You bought a Xiaomi smartphone and you want to pay with your phone, connect smart devices or transfer files with a single touch? This requires an NFC module β but how do you know if your model supports it? In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check, including hidden settings and official databases.
Many users mistakenly think that NFC is in all modern Xiaomi smartphones. In fact, even the flagship models of some series (for example, the POCO F5) do not have this chip. And in budget lines (Redmi 12C, Redmi A2) it is often excluded for savings. We will show how to accurately determine the presence of NFC without disassembling the phone and contacting the service center.
1. Verification through phone settings
The quickest way is to look at the system settings. Most Xiaomi NFC smartphones display the module in the wireless menu.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down and find NFC or Nearby Contactless.
If you don't have a point, you probably don't have a phone that supports technology, but there are exceptions: on some models (Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5 Pro), NFC is hidden in additional settings, in which case you can search for settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type in "NFC".
β οΈ Note: On smartphones with MIUI Global (European firmware) item NFC Contactless payments β not to be confused with regular payments via Google Pay.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check the firmware region (should be EEA or Global)
Reboot the phone
Try alternative methods of verification-->
2.Use of USSD code for diagnosis
Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones have hidden service code that shows information about supported modules, which works on 90% of models released after 2019:
##4636##Once you enter the code, the Test menu opens. Go to the Phone Information tab and scroll to the Radio Information block. If there's an NFC line on the list: supported, the module is present. If you don't have that line, it means that the chip isn't physically there.
On some firmware (MIUI China), the code may not work, in which case try an alternative:
##6484##It opens the MTK Engineer Mode menu, where you can see the status of the module in the Connectivity β NFC section. Be careful not to change other settings in the engineering menu so as not to disrupt the phone.
Yeah, regularly for payment.
Yes, but rarely (for example, for file transfers)
No, but I want to try.
No, and no planning.-->
3. Verification through the Google Pay app
If you plan to use NFC for contactless payments, check compatibility through Google Pay.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones with certified firmware:
- Install the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
- Run it and wait for the initial setup to be completed.
- Click on the profile icon (in the upper right corner) and select Settings β Contactless payments.
If the phone supports NFC, you'll see the message Ready to Pay and a suggestion to add a card. If the module is not available, an NFC message will appear, or This device does not support contactless payments.
β οΈ Note: On smartphones with MIUI Google Pay may not work even if it is available NFC In this case, use alternative wallets, such as Mi Pay.
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If Google Pay doesnβt see NFC, but youβre sure it does, check the firmware region. Contactless payments require either MIUI EEA or Global.
4. Analysis of the phone model on the official Xiaomi database
If previous methods have failed, check the specifications of your model on the official website.
- Find out the exact name of the model in the settings: Settings β About phone β Model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).
- Go to the official support site of Xiaomi.
- Find your model in the list and open its page with characteristics.
- In the Network and Wireless Technology or Sensors section, look for NFC.
Note that some NFC pages may list as Contactless Payment Support or Mi Pay feature, and itβs also helpful to check the specifications on independent resources like GSMArena or PhoneArena β they often contain more detailed information.
| Xiaomi Series | Models with NFC (2022β2026) | Models without NFC |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 | 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra/14/14 Pro/14 Ultra | 13 Lite, 13T Lite |
| Redmi Note | Note 12 Pro+/13 Pro+/13 Pro 5G | Note 12/12S/12R/13/13C |
| POCO | X5 Pro 5G/F5 Pro/X6 Pro | X5/F5/M6 Pro |
| Redmi | K60/K60 Pro/K70/K70 Pro | Redmi 12C/12/12R |
If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the manufacturer's website, and note that in some regions (e.g. India, China) the same model can be produced with and without NFC.
Why is there an NFC in one model and not in the other?
5. Verification with the help of third-party applications
If you don't trust system settings or want more technical details, use specialized utilities. We recommend two proven applications:
- π NFC Tools (by wakdev) β shows the moduleβs presence, version, and supported protocols (ISO 14443, ISO 15693 et al. Download: Play Market.
- π± CPU-Z β Sensors displays all sensors of the phone, including NFC. Download: Play Market.
- π οΈ AIDA64 β The sensors show detailed information about the chip. NFC (Manufacturer, model, supported frequencies. Download: Play Market.
After installing any of these applications:
- Run it and give access to the device information.
- Find the Sensors section or Hardware Info section.
- Check for NFC or Near Field Communication.
If the app shows NFC but it doesn't work in Google Pay, the problem could be in the firmware or region, in which case flashing to MIUI EEA or manually activating the module via ADB will help.
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NFC Tools not only checks for a module, but also tests its performance, and if the application sees the chip but can't read the tag, the problem is in the antenna or the drivers.
Physical check (phone disassembly)
This is an extreme method that should only be used if all others have failed. NFC-The chip in Xiaomi smartphones is usually located next to the battery or on the motherboard under a metal screen:
- Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
- Carefully tuck the back cover with a plastic spatula (start at the corner next to the camera).
- Check the charge for a chip labeled NXP PN54x, Broadcom BCM2079x or STMicroelectronics ST21NFCA.
If you're not sure about your skills, don't take risks. Incorrect disassembly can damage the plumes or the NFC antenna. You'd better contact Xiaomi's service center and ask for a diagnostic equipment to check the module.
β οΈ Note: Disassembly of the phone will void the warranty. If your Xiaomi is still under warranty, use only software verification methods or contact an authorized service.
Frequent Mistakes and Myths About NFC in Xiaomi
When checking NFC, users often encounter false positives or incorrect conclusions.
- π« Myth 1: If you have Google Pay on your phone, you have to. NFCΒ». Google Pay: Google Pay can work through HCE (Host Card Emulation β Even without a physical NFC-It's a chip, but it's only for online payments.
- π« Myth 2: Β«NFC You can add software. Reality: NFC β If it's not on the board, no firmware or applications can turn it onΒ».
- π« Myth 3: All Xiaomi flagships have NFCΒ». Reality: Even in the top series (Xiaomi) 13T, Mix Fold 2 is a model without a NFC for certain regions.
Another common mistake is to confuse NFC with other wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, which allow file transfers but do it differently, and NFC only works up to 10 cm and consumes minimal power, making it ideal for payments and identification.