NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: how to turn on, configure and use

The NFC module in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphones offers opportunities for contactless payments, fast file transfer and work with smart devices. However, many owners face the problem: the function is either absent from the menu or does not work after activation. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable NFC on the Redmi Note 8, including hidden settings, checking hardware support and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that not all versions of the Redmi Note 8 are equipped with the same equipment. NFC-The module is different, depending on the region and the modification of the smartphone. M1908C3JG It is often chipless, while European and Chinese variants (M1908C3LG, M1908C3LC) They usually support the technology before they try to turn it on. NFC, Make sure your device is technically capable of doing this.

We will take a closer look at 1. How to check for NFC-2. Step-by-step activation instructions through settings and hidden menus. 3. Contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay) setup. 4. Solving problems if NFC 5. alternative ways of using the technology (e.g., to automate tasks).

1.How to know if there is NFC in your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

Before you try to turn on NFC, you need to make sure that your smartphone is equipped with the appropriate module.

📱 Model Check: Go to Settings → The phone. → Model. If your machine has a marking. M1908C3LG (Europe) or M1908C3LC (China, the probability of existence NFC The models are tall. M1908C3JG (India/Global is usually devoid of a module.
🔍 Search in Settings: Open Settings → Connections and Sharing. If the item NFC No, it's probably not physically there.
🛠️ Diagnostics via engineering menu: Enter the code ##4636## in the phone app, then select Phone Information. NFC with Supported status: Yes.
🌐 Check on the manufacturer's website: Find your model on the official Xiaomi website in the specifications section. For example, for the Redmi Note 8 Pro NFC It is listed as an option, and for the base version of the Redmi Note 8 is often missing.

If none of the methods have confirmed the existence of NFC, Further attempts at activation are pointless. In this case, consider the alternatives: NFC-tagging or changing your smartphone to a supported model (e.g., Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC).

⚠️ Note: Some vendors deliberately indicate NFC Always check the data with official sources or test the device before buying.

📊 Your Redmi Note 8 supports your NFC?

Yeah, it works no problem.

There's a module, but it doesn't turn on.

No module (checked)

I don't know, I haven't.

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

If your smartphone is equipped with NFC-The module can be activated in 3 simple steps:

Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
Go to Connections and Sharing (some firmware may refer to Wireless Networks or Network and Internet).
Slip on the NFC item and move the slider to the position On.. You can additionally activate Android Beam to transfer files.

After turning on the status bar (top notification bar), an NFC icon will appear — a white letter "N" on a blue background. If the icon is not there, but the function is on, try restarting the smartphone.

NFC slider in "On" position.

The NFC icon is displayed in the notification panel

Smartphones detect other devices NFC-devices (tags, terminals)

Android Beam is activated (if you need to transfer files)-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 and later), the path to NFC settings may be different: Settings → Google → Device and Sharing → NFC.

If the standard method didn’t work, try this alternative route.

3.Configure contactless payments via NFC

The main application of NFC is contactless payments through Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications, to customize payment:

Make sure that the NFC is enabled (see the previous section).
Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market (or Mi Pay if you use Chinese firmware).
Add a bank card: Open Google Pay → click Add a card. Scan the card or enter the data manually. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.

To pay, bring the top of the smartphone (where it is located) NFC-The screen is not required to unlock if the Pay option is activated in the Google Pay settings without unlocking.

Important nuances:

💳 Not all bank cards support contactless payments through the NFC. Check it out with your bank.
🔒 For safety, set up a screen lock (PIN, without a pattern lock or fingerprint, Google Pay won't allow you to add a card.
📶 Make sure that the Internet is turned on on on your smartphone (mobile or Wi-Fi) – it is necessary to authorize payment.

⚠️ Note: If the terminal does not read the payment after adding the card to Google Pay, try resetting the settings NFC: Turn off the module, restart the phone, and re-energize. Also check if the case is blocking the signal - metal or too thick accessories can interfere with communication.

Why NFC doesn’t work on Redmi Note 8: Causes and Solutions

If NFC fails to turn on or detects devices, the problem may be a hardware malfunction, software failure, or incorrect settings.

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
No NFC item in settings	The module is physically missing	Check the model of the smartphone (see section 1). If NFC is not really there, use external tags.
NFC is turned on but does not detect devices	Firmware failure or application conflict	Reset your network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset) or update your MIUI.
Payments are not processed (mistake in the terminal)	Incorrectly added map in Google Pay	Delete the card and add it again. Make sure the bank supports Host Card Emulation (HCE) technology.
NFC is automatically shut down	Battery Optimization Disables the Module	Add Google Pay to auto-optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your smartphone to factory settings (be sure to back up your data!). NFC-antennas – this requires repair in the service center.

What if NFC stopped working after MIUI update?

After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 11 on MIUI 12) the module settings may be reset. Try: 1. NFC, delete the application cache NFC Service (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → NFC Service → Warehouse → Clear the cache. 2. Reboot the phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button). → "Restart in Safe Mode”) and check NFC 3. If the problem remains, roll back the firmware to the previous version via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the forums). 4PDA).

5. Alternative ways to use NFC on the Redmi Note 8

Besides payments, NFC-the module can be used for:

🔄 Fast File Transfer: Activate Android Beam in Settings NFC, Then you can hold the two smartphones back to each other, and the screen will show you a suggestion to send a file (photo, contact or link).
🏠 Smart home controls: Many Xiaomi Smart Home devices (like Yeelight lamps or Mi Sensor sensors) support tethering via NFC. Just bring the phone to the label on the device.
🚗 Task automation: Apps like Tasker or Automate can program actions when you touch. NFC-So, for example, if you put your phone on a table tag, you turn on Wi-Fi and Spotify starts.
🔑 Emulation of access cards: Some applications (e.g, NFC Tools allow you to record keycard data (intercoms, passes) to your smartphone, but this does not work with all security systems.

Example of automation settings:

Buy it. NFC-mark (worth it) ~100-300 rubles on AliExpress).
Install the Trigger or Automate app.
Create a task, for example: “When you touch the tag → turn on Bluetooth and start the navigator.”
Write the task to the tag through the application.
Place the tag in the car or on the desktop.

1. Hold the blank space on the screen → Widgets.

2. Find the Switch widget (or Settings shortcuts).

3. Drag it to the screen and select NFC.

Now the module can be included in one tap!-->

6. Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

My Redmi Note 8 doesn't see NFC in the settings. Does that mean it doesn't?

Most likely yes.Redmi Note 8 (model) M1908C3JG) frequently produced NFC-To make sure 100%, check the engineering menu (#4636##) or unpack the phone (chip) NFC usually located next to the battery).

Can we re-establish? NFC-module if it is not?

It's theoretically possible, but it's not practical. You'd have to: Buy an NFC chip with an antenna (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), disassemble your phone and solder it to the motherboard, and ask for modified NFC-enabled software. The cost and risk (damage to the board, loss of warranty) make it unprofitable. It's easier to sell your current smartphone and buy an NFC model.

Why does Google Pay not accept my card?

Possible reasons: Bank does not support HCE technology (virtual cards), the list of supported banks is available on the official Google Pay website. The card was issued before 2016 (old cards may not have a contactless chip), the card is not enough funds or it is blocked by the bank. Try adding another card or contact bank support.

How to transfer data from NFC-phone tags?

To read the data from the tag: Install the NFC Tools app from the Play Market. Open the app and bring the phone to the tag. Click Read - the program will display the recorded information (text, link, contact, etc.) If necessary, export the data to a file or copy to the clipboard. To write the data to the tag, use the Write tab in the same application.

Can I use NFC to unlock doors or intercoms?

Yes, but with reservations: ✅ Supported systems: NFC He's working with intercoms on the base. MIFARE Classic or EM-Marin (e.g. Vizit, Eltis). ❌ Unsupported: Modern intercoms with dynamic keys (such as Cyfral or Metakom) are not emulated by a smartphone. 📱 Applications: Use the key to emulate NFC ReTag or Keycard NFC. You will need an original tag (key) to copy. ⚠️ Note: Copying someone else's keys may violate the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - unlawful access to computer information!

1. Physical presence of the module (check the smartphone model).

2. correct firmware (on custom ROM may not work).

3. No interference (metal covers, magnetic linings).-->

7. Video instruction and additional resources

If the text instructions seem complicated, we recommend watching the video guide for setting up NFC on the Redmi Note 8:

Video: [Insert YouTube link with the caption "NFC on Redmi Note 8: How to turn on and configure in 2 minutes"]

Also useful materials on the topic:

📖 Discussion NFC on the Redmi Note 8 4PDA (Relevant Firmware, Problem Solutions).
🛠️ Forum MIUI SU — section on setting up contactless payments.
🔧 Official reference Xiaomi on NFC (In Chinese, but there are translations).

If you have any questions after reading the article, please clarify:

The exact model of your Redmi Note 8 (see Settings → About Phone).
The firmware version (Settings → About the phone → MIUI version).
Description of the problem (e.g., "NFC is turned on but not card reader").

This will help to more accurately diagnose the malfunction.