How to set up NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a complete guide with module validation and problem solving

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but the question of NFC support is still confusing. Many users do not know whether their device has a contactless module, how to activate it and whether it can be used for payment. In this article, we will break everything down on the shelves, from checking the hardware to setting up Google Pay and transferring files via Android Beam.

It's important to understand that not all versions of the Redmi Note 8 are NFC-enabled, depending on the region and the modification, and we'll show you how to accurately determine if you don't have one in your model's specifications, and if you have one, it doesn't work, we'll look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

Verification of availability NFC-module in Redmi Note 8

Before you try to turn on NFC, you need to make sure it's physically present in your smartphone.The Redmi Note 8 has two main modifications:

• 🌍 Global version (Global) – usually without NFC (model M1908C3LG, M1908C3LH)
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China) - some games with NFC (model M1908C3XG)
• 🇷🇺 Russian version (Russia) - most often with NFC (model M1908C3PR)

To determine your model, go to Settings → About Phone → Model. If the name has the letters PR or XG, the chances of NFC are higher. But even that's not a guarantee: some batches could be released without a module.

Method 1: Checking through Settings

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Scroll down – if there is an NFC item, the module is present.

Method 2: Using an engineering menu

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Type this code into the Phone app, then go to the Phone Information tab, and if there's an NFC line on the list, the chip is installed.

How to turn on NFC on Redmi Note 8: Step-by-step instructions

If there's a module, you can activate it in a few steps. Importantly, on the Redmi Note 8, the NFC only works when the screen is unlocked, which is a MIUI limitation.

Unlock the smartphone screen

Open Settings → Connections and Sharing

Tapping on NFC item

Move the slider to the on position.

Select the mode of operation (payment / data transfer)

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After turning on the top notification bar, an NFC icon (stylized letter "N") will appear. If it is not, check if the module is turned off in power saving mode:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Mode Selection → No restrictions.
3. Make sure that there are no restrictions on NFC in the list of Autonomous Access Applications.

On the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 firmware and below, NFC can be turned off automatically when there is a long-term downtime - this is a system bug. Solution: upgrade to MIUI 13/14 or use third-party applications to lock the module (for example, NFC Tools).

Configure contactless payments through Google Pay

One of the main features of NFC is the ability to pay with a smartphone. On the Redmi Note 8, this works through Google Pay (now Google Wallet), but there are nuances:

Requirements for payment:

• 📱 MIUI 11 or newer (older versions may have problems with the new version) HCE)
• 💳 Bank card with support for contactless payments (Mastercard PayPass, Visa payWave)
• 🔒 Unlocking by fingerprint/face (PIN-code is not suitable for payment confirmation)
• 🌐 Active Internet connection (at least when you first set up)

Instructions for adding a map:

1. Download Google Wallet from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and click Add the card.
3. Scan the map or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm via SMS from the bank.
5. Install Google Wallet as the default payment app in Settings → Apps → By default.

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If the bank does not support Google Pay, try adding the card through the bank’s own application (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.). NFC-payment.

NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives

In addition to payment, the NFC on the Redmi Note 8 can be used to transfer files, contacts or links quickly, as previously used by Android Beam, but in newer versions of Android it is removed.

For transmission via NFC + Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Install Send Anywhere on both devices.
2. Turn on NFC and Wi-Fi on both smartphones.
3. Select a file to send and bring the devices back to each other.
4. Confirm the transmission on both screens.

If the transmission does not begin:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi is not connected to the network (Wi-Fi Direct mode must be available).
• 🛠️ Check if the transmission is blocked by antivirus or energy saving mode.

Typical NFC Issues on Redmi Note 8 and Their Solutions

Even if there is a module, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If NFC It stopped working after the update. MIUI, Try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings for that. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.This won't delete your data, but it can restore the module to work.

If nothing helps, try resetting your NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the NFC in the list and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.

In extreme cases, you may need to flash through the Fastboot, but before you do, check if the NFC antenna is damaged, which is a common problem after a smartphone falls or disassembles.

Alternative ways to use NFC on the Redmi Note 8

In addition to paying for and transferring files, the NFC module can be used to:

• 🔑 Smart home: control of lamps, sockets or thermostats (for example, through Mi Home)
• 🚗 Automotive systems: engine start, door opening (additional equipment required)
• 🎫 Electronic tickets: subway travel, entrance to events (supported in some cities)
• 📦 Automation: Run scripts through Tasker or MacroDroid when you touch a tag

Example of automation settings:

1. Buy it. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215).
2. Install the Trigger or Automate app.
3. Create a rule: “When touching the tag → insert Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/regimen".
4. Write down the rule on a label and place it in a convenient place (for example, on the desktop).

To work with a smart home through Mi Home:

1. Add in. NFC-device (e.g. Xiaomi) NFC Door Sensor in the app.
2. Set the script: “When you touch the phone to the label → turn on the light.”
3. Use the Redmi Note 8 as a remote control.

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NFC-The tags cost from 50 rubles apiece and can greatly simplify everyday tasks. For example, a tag by the bed can include an alarm and night mode, and a tag in the car can start the navigator and connect Bluetooth.

NFC Security: What You Need to Know

Like any wireless technology, NFC has vulnerabilities. Here are the key precautions for the Redmi Note 8:

⚠️ Note: There is a risk on Android devices NFC-Relay attacks, where an attacker can intercept your card signal from up to 10 meters away. NFC After use or set a limit on the amount without PIN-bank-appendix.

Methods of protection:

• 🔐 Use dynamic CVV (Virtual cards in Google Pay or banking applications).
• 📵 Turn it off. NFC, When not needed (especially in public places).
• 🛡️ Install antivirus with protection from NFC-exploits (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender).
• 🔄 Regularly check the transaction history in the banking application.

How to check if your NFC is connected to any other devices:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. Check out the latest devices section – there should be no unknown labels.
3. If you see suspicious records, reset your NFC settings (see previous section).

Redmi Note 8 can also include notifications for new NFC-device:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → More.
2. Turn on the option to Show NFC connection notifications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8