How to check for NFC in Xiaomi phone: all the ways from settings to tests

Why Check NFC on Xiaomi and How It Works

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has become an integral part of modern smartphones, especially in the Xiaomi ecosystem, allowing contactless payments via Google Pay or Mi Pay, file sharing using Android Beam, managing smart devices and even opening doors with electronic locks. However, not all Xiaomi models are equipped with this module — especially for the budget lines of Redmi and POCO.

Before buying or configuring contactless features, it’s important to make sure your phone does support NFC. In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to check, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus to practical tests with bank cards. You’ll also learn which Xiaomi models are guaranteed to have an NFC chip and which ones aren’t even in the top-end versions.

We will pay special attention to hidden nuances: for example, why NFC may not work even if there is a module, how to distinguish hardware support from software, and what to do if the function suddenly disappeared after the MIUI update.

Method 1: Checking through phone settings

The fastest and most obvious method is to search for the NFC option in the settings menu, but there are pitfalls: on some Xiaomi models, the item may be hidden or called differently.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks on older versions of MIUI).
3. Scroll down and look for NFC or Contactless Payments.

If you don't have an option, it's not a verdict yet — on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), NFC is activated through Additional Features. Also check the settings search: type "NFC" in the search bar.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the firmware region (NFC may be disabled in some countries)

Make sure your phone is not in power saving mode.

Reset the device-->

Important! On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), NFC is present in the specifications, but is disabled at the software level for certain regions, in which case only flashing to the global or European version of MIUI will help.

Method 2: Checking through the engineering menu (codes)

If the standard settings don't give you an answer, you can turn to the hidden service menu, which requires special codes and is suitable for advanced users.

Follow the following steps:

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 – if you have one, your phone supports the technology.

Alternative code for testing hardware modules:

##284##

NFC Test

⚠️ Note: On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the engineering menu may require superuser rights (root). NFC total loss of communication.

Method 3: A practical test with a credit card or a label

The most reliable way to make sure that NFC works is to run a real test with a supported device.

• 💳 Bank card with contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard logo PayWave/PayPass)
• 🔑 Mark. NFC (For example, a transport card or key fob for a smart lock)
• 📱 Another smartphone with it on NFC (file transfer)

Instructions for testing:

1. Activate NFC in the settings (if there is a paragraph).
2. Bring the phone to the card or tag at a distance of 1-3 cm.
3. If the module is working, you will hear an audible signal or see a read notification.

To transfer files between phones:

1. Enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact) and bring the phones to each other.
3. Wait for vibrations and confirm transmission.

Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), NFC can only work when the screen is unlocked. If the test fails, try repeating it after you enter the pin code.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods fail, specialized utilities will come to the rescue, not only to check for NFC, but also to provide detailed information about the module: supported protocols, data transfer speed, compatibility with payment systems.

Top.-3 diagnostics NFC:

How to use NFC Tools:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Click Check NFC to see if the technology is supported.
3. For a deep diagnosis, go to Advanced and run a reading test.

💡

If the application shows an error “NFC not supported”, but you are sure that the module is (by model specifications), try rolling back the MIUI version or resetting the network settings in Settings → System → Reset.

Method 5: Checking by phone model (database)

If physical verification is not possible (for example, the phone has not yet been purchased), you can check the availability of NFC according to official specifications. Xiaomi publishes detailed specifications for each model, but there are nuances:

• 📄 On mi.com, look for the Specifications section for your model.
• 🔍 In the Google search box, type in the query: Xiaomi [model] NFC support.
• 🛒 On the grounds, like GSM Arena or PhoneArena check the Connectivity section.

Examples of models with NFC:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – Full support including Mi Pay)
• 📱 POCO F5 Pro – is available, but only in the global version
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — supports all protocols

Non-NFC models (even in top-end versions):

• 🚫 Redmi 10C — Budget model without module
• 🚫 POCO M5 — despite the Helio processor G99, NFC absent
• 🚫 Xiaomi Pad 6: Xiaomi tablets are rarely equipped NFC

💡

Even if your model officially supports NFC, the feature can be disabled in firmware for some regions (for example, India or China), in which case only the flashing to the European version of MIUI will help.

⚠️ Note: Reseller sites (such as AliExpress) often have incorrect specifications. Always check with the official website of Xiaomi or authorized sellers.

Frequent NFC Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

NFC can work incorrectly even on supported models, and let’s look at typical scenarios and ways to eliminate them:

If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the cache of the NFC Service application in Settings → Apps.
2. Reverse the update through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Roll back.
3. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent NFC Questions in Xiaomi