NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide to setup and use

NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic — it’s even built into budget smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9. But many owners still don’t know how to use it, or even know it exists. Meanwhile, NFC offers opportunities from contactless payments to smart device management — all without unnecessary wires or complex settings.

In this article, we will explain what is NFC In a phone like Redmi 9, where the chip is physically located, how to activate and put it into practice, we will focus on setting up Google Pay (and why it may not work), transferring files via Android Beam, and non-obvious scenarios such as using the device. NFC-If you think your budget smartphone is incapable of such "chips", prepare to be surprised!

Let’s start with: Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model M2004J19C) fitted NFC-chip NXP PN54T, which supports all the basic standards — ISO 14443 Type A/B, FeliCa (for Japan) and MIFARE. This means that the phone is compatible with most banking terminals, transport cards and smart devices, but there are nuances: for example, in some regions (for example, India) NFC It can be software disabled by the manufacturer – we will also tell you about this.

1.What is NFC in a smartphone and why you need it in Redmi 9

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology (up to 10 cm) that allows you to exchange data between devices or read information from tags. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC does not require pairing and works almost instantly - just simply hold the phone to another device or tag.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 NFC is used for:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Apple Pay (on iPhone) or local services like Mir Pay.
• 📱 File transfers between Android devices (via Android Beam, although the feature is officially removed in newer versions of Android).
• 🚇 Transportation fees (if your city supports you) NFC-map).
• 🏠 Smart home management: opening doors, turning on lights, setting up scenarios through NFC-marker.
• 🔑 Identification: Reading electronic passes, hotel or office keys.

The main advantage of NFC is security, data is transmitted only over a short distance, and payments use dynamic tokenization (one-time codes), which protects against fraud, and the chip in Redmi 9 supports HCE (Host Card Emulation), allowing you to emulate a bank card without a physical chip.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 (e.g., for the Indian market under code) M2004J19I) NFC It can be turned off at the firmware level. You can check this in the settings: if the item NFC No Connections and Sharing menu, so your model doesn’t support the technology.

2 Where it is. NFC-Xiaomi Redmi 9 chip and how to turn it on

Physically. NFC-The antenna in Redmi 9 is located at the top of the back cover, next to the camera, and it's important to know that you can properly bring your phone to the terminal or other device, because the antenna only works when you come into contact with that area. If you attach the phone to the bottom, the payment or data transfer may not pass.

To turn on NFC:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Slip on NFC.
3. Activate the Use NFC switch.
4. (Optional) Enable Android Beam (if available) to transfer files.

Once activated, the status bar will have an N icon, which means that the module is ready to go. If the icon is not, check if the NFC is turned off in battery saving mode (in the Battery settings → Power Saving Mode).

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If you use it often NFC, Add a shortcut to quickly turn on the notification bar. To do this, swipe down the screen, click on the pencil (✏️) and drag the badge. NFC operative.

3.Configure contactless payments via Google Pay

One of the most popular uses of NFC is to pay for purchases with a smartphone. In Redmi 9, this is implemented through Google Pay (or Mi Pay in China).

1. Install the Google Pay app from Google Play.
2. Open the application and add a bank card (Mastercard, Visa, Mir are supported).
3. Confirm the card via SMS or bank application.
4. Enable NFC in your phone settings (see previous section).
5. When paying, unlock the phone and bring it to the terminal (antenna up).

Important: For Google Pay to work, your phone must be unlocked (PIN, If the screen is turned off, the payment will not pass. Also make sure that the Google Pay settings include a point. NFC-payment.

⚠️ Note: Some banks block the addition of cards to Google Pay if the phone has root installed or unlocked the bootloader. NFC It will not work even if the chip is in good condition.

If Google Pay doesn’t see the card or if it makes a mistake, try:

• 🔄 Update the phone app and firmware.
• 📱 Reboot the phone.
• 💼 Remove and re-add the map.
• 📋 Check if your bank supports contactless payments through NFC.

Install Google Pay|Add bank card |Enable NFC in settings |Unlock phone before payment |Check bank support-->

4. NFC File Transfer: Does Android Beam Work in 2026?

Android used to have Android Beam, which allows you to transfer files, contacts or links over NFC. However, in new versions of Android (starting with 10), it was removed. Redmi 9 with MIUI 12+ does not have it by default, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Use third-party applications

Install Send Anywhere or Files by Google — they support NFC transmission paired with Wi-Fi Direct.

1. Open the app on both phones.
2. Select the files to send.
3. Bring the devices together (antennae).
4. Confirm the transmission on both screens.

Method 2: Restore Android Beam via ADB (for advanced)

If you have root rights or unlocked the bootloader, you can return the old function with the command:

adb shell settings put global android_beam_enabled 1

But this method does not work on all firmware and can cause errors.

⚠️ Note: Transfer of large files (video, archives) through NFC It takes a lot of time due to low speed (maximum 424 kbps.

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NFC is convenient for small data (contacts, links, text), but not for large files. For media, use Wi-Fi Direct or cloud services.

5. NFC-Task automation with Xiaomi Redmi 9

One of the most interesting uses of NFC is to work with tags (stickers or chip fobs) that allow you to run actions on your phone with a single touch, such as:

• 🔊 Enable the "Do Not Disturb" mode on the desktop.
• 🚗 Start the navigator when touching the tag in the car.
• 🏠 Turn on Wi-Fi and Smart Lamps When You Return Home.
• 📵 Turn off mobile data overnight.

You'll need to set up:

1. Buy NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 AliExpress).
2. Install Trigger or NFC Tools.
3. Write a command on the label (for example, turn on Bluetooth).
4. Attach the mark in the right place (on the door, table, keys).

Example of settings through NFC Tools:

1. Open the application and select Record.
2. Add an action, such as Wi-Fi → Enable.
3. Please provide the network name and password.
4. Hold the phone to the record label.

Now, when you touch the tag, the phone automatically connects to Wi-Fi, and you can set up Spotify, send an SMS, or open a site.

6. NFC in transport and other scenarios: what else can Redmi 9

In addition to payments and automation, the NFC in Redmi 9 supports:

🚇 Transport maps

In some cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan) you can connect Troika, Strelka or Khalva to the phone through the applications:

• Moscow Metro (for Troika).
• My pass (for the Gunner).
• Sberbank Online (for Halva).

Once the card is tied, the phone can be used instead of a plastic ticket - just bring it to the turnstile.

🔑 Electronic keys and omissions

Many hotels, offices and fitness clubs are moving to NFC-Redmi 9 can emulate these cards through applications like NFC Card Emulator (root required) Some smart locks (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock) support opening via smartphone.

🎮 Gaming controllers and accessories

Some gamepads (like 8BitDo or Xbox Controller) connect to your phone via NFC for fast pairing, and just hold the controller to the top of Redmi 9 and it automatically connects over Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: To work with transport cards, the phone must support the standard ISO/IEC 14443 Type A (in Redmi) 9 However, in some regions, transport operators block the use of smartphones — check this information on official websites.

7.NFC problems in Xiaomi Redmi 9: causes and solutions

If NFC is not working or is not working properly, check the following points:

If the problem is not solved, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Reset your phone to factory settings (pre-decide backup!).
3. Check your phone for physical damage to the antenna (for example, after a fall).

In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center – you may need a replacement. NFC-module.

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If NFC stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9