NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: How to turn on, configure and use in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9T — One of the most popular budget smartphones with technology support NFC, But many users have difficulty activating it, unlike the flagship models, where the chip is the first to be activated. NFC It is automatically activated when contactless payments are first launched, in Redmi. 9T This process requires manual adjustment, and some users mistakenly believe that their device does not support the device. NFC Due to the lack of an explicit item in the menu "Quick settings».

In this article, we will not only discuss how to turn on NFC on the Xiaomi Redmi 9T, but also where the chip is physically located in the phone (this is important for the correct operation of contactless tags), how to check its performance without additional devices, and why the module is sometimes “not visible” by the system, and you will also learn which versions of MIUI firmware can block the function and how to fix it.

We’ll focus on setting up Google Pay and other payment systems, which includes regional restrictions and bank cards, and at the end of the article, you’ll find answers to common questions like “Why does NFC shut down itself?” or “Can you use your phone as a smart home tag?”

1.Verify NFC support on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your Redmi 9T does support this technology, because not all model modifications are equipped with an NFC chip – this depends on the region of sale and the version of the device (for example, the Indian version of Redmi 9 Power, which is analogous to the 9T, often goes without a module).

You can check for NFC in three ways:

• 🔍 By marking on the box: find the inscription on the package «NFC» Or a contactless icon, and if you don't have one, there's probably no chip in the phone.
• 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no point, there is no support.
• 🛠️ Physical inspection: remove the case and light a flashlight on top of the back panel (above the Xiaomi logo). NFC It is usually located there and looks like a small metal square.

If NFC is not available in the settings, but you are sure that your model should support it (for example, the European version of Redmi 9T NFC), try updating the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.

2.Where is NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9T: Chip location

Localization of the NFC chip is critical for the correct operation of contactless functions. In Redmi 9T, the module is located at the top of the rear panel, about 1-1.5 cm below the camera, which means that when paying or reading tags, the phone should be brought to the terminal with the upper part, rather than the middle or bottom.

Many users make a mistake of trying to pay by holding the phone "any sideways," so the terminal doesn't recognize the device, and it seems like the NFC isn't working, so to avoid that:

• 📏 Measure distance: optimal position – when the top of the phone is 1-3 cm away from the reader.
• 🔄 Turn the screen to yourself: it is easier to control the payment process (for example, Google Pay will show animation of a successful transaction).
• 🚫 Don't cover it: thick or metallized covers can shield the signal.

If you use contactless tags (e.g., to automate a smart home), place them at the top of the phone. For example, a sticker to turn on Wi-Fi when lifting the device must be attached to a door or table so that it will work when touched with the top edge of the Redmi 9T.

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If NFC doesn't work the first time, try slowly moving your phone toward the terminal rather than putting it down abruptly, which helps the reader catch the signal.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Activating NFC on Redmi 9T takes less than a minute, but requires precise steps. Important: Make sure the phone has the latest MIUI (at least MIUI 12 or later) installed before turning on. In older firmware, the NFC may be missing or not working properly.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in some versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC (if not, see What to do if NFC is not in Settings).
4. Activate the NFC slider (it will turn blue).
5. Below you will see the option Android Beam (outdated file transfer function) – it can be turned off.
6. To use payment systems (e.g. Google Pay), enable HCE Wallet or Contactless Payments.

After activation, an NFC icon will appear in the Quick Settings panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen). Click on it to quickly turn the module on/off.

4.Configure contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay, etc.)

The first step is to turn on NFC, and to pay for your phone, you need to set up a payment app. Redmi 9T supports:

• 💳 Google Pay (works with most bank cards) Visa/Mastercard).
• 🏦 SberPay (only for Sberbank cards).
• 🍎 Mir Pay (for the World Cards»).
• 🌍 Other banking applications (Tinkoff, Alpha-Click, etc.).

Let’s look at the example of Google Pay:

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and press Start.
3. Add a bank card: take a picture of it or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the card via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Once confirmed, the card will appear on the list, and you can now pay for your purchases by bringing your phone to the terminal.

Important: Some banks block adding cards to Google Pay for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If the card is not added, check the status of the bootloader in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → bootloader Status).

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after you set up the NFC properly on the Redmi 9T, you may experience failures, and let’s look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings). This often helps with software failures of the NFC module.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware from third-party developers (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not support NFC on the Redmi 9T Before installing custom firmware, check user feedback about the operation of contactless functions.

6. Additional NFC Features: Not Just Payment

The NFC on Redmi 9T can be used for more than just payments, but here are some useful scenarios.

• 🔑 Smart home: set up automation via Google Home or Mi Home. for example, putting your phone to a tag on a door can turn on a light or start a coffee maker.
• 📲 Fast data transfer: Despite the outdated Android Beam feature, some apps (like Snapdrop) allow you to transfer files over the Internet NFC.
• 🚗 Contactless door opening: if your car or entrance is installed NFC-The reader, the phone can be used instead of the key fob.
• 🎟️ E-tickets: Many cinemas and transport companies support tickets in the format NFC (For example, through Yandex.Transport).

Automating a smart home will require:

1. Buy NFC-tags (cost from 50 rubles per piece).
2. Install the Trigger or Automate app.
3. Program the tag to the desired action (for example, turning on Wi-Fi when touching).
4. Attach the tag to a convenient place (for example, on the front door).

Example of setting up a tag to start music:

1. Open the Trigger app.
2. Choose. NFC Tag → Create a task.
3. Add the action Launch the application → Select a music player.
4. Put your phone on the record label.

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NFC-You can reprogram the tags many times over, and if the tag's action is no longer relevant, just write a new command to it.

7 Security: How to Protect Data When Using NFC

Contactless technologies are convenient, but not without risks. The main threats when using NFC on Redmi 9T:

• 🕵️ Skimming: attackers can read card data at a distance (up to 10 cm) using special devices.
• 💸 Double-debiting: If the terminal fails, the money can be written off twice.
• 📱 Labeled viruses: rare but common NFC-tags with malicious code that is executed when reading.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Turn it off. NFC, When not in use, it will prevent unauthorized reading.
• 🛡️ Use protective covers: some covers have built-in RFID-blocker.
• 📵 Set limits: in the banking application set a limit on contactless payments without PIN-code (usually up to 1000-3000 rubles).
• 🔄 Check your transaction history: After payment NFC Notification of write-offs does not always come - it is better to check the balance manually.

⚠️ Note: If you lose your phone with the phone on NFC and tied card, immediately block the card through the bank. the Attacker can write off funds, even if the phone is locked (for payments up to 1000 rubles). PIN required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9T