Introduction: why you need NFC in Xiaomi smartphones
NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has long ceased to be exotic — today it is built into 90% of Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones, including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lineups. But many users still do not know how to use it correctly. NFC allows not only to pay for purchases with a smartphone, but also to automate routine tasks, share data with other devices and even manage a smart home.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways of using NFC Xiaomi, from basic features to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions, you will learn how to set up contactless payments through Google Pay and Mi Pay, create automation using the help of the official instructions. NFC-And why some Redmi Note models might not work as well. 2023-2026 year-end NFC, despite the lack of mention in the characteristics.
If you think NFC is just about in-store payment, you're missing 80 percent of it. Let's fix it right now.
Xiaomi models support NFC in 2026
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with an NFC chip, especially for budget models. However, there are nuances: some devices (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) have a module, but it can be disabled at the firmware level for certain regions.
- 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 14/13/12 (All modifications), Mi 11 Ultra, Mi Mix 4
- 💰 Mid-segment: POCO F5/F4 Pro, Redmi K60/K50 Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
- 🔍 Hidden support: Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G (China only), POCO X5 Pro 5G (requires unlocking)
- ❌ No NFC: Redmi 12C, POCO M6 Pro, most Redmi A-series models
To find out if you have NFC in your phone, check:
- Go to Settings → Connected Devices → NFC
- Or enter the NFC request in the settings search
- If there is no point, your model does not support the technology.
Note: on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G global-market) NFC It can be blocked software, and then it can be reflashed. EU-version MIUI or ROM.
How to Enable and Configure NFC on Xiaomi
Activation of NFC on Xiaomi takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances depending on the version of MIUI.
- Open Settings and go to Connected Devices (on the MIUI 14/15 This may be called wireless networks)
- Slip on NFC (if it is not available, your model does not support the function)
- Activate the NFC slider at the top of the screen
- Below, select the modes of use: Contactless payments – for Google Pay/Mi Pay Data Sharing – To transfer files via Android Beam Only reading tags – if you use NFC-keychain
On models with MIUI 13 and older, the NFC Auto Shutdown feature is introduced, which turns off the module after 10 minutes of inactivity to save charge. If you use contactless payments often, it is better to turn off this option.
Is NFC enabled in the settings?
Is contactless payment activated?
Are you allowed to use Google Pay/Mi Pay?
Checked for a tag on the back of the phone (for payments)?-->
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) NFC It can conflict with Game Turbo features. If contactless payments don't work, turn off the mode for games in the settings.
Contactless payments via NFC: Google Pay vs Mi Pay
The main application of NFC is payments. Xiaomi has two main services: Google Pay (formerly Google Wallet) and Mi Pay.
| Characteristics | Google Pay | Mi Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Supported banks (Russia) | Tinkoff, Sber, VTB, Alpha | Only Sber (limited) |
| Transaction speed | 0.3-0.5 sec. | 0.5-0.8 sec. |
| Working without the Internet | Yes (up to 5 payments) | No. |
| Support for transport cards | Yeah (Troika, Shooter) | No. |
| Bonus programmes | Integration with banks | Cashback at Mi Points |
To set up Google Pay:
- Download the app from Google Play
- Add the card through Add the payment method
- Confirm via SMS from the bank
- Install Google Pay as the default payment app in NFC settings
Instructions for creating automation:
- Open NFC Tools and select Tasks
- Click Add and select an action (e.g. Wi-Fi → Turn off)
- Save the task and bring the phone to a clean label
- Confirm the recording – now, when you touch the label, the action will be performed automatically
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 there are restrictions on background work NFC. If the tags stopped working, add the automation app to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Auto-start.
How to make a tag for guest Wi-Fi
NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives
Although Google has officially shut down Android Beam in Android 10, Xiaomi still allows file transfers over NFC — but with reservations. Here's how it works in 2026:
The standard method (for MIUI 12-14):
- Enable NFC on both phones
- Open the file (photo, contact, link) and select Share
- Select Android Beam (may be called Touch to Transfer)
- Bring the phones back to each other.
If Android Beam doesn’t work (which is likely on newer models), use alternatives:
- 📲 Xiaomi Quick Share (built-in) MIUI 15) - works through NFC + Wi-Fi Direct
- 🔄 Snapdrop (Web Service) – does not require NFC, But you need one Wi-Fi network.
- 📎 Send Anywhere – transfer files over 6-digit code
NFC transmission speeds are less than 424 Kbps, which is 100 times slower than Wi-Fi Direct, so NFC is only suitable for small data transfers, such as business cards, links or text notes.
NFC issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them
Even on Xiaomi’s flagship models, users are facing NFC problems, and the most common solutions are:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC is not included | There is no driver in the firmware | Update. MIUI or EU-version |
| Payments don't pass | Conflict with magnetic case | Remove the cover or use thin models |
| Labels are not readable | Weak antenna signal | Bring the phone closer to the top of the tag |
| NFC shuts down on its own | Active energy saving option | Turn off NFC Auto Shutdown in Settings |
If Xiaomi has stopped seeing NFC-Post-update tags, try them out:
- Clear the cache of the NFC Service application in Settings → Apps
- Reset network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth)
- Install the NFC Enabler Magisk Module (requires root)
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G firmware NFC It can only work with local payment systems (e.g. PayTM). Google Pay will require a change of firmware region.
Hidden NFC features on Xiaomi you didn’t know about
Besides the standard applications, NFC on Xiaomi has something unobvious:
- 🔑 Keycard emulation: You can write an accessible intercom card to your phone (requires the Mifare Classic Tool app and the original card)
- 🎮 Gamepad connection: Some controllers (e.g, 8BitDo) maintain connection through NFC fast-pair
- 📦 Authentication: Consider the NFC-chips on original Xiaomi accessories (headphones, powerbank) for checking for counterfeit
- 🚪 Smart locks: Modern electronic locks (e.g. Aqara) support unlocking through the NFC-smartphone
For emulation of intercom key cards:
- Download Mifare Classic Tool from Google Play
- Bring the original card to the phone and make a dump.
- Save the dump in.mfd format
- Use the NFC ReTag app to emulate a card
Important: Emulating someone else's key cards may be illegal in some countries, and use this feature only for personal access cards.
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NFC on Xiaomi can work not only as a payment tool, but also as a universal “digital key” for interacting with physical devices – from intercoms to smart locks.