NFC in Xiaomi Phone: What It Is, How to Enable and Use in 2026

Ever wondered why your Xiaomi smartphone can pay for purchases with a single touch or instantly transfer files to another device? All this is due to the technology of NFC (Near Field Communication), which has long ceased to be exotic and has become an integral part of modern gadgets. In this article, we will discuss what NFC is in Xiaomi phones, how to set it up and where to apply it – from contactless payments to smart home management.

Many users mistakenly believe that NFC is only for card payments via phone, and in fact, the technology is much more powerful: it allows you to read tags, connect accessories, automate tasks and even exchange contacts without the Internet. In Xiaomi phones (from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO), the implementation of NFC has its own nuances — for example, not all models support emulation of bank cards. We will tell you how to check for a chip, turn it on and avoid typical errors.

What is NFC in a Phone and Why You Need It in 2026

NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that operates at 13.56 MHz. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it does not require device pairing and consumes minimal energy. NFC perfect for:

• 💳 Contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay, SberPay, etc.) – just bring your phone to the terminal.
• 🔄 Fast data transfer (Android Beam, sending contacts, links, photos).
• 🏠 Smart home management (reading tags to run scripts, connecting sensors).
• 🚗 Identifications (electronic passes, tickets, car keys).

In Xiaomi phones NFC-The chip is usually built into the top of the body (near the camera) or under the battery. POCO equipped with this technology, for example, in budget devices (for example, Redmi). 9A or POCO M3) To check for support, go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → NFC or use the table below.

What Xiaomi models support NFC: full list

Xiaomi has been actively implementing NFC even in mid-budget models since 2020, but there are still devices without this feature. Below is the current table with support for the technology for popular lines (data for 2026). Note that in some regions (for example, in India), NFC can be disabled software.

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use the CPU-Z app (Sensors section). Also note: even if NFC is in the phone, some features (such as emulating transport cards) can be blocked depending on the region.

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi phones for China (with China firmware) ROM) Google Pay is often not supported. Contactless payments will require unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware.

How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

NFC activation in Xiaomi phones takes less than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Here is the universal guide for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Activate the slider Use NFC.
5. (Optional) Enable Android Beam to share data with other devices.

After turning on the status bar, an N icon will appear (if not, pull the notification curtain down). For convenience, you can add an NFC shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel:

Add NFC to the notification bar (click "Edit" → drag the NFC icon to the active zone)

Check the chip with a tag tag (such as a smart home sticker)

Set up default payment in Google Pay or Mi Pay

Turn it off. NFC Low battery life (saving up to 5% of energy)-->

If NFC is not turned on, make sure that:

• 🔋 The phone has enough charge (less than 5% can block the chip).
• 📱 The latest version has been installed MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛠️ No physical damage to the antenna (for example, after a fall or repair).

How to use NFC on Xiaomi: 5 practical ways

Now that NFC is activated, let’s figure out how to use it in everyday life, and we’ve compiled 5 of the most useful scenarios for Xiaomi owners, from paying for purchases to automating tasks.

1. Contactless payments via Google Pay or Mi Pay

To pay for purchases by phone:

1. Install the Google Pay app (or Mi Pay for China).
2. Add a bank card (Mastercard, Visa, Mir are supported).
3. When paying, unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal (distance - 2-5 cm).

Important: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11) may not work emulation of cards via HCE – in this case, use only Google Pay.

2. File and Contact Transfer (Android Beam)

To share data with another Android device:

1. Turn on NFC and Android Beam on both phones.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, link) you want to send.
3. Bring the devices back to each other.
4. Wait for the beep and confirm the transmission.

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If Android Beam doesn’t work, try an alternative – Send Anywhere or Xiaomi Share (built into MIUI).

3. Reading and writing NFC-marker

Using tags (such as NFC Tag stickers) you can automate tasks:

• 🔊 Turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode when touching the mark on the bedside table.
• 🚗 Start the navigator in the car when the phone approaches the holder.
• 📶 Connect Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with one touch.

To work with tags, install the NFC Tools or Trigger app (available on Google Play).

4.Managing a smart home

NFC-Tags can be used to control Xiaomi Mi Home devices:

• 💡 Turning on/off smart lamps.
• 🌡️ Adjust the temperature of the air conditioner.
• 🔒 Activate security when leaving home.

5. Emulation of transport and discount cards

In some regions (e.g. Moscow or Beijing), Xiaomi supports emulation of transport cards (Troika, Beijing Municipal Administration Card) or student ID cards.

1. Install the official transport app (for example, Metro Moscow).
2. Link the card to your phone via NFC.
3. Use your phone instead of a plastic card on turnstiles.

⚠️ Note: Emulation of transport cards does not work on all Xiaomi models, for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro it is available, and in the case of the new model. POCO X3 Pro - no. Check compatibility on the carrier's website.

NFC problems on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

If NFC It doesn't work or it doesn't work, it can be either software or hardware.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these methods helped, reset your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

NFC Security: How to Protect Data in Xiaomi Phone

Despite its convenience, NFC can become a vulnerability if you don't take precautions. Here are 3 key safety precautions:

1. Turn off NFC when not in use. A persistently active chip can be scanned by attackers up to 10 cm away (e.g. in a subway or cafe).
2. Without unlocking your phone, payments via NFC are not possible (except for transportation in some regions).
3. Don't store sensitive data on tags, for example, don't write on NFC-password-sticker.

We also recommend:

• 🔒 Configure two-factor authentication in Google Pay.
• 📱 Regularly check the transaction log in the banking application.
• 🛡️ Install applications for NFC Only from Google Play (Do Not Use Google Play) APK source).

⚠️ Note: In 2023, there were cases of fraud with the NFC In Russia, attackers read card data through a “intermediary” (for example, a bag with sewn sewn in it). NFC-To avoid this, use wallets with anti-responsive RFID or-layer.

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NFC in Xiaomi is safe when you follow the basic rules: disable the chip in public places, use official payment systems and do not store confidential information on tags.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi