How to Enable and Use NFC on Xiaomi Smartphones: A Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi’s NFC module has long since ceased to be an exotic feature — it’s even built into budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5. But many users still don’t know how to activate it and apply it in their daily lives. Meanwhile, NFC can not only pay for their phone purchases, but also automate routine tasks, exchange contacts, or even manage a smart home.

In this article, we will look at all the ways Xiaomi uses NFC, from basic customization to advanced scenarios, with a focus on MIUI 14/15 models (including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60 and POCO F5), and the typical problems users face, and if you’ve never used contactless technology or your NFC suddenly stopped working, you’ll find solutions here.

What Xiaomi smartphones support NFC

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with NFC module – its availability depends on the model and the region of sales. For example, Redmi 10C for Europe has a chip, but the Asian version of the same smartphone does not. To make sure you check the specifications on the official website or use the table below.

Among the flagships Xiaomi and POCO NFC module is almost always found, and in the budget series (Redmi A, Redmi Note of the younger versions) it can be cut. Note: even if your model has an antenna, it can be turned off software for some regions (for example, in India or Latin America).

⚠️ Note: In some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) NFC It is only available in the Global (Global) version, but not in China. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

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

Activation of the NFC module on Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI. In recent updates (starting with MIUI 14), the menu has been simplified, but in old firmware you will have to dig deeper.

Follow this algorithm:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (in MIUI 13 and older) or Wireless Networks (in MIUI 12 and below).
3. Slip on the NFC item (can be called Contactless Payments).
4. Activate the NFC slider at the top of the screen.
5. Optionally: Enable Android Beam (for file transfer) or HCE-services (for bank cards).

⚠️ Attention: If items NFC No menu, so your model doesn't support hardware technology. Check the specifications or try updating your firmware to the latest version. MIUI.

After activation of the module, we recommend that you immediately test its performance.

• 📱 Bring the phone to another device with NFC (For example, to the payment terminal or a friend’s smartphone).
• 🔄 A beep must be heard or a notification of the detection of a label must appear.
• 🛒 If you plan to pay by phone, add the card to Google Pay or Mi Pay in advance.

Configure contactless payments via NFC

Xiaomi's primary application of NFC is to pay for purchases without a physical card, and any device with a chip and support for Google Pay or Mi Pay (in China) will do that.

With Google Pay (works in Russia until 2026, in other countries - without restrictions):

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
2. Add a bank card: tap + Add a card → scan or enter data manually.
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. In the NFC settings, select the default Payment service → Google Pay.

With Mi Pay (relevant to China and some Asian regions):

• 📲 Install Mi Pay from the App Store (Chinese Mi Account required).
• 💳 Link a Chinese bank card (e.g. UnionPay).
• 🔒 Set up a pin code or fingerprint to confirm payments.

⚠️ Note: In Russia, since March 2026, Google Pay officially does not support the binding of new cards, but the already added ones continue to work.

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If the terminal doesn’t read the payment, try holding the phone to the top of the device – that’s where the NFC antenna is located in most Xiaomi models.

Transfer data and files over NFC (Android Beam)

In addition to payments, NFC allows you to quickly exchange contacts, photos or links between two smartphones, a feature called Android Beam and works on all Xiaomi with an NFC chip (except some models on MIUI for China).

How to transfer the file:

1. Enable NFC on both devices (see section above).
2. Activate Android Beam in NFC settings.
3. Open the file (photo, contact, or web page) you want to send.
4. Combine the back panels of the phones (NFC antennas are located next to the camera).
5. Wait for the beep - a notification will appear on the screen Touch to transmit.

Limitations of the method:

• 📎 The maximum file size is 1 GB, but in practice, transferring more than 100 MB can take a few minutes.
• 🔋 Both phones must be unlocked (no pin code or fingerprint at the time of transfer).
• 📱 Android Beam doesn’t work with iPhones, only between Android devices.

⚠️ Warning: If the transmission is interrupted, check if the cover is blocking the signal. NFC. Metal or thick silicone covers can cause interference.

Use of the NFC-tags

One of the most useful but underappreciated features of NFC is the use of tags, which are little stickers or key fobs that can be programmed to perform actions when you touch a phone, such as:

• 🚗 Attach the phone to the tag in the car – Bluetooth automatically turns on, Google Maps will start and the playlist will open.
• 🏠 Touching the tag at the door - turn off Wi-Fi, turn on mobile data and send SMS your family's return.
• 🛏️ The tag on the bedside table - will put the phone in silent mode and start the alarm clock.

You'll need to set up:

1. Buy NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 AliExpress).
2. Install a programming application: Trigger, NFC Tools or Automate.
3. Create a task in the application (for example, Enable Wi-Fi → Connect to the Home network → Open Spotify).
4. Write the task on the tag, bringing the phone to it.

Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 14+ have a built-in Smart Tags feature in NFC settings, but it only supports basic actions (on/off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flight mode).

Typical NFC Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even if your Xiaomi supports NFC, you can still experience a problem with the module, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

Problem 1: NFC is not turned on (the slider is gray or not on the menu).

• 🔧 Solution: Check the firmware region. If you have a Chinese version (China) ROM), NFC It can be disabled software. Install global firmware (Global or Global). EEA).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the module “hangs” after the update.

Problem 2: The terminal does not read the payment (the error "Device is not supported").

• 💳 Make sure that in the settings NFC The correct payment service is chosen (Google Pay or Mi Pay).
• 📱 Check if the cover is blocking the antenna. NFC (It is usually located at the top of the phone).
• 🔋 If the battery is less than 15% depleted, some terminals may not accept payment.

Problem 3: Android Beam does not transfer files.

• 📲 Enable Android Beam in your settings NFC (In some cases, it is deactivated by default).
• 🔄 Make sure that both phones are on NFC and they're unlocked.
• 🛠️ If the transmission is interrupted, try to reduce the distance between devices to 1-2 cm.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 15 and a new HyperOS kernel (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may require additional permission to NFC In Settings → Annexes → Permits → NFC.

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If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

NFC Security: How to Protect Data

NFC is considered safe, but it also has vulnerabilities, and attackers can intercept tagged data or eavesdrop on a transaction if you use outdated protocols.

Security advice:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, When you don’t use it (especially in public places).
• 🛡️ Use only verified NFC-Tags (buy from official sellers).
• 💳 For payments, set up a fingerprint confirmation or PIN-code.
• 📱 Do not store sensitive data (passwords, pin codes) on NFC-marker.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14/15 The function of protection appeared NFC (It blocks unauthorized reading of tags when the screen is off, and we recommend turning it on if you use automation often.

If you suspect your phone has been a victim NFC-attacks (e.g. unauthorized write-offs), immediately:

1. Remove all bank cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay.
2. Check the transaction history of the mobile bank.
3. Reset the NFC settings to factory settings (Settings → NFC → Reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi