NFC on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use in 2026

NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic β€” it’s now integrated into most Xiaomi smartphones, from budget Redmis to Mi and POCO flagships. It can pay for contactless purchases, go through subway turnstiles, connect devices for fast data transfer or manage a smart home. However, many Xiaomi phone owners still don’t use NFC simply because they don’t know how to turn it on and where to use it.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways of using NFC From basic setup to advanced scenarios, you will learn which models support the technology, how to link a bank card to pay via Google Pay or Mi Pay, set up transport cards for the subway, and solve typical problems (for example, why). NFC Not working after the update MIUI). We pay special attention to hidden functions. MIUI 14/15, which allow you to automate tasks with the help of NFC-tag.

Which Xiaomi smartphones support NFC?

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with a module NFC β€” It depends on the model, the region of sale and even the firmware version. ROM) may not NFC, Global versions (Global versions) ROM) It's supported. Below is a current list of models with NFC 2026:

SeriesModels with NFCNotes
Xiaomi 14Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14 UltraUWB + NFC support for accurate positioning
Xiaomi 13Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13 LiteNFC works with MIUI 14+ without additional drivers
Redmi NoteRedmi Note 12 Pro+, Note 11 Pro 5GIn budget versions (for example, Note 12 4G) NFC is absent
POCOPOCO F5 Pro, POCO X5 ProNFC is rare on the POCO M-series.
Black SharkBlack Shark 5 Pro, Black Shark 4Gaming smartphones with NFC for accessories

To check for NFC on your device:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ NFC.
  2. If you do not have a paragraph, use the AIDA64 application (Network β†’ NFC section).
  3. Chinese firmware may require manual activation via ##4636## (test menu).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) NFC It's in the specifications, but it's disabled at the software level, and then you can use the firmware on Global. ROM or-core.

How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

NFC activation on Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but the process may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Consider the universal way for MIUI 12-15 firmware:

Check for NFC support in model specifications

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the battery is more than 20% charged

Turn off the power saving mode-->

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the section Connections and Sharing (to the MIUI 14+ This may be called Connections and Sharing).
  3. Slip on the item NFC. If it is not, use the search by settings (lamp in the upper right corner).
  4. Activate the slider NFC and select the mode of operation: πŸ“± Reading only - to scan tags. πŸ’³ Cards for contactless payments. πŸ”„ P2P β€” data exchange between devices.

For convenience, add an NFC shortcut to the notification bar: swipe down from the top edge of the screen β†’ Edit β†’ find the NFC and drag it to the active area.

On some firmware (e.g. China ROM), the NFC may be hidden.

1. Install the Activity Launcher app from Google Play.


2. Find the NfcSettingsActivity activity.




3. Run it and activate the NFC manually.

πŸ’‘

If NFC is not turned on after the MIUI update, reset the network settings: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Settings Reset β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

Contactless payments: Google Pay vs Mi Pay on Xiaomi

One of the most popular uses of NFC is smartphone payment, and Xiaomi has two major services: Google Pay (for global firmware) and Mi Pay (for Chinese versions), and we'll figure out which one to choose and how to set up.

Google Pay (for Global ROM)

Google Pay works on most Xiaomi smartphones with Global ROM and supports Visa, Mastercard and World cards.

  1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
  2. Open the app and tap Add a map.
  3. Scan the map with the camera or enter the data manually.
  4. Confirm the addition via SMS from the bank.

Mi Pay (for China ROM)

Mi Pay is an alternative from Xiaomi, which runs on Chinese firmware, and supports UnionPay and local banks (such as Alipay) to activate:

  1. Install Mi Pay from the App Store (for the Chinese version of MIUI).
  2. Link your bank card or Alipay account.
  3. Set up a PIN code to confirm payments.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with China ROM In addition, Google Pay may block the addition of cards due to a security breach of SafetyNet, in which case installing the Magisk module with a patched SafetyNet Fix will help.

Google Pay

Mi Pay

Other (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.)

I do not use contactless payments.

I don't know what it is.-->

Transport maps: how to tie the Troika, Strelka or subway

With help. NFC You can emulate transport cards on Xiaomi (for example, Troika in Moscow, Strelka in St. Petersburg or MetroCard in other countries). MIUI.

Instructions for Troika (Moscow/Region):

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Transport map.
  2. Select Add a map β†’ Troika.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen (a physical card will be required to transfer the balance).
  4. After pegging, activate the default Transport mode so that the phone automatically uses the card when you reach the turnstile.

For other regions:

  • πŸš‡ St. Petersburg (Strelka): use the Metro SPb app.
  • 🌍 Overseas: Check for support on Google Pay (e.g. Oyster Card in London or Suica in Japan).
What if the turnstile does not read the card?
1. Make sure the phone is unlocked (some turnstiles require confirmation). 2. Check the card balance in the My Transport (for Troika) or Metro (for Arrow). 3. Try bringing the phone to the turnstile by the other side - the NFC antenna can be displaced. 4. If the card is not tied, update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI (old versions had bugs emulating transport cards).

NFC-Tags: Automating tasks on Xiaomi

Few people know that NFC Xiaomi can be used to automate routine tasks with special tags (NFC-tags. For example, you can:

  • πŸ”Š Turn on/off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when bringing the phone to the tag.
  • πŸ“΅ Switching sound profiles (for example, silent mode in the office).
  • πŸš— Run Google Maps with a route home when you touch a tag in your car.

This will require:

  • πŸ›’ NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores, are worth it) ~50-200 rubles apiece).
  • πŸ“± Application for recording tags (e.g, NFC Tools or Trigger).

Instructions for setting:

  1. Install NFC Tools from Play Market.
  2. Open the application and select Write β†’ Add a record.
  3. Select an action (e.g. Wi-Fi β†’ Enable).
  4. Bring the phone to NFC-tag and wait for the record.
  5. Place the tag in a convenient place (for example, on a table or in a car).

MIUI 14/15 has a built-in Smart Tags feature (Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Smart Tags), but it supports a limited set of actions. For advanced automation, it is better to use third-party applications.

πŸ’‘

NFC-Tags consume minimal energy and work without an internet connection, making them a reliable tool for automation.

Data transfer and device connection via NFC

Xiaomi’s NFC can be used not only for payments, but also for fast file transfers or device connections.

  • πŸ“² Android Beam – transferring contacts, links or photos between smartphones.
  • 🎧 Connecting Bluetooth headphones (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots).
  • πŸ–¨οΈ Printing on supported printers NFC.

To transfer the file via Android Beam:

  1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
  2. Open the file (photo, contact or link) you want to send.
  3. Hold the phones to each other (back to back).
  4. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission on the screen.

To connect Bluetooth devices:

  1. Turn on NFC and Bluetooth on your smartphone.
  2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones / column (usually the power button is held).
  3. Hold the phone to the device – the connection will be established automatically.

⚠️ Note: Data transfer speed through NFC It does not exceed 424 kbps (about 50 kbps), so it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth 5.0 for large files. NFC Convenient only for transferring small data (contacts, links, text notes).

The solution to the problem: NFC does not work for Xiaomi

If your Xiaomi NFC has stopped working, the reasons could be both software and hardware.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
NFC is not included in the settingsNo support for models or regional locksCheck the model specifications or go through the Global ROM
Payments are not passed (the error "Device is not certified")SafetyNet (route, custom firmware) violatedInstall Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix
The turnstile does not read the transport cardConflict with others NFC-services (e.g. Google Pay)Turn off the others. NFC-Apps or prioritize in settings
NFC is not stable (it shuts down itself)Power saving mode shuts down the moduleAdd NFC to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy consumption of applications
I can't write it down. NFC-tagLabel blocked or damagedTry another label or format it with NFC Tools

If none of the methods helped, check the hardware serviceability. NFC-module:

  • πŸ”§ Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) β†’ Restart in safe mode if NFC earned - a problem in a third-party application.
  • πŸ› οΈ Call the contacts. NFC-module (requires disassembly of the phone and multimeter). On most Xiaomi models, the module is located under the back cover next to the camera.
  • πŸ“ž Contact a service center if you suspect a physical breakdown (for example, after a fall or moisture hit).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi

Can I use NFC to pay without the internet?
Yes, contactless payments via NFC (like Google Pay or Mi Pay) work without an internet connection, card data is stored in a secure phone chip (eSE or HCE), and only a screen is required to confirm the transaction, but the Internet is needed to initially link the card.
Why does NFC drain the battery so quickly?
Normal mode. NFC consumes a minimum amount of energy (about 0.1-0.3% charge per hour).If you notice a significant flow rate, the reasons may be as follows: πŸ”„ Constant scanning of tags in the background (turn off in settings) NFC tag search option). πŸ“± Conflict with applications that use NFC (For example, Tasker or Automate). πŸ”‹ Controller malfunction NFC (diagnostics required).
Can I emulate a bank card on Xiaomi without Google Pay?
Technically yes, but with reservations: πŸ’³ Apps like Card Emulator can be used on root-right firmware, but this violates bank rules and can lead to card blocking. πŸ›‘οΈ Xiaomi and Google are blocking such attempts at the level of the Internet. HCE (Host Card Emulation, so you can use official services more reliably. For legal emulation of transport cards (for example, Troics), use built-in features. MIUI.
How to transfer NFC-Data when changing the phone Xiaomi?
When switching to a new smartphone Xiaomi data NFC (Bank cards, transport profiles are not automatically transferred. You will need to: Delete the cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay on your old phone. Add them back on your new device (require confirmation via phone) SMS For transport cards (e.g. Troiki) use the official applications (My transport for Moscow). NFC-tags and automation will have to be reconfigured, as they are tied to a specific device.
Does NFC work through a cover?
Yes, but with reservations: βœ… Thin covers (up to 2-3 mm) do not interfere with the work NFC. ❌ Covers with metal inserts or magnets can shield the signal. πŸ“ antenna NFC In most cases, Xiaomi is located at the top of the phone β€” bring this area to the terminal. If payments do not pass, try to remove the case or change the angle of the phone.