NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 8: How to turn on, configure and use in 2026

Why you need NFC in your smartphone and whether it is in Redmi 8

NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic, but is now integrated into most smartphones, including budget models. Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, was one of the first devices in the series to support this feature, but many users still do not know how to activate it or where to look for settings.

NFC on Redmi 8 allows you not only to make contactless payments through Google Pay or Mi Pay, but also to share files with other devices, read tags to automate tasks (for example, start the navigator when you touch a tag in the car), and connect to smart devices – from speakers to locks. However, by default, the feature is often disabled, and its icon is hidden in the notification curtain.

In this article, you will find unique information about hidden NFC settings on Redmi 8 under MIUI 14, which is not covered even by the official guides. We will analyze not only the basic activation, but also the nuances of working with different versions of firmware, as well as how to diagnose module malfunctions.

NFC Support Checker: How to Find Out if You Have a Module in Your Redmi 8

Before trying to turn on NFC, Make sure your device does support the technology, even though the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is equipped with most of the modifications. NFC-chip NXP PN54T, There are regional versions (for example, for India) without this module.

You can check for NFC in several ways:

• 🔍 Box and documentation: the original packaging must have a logo sticker NFC or mention in specifications.
• 📱 Settings menu: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no module.
• 🛠️ Specifications: Enter the request ##4636 in the settings search box## → Choose Phone Information → scroll to the block NFC.
• 🔧 Third-party applications: install NFC Tools from Google Play – if the module is missing, the app will give an error.

If none of the methods have confirmed the existence of NFC, You probably have a Redmi 8 version without the module. M1908C3IC or M1908C3IE In this case, activation is not possible, you will need to buy an external one. NFC-Adapters (e.g. Sony) RC-S380).

⚠️ Note: Some vendors deliberately indicate NFC In the specifications for all versions of Redmi 8.Before buying, check the model through the IMEI Mi Verify's website.

Step-by-step: how to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 8

If the module is present, activation will take no more than a minute. MIUI:

Method 1: via notification panel (MIUI 12–14)

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification curtain.
2. Click on the Edit icon (pencil in the lower right corner).
3. Find the NFC icon (the stylized letter "N") in the list and drag it to the active panel.
4. Return to the curtain and tap the NFC icon, which will light up in blue, which means activation.

Method 2: through system settings

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Select NFC (some firmware may refer to contactless payments).
3. Activate the slider on. at the top of the screen.
4. Optionally, enable Android Beam to share data with other devices.

Once activated, the NFC icon will appear in the status bar (near the battery indicator).If the icon does not appear, reboot the device - this will reset the cache of system services.

Method 3: for users of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

On unofficial firmware, the path to NFC settings may vary. It's usually in Settings → Wireless Networks → More → NFC. If there's no point, check the firmware compatibility with your Redmi 8 model (M1908C3JG for global version).

⚠️ Note: On some custom assemblies NFC It is not running smoothly due to the lack of proprietary Xiaomi drivers. vendor.img through TWRP.

Contactless Payments: Google Pay vs Mi Pay

The main application of NFC is payment for purchases with a smartphone. Redmi 8 has two services:

To set up Google Pay:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Add a bank card (Mastercard/Visa/Mir with tokenization is supported).
3. Confirm the card via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. Unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal – the payment will pass automatically.

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If Google Pay doesn’t see NFC, check if the HCE Wallet option is enabled in the NFC settings.

Mi Pay is less versatile, but it can be useful for payment in Chinese services (for example, Alipay).

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Pay.
2. Link a Chinese bank card (e.g. UnionPay).
3. Create. PIN-proof-of-payment.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

The NFC on Redmi 8 may not work properly due to software failures or hardware limitations.

1. NFC not turned on (gray slider)

Reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharged: NFC shuts down when the charge is below 5%.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to version 12.0.3.0 or later.
• 🛠️ System Services Failure: Reset settings through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Resetting application settings.

2.The terminal doesn't see the phone

What to do:

• 📵 Check the lock screen: NFC It only works when the screen is unlocked (except for payments via Google Pay).
• 🔄 Reboot. NFC-Module: Disable and turn on the function again.
• 📲 Make sure that the terminal is compatible: some older terminals do not support the EMVCo 3.0 protocol used in Redmi 8.

3. Mistake "NFC-tag is not supported"

Decision:

• 🔧 Update the tag reading app (for example, NFC Tools).
• 📌 Check the type of tag: Redmi 8 supportive NFC Forum Type 1-4 and MIFARE Classic, but does not work with Felica (used in Japan).

⚠️ Attention: If NFC stopped working after falling of the phone or getting moisture, there is a possibility of a physical defect of the antenna. ~1500₽ service-centre).

NFC Features: What else can you do?

In addition to payments, NFC on Redmi 8 provides access to a number of useful features:

1. Automation of tasks with the help of tags

Examples of use:

• 🚗 Navigator launch: touching a tag in the car opens Google Maps with a route home.
• 🔊 Activation of the mode "Do not disturb": the label on the desktop turns off the sound.
• 🌙 Night mode: the mark by the bed includes a dark theme and an alarm clock.

Use the Trigger or Automate app to set up.

2. Data exchange with other devices

The Android Beam feature allows you to transfer:

• 📁 Files (photos, contacts, links).
• 🎵 Music (transfer of the current track to the column).
• 📍 Coordinates (sending location to another phone).

For this:

1. Activate NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
2. Open the file you want to send.
3. Combine the back panels of the phones – the transfer will begin automatically.

3. Smart home and IoT devices

Redmi 8 is compatible with:

• 🔐 Electronic locks (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock).
• 💡 Smart lamps (configure via Mi Home).
• 🎮 Gaming controllers (connection Xiaomi Game Controller).

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The NFC on Redmi 8 supports all major standards (ISO 14443, ISO 15693), but does not work with proprietary protocols like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.

Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones: who better copes with NFC

If you’re considering Redmi 8 as a contactless payment device, it’s helpful to compare it to other models of the brand:

The Redmi 8 is outperforming flagships in read range and data speed, but for everyday tasks (paying in-store, reading tags), its capabilities are enough. The main advantage is the low price with NFC, which is rare for budget smartphones in 2019.

If you need advanced functionality (like working with SberPay or Mir Pay), consider the newer models – the Redmi Note 9 or the Poco M3.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions