NFC Xiaomi: full instructions for setting up and using

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication in Xiaomi smartphones offers opportunities for contactless payments, fast data transfer and automation of tasks. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup – the module can be disabled by default, and functions are hidden in the depths of the menu. This article will help you understand how to activate NFC on Redmi devices, POCO and Mi, set it up for payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay, and use it for other useful scenarios.

Feature Xiaomi — a variety of firmware (global) MIUI Global, Chinese MIUI China, custom builds. This not only determines the function, but also its location on the menu, and we took all the nuances into account and prepared a universal guide that will be suitable for most models released after 2018. If your smartphone is older, check the specifications on the official website, as early budget devices (e.g. Redmi) are available. 5A or Redmi Note 4X) often deprived NFC-module.

Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports the technology.A list of Xiaomi models with NFC It is constantly updated, but the basic criterion is the presence of a metal ring around the chamber (antenna). NFC) Or mentioning a function in the characteristics. If in doubt, use the app. CPU-Z (Sensors section) or check through Settings → The phone. → Full specifications.

Contactless payments|File transfer|Automation (NFC-tagging)|Connecting devices (headphones, speakers)|I don't use it.-->

1. How to enable NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Activation of the module NFC Xiaomi takes less than a minute on smartphones, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version MIUI. In the latest updates (beginning with the MIUI 12) the interface has become more intuitive, but in older firmware, the option is sometimes hidden in non-obvious sections.

The standard path for most models:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in the Internet) MIUI 11 and below).
3. Tap on point. NFC — The slider must be active (blue or green).

If the paragraph NFC There is no main menu, try alternative ways:

• 🔍 Search by Settings: Swipe down on the Settings Home Screen and enter «NFC» search-line.
• 📱 Notification panel: on some models (e.g, POCO F3) has a quick switch NFC — Swipe two fingers from top to bottom and find the icon with waves.
• 🔧 Additional settings: in MIUI China option can be in Settings → Additionally. → Wireless communication.

After activating the module, it is recommended to check its operability. To do this, bring the smartphone to another device with the switched on. NFC (for example, to the payment terminal or tag - a beep or notification should appear.

Module NFC included|The smartphone makes a sound when approaching the label|In the notification panel appears icon NFC|Applications (Google Pay, Mi Pay) define the module-->

2.Configure contactless payments via Google Pay and Mi Pay

Principal application NFC Xiaomi — payment for purchases with a smartphone. Google Pay (for global firmware) or Mi Pay (for Chinese versions) will be suitable for this. MIUI). Let’s take a look at the settings of both options.

Google Pay (recommended for the MIUI Global):

1. Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and follow the instructions for adding a credit card (you will need a photo of the card or manual data entry).
3. After linking the card, go to Settings → Contactless payments and select Google Pay as default payment app.

Mi Pay (for the money) MIUI China):

• 💳 Open the Mi Pay app (pre-installed on Chinese firmware).
• 📸 Add the card via scanning or manually.Note: the service supports a limited list of banks (mostly Chinese and some international).
• 🔒 Confirm the binding through SMS or push notification from the bank.
• 📱 B Settings → NFC → Payment app select Mi Pay.

For successful payment, follow several rules:

⚠️ Note: Not all terminals support NFC-If payment doesn't go through, try bringing your phone to the other corner of the terminal or check with the cashier if support is on. Apple/Google Pay.

Also check that:

• 🔋 Battery levels above 5% (some terminals block payment when charged low).
• 📶 The smartphone is not in mode on the plane.
• 🔒 The screen is unlocked (on some Xiaomi models, payments work only with an active screen).

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If the payment doesn't work, try disabling Quick Unlock from the fingerprint in the security settings. PIN-proof-of-payment.

3. Data transmission through NFC: Android Beam and Alternatives

Besides payments, NFC It allows you to quickly share files between devices. In older versions of Android, it used the Android Beam feature, but in Android 10, it was very easy to do this.+ It was deleted. MIUI There are alternative ways to.

Method 1: Rapid transmission through MIUI

1. Turn it on. NFC and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth both-device.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to transfer.
3. Bring the smartphones back to each other – a notification will appear about the possibility of transfer.
4. Confirm the shipment on both devices.

Method 2: Apps similar to Android Beam

• 📲 Send Anywhere: Supports transmission through NFC (You need to select the Nearby option).
• 📎 SuperBeam: specializes in large files (up to 1GB) using NFC liaison.
• 🔗 Snapdrop: Web service for transferring files via browser (does not require) NFC, but convenient as a backup option).

Restrictions on transmission through NFC:

If file transfer fails, check:

• 🔄 Both devices must be on. NFC and unlocked screen.
• 📶 Some Xiaomi models require you to activate Visibility for other devices in the settings NFC.
• 🔋 Make sure there is enough charge on the devices (below 15% the function may be turned off).

4. Automation of tasks by means of NFC-tag

One of the most useful functions NFC — The ability to run scripts when your smartphone approaches special tags, such as setting up automatic Wi-Fi activation, navigator launch, or silent phone when you touch a tag on your desktop or in your car.

What you need:

• 🏷️ NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores; the average price is 50-200) ₽ 5 grand).
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled NFC.
• 🛠️ Script writing application: Trigger, Automate or NFC Tools.

Step-by-step adjustment (by example) NFC Tools):

1. Download and install. NFC Tools from Play Market.
2. Open the application and select the Record tab.
3. Tap Add a record and select an action (such as Wi-Fi). → Energize or Mode → No sound).
4. Bring the tag to the back cover of the smartphone – the data will be recorded.
5. Check the work: bring the phone to the label again - the selected action should work.

Examples of useful scenarios:

• 🚗 Car Mode: The tag in the car turns on Bluetooth, launches Google Maps and raises volume.
• 🛋️ Home Mode: The tag at the door turns off mobile data, connects Wi-Fi and turns on the smart home.
• 📵 Night mode: the label on the nightstand translates the phone to Do not disturb and reduces the brightness of the screen.
• 🎵 Music profile: A label on the column starts Spotify and connects to the device via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Attention: Tags NFC You can overwrite a limited number of times (usually 100,000 cycles) and don't use them for temporary tasks, but instead create separate labels for each scenario.

If the tag doesn't work:

• Make sure it is not damaged (a scratched or bent label may not read).
• Make sure your smartphone supports label recording (some Xiaomi budget models can only read data).
• Try writing the tag through another app (like Trigger).

5. Connecting devices through NFC: headphones, speakers, fitness bracelets

Many Xiaomi accessories (such as Redmi AirDots headphones or Mi Portable Speaker speakers) support fast pairing via a wireless interface. NFC. This is more convenient than standard Bluetooth search, as it does not require input. PIN-code-in-law.

How to connect Xiaomi headphones through NFC:

1. Turn on NFC on your smartphone.
2. Open the headphone cover (for AirDots) or press the power button on the column.
3. Bring your smartphone to the tag NFC case.

If the connection fails:

• 🔄 Restart the headphones/column (usually by holding the power button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled (even if the connection is through the phone). NFC, It is necessary for the work of accessories).
• 🔋 Check the headphones’ charge – with a low battery level, they may not show up for pairing.

List of Xiaomi devices that support NFC-coupling:

• 🎧 Headphones: Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earphones 3.
• 🔊 Columns: Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Redmi Speaker Play.
• ⌚ Fitness bracelets: Mi Band 7 Pro, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro (for quick setup only).

⚠️ Note: Some devices (such as Mi Band 6) have a tag NFC They only emulate transport cards (like in Moscow or St. Petersburg) and use Bluetooth to pair with their phone.

6. Solving problems with NFC Xiaomi

If NFC It doesn't work or it doesn't work, it can be software-based (firmware failure) or hardware-based (antenna damage.

Problem 1: NFC It does not turn on or immediately switch off.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the module “hangs” after the update.
• 📱 Check if you have installed energy-saving applications (such as Greenify or Battery Doctor) that can block the application. NFC.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Problem 2: The smartphone can’t see NFC-tags or payment terminals

• 🧲 Check if there are metal elements or magnets on the cover – they can shield the signal.
• 📏 Make sure you hold your phone with the right side (antenna) NFC usually located at the top of the back cover).
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in some versions MIUI were bugs with NFC, re-assembly.

Problem 3: Contactless payments are not being made

• 💳 Make sure your bank card is added to Google Pay/Mi Pay and activated.
• 🔒 Check if the bank is blocking payments through the NFC (Sometimes a call for support is required).
• 📶 Try another terminal – some older devices don’t support payments via smartphones.

If nothing helps, run a hardware test:

1. Install the NFC Check app from the Play Market.
2. Run the test – the application will show whether the module is recognized NFC system.
3. If the module is not detected, contact the service center - it is possible that the antenna or the chip itself is damaged.

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If NFC stopped working after falling of the phone or getting moisture, most likely, the antenna is damaged.

7 NFC Security: How to Protect Data

Technology NFC It's considered safe, but there are risks that you should be aware of, like when someone's using your credit card or tags, if they're not protected.

How to Protect Payments Through NFC:

• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication in Google Pay/Mi Pay (requires confirmation by fingerprint or PIN-code).
• 📱 Turn it off. NFC, When not used (this will also save battery life).
• 💳 Do not store physical bank cards with a chip in your smartphone wallet – this can cause conflicts when paying.

Protection NFC-marker:

• 🏷️ Do not record confidential information (passwords, card numbers) on tags).
• 🔒 Use tags that support encryption (for example, NTAG 424).
• 📍 Do not place tags in public places (such as on your office desk) if they contain personal information.

What to do if your smartphone is lost:

1. Immediately block bank cards linked to Google Pay/Mi Pay, via the bank's mobile application.
2. Remove your device from the list of trusted people in your Google account (myaccount.google.com) → Security → Your devices).
3. If you have used Mi Pay, untie the cards in the Mi Pay app from another device.

Additional security measures:

• 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) – some malicious applications can intercept data NFC.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Vulnerabilities associated with contactless technologies are closed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi