How to use NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a complete guide with hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a budget smartphone with an unexpectedly useful NFC module that many owners do not even know how to use. Unlike the flagships, there is no support for contactless payments via Google Pay out of the box, but this does not mean that the chip is useless. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to use NFC on the Redmi 9C: from transferring files to automating tasks, and also reveal the unique limitations of this model, which are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand: Redmi 9C fitted NFC-chip NXP PN54T, This is a card emulation and peer-to-peer mode (P2P). This means that the phone won’t be able to read tags or work as a terminal, but it will be great at transferring data between devices and some payment systems (if set up correctly.

1. How to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: step-by-step instructions

Before you use contactless features, you need to activate the module itself. In the Redmi 9C, this option is hidden deeper than in other Xiaomi models - it is not in quick settings.

Follow the algorithm:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Connection and Sharing section.
3. Select NFC (can be called Contactless Payments in some firmware).
4. Activate the NFC slider in the On position.
5. In the submenu, select Work Mode → Included for all functions.

After activation, an NFC icon (a stylized letter "N") will appear in the status bar. If it is not, check if the module is disabled at the firmware level (more about this below).

The module is enabled in the settings|Icon NFC displayed in the notification panel|The phone emits an audible signal when approaching another device.|On the menu. NFC available 3 The Card Emulation (Card Emulation, P2P, Reader/Writter)-->

An important nuance: Redmi 9C with the firmware below MIUI 12.5 may not have the Reader/Writter option – it’s not a bug, but a hardware limitation of the model. Update the software through Settings → About the phone → Update the system if you want to expand the functionality.

2.What NFC features are available on Redmi 9C (and which are not)

The budget NXP PN54T chip has limited Redmi 9C capabilities, and here is a full table of supported and unavailable features:

Critical limitation: Redmi 9C is not certified to work with Google Pay and other HCE-based payment systems, which means you can’t link a bank card directly – but there are workarounds (for them, see the Payments section).

For file transfers|For payment (through workarounds)|To automate tasks|For emulation of pass/card|I don't know.-->

3. File Transfer over NFC: An Alternative to Bluetooth

The easiest way to use NFC on Redmi 9C is to share data with other Android devices, which is faster than Bluetooth for small files (up to 10 MB) and requires no passwords.

Instructions:

1. Enable NFC on both devices (see Section 1).
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Combine the back panels of the phones (the NFC antenna is located under the top of the case).
4. Wait for the sound signal and vibration – a notification will appear on the screen Touch for transmission.
5. Confirm the shipment on both devices.

Limitations:

• 📱 Maximum file size: 10MB (for larger files, use Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Transmission speed — ~400 KB/s (slower than Bluetooth 5.0, but faster) QRC-code).
• 🚫 It doesn’t work with iPhone (Apple uses its own AirDrop protocol).

💡

If file transfers do not start, check if the metal case blocks the NFC signal. Try removing the case or flipping the phone over with the other side.

4.Contactless payments: how to get around Redmi 9C restrictions

While Redmi 9C doesn’t officially support Google Pay, there are two working ways to pay for your phone:

Method 1: Applications of local banks

Some banks (for example, Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) offer their own solutions for contactless payments through the Internet. NFC, demand-free HCE-Certification conditions:

• 💳 The card should support Mir Pay or Mastercard Contactless technology.
• 📱 The bank application must be installed and authorized.
• 🔒 The phone has a screen lock on (PIN/graphical).

Example of settings for SberBank Online:

1. Open the app and go to Maps.
2. Select the card you want. → Contactless payments.
3. Follow the binding instructions (confirmation via SMS will be required).
4. After binding, bring the phone to the terminal - the payment will pass as from a normal card.

Method 2: Virtual cards (e.g. Curve or Revolut)

Services like Curve or Revolut allow you to link any bank card to a virtual one, which you can then add to Google Pay on another device (like a tablet), and use Redmi 9C as an intermediary through Card Emulation, a tricky scheme that works for those who travel frequently.

⚠️ Note: Some terminals (especially in subways or gas stations) may not accept payments from Redmi 9C due to lack of certificate PCI. Use a physical card or other phone.

5. Card emulation: pass, student card, door key

One of the most useful functions NFC on the Redmi 9C — Possibility of emulating unprotected RFID-It works with student IDs, office passes, intercom keys (unless they use encryption).

You'll need to set up:

• 📱 Annex NFC Tools (free version) or MIFARE Classic Tool.
• 🔑 The original map you want to copy.
• 📶 Internet connection (to download the map profile).

Step-by-step:

1. Install NFC Tools from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select Reading.
3. Bring the original card to the phone – the program considers its UID and data.
4. Save the card profile to the file (for example, office_pass.nfc).
5. Return to the main menu and select Record → Add Record → Download data.
6. Select the saved file and wait for the recording to be completed.

Important limitations:

• 🔒 You will not be able to copy secure cards (for example, bank or transport with cryptography).
• 🔄 Some intercoms require dynamic intercoms. UID, redmi 9C emulate.
• 📵 When changing the firmware, the card data will erase - make backup copies.

💡

NFC on the Redmi 9C It can only emulate cards with fixed UID (for example, format MIFARE Classic 1K). Maps with dynamic authentication (MIFARE DESFire, Legic Advant, and the Remote.

6. Automation of tasks with NFC-suffixes (for advanced ones)

Although Redmi 9C can’t read tags in Reader/Writter mode, you can use feedback to write a command to a tag from another device and then activate it by touching the Redmi 9C.

Example of application:

• 🔊 Enabling silent mode when touching the label on the desktop.
• 📶 Automatic connection to the Wi-Fi guest network.
• 📱 Starting the navigator when mounting the phone in the holder in the car.

You'll need to set up:

1. Buy the empty ones. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 AliExpress).
2. Install the Trigger or Automate app on another phone (with tag recording support).
3. Create a task (e.g., “Enable Bluetooth”) and write it down.
4. Attach the tag to a convenient place (for example, on the back panel of the case).
5. Now, when you touch Redmi 9C, the task will be performed automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If the tag stops working, try overwriting it from another device. 9C You may “forget” the link after the update. MIUI.

7. Problem Solving: NFC is not working or shutting down

If the NFC module on Redmi 9C is no longer responding, check out these points:

If the problem is not resolved:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.
2. Check if NFC is disabled in Developer Mode (turns on after 7 taps on the MIUI version in the phone settings).
3. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) if you need full NFC support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9C

If your question isn’t covered in the FAQ, check out official Xiaomi support or 4PDA forums (there are separate NFC themes for the Redmi 9C).