How to check for NFC on Xiaomi phone: all the ways

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone and you want to know if it supports NFC? Or you plan to pay with your phone but you’re not sure if you have a module? In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can check, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus. It’s important to understand that even the low-end Redmi and POCO models of recent years often feature NFC, but in older devices (until 2019) this module was rarely seen.

The problem is that the manufacturer doesn’t always indicate NFC in the specifications on the box or in the documentation, and some sellers deliberately hide the lack of feature in order to sell the device more expensive, we will help avoid deception and determine exactly whether your Xiaomi can be used for contactless payments, data transfer or work with tags.

1. Verification through Android settings

The fastest way is to look at system settings. On most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13), the path to NFC looks like this:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks on older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.

If the NFC partition is missing, the module is not in the device, but there is a caveat: on some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market), the item may be called Contactless Payments or Google Pay. Also on Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the NFC menu can be hidden in Additional settings.

💡

If you don't have NFC in your settings, but you're sure the model should support it, check the firmware region. On Chinese versions of MIUI, the function is often disabled by software, even if the hardware is present.

2. Use of engineering codes

Hidden service codes allow you to obtain technical information about the phone, including data about the supported modules. NFC:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636##
3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down to the RFID/NFC block or NFC Support.

If the block is missing or not supported next to the NFC, there is no module. On some models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the code may not work, in which case try an alternative option:

##2846579##

ProjectMenu → Background Setting → RF Hardware Info

⚠️ Note: Not all engineering codes work on newer versions MIUI (13+). Xiaomi. 13/14 Redmi Note 12 Access to the service menu may be blocked.

3. Physical examination of the telephone

The NFC module is usually located at the top of the back of the phone, next to the camera, and on some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 10T or POCO F3) it can be identified by:

• 🔍 Logo sticker NFC (rare, but found on official devices for the EU).
• 📱 Metal ring under the camera – sometimes it acts as an antenna.
• 🛠️ Disassemble the phone (only for power users!) The module looks like a small chip with the inscription NXP or Broadcom.

On budget models (such as the Redmi A1 or POCO C31), the NFC antenna can be integrated into the battery or back cover – in this case, it is impossible to visually determine its presence. It is also worth remembering that the presence of a metal body (like the Xiaomi Mix 4) does not mean that there is no NFC – the antenna can be hidden under the glass panel.

4. Verification through annexes

If the system methods have failed, use third-party utilities. The best options for Xiaomi:

Once you have installed NFC Check, you just open the app and it will tell you if the module is detected. If the app says NFC not found, but you're sure there's a chip, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Update MIUI Up to the latest version (in the old firmware) NFC could have been offline).
• 📱 Check on another device (for example, bring to the payment terminal).

5. Phone model check

If you haven't bought a phone yet or want to check out the specifications, go to official sources. On Xiaomi's website or in databases (e.g. GSMArena), look for Comms.

Important: Even if the model in the table is marked as “with NFC”, the Chinese versions (with CN suffix) are often devoid of the module due to local market features. To know exactly the version of your Xiaomi, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check the region (for example, EEA – Europe, IN – India).

Find out the exact model of the phone|Check the firmware region|Check the data with the official website|Consider the specifics of the market (China/India)-->

6. Testing of contactless functions

If all previous methods have failed, try practical testing.

1. Make sure that NFC is enabled in the settings.
2. Hold the phone to:

If the screen reacts (a notification or sound appears), the module works.

On Xiaomi with MIUI, a Select Payment Method window should appear when you reach the terminal (if you have Google Pay or Mi Pay set up).

• 🔋 Battery charge (at level below 5% NFC may be off).
• 🛡️ Cover (metal or thick covers block the signal).
• 📶 Region SIM-Cards (some banks block payments from foreign numbers).

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware NFC It may not work even if you have a module, because Google Mobile Services doesn't have a certificate (GMS).

7. Frequent errors and myths

When checking for NFC, users often encounter false positives or fail to see the module working.

• 🚫 "NFC If the phone supports Google Pay, it is not true. Xiaomi for China (no phone). GMS) They don’t support Google Pay, but they do. NFC Local services (e.g. Alipay).
• 🔄 "After updating MIUI NFC "missing" is usually a software glitch. Network reset helps (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
• 📡 "NFC Bluetooth is the same thing, no. Bluetooth is used to transmit data up to 10 meters away. NFC It only works within 4 cm and is designed for instant exchange.

Another common case is that the user sees contactless payments in the settings, but nothing happens when you move to the terminal, and the reason is the non-activated Secure Element.

1. Open Google Pay (or Mi Pay)
2. Add a bank card.
3. Follow the activation instructions (you may need an SMS from your bank).

💡

NFC on Xiaomi can be disabled software even if you have a hardware module. Always check your settings and firmware region.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions