NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic, and is now integrated into most Xiaomi smartphones, from budget Redmis to Xiaomi 14 flagships. However, many users still do not fully exploit its potential, limiting themselves to contactless payments. Meanwhile, NFC on Xiaomi allows you to automate routine tasks, quickly transfer files, interact with smart devices and even emulate transport cards.
In this article, we will discuss not only the basic settings - how to turn on NFC Xiaomi and link a bank card, but also advanced scenarios: from setting up Mi Pay to creating automated tasks using the help of NFC-We will focus on typical problems (e.g. why) NFC Not working after the update MIUI) And how to solve them. POCO, Redmi Note or Xiaomi flagship model – here you will find the latest information for your device.
Checking for NFC support: Is there a module in your Xiaomi?
Before trying to set up NFC, Make sure your Xiaomi smartphone supports this technology at all. Despite the prevalence, some budget models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C50) deprived NFC-chip.
Here’s how to check for a module:
- 🔍 Method 1: See the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website. NFC: Yes.
- 📱 Method 2: Open the Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
- 🛠️ Method 3: Use the application AIDA64 (In the "Sensors" section, check for the string. NFC Controller.
If NFC is missing, but you are critically important to this feature, consider models with support: Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T or later. In 2026, Xiaomi began actively implementing NFC even in mid-budget devices, so when buying a new smartphone, the chances of getting a module are high.
How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
The process of activating NFC on Xiaomi smartphones depends on the version of the MIUI shell. In the latest versions (MIUI 14 and later), the path has changed a little, so here are the current instructions for 2026.
To enable NFC:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (older versions of Wireless Networks).
- Slip on NFC.
- Activate the Use NFC switch.
- (Optional) Turn on Android Beam if you plan to transfer files between devices.
After activation, an NFC icon will appear in the status bar (top right corner of the screen. If it is not, try adding it manually through the notification panel settings (Settings → Notification Panel → Change the order of the icons).
☑️ Preparation for use NFC
Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), NFC may conflict with the power saving mode. If the module is turned off spontaneously, add it to the exception list (Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode → Applications).
Contactless Payments: Mi Pay vs Google Pay
The main application of NFC is contactless payments, and Xiaomi users have two options: Mi Pay, or Google Pay, to look at the pros and cons of each.
| Function | Mi Pay | Google Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting banks | Limited list (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.) | Most Russian and international banks |
| Transaction speed | Faster (optimized for Xiaomi) | Depends on the smartphone model |
| Security | Encryption at MIUI level | Protecting Google Titan |
| Additional functions | Support for transport cards (Peace, Troika) | Integration with other Google services |
To set up Mi Pay:
- Download the Mi Pay app from Google Play (if it’s not by default).
- Open the application and follow the instructions for linking the card.
- Confirm the card via SMS from the bank.
- Install Mi Pay as the default payment app in NFC settings.
For Google Pay:
- Install Google Pay from the app store.
- Add the card through Add the payment method.
- Confirm the transaction in the banking application.
- In NFC settings, select Google Pay as your primary service.
💡
If the terminal does not read the card when paying, try to bring the smartphone to it from a different angle or turn off the case - some models block the signal.
Use of the NFC-tags
One of the most useful but underrated features of NFC is tags, which can automate routine activities like turning on Wi-Fi at home, running a navigator in your car, or putting your phone in silent mode at work.
Here's how it works:
- 🏷️ Buy it. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 on AliExpress or electronics stores).
- 📲 Install the app for recording tags: Trigger, NFC Tools or Automate.
- 🔧 Program the tag to the desired action (for example, turning on Bluetooth when touching).
- 📍 Place the mark in a convenient place (keys, table, car).
Example scenario for Xiaomi:
- Create a "Home" label that, when touched,
Create a "Machine" label that:
- Activates Bluetooth and connects to the tape.
- It runs Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator.
- Disables notifications (Do Not Disturb mode).
Typical NFC Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions
Even if NFC is enabled, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC stop working, don't rush to reset settings. First, check if permissions for payment applications have been lost (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → NFC).
- 🔄 NFC Disconnects spontaneously: Add it to power saving mode exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime → Annexes).
- 💳 Payment is not working: Make sure you choose the correct default service (Settings) NFC → Payment application).
- 📶 Labels not read: Check if the case or metal bumper interferes. Try to bring the smartphone to the tag from a different angle.
- 🔧 Mistake "NFC Not supported": Drivers may have crashed after the update. Try resetting the network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings).