NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9: How to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

The NFC module in Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones offers opportunities for contactless payments, fast file transfer and interaction with smart devices. However, many users face the problem: the function is either absent from the settings menu or does not work after activation. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of enabling NFC on Redmi 9, including hidden settings, checking hardware support and solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that not all Redmi 9 versions have an NFC chip, depending on the regional version of the device. For example, models for the Indian market (M2004C3LGG) often lack a module, whereas European versions (M2004C3EEA) have one. We will show you how to accurately determine the presence of NFC in your smartphone and what to do if the feature is not in the firmware.

Checking NFC support in Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi 9 supports the technology at all. There are three reliable ways to check:

  • πŸ” Box and documentation: Look for the inscription "NFC" European versions are usually labeled as Redmi 9. NFC.
  • πŸ“± Settings menu: Go to Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ NFC. If there is no point, the chip is missing.
  • πŸ› οΈ Technical Specifications: Find out your device model in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Model and check with official data on the Xiaomi website.

If NFC is not on the menu, but you are confident in the support of the chip (for example, bought a European version), the problem may lie in the firmware, in which case unlocking hidden functions through the engineering menu or installing custom firmware will help, we will discuss this later.

πŸ“Š Your Redmi 9 is supported by your NFC?
Yeah, it works no problem.
There's a chip, but it doesn't turn on.
No chip in my version.
I don't know how to check.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC

If your Redmi 9 is equipped with an NFC module, you can activate it in a few steps.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to Connected Devices (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Slip on NFC. If you don't have one, search by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type "NFC."
  4. Activate the NFC slider. You can also turn on Android Beam to transfer files.

Once turned on, check the module: bring the smartphone to another device with NFC or payment terminal. If there is no reaction, restart the phone and try again.

Make sure the chip is supported

Enable NFC in the settings

Activate Android Beam (optional)

Reset the device

Check the connection with another NFC-device-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5+ point NFC It can be hidden in the section Additional within the wireless menu. If you don't find it, update the firmware to the latest version.

Hidden ways to activate NFC (if the function is not in the menu)

If you don’t have an NFC option in your settings, but you’re sure you have a chip, try alternative methods:

1.Using the engineering menu

This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the device.

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down and find the NFC, and if you have one, tap it to activate it.

2.Using the NFC Tools app

Install an app from Google Play and run it. If the NFC module is present, the program will prompt it to turn it on, which even works on some custom firmware.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If the combination ##4636## It doesn't work, try it: 1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for devices running a MediaTek processor). 2. Use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings 3. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI through settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

Configuring contactless payments

Once NFC is enabled, you can link your bank cards to pay via Google Pay, Mi Pay or other services.

  1. Install the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and press Add the map.
  3. Scan the card or enter the data manually. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.
  4. Once you add the card, unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal.

For Mi Pay (a service from Xiaomi), the algorithm is similar, but you will need to link a Chinese bank card or a card of service partners (for example, SberPay in Russia).

ServiceSupported banks (Russia)Features
Google PaySberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank, etc.Works for everyone. NFC-Android 5.0 devices+
Mi PaySberbank (via SberPay), some regional banksRequires registration in the Xiaomi ecosystem
Samsung PaySberbank, Alfa-Bank, RaiffeisenbankIt only works on Samsung devices (not suitable for Redmi 9)

⚠️ Note: When setting up Google Pay, turn off the energy-saving mode for the app, otherwise payments may not pass. β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Pay β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions.

Transfer of data via NFC (Android Beam)

Android Beam allows you to share files, contacts and links between devices with NFC.

  1. Turn on NFC and Android Beam in the settings (the item is usually next to the main NFC switch).
  2. Open the file you want to transfer (photo, contact, page in the browser).
  3. Bring the Redmi 9 back cover to another device (distance is not more than 1-2 cm).
  4. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the transmission will start automatically.

Transfer speeds over NFC are lower than those over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, but the convenience is that you don't need to pair devices. The maximum file size is about 1 GB, but in practice it is recommended to limit files to 100 MB.

1 Both devices support NFC and the function is enabled.

2. the screens of the devices are unlocked (on some firmwares, the transmission is blocked on a locked screen).

3. File is not secure. DRM (For example, some music tracks from streaming services will not be transferred).-->

Troubleshooting: NFC is not working

If NFC is enabled but not functional, try the following solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Sometimes a basic device reboot helps.
  • πŸ“² Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. It won't delete personal data, but it will reset network settings.
  • πŸ› οΈ Firmware update: Outdated software may contain bugs. Check for updates in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ”§ Testing the antenna NFC: If the phone fell or disassembled, the antenna plume (under the back cover) could be damaged.

If the problem persists, check the NFC on another device using the NFC Check app (available on Google Play) to see if the chip is recognized and functioning correctly.

πŸ’‘

In 90% of cases, NFC failure on Redmi 9 is associated with software failures or outdated firmware. Hardware failures (antenna damage) are less common and usually accompanied by physical damage to the housing.

Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9

My Redmi 9 doesn't support NFC. Can it be reworked?
No, physically add a module. NFC It's not possible to use a device that's not equipped with it from the factory. NFC soldered into the motherboard, and its absence is not compensated by external accessories (for example, NFC-sticker SIM-The only way out is to buy another smartphone model with support NFC.
After the MIUI update, the NFC item in the settings disappeared.
This is a well-known problem with some versions of MIUI. Try: Reset to factory settings (be sure to back up), install custom recovery (like TWRP) and flash the NFC module separately (requires an unlocked bootloader). Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot. If it doesn't work, contact Xiaomi Support with the firmware version and device model.
Can I use NFC to unlock doors or tags?
Yes, Redmi 9 supports reading NFC-To do this: Install the Trigger or Automate app from Google Play. Set up the action to be performed when reading the tag (e.g., turning on Wi-Fi or launching music). Hold the phone to the activation tag, and note that some smart locks may require special software from the manufacturer.
Is it true that NFC is draining the battery?
No, it's a myth. An NFC only consumes energy when it's in active use (like when you're paying for data), and in the background, it's a minimal battery consumption of about 1-2 percent per day, compared to 5-10 times that energy used by Bluetooth or GPS.
How to turn off NFC if you don’t need it?
To deactivate NFC, go back to Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ NFC and move the slider to Off. You can also add an NFC shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel for easy control: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar. Tap the pencil icon (Edit). Find the NFC in the list and drag it to the active area.