NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 10: How to enable, configure and use

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication in Xiaomi Redmi 10 offers the possibility of contactless payments, fast file transfer and work with smart devices. However, many users face difficulties when first turning on the module — it simply does not appear in the obvious settings. NFC On budget models, Redmi is often hidden or requires additional manipulation.

In this article, we’ll not only look at the standard menu activation method, but also at alternative methods for when the option isn’t displayed, how to check for an NFC chip in your Redmi 10, which firmware supports the feature, and what to do if the module fails to work, and focus on setting up Google Pay and other popular use cases.

Important: The instructions are relevant for all versions of Redmi 10 (including Redmi 10 2022, Redmi 10 Prime, Redmi 10C, etc.), but some steps may differ depending on the regional firmware (MIUI Global, MIUI Europe, MIUI Russia).

Checking NFC support in your Redmi 10

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your smartphone is equipped with this module at all. Xiaomi releases different versions of the Redmi 10 for different markets, and not all of them have hardware support for contactless communication.

• 🔍 Model number: Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. If the name has the letters NFC (e.g. Redmi 10 NFC), the chip is precisely present. Unmarked models (e.g., M2101K7AG) require additional verification.
• 📦 Box and documentation: The sticker at the back of the package or in the specifications of the kit shall bear the mark NFC: Yes.
• 🔧 Specialized applications: Install the NFC Check utility from Google Play (from Tapkey) to show the chip’s presence and condition.

Critical information: Redmi 10 modifications for India (e.g. Redmi 10 Prime coded M2106K7BI) are often devoid of the NFC- chip, even if the specifications on the site indicate otherwise, due to local payment system standards.

If your model does not support the NFC hardware, then you should consider buying an external NFC- adapter (e.g. Sonoff NFC Tag) or changing your smartphone to a model with a chip (e.g. Redmi Note 11 NFC).

The standard way to enable NFC through settings

If your Redmi 10 is equipped with a NFC- chip, the easiest way to activate is through system settings.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Connect and Share (or Network and Internet in some firmware).
3. Slip on the NFC item. If it's not there, see the next section.
4. Activate the NFC slider at the top of the screen.
5. To use contactless payments, enable HCE Wallet (or Google Pay) option.

After turning on, you will hear a short beep, and the NFC icon will appear in the notification panel. To check the operation of the module, bring the phone to another NFC- device (for example, a tag or payment terminal) - a sound should sound or a notification should appear.

⚠️ Warning: In firmware MIUI 13 and later, the NFC option may be hidden if the phone is linked to a Mi Account account with a region where the feature is not officially supported (e.g. India), in which case changing the account region or installing custom firmware will help.

Alternative methods to enable NFC (if the option is not in the menu)

If you don't have NFC in your settings, don't get upset. There are a few ways to unlock the function:

1. Using the engineering menu (code ##)

This method works on most MIUI firmware 12.5-14:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. In the menu that appears, select the NFC Test.
3. Press Enable NFC and confirm the action.
4. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the option should appear in the standard settings, and if the menu does not open, then your firmware is blocking access to engineering functions.

2. through editing system files (requires root)

For power users: If you have root rights, you can manually activate NFC by changing the configuration file:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/permissions.
3. Find the file android.hardware.nfc.xml and open it in the text editor.
4. Change the <feature name="android.hardware.nfc" /> line to <feature name="android.hardware.nfc" required="true" />.
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Editing system files without backup may result in a device blink (completely inoperable). Create a backup via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool before action.

Installation of custom firmware

If standard methods don’t work, consider running an alternative version of MIUI:

• 🌍 MIUI Europe: Unofficial firmware with advanced features including NFC for all regions.
• 🔄 Ported ROM: Firmware from other models (e.g., Redmi Note 10 NFC) adapted for Redmi 10. Search the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Before you run the firmware, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool and make sure the MIUI version is compatible with your model (check by device code).

Google Pay and other payment systems

Once NFC is successfully enabled, the next step will be to set up contactless payments.

1. Install the Google Pay app from Google Play.
2. Open it and follow the instructions for adding a bank card (Visa, Mastercard, Mir cards are supported).
3. In NFC settings, activate HCE Wallet (or Contactless Payments).
4. For convenience, add the Google Pay widget to the home screen or notification bar.

To pay for the purchase, unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal at a distance of 2-5 cm. Payment confirmation is automatically for amounts up to 1000 ₽ (in Russia) or requires the input of PIN- code for large amounts.

If Google Pay is not working, check:

• 🔄 Google Account Region: Must match the region of the bank card (e.g. Russia for Mir cards).
• 📱 Google Play Services Version: Update through Settings → Apps → Google Play Services.
• 🛡️ Security settings: Disable VPN and antiviruses that can block payments.

💡

If the terminal is not reading the payment, try turning off the case or film on the back of the phone – they can shield the NFC signal.

Using NFC to transfer data and work with smart devices

The NFC on Redmi 10 isn't just for payments, but here are some other useful scenarios.

Fast File Transfer (Android Beam)

Although Android Beam is officially removed from new versions of Android, it can be enabled via:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Wireless transmission.
2. Activate the NFC- transmission.
3. To transfer the file, open it, hold the two phones back to each other and wait for the beep.

The transmission speed is low (up to 400 Kb/s), but is convenient for sharing contacts or small images.

2 Work with NFC-

Using tags (e.g. NTAG213), you can automate routine actions:

• 🚗 Running the navigator in the car: Attach the phone to the tag on the dashboard - Google Maps will open with a route home.
• 🔊 Do Not Disturb mode activation: A tag by the bed will put the phone in silent mode.
• 🔒 Smart lock opening: Modern locks (e.g. Yale or Aqara) support unlocking over NFC.

Use Trigger or NFC Tools to set up tags.

3. Connecting to smart devices

Redmi 10 can control gadgets with NFC support:

• 💡 Smart lamps: Yeelight or Philips Hue are connected with a single touch.
• 🔊 Columns and headphones: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones) support fast pairing on NFC.
• 🏠 Smart Home: Mi Home or Aqara Hub controllers can be added to the system via NFC.

To connect, it is usually enough to bring the phone to the NFC- chip on the device and follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s application (for example, Mi Home or Google Home).

💡

The NFC on the Redmi 10 consumes a minimal amount of power (about 0.1% charge per hour), so it can be left on permanently without sacrificing autonomy.

Solving NFC problems on Redmi 10

If NFC is not switched on or is not working properly, try the following steps:

1. NFC not turned on (gray slider)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Low battery power: NFC shuts down when under 5% charge. Connect charging.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI via Settings → System Update.
• 🛠️ Module Failure: Reboot your phone or reset your network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset).

2. NFC is turned on but not working

Check it out.

• 📶 Antenna NFC: It is located under the top of the back cover. Damage or metal covers may block the signal.
• 🔄 Application Conflict: Disable antiviruses (such as Avast or 360 Security) that can block NFC.
• 📡 Regional Restrictions: On some firmwares, NFC only works with local payment systems (e.g. AliPay in China).

3: "NFC-Chip not detected"

This message means that:

• 🔧 Your Redmi 10 model doesn’t have a physical chip NFC (see table at the beginning of the article).
• 🔌 There has been a hardware failure (e.g. after a fall or repair) and this requires a diagnosis at a service center.

⚠️ Warning: If you installed custom firmware and then NFC stopped working, go back to official MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool. Some ported ROM remove NFC drivers to save space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 10