NFC on Xiaomi: how to set up and use in 2026

What is NFC in Xiaomi smartphones and why you need it

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has long been an integral part of modern smartphones, and Xiaomi devices are no exception: this chip allows you to exchange data over short distances (up to 10 cm) without an Internet connection. In 2026, NFC in the brand’s smartphones is used not only for contactless payments, but also for automating tasks, sharing files and even managing smart devices.

The main scenarios of using NFC on Xiaomi:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking apps
• 🔖 Reading and writing NFC-Automation tags (e.g., turning on Wi-Fi when approaching the tag)
• 📱 Fast transfer of contacts, links or files between devices (Android Beam)
• 🔑 Use as an electronic key for doors, transport cards or passes

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models are equipped with the same equipment. NFC-chip – this feature is usually received by flagship and mid-budget devices (for example, the Xiaomi 13 series, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+, POCO F5 Pro).

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of working with NFC on Xiaomi smartphones, from basic setup to advanced use cases. If you just purchased an NFC device or want to finally understand its features, you’re at the right place.

How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi smartphone

Before you set up NFC, make sure your device is equipped with it. There are several ways to check:

1. Official specs. Go to Xiaomi's website, find your model, and check the "Connection" section. If NFC is listed, the chip is present.
2. Smartphone settings. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If there is no item, there is no function.
3. Specialized applications. Install NFC Tools or NFC Check from Google Play, and they show the chip's presence and its state.

Note that even if NFC is in specs, it can be disabled regionally (e.g., some versions of the Redmi Note 11 for India), in which case it will not be software-enabled.

⚠️ Note: In some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) NFC It may not be in the region-specific version, even if it is in the global version!

How to Enable and Configure NFC on Xiaomi

If your smartphone supports NFC, you can activate it in a few steps:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Slip on NFC.
3. Move the slider to the on position.
4. (Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer data between devices.

After activation, an icon will appear in the notification panel NFC (📶 If it's not there, check if it's turned off in Settings. → Notification panels.

For convenience, you can add the NFC shortcut to the main screen:

• Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
• Find the NFC and drag it to the screen.
• Now the on/off is available in one tap.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for European region) Android Beam may not be available due to Google restrictions.

How to Use NFC for Contactless Payments

One of the most popular uses of NFC is to pay for purchases with a smartphone.

1. Bank card with support for contactless payments (Mastercard PayPass, Visa payWave).
2. Payment application: Google Pay, Mi Pay (for China) or a banking application (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).
3. Activated NFC (see previous section).

Instructions for setting up Google Pay:

• 📱 Install Google Pay from Google Play.
• 💳 Add a bank card through Add a card → Scan or manual input.
• 🔒 Confirm the addition through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 📶 Turn it on. NFC Bring your phone to the terminal (no need to unlock the screen on new Android versions).

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

• Download Mi Pay from the App Store (for China) or via APK.
• Link a Chinese bank card (UnionPay).
• Use it for payment in stores with Quick Pass support.

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If the terminal is not reading the payment, try holding the phone to it with the other side – the NFC antenna is usually located at the top of the case.

How to use NFC-tags

NFC-Labels are small chips that can be programmed to do certain things when you approach a smartphone:

• 🔊 Turn on the "Do not disturb" mode when bringing the phone to the tag on the bedside table.
• 📶 Connect to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device (such as a speaker) automatically.
• 🚗 Run the navigator (Yandex.Maps or Google Maps) when placing the phone in the car holder.
• 🔋 Activate the economical battery mode at work.

How to record a command on a label:

1. Buy the empty ones. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 AliExpress).
2. Install the NFC Tools or Trigger app.
3. In the app, select Write → Add a record.
4. Select an action (e.g. Wi-Fi → Connect to the network).
5. Hold the phone to the tag and wait for the recording.

Examples of ready-made scenarios:

• 🛏️ Good night: the tag by the bed turns off Wi-Fi, turns on silent mode and starts the alarm clock.
• 🚗 Trip: the tag in the car includes Bluetooth, launches Yandex.Navigator and sends SMS family with expected arrival time.
• 💼 Work: The tag on the table includes Do Not Disturb mode, connects workmail and opens Trello.

Transfer data between devices via NFC

With NFC, you can quickly share files, contacts or links between two smartphones, using Android Beam technology (on older versions of Android) or Nearby Share (on newer ones).

How to transfer a file via NFC:

1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Hold the devices with the back covers to each other (NFC antennas are usually located there).
4. On the screen will appear a notification Touch for transmission – confirm the action.

If Android Beam is not working:

• 🔄 Check that both phones are not only on NFC, Android Beam (in the settings) NFC).
• 📱 Make sure the devices are unlocked (on a locked screen, the transmission may not work).
• 🔋 Check the battery power at a level below 15% NFC It can be turned off to save energy.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 Android Beam can be hidden, in which case use Nearby Share (includes in Settings). → Google → Devices and sharing. Transmission speeds will be lower, but longer range.

Important: NFC transmits data at up to 424 kbps, which is 100 times slower than Bluetooth 5.0. Use it only for small files (contacts, links, text notes), and for photos and videos, Wi-Fi Direct or Nearby Share are better suited.

NFC issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Sometimes NFC on Xiaomi smartphones is unstable. Let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If the NFC stopped working after the firmware update:

• 🔄 Try to revert to the previous version. MIUI (through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package).
• 📱 Check if permissions for apps (e.g. Google Pay) have been reset).
• 🔧 Make a reset (but not a full reset!): Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings.

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If the NFC doesn’t work after battery replacement or repair, check the integrity of the antenna – it’s often damaged when disassembling the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi