NFC on Xiaomi Mi 9: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, became one of the first flagships of the brand with full support NFC-Despite the age of the model, its Near Field Communication module is still relevant for contactless payments, data sharing and working with smart devices, but many owners still do not use this functionality due to lack of information or fear of setting up a new device.

In this article, we will not only discuss basic functions. NFC Mi 9 (paying through Google Pay, transferring files), but also less obvious scenarios: automating tasks using the help of the computer. NFC-tagging, connecting to smart locks, diagnosing chip malfunctions, and focusing on the unique feature of the Mi 9, which supports two different types of chips. SIM-map NFC, This allows you to link different bank cards to each slot.

The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced users: the former will learn how to turn on NFC and make the first payment, and the latter will find advanced life hacks for integration with the smart home. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14 and Android 13 (the last available firmware for the Mi 9 in 2026).

What is NFC and why is it necessary for Xiaomi Mi 9?

NFC (Near Field Communication – short-range wireless communication technology (up to) 10 cm) which operates at frequency 13.56 MHz. At Xiaomi Mi. 9 chip NXP PN80T, standardized: ISO 14443 (Type A/B), FeliCa (for Japanese payment systems) and NFC Forum Tag Types.

The main use cases for the Mi 9:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.).
• 📱 Data transfer between devices (Android Beam – an inherited function, but still running on some firmware).
• 🔑 Identification: access to the office, metro (for example, through the Troika app in Moscow), electronic passes.
• 🏠 Smart home: managing IoT devices (Xiaomi Yeelight lamps, Aqara locks) by touch.
• 🤖 Automation by means of NFC-Tags (running scripts in Tasker or Shortcuts).

It is important to understand that NFC The Mi 9 only works when the screen is unlocked (except for payments where fingerprint confirmation is required or if the screen is not unlocked). PIN-It's a safety limitation that you can't get around without root rights, and it also uses a minimum amount of power -- about 0.1% charge per hour when you're in active use.

How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Mi 9: step-by-step instructions

It takes less than a minute to activate the module, but many users are faced with a problem: the NFC option can be hidden depending on the region of the firmware.

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Scroll down to the NFC section (if there is no item, see spoiler below).
3. Activate the NFC switch.
4. Enable the Android Beam option (if you need data transfer between devices).
5. For payments, go to Settings → Google → Payments and add a card.

Once the NFC is activated, the icon will appear in the notification panel. Click on it to quickly turn on/off the module or open settings. Note: there is no separate antenna module on the Mi 9 - the chip is soldered into the motherboard next to the battery, so if you replace the battery, there is a risk of damaging the NFC.

Contactless Payments: Google Pay vs Mi Pay

The Xiaomi Mi 9 offers two main NFC payment methods: Google Pay (universal) and Mi Pay (a Chinese service that operates in Russia only), and we will examine both options.

To set up Google Pay:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Add the card through Add the payment method.
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or banking application.
4. Install Google Pay as the default app in NFC settings.

Mi Pay is limited in Russia, but if you managed to activate it, consider:

• 🚫 Payments are only made through terminals that support UnionPay.
• 🔄 Regular update of the application is required (otherwise it stops working).
• 📶 You need a constant connection to the Internet.

💡

If the terminal is not accepting payment via NFC, try to hold the phone to it from a different angle - the antenna in the Mi 9 is located at the top of the case. Also check if the case is blocking the signal (metal cases completely jam NFC).

NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives

Android Beam, which allows you to transfer files, contacts or links between devices, is officially removed from Android 10+, but it can be returned to the Mi 9.

For data transmission:

1. Activate NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, or web page) you want to send.
3. Bring the Mi 9 back to another smartphone (distance < 2 cm).
4. Wait for the sound signal and vibration – the transmission will begin automatically.

If Android Beam is not in the settings, use the alternatives:

• 📲 Launcher applications (e.g, NFC Tools that emulate Beam.
• 🔗 References through NFC-Labels: Write down URL Touch and tag open it on another device.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct (faster but requires a network connection).

💡

Android Beam on Mi 9 works only between devices running Android 8-9. For newer versions of Android, use specialized applications or cloud services (Google Drive, Telegram).

NFC transfer speeds are less than 424 kbps (about 50 kbps), so it’s better to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct for larger files, but NFC is convenient for fast contact transfers or small text notes.

Use of the NFC-tags

One of the most advanced features of NFC is to work with tags that allow you to run scripts with a single touch, such as:

• 🚗 Driving Mode: Touching a tag in the car turns on the navigator and turns off notifications.
• 🛌 Night mode: touching the mark on the nightstand activates "Do Not Disturb" and reduces brightness.
• 🏋️ Training: tag on sports bag triggers player and fitness tracker.

The work will require:

• 🏷️ NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores, the price is from 50) ₽ piecewise).
• 📱 Annex for recording: NFC Tools, Trigger or Tasker.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Add an action (e.g. Wi-Fi → Enable).
3. Put the tag on the phone for recording.
4. Place the label in the right place (on the table, in the car, etc.).

You can write up to 7 commands per tag on the Mi 9. For complex scenarios (e.g., running multiple apps + changing settings), use Tasker with the NFC Task Launcher plugin.

Diagnostics of NFC problems on Xiaomi Mi 9

If NFC doesn't work, you can divide the causes into software and hardware, and to start with, they happen 80 percent of the time.

Software malfunctions:

• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Failure of settings: reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
• 🛠️ Application Conflict: Remove newly installed programs, especially those that requested access to the application NFC.

Hardware problems:

• 🔋 Damage to the antenna after battery replacement (NFC-chip is located next to the battery).
• 📶 Cover interference: Metal or thick covers block the signal.
• 💥 Phone drop: chip can move away from the board (repair is only possible in the service center).

To check the performance of the chip:

1. Install the NFC Check app from Google Play.
2. Run the test – the application will show whether the chip is recognized by the system.
3. If the test fails, try flashing your phone through Fastboot (instructions in the spoiler below).

⚠️ Attention: If NFC It stopped working after the update. MIUI, A rollback to the previous firmware version may help, but remember that after rollback, you have to block updates through the ADB, Otherwise, the system will automatically update again.

NFC security: how to protect data on Xiaomi Mi 9

NFC is considered a safe technology, but there are risks that few people know about:

• 🕵️ Skimming: Attackers can read card data up to 10 cm away using powerful antennas.
• 💻 Attacks via tags: malicious code can be recorded on NFC-label (for example, in a public place).
• 📱 Payment swap: If the phone is unlocked, a scammer can initialize the payment without you knowing.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (especially in crowded areas).
• 🛡️ Use the covers with RFID-They are protected (and protected) by the NFC, and bank cards).
• 🔄 Configure a confirmation for each payment (even for amounts up to 1,000). ₽).
• 📵 Do not bring your phone to unknown tags (for example, on advertising stands).

The Mi 9 can be equipped with additional protection:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
2. Add Google Pay or a banking app to the list of blocked apps.
3. Activate the option to Require a password when paying in the payment service settings.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-Mi 9 cards, link your bank cards to different slots. If your phone is stolen, the fraudster will not be able to access all the cards at the same time (to change). SIM need PUK-code).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Mi 9