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

What is NFC in the Redmi Note 8T and why is it necessary?

The NFC (Near Field Communication) module in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T smartphone is a near-term contactless communication technology that works at a distance of up to 10 cm It allows you to exchange data between devices, pay for purchases via Google Pay or Mi Pay, read tags to automate tasks and even transfer files (although the latter is already outdated against the background of modern alternatives).

Unlike later Redmi models, where NFC has become a standard option, the Note 8T does not feature this module in all regional versions. For example, the global version (marked M1908C3XG) is more likely to feature a chip, whereas some Asian versions (M1908C3XI) may not have one.

The main scenarios for using NFC on the Redmi Note 8T:

• 💳 Contactless payments via bank cards added to Google Wallet or Mi Pay (works with Mastercard, Visa, Mir).
• 🔑 Emulation of cards: office passes, transport cards (for example, Troika or Arrow), discount cards of stores.
• 📱 Fast connection to devices: Mi Band connection, Xiaomi speakers or Wi-Fi password transfer via Fast Connect.
• 🏷️ Reading/writing NFC-Automation tags (e.g., enabling Home mode when touching a door tag).

Important: NFC in the Redmi Note 8T only works when the screen is on (unlike flagships, which support background activation for payments), this limitation is due to the hardware features of the budget chip NXP PN54T used in this model.

How to check if there is NFC in your Redmi Note 8T

Before you try to turn on NFC, make sure your device is equipped with it. There are several ways to check:

1. Visual inspection: The Redmi Note 8T back cover should have an NFC logo ("N" letters as a wave) next to the camera, but its absence does not always mean the absence of a module - some batches were released without markings.
2. Model check: Go to Settings → About → MIUI version and tap the Kernel several times. In the Hardware info menu, find the NFC string. If it is not there, the module is not physically there.
3. Using Engineering Mode: Enter ##4636## in the dialer, select Hardware info and scroll to the NFC block. The absence of this block confirms the absence of the chip.

If none of the methods showed NFC, but you're sure you bought a global version, maybe the module is disabled at the software level, and then ADB checks will help:

adb shell dumpsys nfc

If the command returns a Service not found error, the NFC is missing.

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

If the module is present, it can be activated in a few steps, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and European builds).

Step 1: Activation of the NFC module

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connection and Sharing (or Communication and Network in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC (may be in the submenu Additional).
4. Transfer the NFC slider to the On position.

Step 2: Set up contactless payments

• 💳 After inclusion NFC The system will suggest you set up payments.
• Select the default app: Google Pay (recommended) or Mi Pay (works with Chinese banks only).
• Follow the instructions for adding a bank card (confirmation via SMS or push notification from the bank is required).

Step 3: Checking the performance

To make sure that NFC works:

1. Bring the phone to the contactless payment terminal (distance 2-5 cm).
2. Wait for vibration and sound signal – this means that the connection is established.
3. If the payment does not pass, check that:

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If NFC is turned on but shuts down immediately, try turning off the system’s power saving mode (Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode → Apps) and add Google Play Services to the exceptions.

Table: NFC comparison in Redmi Note 8T and other Xiaomi models

Important: In Redmi Note 8T No support for virtualization SIM-eSIM for payments, so you can only link cards through physical means. SIM.

Typical NFC Issues on the Redmi Note 8T and Their Solutions

Even if the NFC module is on, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC stopped working, do not try to roll back on the old firmware - this may block the bootloader. Instead, reset the network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings).

Problem 1: NFC is turned on but does not detect the device

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes the driver NFC "Hanging” after a long period of work.
• 📱 Check the antenna, if the phone fell, the antenna contacts could have moved away.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache. NFC: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → NFC and press Clear cache.

Problem 2: Contactless payments are not working

• 💳 Make sure the card is added to Google Pay and activated (the banking application should have the option "Add to Google Pay" option").
• 🔒 Check regional restrictions: some banks (e.g. Sberbank) block payments through the bank. NFC abroad.

Problem 3: NFC is spontaneously shut down

This is due to battery optimization in MIUI. To fix:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Select No Limits for Google Play Services and NFC.
3. Turn off the Adaptive Battery function in the Additional section.

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If NFC is not working after all the manipulations, check firmware integrity through the Mi Flash Tool.

How to use NFC on Redmi Note 8T as efficiently as possible

The NFC in the Redmi Note 8T supports not only payments, but also other useful features.

1. Automation by means of NFC-marker

Using applications like Trigger or NFC Tools, you can program tags to perform actions:

• 🔊 Enabling silent mode when touching a label on the desktop.
• 🌙 Activation of night mode and decrease in brightness of the screen before bedtime.
• 🚗 Starting the navigator (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator) when touching a tag in the car.

To record the mark:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Add an action (e.g. Wi-Fi → Enable).
3. Bring the phone to the clean. NFC-tagged (sold on AliExpress or in electronics stores).

2. Fast link with Xiaomi devices

With NFC, you can easily connect:

• 🎧 Headphones Xiaomi AirDots: just bring the phone to the case – the connection will be installed automatically.
• 🔊 Mi Smart Speaker Columns: NFC Speeds up the process of pairing over Bluetooth.
• ⌚ Smart watch Mi Band or Amazfit: when you first connect, just touch the bracelet.

3. Emulation of access cards

If you are using your office or entrance RFID-cards at 13.56 MHz (standard) MIFARE Classic, you can copy them to your phone:

1. Install the MIFARE Classic Tool app.

⚠️ Note: Copying someone else's pass may violate the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - improper access to computer information.

NFC Security: How to Protect Your Data

Despite its convenience, NFC can become a vulnerability if precautions are not followed.

1. Turn off NFC when not in use

Although the range of NFC is small (up to 10 cm), attackers can use signal amplifier scanners to intercept data.

• 🚇 Metro or other places of congestion.
• 💼 Public establishments (cafes, airports).
• 🌍 Traveling abroad (higher risk of card cloning).

2. Set up a payment confirmation

In Google Pay, enable mandatory authentication for each transaction:

1. Open Google Pay → Settings → Security
2. Activate the option Requires confirmation for all payments.
3. Select the confirmation method: Password, Fingerprint or Face Recognition.

3. Check the authenticity of the terminals

Fraudsters install skimmers (false terminal overlays) that read card data.

• 🔍 Check the terminal for extraneous details.
• 🛡️ Use virtual cards (such as Tinkoff or Revolut) that generate single-use numbers.
• 📱 Prefer payment via phone rather than physical card.

4. Update the software.

Vulnerabilities in the NFC protocol are regularly closed in MIUI updates to check whether:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If a new version is available, install it.
3. Check out the Google Play Services version in the Play Market (should be no older than 2-3 months).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions