How to set up NFC for contactless payments on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a complete guide to error solutions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9C often face confusion: the device specifies the NFC module, but the contactless payment function does not work out of the box. The reason lies in the hardware limitations of the budget model and the features of the MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss how to activate NFC on Redmi 9C for payment through Google Pay, which cards are supported, and why the banking application may not see the module even after all the manipulations.

Spoiler: The standard NFC chip in Redmi 9C (model M2006C3MG/M2006C3MI) is only for tag readers and Mi Smart Band, not for payments. However, there are workarounds, from custom firmware to alternative payment systems, we tested all methods and collected only working solutions with step-by-step screenshots.

Checking the availability of NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: how not to run into a fake

The first step is to make sure your smartphone is actually equipped with an NFC module. In 2020-2021, Redmi 9C batches without a chip appeared on the market, even though it was listed on the specifications.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Complete specification and find the line «NFC». If it is not, the module is not physically present.
• 📦 Check the box: the sticker with the characteristics should have a logo NFC (wavy-line).
• 🛠️ Use the app. NFC Tools from Google Play. If an error appears at startup «NFC Not found, no chip.

If the module is present but does not work, the reasons may be as follows:

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C firmware MIUI Global version below 12.0.8 NFC It can be missing from the settings menu even if you have a physical chip.

Why NFC on Redmi 9C doesn’t support payments: Technical Limitations

The main problem with the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is the use of the NXP PN54T chip, which is not certified for contactless payments, which the manufacturer limited to reading tags and working with Xiaomi accessories.

1. Use of alternative payment systems (e.g. Samsung Pay via emulation or Mir Pay).
2. Modification of firmware with unlocking NFC for payments (requires root).

Important: Once Magisk and NFC Enabler are installed, banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) can block access for security reasons, the solution is to use the MagiskHide module or switch to virtual cards.

If you are not ready for firmware experiments, consider buying. NFC-sticker ~300₽) And you can put it under a case, and it emulates a bank card, and it works with any phone, including Redmi. 9C.

Step-by-step NFC setup for payments via Google Pay

If you're ready to modify the system, follow this instruction, warning: you do everything at your own risk, and we recommend you back up your data beforehand.

Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)

Install TWRP Recovery

Download Magisk (last version)

Download NFC Enabler for Redmi 9C

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Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions (Xiaomi account binding is a must!).

Step 2: Installation of Magisk

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip file).
2. Reboot to TWRP Recovery (hold Power + Volume Up when you turn on).
3. Select Install → Specify the path to Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm.

Step 3: Activate NFC for payments

1. Download the NFC Enabler module for Redmi 9C.
2. Install it through Magisk: Modules → Install from storage → Select file → Reboot.
3. After the reboot, check for Contactless Payments in Settings → Connections → NFC.

⚠️ Note: After installing the module, some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may require removal of root rights.

Adding a Bank Card to Google Pay: Step-by-step instructions

If NFC is successfully activated, you can link the card, and the instructions are valid for Google Pay version 2.160 and higher:

1. Open Google Pay and click “Add Card”.
2. Scan the card or enter the data manually (number, expiration date, CVC).
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. Wait for activation (may take up to 24 hours).

Supported banks (checked on Redmi 9C):

• 💳 Tinkoff (virtual and physical cards)
• 💳 Alfa-Bank (Mastercard only)
• 💳 Raiffeisenbank (Visa/Mir)
• 💳 VTB (requires confirmation in the personal account)

Errors in adding a card and their solution:

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If Google Pay refuses to work, try installing an older version of the app (e.g., 2.117). APK Available on APKMirror.

Alternative methods of contactless payment without modification of firmware

If unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk seem too complicated, consider these options:

1. NFC-sticker (card emulation)

The principle of operation: the sticker is programmed like a bank card and glued to the back of the phone, and you just need to bring the phone to the terminal to pay.

• ✅ Pros: works on any phone, does not require root, supports all banks.
• ❌ Cons: you need to wear a sticker separately or glue to a cover, limited service life (~1 year).

2. Virtual cards in banking applications

Some banks (such as Tinkoff or Raiffeisen) allow you to create virtual cards for Google Pay even on uncertified devices.

1. Open the bank app.
2. Go to the “Maps” section and click “Add a virtual card”.
3. Select the option “For contactless payments”.
4. Add the generated card to Google Pay.

3. Payments through QR-code

If NFC It is not working, most terminals support payment. QR-It's a code that's used through Sberbank Online, Tinkoff or YooMoney, minus the Internet and a little more time to pay.

Solving Common NFC Errors on Redmi 9C

Even after successful setup, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

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

Reasons:

• 📶 Weak antenna signal (try bringing the phone closer to the terminal).
• 🔋 Battery savings shuts down NFC (Add the Google Pay app to the exceptions).
• 🛠️ The antenna is damaged. NFC (It is located under the back cover, next to the camera).

2.Google Pay says "failed to make payment"

What to do:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and terminal.
• 💳 Make sure that the payment amount does not exceed the contactless payment limit (usually 1000-5000).₽).
• 📱 Check that Google Pay is set as the default payment app (Settings) → Annexes → By default).

3.The banking application blocks access after installing Magisk

Decision:

1. Install the MagiskHide Props Config module.
2. In Magisk settings, enable MagiskHide and add the banking app to the hidden list.
3. Restart the phone and check the app.

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If NFC refuses to work after all the manipulations, check the firmware version. On Redmi 9C, payments via NFC are officially supported only on custom firmware such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C