activate via the Engineering menu: Enter in the dial number: ##2846579## Select: ProjectMenu β†’ Background Settings β†’ NFC Switch β†’ ON

3. Errors when adding a card to Google Pay

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
"Device not certified"Rooted device or custom firmwareInstall Magisk and activate Universal SafetyNet Fix
"It's impossible to add a map."The bank does not support Google PayTry Mi Pay or SberPay
"NFC offline."Failure of the moduleRestart your phone or reset your NFC settings
What if the NFC stopped working after the upgrade?
After updating MIUI, the module settings sometimes get confused. Try: 1. Disable and turn on NFC again in the settings. 2. Clear the cache of the NFC Service application (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Show everything β†’ NFC Service β†’ Memory β†’ Clear cache). 3. Install the old firmware version via MIUI bootloader (if the update led to a bug).

NFC Security: How to Protect Data and Avoid Fraud

NFC is convenient, but it can be a target for attackers, and follow these rules to minimize the risks:

  • πŸ”’ Turn it off. NFC, When not in use, this will prevent unauthorized reading of data.
  • πŸ“± Use the lock screen: PIN, a pattern lock or a fingerprint, without unlocking payment through NFC impossible.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Set up restrictions in payment applications (e.g., limit on one transaction in Google Pay).
  • 🚨 Do not bring your phone to unknown terminals, scammers can use "traps" to steal card data.

Important: On the Redmi Note 9, the NFC module is located at the top of the back (near the camera). When paying, bring this part to the terminal - not the screen down! Incorrect position can lead to crashes or double charges.

For additional protection:

  • πŸ”„ Update regularly MIUI β€” In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed. NFC.
  • πŸ“‹ Check your mobile bank transaction history after each payment.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use antivirus software (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to block malicious applications that try to intercept NFC-signal.

πŸ’‘

NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 only works at a distance of up to 4 cm If the terminal does not respond, try to bring the phone closer or change the angle of inclination.

Alternative ways to use NFC on the Redmi Note 9

In addition to payments, NFC on the Redmi Note 9 can be used to:

  • πŸ”‘ Smart home: control of Xiaomi Mi Home devices (lamps, sockets, sensors) through tags.
  • πŸ“² Quick Contact Transfer: Just Hold Two Phones to Each Other (Android Beam Requires).
  • πŸš— Car keys: Some car models (such as Hyundai or Kia) support unlocking through the vehicle. NFC-smartphone.
  • 🎟️ Electronic tickets: in the metro of Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities you can pay for travel by bringing your phone to the turnstile.

Automating tasks with the help of NFC-marker:

  1. Buy it. NFC-stickers (e.g., stickers, NTAG213 or NTAG215).
  2. Install the Trigger or Automate app from Google Play.
  3. Program the tag to perform the action (for example, turning on Wi-Fi when touching).
  4. Attach the sticker to a convenient place (for example, on a table or in a car).

Example of use:

πŸ’‘ Home Script: When Touched NFC-The phone automatically: – turns on Wi-Fi; – starts the Mi Home application; – sends a notification β€œWelcome home!".

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Can I add NFC to the Redmi Note 9 if I don’t?
No, hardware modification is not possible. NFC-The chip is soldered into the motherboard during the manufacturing phase. NFC-Adapters that are connected through USB-C, But they don't support contactless payments.
Why does NFC only work with bank cards, but not with tags?
It's probably the Read/Write mode on the settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ NFC And activate the appropriate switch, and check if your label supports the standard. ISO 14443 (majority) NFC-stickers support it).
How to transfer data from NFC-phone tags?
Install the NFC Tools app from Google Play: Open the app and select Read. Bring your phone to the tag. Click Save to export data to the file. The app supports text information, links and contacts.
Can I use NFC to pay for transportation (metro, buses)?
Yes, but only in cities where you can pay through Google Pay or Mi Pay, and in Moscow and St. Petersburg, it works for the subway, the MCC and the ground transportation, and for that, add a transport card (Troika, Pomorodnik) to Google Pay. Unlock your phone. Bring it to the yellow reader at the turnstile. Payed as a regular card ride.
Why is NFC draining the battery?
Normal mode. NFC It consumes a minimum amount of energy (about one year). 5-10 If the discharge is accelerating, there may be a cause: πŸ”‹ Constantly active Android Beam mode (turn it off in settings) NFC). πŸ“± Background operation of payment applications (check permissions in Settings) β†’ Annexes). πŸ”„ Failure of the module (will help reboot or reset settings). To save battery, turn off NFC, when he's not needed.