NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9: A Complete Guide to Use in 2026

You bought a Xiaomi Redmi 9 and you noticed the mysterious "NFC" item in the specs, but you don't know why you need it or how to use it? It's a technology that's long gone exotic -- it's built into budget smartphones, including your Redmi 9. It can pay for purchases with a single touch, instantly transfer files between devices, connect smart gadgets, and even unlock doors. But how does it work in practice?

In this article, we’ll take you through everything about NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9, from the basics to the hidden features. You’ll learn where the chip is physically located in your phone, how to activate the module in settings, what applications support the technology, and why NFC sometimes refuses to work. And then you’ll find detailed instructions on how to set up contactless payments (including Mi Pay and Google Pay), share data via Android Beam, and manage smart home devices, even if you’ve never used NFC before, you’ll be able to use it as a professional after reading it.

What is NFC in a smartphone and why it is needed in Xiaomi Redmi 9

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to share data or initialize actions with a simple touch. In Xiaomi Redmi 9, this module is built into the top of the case (usually next to the camera) and operates at 13.56 MHz.

The main scenarios for using NFC in your phone are:

• 💳 Contactless payments – payment in stores, transport or cafes via Mi Pay, Google Pay, SberPay.
• 📱 Data transfer – the rapid exchange of contacts, photos or links with others NFC-devices (Android Beam).
• 🏠 Smart home – connection and control of gadgets (lamps, locks, tags).
• 🔑 Identification – unlocking doors, admission to the office, reading electronic tickets.
• 🎫 Tags NFC — Programming chips to automate actions (enable Wi-Fi, start the navigator, etc.).

It is important to understand that NFC Redmi 9 is a passive module: it does not consume energy in the background and is activated only when approaching another. NFC-This makes the technology safe for the battery (unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: Some regions (e.g. India or China) sell Redmi 9 versions without the help of the NFC-You can check its presence in the characteristics of the device (Settings) → The phone. → Full specifications) or by application NFC Tools from Google Play.

Wherever NFC-Xiaomi Redmi 9 chip and how to turn it on

In Xiaomi Redmi 9, the NFC antenna is located at the top of the back, next to the main camera module. To work, it must be activated in the settings:

Open Settings → Connection and Sharing

Tapping on NFC item

Transfer the slider to the "On" position.

(Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer data-->

After activation, an NFC icon (stylized letter "N") will appear in the status bar. If the icon is not present, but the module is turned on, don't worry: it doesn't appear on some MIUI firmware.

To check the availability:

1. Download the NFC Tools app from Google Play.
2. Run it and press Reading.
3. Bring the phone to anyone. NFC-tag (for example, a bank card or a transport ticket).
4. If the chip is working, the tag data will appear on the screen.

⚠️ WARNING: If you use a case with metal elements or magnets, this may shield the signal. NFC. Remove the cover before using contactless functions.

Configure contactless payments via NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9

One of the most popular uses of NFC is smartphone payment, and Redmi 9 supports the following services:

• 💳 Mi Pay - a proprietary solution from Xiaomi (works with banks Sber, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
• 📱 Google Pay – a universal service for Android (supported by most Russian banks).
• 🏦 SberPay / Tinkoff Pay – banking applications with its own NFC-pay.

To set up payment via Google Pay:

1. Download the app from Google Play and log in.
2. Click Add the card and scan it or enter the data manually.
3. Confirm the addition via SMS or push notification from the bank.
4. Install Google Pay as the default payment app in Settings → Apps → By default.

For Mi Pay:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (pre-installed on MIUI).
2. Select Add a Bank Card and follow the instructions.
3. After adding the card, set up quick access to Mi Pay via Settings → Lock screen → Shortcuts.

For payment in transport (metro, buses) in Moscow and St. Petersburg, only Mi Pay or SberPay is suitable - Google Pay in transport does not work due to the limitations of the Troika system.

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Before the first payment in the store, unlock the phone - some terminals require confirmation with a fingerprint or a print. PIN-code.

Transferring data via NFC (Android Beam) between devices

With NFC, you can instantly transfer files, contacts, or links to another Android Beam-enabled device. In Xiaomi Redmi 9, this function works like this.

To send the file:

1. Enable NFC and Android Beam in settings (Settings → Connection & Sharing → NFC → Android Beam).
2. Open the file (photo, contact, page in the browser) that you want to transfer.
3. Bring the back of the Redmi 9 to another smartphone (distance not more than 3 cm).
4. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the transmission will start automatically.

Limitations of Android Beam:

• ❌ It only works between Android devices (iPhone does not support Android devices).
• ❌ Transfer speed is low (up to 400 Kb/s) – for large files it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct.
• ❌ On some firmware MIUI The function can be disabled – check the version MIUI In Settings → The phone.

An alternative to Android Beam is Xiaomi Quick Share (formerly Mi Share), which uses Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files quickly, and works even without NFC, but requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network.

Using NFC for Smart Home and Automation

The NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be integrated with the Mi Home smart home system or other platforms (Yandex Alice, Google Home).

1. Managing smart lamps and sockets

• 💡 Bring the phone to NFC-tag to turn on/off the lights.
• ⚡ Program the tag to start the script (for example, “Evening Mode” – dim the lights and turn on the music).

2. Quick Wi-Fi connection

Some routers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) support settings via NFC: just hold the phone to the tag on the router case, and the network will connect automatically.

3. Automation with Tasker

With the Tasker app and NFC-Labels can create complex automation:

• 📵 Attach the phone to the label on the desktop - will turn on silent mode and start Telegram.
• 🚗 Attach to the tag in the car - Bluetooth will turn on, Yandex.Navigator will start.
• 🛏️ Attach to the mark by the bed - will turn on the night mode and alarm clock.

To work with labels will need:

• 🛒 NFC-Stickers (bought on AliExpress or in electronics stores).
• 📱 Annex NFC Tools for writing commands on tags.
• 🤖 Tasker App (for complex scenarios).

⚠️ Attention: Tags NFC Do not attach them to metal surfaces or near powerful magnets (for example, on the refrigerator) - this can damage the chip.

Solving NFC Problems in Xiaomi Redmi 9

If the NFC in your Redmi 9 is not stable, try the following steps:

1. NFC does not turn on or immediately shut down

• Check if the chip is disabled in Settings → Additional → Regional settings (sometimes NFC is blocked for some countries).
• Update MIUI to the latest version – older versions had bugs with NFC module.
• Reset network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

2. Payment is not working

• Make sure that the payment application (Google Pay/Mi Pay) is installed as default.
• Check if the payment is blocked by antivirus or VPN (turn them off temporarily).
• Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with work failures NFC-chip.

3.The phone can't see. NFC-marker

• Try to hold the phone to the tag from a different angle – the NFC antenna in Redmi 9 has a limited coverage area.
• Make sure the tag is not damaged (try reading it with another device).
• Turn off the power saving mode – it can limit the operation of NFC.

If nothing helps, run a hardware test:

1. Dial in the dialer ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the NFC block – if it’s missing, the chip is faulty or missing.

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If the NFC stopped working after the phone fell, the antenna or chip would probably be damaged, and only repairs at the service center would help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9