Bank card binding to NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: full instruction with photos and tips

Contactless payments via NFC on Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be a luxury β€” it is a standard feature that simplifies everyday purchases. owners of Redmi 9T often face questions: how to properly link a bank card, which service to choose (Google Pay, Mi Pay or a banking application), and why sometimes NFC refuses to work. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of setting up payments on Redmi 9T, taking into account the features of the model 2021 release, including bypassing typical errors and security tips.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9T supports NFC only in the modification marked M2010J19SG (global version). If your device does not have NFC module, you will not be able to tie a card for payment. Also check the MIUI version: contactless payments require firmware at least MIUI 12.5 to work correctly. You can update it in the Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update menu.

We’ll look at three main ways to link a card: through Google Pay (the most versatile option), Mi Pay (a branded service from Xiaomi), and banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff), each method has its pros and cons – from setup speed to bank restrictions. You will also learn how to check your performance. NFC-What to do if the terminal can’t see your phone.

1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Before you start setting up payments, make sure your Redmi 9T is actually equipped with an NFC module. In 2021, Xiaomi released two versions of this model:

  • πŸ“± M2010J19SG β€” globalization NFC (It was sold in Europe and Russia).
  • πŸ“± M2010J19SC β€” Chinese version without NFC.

To check for the module:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ NFC.
  2. If there is no NFC, your phone does not support the technology.
  3. Alternatively, enter the β€œNFC” request in the settings search.

If NFC is present but does not work, the reasons may be:

  • ⚑ No firmware update (required) MIUI 12.5+).
  • πŸ”§ Antenna module damaged (often after falls or repairs).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Activated mode of energy saving, disabling background processes.
πŸ“Š What payment method do you use more often?
Cash.
Bank card (physical)
NFC via phone
QR-code

Before adding a card to the payment service, several mandatory steps must be taken:

Update MIUI last-minute|Turn on NFC customized|Install Google Pay or Mi Pay|Connect the Internet (Wi-Fi/mobile)|Shut down. VPN (It can block the verification of the bank)-->

Step 1 - Update MIUI

Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. If a new version is available, install it. Contactless payments are critical to the current firmware, as older versions of MIUI may not support modern bank security protocols.

Step 2. Energize NFC

Go to Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ NFC and activate the switch. Here you can configure:

  • πŸ”„ Auto-disconnection NFC when blocking the screen (it is recommended to turn off for convenience).
  • πŸ“² Payment Priority (select Google Pay or Mi Pay).

Step 3: Set up the screen lock

Banks require that the phone be installed PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint. Go to Settings β†’ Lock the screen and add at least one unlock method. Without that, you can't tie the map.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Smart Lock, disable it before adding a card. Some banks (such as VTB) block the binding because of this.

3. Linking the card via Google Pay

Google Pay is the most popular contactless payment service on Android, and it supports most Russian banks, including Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa Bank and VTB.

  1. Download Google Pay from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and click "Add map".
  3. Select Credit or Debit Card and scan it with your camera or enter data manually.
  4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.

After the successful addition, the card will appear in the list.

  1. Unlock your phone (required!).
  2. Bring the top of the Redmi 9T to the terminal (the NFC antenna is located next to the camera).
  3. Wait for a sound signal or vibration.
BankSupport for Google PayFeatures
Sberbankβœ… Yes.Requires confirmation through Sberbank Online
Tinkoffβœ… Yes.Supports virtual cards
Alfa-Bankβœ… Yes.Limit on contactless payments – 1000β‚½ without PIN
VTBβœ… Yes.May require a visit to the office for activation

⚠️ Note: If you add a Google Pay card and you get an error saying, β€œThis type of card is not supported,” check it out: 🏦 Does your bank support Google Pay (list on official website). πŸ“± Is there a root right on the phone (banks block such devices). 🌍 Google Account Region (must match the bank’s region).

πŸ’‘

If the terminal can’t see the phone, try to disable the case – some models with metal inserts block the NFC signal.

4.Backing the card via Mi Pay

Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded payment service that operates in Russia with a limited list of banks, with the advantage of deeper integration with MIUI, but the disadvantage is less support for credit institutions.

To add a map:

  1. Download Mi Pay (if it is not in the firmware).
  2. Open the app and select β€œAdd map”.
  3. Enter the card details manually (camera scanning is not supported).
  4. Confirm the transaction via SMS or banking application.

List of banks supported by Mi Pay in Russia (for 2026):

  • 🏦 Sberbank (debit cards only).
  • 🏦 Alfa-Bank (with restrictions on tariffs).
  • 🏦 Opening.

For payment via Mi Pay:

  1. Unlock the phone.
  2. Twice press the power button (setting is enabled in Mi Pay β†’ Settings β†’ Quick start).
  3. Bring the phone to the terminal.
How is Mi Pay different from Google Pay?
Mi Pay uses Xiaomi’s own tokenization system, which theoretically improves security but limits the list of supported banks. Google Pay is more versatile but requires an active internet connection for the first card peg. Both services support offline payments (up to 5 transactions without a network connection).

5. Linking the card through the banking application

Some banks (like SberBank or Tinkoff) allow you to link your card to NFC directly through your mobile app, which is convenient if you don’t want to use third-party services like Google Pay.

  1. Open the Sberbank application and log in.
  2. Go to the β€œMaps” section and select the card you want.
  3. Click on β€œAdd to Google Pay/Mi Pay” or β€œTie to NFC”.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to enter code from SMS).

Advantages of this method:

  • βœ… No need to install additional applications.
  • βœ… The bank controls the security of transactions.
  • βœ… Bonuses for pegging are often available (such as cashback).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Not working with all banks.
  • ❌ May require a visit to the office for activation.

⚠️ Note: If you link the card through a banking application, but payments do not pass, check: πŸ“΅ Does the bank block geolocation transactions (for example, if you are abroad). πŸ”’ Is there a limit on contactless payments (in some banks, the default cost is 1000)β‚½).

6.Typical NFC Problems Solved on Redmi 9T

Even after setting up correctly, Redmi 9T users sometimes encounter payment errors, and consider the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Terminal doesn't see the phoneWeak NFC signal, case interferesTake off the case, bring the phone closer to the terminal.
The error "Card is not supported"The bank does not work with Google Pay/Mi PayTry to link the card through the banking application
Internet connection requiredNo synchronization with the bank serverEnable mobile data or Wi-Fi
Payment doesn't work the first time.Conflict of payment systemsIn NFC settings, select the priority service (Google Pay or Mi Pay)

If the NFC has stopped working after the MIUI update:

  1. Reboot the phone.
  2. Reset NFC settings: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ NFC β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data.
  3. If it does not help – rollback to the previous version of the firmware (instructions on the official website of Xiaomi).

If the bank blocks the binding of the card:

  • πŸ“ž Call the bank and clarify the reason (the map may include restrictions).
  • πŸ”„ Try to link another card to the same bank.
  • πŸ“± Make sure there are no root rights or custom firmware on the phone.

πŸ’‘

If after all the manipulations NFC It's not working, check the hardware serviceability of the module. NFC-tag (e.g. transport card) via the application NFC Tools. If the tag doesn't read, the problem is the iron.

7. Safety Tips for Using NFC

Contactless payments are convenient but require increased attention to security.

  • πŸ” Don't keep it. PIN-codes CVV in phone notes or photos.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn it off. NFC, When you don’t use it (it will also save battery life).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use two-factor authentication in banking applications.
  • πŸ”„ Check your transaction history regularly for suspicious write-offs.

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen:

  1. Block the card immediately via an online bank or by phone hotline.
  2. Remove the card from Google Pay/Mi Pay via the web version of the service.
  3. Use Google or Xiaomi’s Find Device feature to remotely lock your phone.

Can I pay with my phone turned off?

No. The Redmi 9T requires the phone to be unlocked (at least on the lock screen) to run NFC, unlike some flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 13), budget smartphones don’t support payments when off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Can you link a Mir card to Google Pay on Redmi 9T?
Yes, Google Pay has been supporting Mir cards since 2023, but only if they are issued by banks connected to the system. You can check the list of supported banks on the NSPK website. If your bank is not on the list, try linking the card through its mobile app.
Why does the terminal ask you to pay PIN-code?
This occurs in three cases: The purchase amount exceeds the contactless payment limit (usually 1000-5000).β‚½, The bank has suspected a suspicious transaction and requires additional confirmation. PINΒ» (You can turn off the banking application).
How to transfer your attached cards to a new phone?
If you change Redmi 9T to another smartphone, Google Pay cards will be automatically transferred when you sign in to the same Google account. Mi Pay requires you to re-add cards. Banking apps (like SberBank Online) also sync data between devices.
Can I pay for the subway through the NFC on the Redmi 9T?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸš‡ In Moscow and St. Petersburg, payment through Google Pay with a Troika or Strelka card is available. πŸ’³ In some regions, you can link a transport card directly in a banking application (for example, β€œMir” for travel to Kazan). ⚠️ Mi Pay does not support transport cards in Russia. To pay for fares: Unlock your phone. Bring it to the validator (you do not need to open Google Pay.
Why did the MIUI NFC stop working?
This is a typical problem for Redmi 9T when upgrading to MIUI 13/14. Solutions: Reboot your phone. Reset NFC settings: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ NFC β†’ Clear cache. If it didn't work, roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot. If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi Support - you may need to flash it in the service center.