How to use it NFC Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide 2026

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication is no longer exotic — it’s now embedded in almost every flagship and mid-range Xiaomi smartphone, from the Redmi Note 12 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. But many owners still don’t know how to use it beyond contactless payment, NFC Android offers you the opportunity to transfer contacts instantly to manage your smart home – all without passwords or complex settings.

In this article, we will discuss all use cases. NFC Xiaomi: from basic chip switching on to hidden functions like emulating transport cards or creating automated tasks. MIUI 14/15, wherein the control interface NFC And it's changed. If you've never tried to use a technology beyond Google Pay, you're missing half the opportunity.

Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with NFC-Check support on the official website or in the characteristics of the device (look for contactless payment) or «NFC»). For example, in the Redmi lineup, the chip is often missing from the base versions (e.g., Redmi). 12C), But there are models Pro or Note.

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

Before using NFC, You need to activate the chip itself. MIUI This is done in a few steps, but the settings vary depending on the firmware version. MIUI 14 newer MIUI 15 (Android-based 13/14).

Nana MIUI 14 (and older versions):

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Tap on point. NFC (This may be called “Contactless Payments»).
3. Transfer the slider to the "On" position.
4. Optionally: Enable Android Beam (for file transfer) or HCE-services (for card emulation).

Nana MIUI 15 (Android 14):

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → NFC payment.
• 🔄 Activate the master switch. NFC.
• 💳 In the “Default Payment” section, select your preferred service (Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking application).
• ⚙️ In the “Additional settings” you can enable Tag Notifications (for automation) or Data Exchange (similar to Android Beam).

When you turn on the top notification bar, you'll see an N icon, which means that the chip is active and ready to go. If it's not, check if it's disabled. NFC in energy saving mode (in Settings) → Battery → Power regimen).

Contactless payment through NFC: Google Pay and Mi Pay settings

Principal application NFC — Xiaomi can use both Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and Mi Pay, which operates in China, Russia and parts of Asia, but has limited support from banks.

Setting up Google Pay (Google Wallet):

1. Download the Google Wallet app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and click “Add Card” → “Credit or Debit Card”.
3. Scan the map or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the addition via SMS or banking application.
5. Now, you just need to unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal (you don't have to open the app).

Setting up Mi Pay:

• 📲 Install Mi Pay from the App Store (if it is not in the firmware).
• 🏦 Add a supported bank card (the list is available on the Xiaomi website).
• 🔐 Confirm the binding through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 💳 To pay, unlock your phone, bring it to the terminal and select a card in the pop-up window.

Important: Mi Pay may require registration with Xiaomi Account with a phone number attached, and some banks also require activation of contactless payments in your personal account.

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If the terminal is not reading the payment, try bringing the phone to another part of the case (antenna). NFC usually located at the top of the back panel).

Transfer of files, contacts and links by NFC

NFC It allows you to instantly transfer small files (up to 1-2 MB) between devices without the Internet. This uses Android Beam technology (in new versions of Android replaced by Fast Share or Nearby Share.

Method 1: Android Beam (for the MIUI 12–14)

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to transfer.
3. Combine the back panels of phones (antennae) NFC You have to look at each other).
4. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the transmission will start automatically.

Method 2: Nearby Share (for example, for MIUI 15 / Android 13+)

• 📎 Turn it on. NFC Nearby Share in Settings (Settings) → Google → Devices and sharing).
• 📤 Select a file → «Send» → «Nearby Share».
• 📱 Bring the phones to each other – a notification will appear about the detection of the device.
• ✅ Take the file on the second phone.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Maximum file size — ~1-2 MB (for large files, use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth).
• 🔋 Transmission consumes more power than Bluetooth, so is not suitable for mass data sending.
• 📵 It only works between devices with the switch on. NFC Android 4.0+.

Using NFC for Smart Home and Automation

NFC-Labels (or tags) allow you to run smart home scripts, change phone settings, or control Xiaomi Mi Home devices with a single touch, such as setting a door tag that will turn on lights, play music, and turn off Wi-Fi when you leave the house.

What you need:

• 🏷️ NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores, are worth it) ~50-200 rubles apiece).
• 📱 Labelling appendix: NFC Tools, Trigger or Automate.
• 💡 Smart devices (Yeelight lamps, Mi Smart Plug sockets, etc.) connected to Mi Home.

Example of settings:

1. Install the app NFC Tools and open it up.
2. Select "Write down» → «Add a record» → «Reference».
3. In the field URL Enter a command for Mi Home, for example: mihome://devicecontrol?did=12345678&cmd=power_on (wherein — ID Your device and the cmd is the command).
4. Hold the phone to the tag and wait for the recording.
5. Now, when you touch the tag, the phone will send a command to Mi Home.

You can create more advanced scripts in Automate or Tasker, where NFC-The tag will be a trigger for the chain of actions (for example, enable the Do Not Disturb mode» + send out SMS + navigate).

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NFC-Labels consume minimal energy and work without an Internet connection, making them more reliable than cloud automation services.

Emulation of transport and discount cards

One of the most useful functions NFC — The ability to replace physical cards (travel, discount, pass) with virtual copies of them. On Xiaomi, this works through applications like Metro. NFC, Wallet Passes or Mi Pay (for transport cards in supported regions).

How to add a transport card:

1. Download the official application of your transport (for example, "Troika" for Moscow or "Poprodolik" for St. Petersburg).
2. Register and link your card to your account.
3. In the card settings, select "Add to" NFC» Or "Transfer to the phone».
4. Hold the phone to the validator – the card will be copied to the protected area. NFC-chip.

Limitations:

• 🚇 Not all transport cards support emulation (e.g. Troika works, and some regional cards don’t).
• 🔒 For data protection, the card is stored in Secure Element – it cannot be copied or transferred to another phone.
• 📵 If the phone is discharged, the virtual card will not work (unlike the physical card).

For discount cards (e.g., Magnet, Five), you can use applications like Wallet Passes or Stokkio, which allow you to store barcodes and NFC-Loyalty card tags, but you may need to open the app to read at the checkout.

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Before you travel, check the virtual transport card balance in the app – some validators do not show the balance when paying from your phone.

Diagnosing problems with NFC Xiaomi

If NFC It doesn't work, it can be software (firmware failure) or hardware (antenna damage.

Problem 1: NFC is not included

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes a basic reset helps.
• 📱 Check if the chip is switched off in Settings → Special facilities → Simplified mode (there may be an option to “Disable” NFC»).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Problem 2: The phone doesn't read tags or cards

• 🧲 Check if the signal is blocked by the case (especially with metal inserts).
• 📶 Make sure the tag is compatible with the phone (13.56 MHz frequency, standard) ISO 14443).
• 🔋 If the battery is discharged below 15%, NFC may work unstablely.

Problem 3: Payments are not working

• 💳 Check that the payment application (Google Pay, Mi Pay) is set as default in the settings NFC.
• 🔒 Make sure there are no root rights or custom firmware on the phone – this blocks Secure Element from working.
• 📡 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI were bugs with HCE (Host Card Emulation).

⚠️ If you have a phone drop after a phone drop NFC The antenna is not working at all, most likely, the antenna is damaged (it is located under the back cover), in this case, only repairs in the service center will help - self-replacement of the antenna requires disassembling the device.

Hidden NFC Features on Xiaomi

Beyond the standard scenarios, NFC Xiaomi supports several little-known features that can be useful in everyday life.

1.A quick pair of devices with other gadgets

Some Xiaomi devices (Mi True Wireless headphones, Mi Band fitness bracelets, Mi Smart Speaker speakers) support fast bundling. NFC. Just bring the phone to the gadget – and it will automatically connect via Bluetooth.

2 Emulation of the car key

In some models of cars (for example, Nissan, Hyundai) can be used NFC-It's a smartphone instead of a key:

• 🚗 Make sure the machine is supported NFC-Keys (information is in the manual).
• 📱 Download the official manufacturer's app (e.g. NissanConnect).
• 🔑 Pass the procedure of binding the key through the car menu.

3. Automatic Wi-Fi connection

We can write it down. NFC-data tag for connecting to Wi-Fi (SSID When you touch the tag, the phone automatically connects to the network:

1. Open up. NFC Tools → «Write it down» → «Add a record» → «Wi-Fi».
2. Enter the network name and password.
3. Hold the phone to the record label.

4.Running the voice assistant

We can adjust. NFC-tag for quick call to Google Assistant or Alice (if installed Yandex app). NFC Tools select the entry type “Run the application” and specify the assistant package (for example, com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox for Google Assistant).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi