How to set up NFC on Xiaomi Redmi phone: a complete guide with pictures and life hacks

NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic — it’s now embedded in most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro and younger — that can pay without a card, transfer files instantly, connect to smart devices, or even unlock doors, but many Redmi owners are faced with the problem of having a feature, and how to turn it on and use it is unclear.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways of activation. NFC Xiaomi Redmi, including models without a standard chip (yes, there are too!) will teach you how to check the support of the technology on your device, set up Mi Pay for contactless payments, and why sometimes the module refuses to work after an update. MIUI. And also, life hack, how to make NFC work on informal firmware.

Important: instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions). If you have an older shell, some menu items may differ. For Redmi 9/9A/9C models and similar budget devices without a hardware NFC chip, there is a separate section at the end of the article with alternative solutions.

1.How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi Redmi

Before you set up, make sure your smartphone supports the technology at all. Xiaomi doesn’t have an NFC module installed in all models — even within the same lineup. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a chip, but the basic Redmi Note 10 does not.

Here are 4 reliable ways to check:

• 🔍 Xiaomi official website: find your model in the Characteristics section (look for the line «NFC: Yes/No»).
• 📦 Smartphone box: on the sticker with technical data sometimes indicate support NFC (Icon of the wave or the inscription "NFC-enabled»).
• 📱 Settings menu: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no chip.
• 🤖 Annex CPU-Z: In the Sensors section, check for the line «NFC Controller».

⚠️ Note: some sellers in the characteristics of the goods indicate «NFC: Yes, although it's really about supporting Mi Band via Bluetooth. Always double-check through your phone's settings!

2.NFC turn-based setup on Xiaomi Redmi

If you have a chip, you can turn it on in 30 seconds. Instructions are universal for all supported Redmi models (including Note 11 Pro+, K50, K60, etc.).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (on some firmwares, Wireless Networks).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. (Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer files (if you need a feature).

After activation, an NFC icon (a stylized letter “N”) will appear in the top notification bar. If it is not, try restarting your phone or checking if the module is disabled in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode.

💡 Lifehack: on some models (Redmi) K40, POCO F3) NFC You can turn on through the Quick Settings Panel – swipe from top to bottom and find the icon NFC (If it is not, add it through the panel editing).

3.Configure contactless payments via Mi Pay

The main use of NFC is to pay by phone instead of a bank card, for which Xiaomi has a proprietary application Mi Pay (works only on official MIUI firmware).

Connection algorithm:

1. Download Mi Pay from Google Play (if it is not on the default system).
2. Open the application and link the bank card (Mastercard, Visa, MIR are supported).
3. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.
4. In the Mi Pay settings, select the default card for payment.
5. When paying, bring your phone to the terminal (up to 4 cm) and confirm the transaction with a fingerprint or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: if after linking the card terminal does not read the payment, check:

• Is NFC enabled in the settings?
• Does the cover block the signal (metal covers often interfere);
• Does your bank support Mi Pay (the list of partners is available on the Xiaomi website).

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If Mi Pay doesn’t work, try installing Google Pay – it supports more banks and is more stable on global firmware.

4. Alternative ways to use NFC

Payments aren’t the only application of the technology, but here are 5 more useful scenarios for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🔑 Smart locks and tags: Open the doors of the office or home, bringing the phone to the reader (you need support for Mi Home or third-party applications such as: NFC Tools).
• 📱 Fast File Transfer: Enable Android Beam in Settings NFC and tap another phone (supported to Android 10).
• 🎮 Connecting game controllers: some gamepads (e.g, 8BitDo) connect through NFC.
• 🚗 Car tags: program the program NFC-sticker to start the navigator or turn on Bluetooth when touching.
• 🛒 Reading of product labels: in stores with NFC-You can quickly get information about the product.

To work with stickers and tags, install the NFC Tools app (available on Google Play).

• Read and write data on labels;
• Create automatic tasks (for example, turn on Wi-Fi when touching a label on the desktop);
• Emulate access cards (if the chip supports Card Emulation).

5 Why NFC doesn’t work on Xiaomi Redmi: 7 reasons and solutions

If the module does not turn on or read the devices, the problem may be:

🔧 Advanced diagnostics:

1. Check the NFC in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Safe Mode) If it works, the problem is in a third-party app.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are patched).
3. Reset NFC settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → NFC → Storage → Clear data.

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If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Fastboot or wait for a fix in the next patch.

6.NFC on budget Redmi chipless: workarounds

If your model (Redmi 9A, 8A, 7A, etc.) doesn’t have NFC hardware, there are 3 ways to get the same functionality:

• 📱 Outside NFC-Adapter: Connected through USB-C or audio-jack (example: Sonoff) NFC-USB). Cost: from 500 ₽.
• 💳 Banking applications with virtual cards: Sberbank Online or Tinkoff allow you to generate one-time cards for payment through the bank QR.
• 🔄 Bluetooth tags: devices like Tile or SmartTag can replace NFC Automation (e.g., starting music when approaching a car).

⚠️ Attention: external NFC-Adapters require root rights to work properly (e.g., emulation of cards), without which the functionality will be limited only to reading labels.

📌 Comparison of decisions:

7 NFC Security: How to Protect Data

NFC is convenient, but not risk-free. Here are 5 rules that will keep you from scams:

1. Turn off NFC when not in use, and this will prevent unauthorized reading (e.g., in the subway).
2. Don't keep strangers. NFC-tags in the wallet next to the phone – they can conflict.
3. Use two-factor authentication in Mi Pay and banking applications.
4. Do not bring your phone to unfamiliar terminals – attackers can install skimmers.
5. Periodically check the transaction history in the banking application.

🔐 Additional protection:

• In Mi Pay settings, set a limit on payments without confirmation (usually up to 1,000). ₽).
• Disable Android Beam if you don’t use file transfers, which will reduce the risk of accidental data sharing.
• Install the NFC Secure app to monitor suspicious module activity.

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If you lose a phone with NFC on and your cards tied, lock them immediately via an internet bank or bank hotline number.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi