Why do you need NFC in the Xiaomi 9T smartphone?
The Xiaomi 9Tβs NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is not just a fancy chip, but a full-fledged tool for everyday tasks. It can pay for smartphone purchases, instantly transfer files between devices, read information from tags, and even manage smart devices. However, many owners of the Redmi K20 (as they call it) face problems: the module does not turn on, payments do not pass, the device does not see the tags. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with NFC, from basic configuration to solving typical errors.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi 9T passive NFC-It's a chip that doesn't support Card Emulation for all credit cards (for example, Mir can be a problem), but that doesn't mean it's useless! When set up properly, it'll replace your wallet, keys, even your business cards.
1. Check for NFC in your Xiaomi 9T
Before you set up, make sure your smartphone does support the technology. In the Xiaomi 9T (model number M1903F10I/M1903F11I), NFC is built into all versions, but in some regions (for example, India), it can be software disabled.
- π± Through Settings: Go to Settings β Connections and sharing β NFC. If there is no point, the chip is disabled or missing.
- π Using the specifications: type in the search ##4636## (engineering menu), select Phone Information and find the line NFC. If there is one, the module is physically present.
If NFC is not on the menu, but the chip is on the specifications, try upgrading to the latest version of MIUI (current for 2026 - MIUI 14 for Android 13). In rare cases, resetting to factory settings helps (but this is an extreme measure!).
β οΈ Attention: In Xiaomi 9T Pro (model) M1903F12I) NFC It works differently, it uses a chip. NXP PN80T, If you have a Pro version, some of the tips in this article may not be suitable.
2. NFC activation: step-by-step instruction
Turning on NFC on Xiaomi 9T is easy, but there are nuances.
- Open the settings: Taip by icon βοΈ on the desktop or swipe down the notification panel and press the gear.
- Go to Connections: Select Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Find NFC: Scroll down to the Other Wireless Connections block and activate the NFC slider.
- Set up the mode of operation: tip on the inscription NFC (Not slider! to open up more options: π³ Emulation of the card β for contactless payments; π± Data exchange β for transferring files over Android Beam; π·οΈ Reading tags β to interact with NFC-tag.
When activated, the NFC icon (a stylized letter "N") will appear in the top notification bar. If it's not, restart your phone. Also check if the module is blocked by a metal case or magnetic holder.
Is NFC enabled in the settings?
Is the card emulation mode (for payments) activated?
Is there an application for payments (Google Pay, SberPay, etc.) installed?
Are there any interference from the cover or accessories?
Is the smartphone unlocked (NFC only works on unlocked screen)?
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3.Configuring contactless payments
The main application of NFC is to pay for purchases with a smartphone. On Xiaomi 9T, this works through Google Pay, SberPay, Mir Pay and other services.
- Install the app: download Google Pay from the Play Market (unless it is preinstalled).
- Add the card: open the application, type + Add the card and scan it or enter the data manually.
- Confirm the card: the bank will send an SMS with the code or require confirmation in the personal account.
- Set up default payments: In Google Pay settings, select Settings β Contactless payments by default and install your card.
Critical detail: on Xiaomi 9T, contactless payments work ONLY when the screen is unlocked! This is an Android security requirement and you canβt get around it. Also make sure that the NFC settings enable Card Emulation (see previous section).
| Bank | Support for Xiaomi 9T | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sberbank (Visa/Mastercard) | β Yes. | It works through SberPay or Google Pay. |
| Tinkoff | β Yes. | Requires confirmation via SMS when adding a card |
| VTB (Mir) | β οΈ Partially. | There may be problems with the old-style terminals. |
| Alfa-Bank | β Yes. | Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay |
| Gazprombank | β No. | Not officially supported NFC-Xiaomi payments |
β οΈ Note: If the terminal does not accept payment from your smartphone, try bringing the phone to the top of the terminal (where the card is usually attached). 9T antenna NFC nearer to the upper edge of the body.
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Before you pay for it, add Google Pay to your list of approved apps (Settings β Apps β Permissions β Auto Run) to speed up the payment process.
4. Data transmission via NFC (Android Beam)
With NFC, you can instantly transfer files, contacts, or links between two smartphones, using Android Beam technology. Here's how it works on Xiaomi 9T:
- Activate NFC on both devices: Make sure the second phone also has Data Exchange enabled.
- Open the file you want: for example, a photo in a gallery or a contact in a phone book.
- Combine devices: Bring the Xiaomi 9T back cover to another smartphone (NFC antennas are usually located in the middle).
- Wait for the beep: when the devices βseeβ each other, the screen will appear the inscription βTap to transmitβ.
Why is Android Beam not working?
5. Work with NFC-tags: automation of tasks
NFC-Labels are little chips that can be programmed to do certain things when you put your smartphone on, for example, you can set a tag on your desktop that will include silent mode, or a tag in the machine that triggers the navigator. 9T You will need a Trigger app or NFC Tools.
Example of setting up a tag to start Wi-Fi:
- Download NFC Tools from Play Market.
- Open the app and select Write β Add Record β Wi-Fi.
- Enter your network name and password.
- Hold the tag to the back cover of Xiaomi 9T (to the camera area) and wait for confirmation of the recording.
Now, when you put your phone on a tag, Wi-Fi will turn on automatically, and you can program it to:
- π Turning on/off sound;
- π Quick dialing;
- π Launching the navigator (for example, Yandex.Navigator);
- π Transition to energy saving mode.
β οΈ Attention: Cheap NFC-tags (worth up to 50) β½) They are often of poor quality and can be erased after 100 to 200 uses. Use rewritable labels for permanent use (e.g., stainless labels, NTAG215 or NTAG216).
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NFC-Labels are one of the most underrated automation tools, and they can speed up routines by 2-3 times without wasting time manually setting up.
6. Solving Typical NFC Problems on Xiaomi 9T
Even after you set up the NFC correctly, it can malfunction, and we'll look at the most common errors and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC is not included | Firmware failure or chip disconnected | Update MIUI or reset your settings |
| Payments don't pass | Not configured mode emulation of the card | Enable Card Emulation in NFC Settings |
| Phone doesn't see a mark. | Weak signal or interference | Bring the tag closer to the top of the phone |
| Android Beam is not working. | There is no support on the second device. | Use Mi Share or Bluetooth |
| NFC shuts down on its own | Savings in battery charge | Add NFC to the optimization exceptions (Settings β Battery β Optimization) |
If none of these methods work, check the integrity of the antenna. NFC. Xiaomi. 9T It's located under the back cover and can be damaged by falling or disassembling the phone. β½).
Last tip: If you use NFC a lot, add a shortcut to quickly include it in the notification bar.
- Swipe down the notification panel and tip on the icon βοΈ.
- Select Order of icons (or Setting up the control panel).
- Find the NFC in the list and drag it to the active area.