How to check NFC on Xiaomi smartphones: from settings to hidden tests

The NFC module in Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) is responsible for contactless payments, data exchange and work with smart devices. But what if the function suddenly stopped working or you doubt its availability? In this article, we will analyze all the official and hidden ways of checking NFC, including diagnostics through the engineering menu and third-party utilities.

NFC problems can be manifested in many ways, from a lack of response to tags to errors when paying through Google Pay or Mi Pay. Causes range from software failures to physical antenna damage. We won’t limit ourselves to basic tips — even consider the little-known methods that service centers use.

1. Basic verification through Android settings

The first and most obvious step is to make sure that the NFC module is activated on the system. On Xiaomi smartphones, the path to settings may differ depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic remains:

1. Open the “Settings” (cog icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Find the NFC item – it can be hidden under the “Additional” tab.
4. Activate the NFC slider and (if available) Android Beam.

If you don't have an NFC option on the menu, it means your Xiaomi model doesn't support the technology, like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3, which doesn't have a module, and you can see the full list of compatible devices at the end of the article.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware (especially custom) item NFC It can be called contactless payments or Mi Pay. Don't confuse it with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct!

After activation, try to bring the phone to any NFC-If the module is working, you will hear an audible signal or see a notification. Lack of response is an excuse to move on to the following methods of checking.

2. Testing through apps from Google Play

Standard settings MIUI They don't always give you a complete picture of the condition of the module. For a deep diagnosis, we recommend using specialized utilities.-3 tested applications:

• 🔍 NFC Tools - shows technical tag data, tests reading/write, is suitable for checking the response rate of the antenna.
• 💳 NFC Check is a minimalist utility that simply confirms the presence of the module and its operability.
• 📊 RFID Tools is an advanced analyzer for professionals. UID tags, chip type and signal strength.

Instructions for using NFC Tools:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the tool and click Read.
3. Bring the phone to anyone. NFC-tag (for example, a transport card or a bank terminal).
4. If the module is in good working order, the tag information will appear on the screen (e.g. Tag Type: ISO 14443-3A).

If the application produces an error called NFC tag detected or NFC not available, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Disabled module in settings;
• 🛠️ A damaged antenna (often after falling);
• 🐞 Software failure MIUI.

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Before testing, turn off the case or bumper – some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11) have an NFC antenna at the top of the body, which is shielded by metal accessories.

3. Check through the engineering menu (#4636##)

The hidden engineering menu allows you to test the hardware components of a smartphone, including NFC, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Testing.
3. Find the NFC Test or RF Test section (name depends on the model).
4. Press Start Test and bring your phone to NFC-mark.

The test results may include:

⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support testing NFC On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the partition may be missing or blocked.

4.Diagnostics through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool for PCs, which requires installing ADB drivers and enabling USB debugging on your phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (use the original cable!).
2. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


dumpsys nfc

In the commands output, look for the following lines:

• mIsNfcEnabled=true: the module is enabled
• mScreenState=SCREEN_STATE_ON — NFC Active when unlocked screen;
• mCurTech=0 – no active connections (normal if you don’t tag).

If there are errors in the logs like NfcService: Error enabling NFC, this indicates a driver problem, in which case resetting or flashing will help.

Install ADB PC-driver|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Use the original USB-cable|Check the connection of the adb device team-->

5. Checking the physical health of the NFC antenna

If the software tests are successful, but NFC does not work when interacting with the tags, the problem may lie in the physical damage of the antenna.

• 📱 At the top of the case (for example, Mi 11, Xiaomi 12);
• 🔄 Under the battery (in models with a removable back cover, for example, Redmi). 4X);
• 🖥️ Around the camera (less often, but occurs in the POCO F3).

How to check the antenna:

1. Visual inspection: Remove the case and examine the case for cracks or dents in the area of the antenna. Even a slight damage can interrupt the chain.
2. Test with a different label: Try using different types NFC-If the phone only responds to some, the problem is the compatibility of the chips.
3. Magnetic field check: Bring a magnet (e.g., a speaker) to the NFC antenna. The correct module should emit an audible signal or vibration.

⚠️ Note: If the antenna NFC damaged mechanically (for example, after falling or getting moisture), its replacement in the service center will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles. A3) The antenna is integrated into the battery, which complicates the repair.

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The most common NFC antenna failure is after a fall to the top of a smartphone or contact with liquid, and if the phone doesn't respond to any tag, but the software tests pass, there's a 90% chance of physical failure.

6. Alternative methods: from contactless payments to service codes

If standard methods do not help, try these non-obvious techniques:

• 💰 Test through Mi Pay/Google Pay: Add a bank card to the app and try to pay at the terminal. NFC correct, the problem may be in the settings of reading the labels.
• 📱 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings. That'll bring back the settings. NFC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to factory.
• 🔧 Service code for Xiaomi: Dial ##6484## is a hardware component testing menu (not working on all models). NFC Test.
• 🔄 Safe Mode Reboot: Press the power button, hold off until Safe Mode appears. This mode disables all third-party applications, which helps to detect software conflicts.

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. MIUI Update: Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes NFC bugs are fixed in new firmware versions.
2. If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi