NFC on the Xiaomi Redmi phone 9C: What is it and how to use it in 2026?

You just bought a Xiaomi Redmi. 9C And they noticed a mysterious acronym in the characteristics. NFC? Or have you been using a smartphone for a long time but never tried it? In 2026, the technology is coming. NFC (Near Field Communication has become an integral part of everyday life, from contactless payments to smart device management. 9C, And can you use it at full capacity?

This article will take all the possibilities NFC From basic features to hidden chips, we’ll show you how to set up contactless payments (including Google Pay and Mi Pay), share data with other devices, connect smart tags, and even use your smartphone as a car or door key. NFC redmi 9C It works differently than in flagships, and how to get around the limitations of the budget model.

Spoiler: Despite the modest price, your Redmi 9C But there are pitfalls, like the lack of official support for Google Pay in some regions or restrictions on emulation of maps. Don't worry, we've prepared workarounds and alternative solutions.

What is it? NFC Smartphone and why it is necessary in 2026

NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that allows devices to share data or initialize actions with a simple touch, NFC It does not require pairing and works almost instantly.

At Xiaomi Redmi 9C module NFC Built into the upper body (usually next to the camera) and activated when the phone is held to another NFC-This is the basic use case:

  • πŸ’³ Contactless payments – payment in stores, transport, cafes through Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications.
  • πŸ”‘ Card emulation – using a smartphone instead of a travel pass, pass, door key or car (if supported).
  • πŸ“± Data transfer – fast sending of files, contacts, links to other NFC-devices (Android Beam).
  • 🏠 Smart home – Connection and management NFC-tags for automation (for example, turning on the light when touching the phone to the sticker).
  • 🎫 Identification - reading NFC-tags on products, tickets, documents.

It is important to understand that NFC redmi 9C It's limited to flagships, for example, there's no support. UWB (Ultra-Wideband is for precise positioning, and the data transfer rate is lower than that of Bluetooth 5.0.

πŸ“Š How you plan to use it NFC redmi 9C?
For contactless payments
For file transfers
For a smart home.
For emulation of cards (travel, key)
I don't know.

How to check if there is NFC In your Xiaomi Redmi 9C

Not all versions of Redmi 9C fitted NFC-To make sure your model supports the technology, follow the following steps:

  1. Open Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Full specs.
  2. Scroll down to the Wireless Networks section.
  3. Find a line "NFC" β€” If there is one, the module is installed.

Alternatively:

  • Download the NFC Tools app from Google Play.
  • Run it – if the phone supports it NFC, appendix will show you status "NFC available".
What to do if NFC not in the specifications?
If there is no mention in the settings NFC, A model of your Redmi. 9C β€” NFC-version (usually referred to as M2006C3MG or M2006C3MI), Try updating the firmware. In rare cases, the feature is hidden and activated after the update. NFC (for example, M2006C3LC), There is no hardware module and it is impossible to add it.

You can also visually inspect the phone: there should be a small logo on the back of the camera. NFC (If it's not there, it's probably not there.

How to turn on and set up NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C

By default. NFC redmi 9C It's turned off to save battery power, to activate it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ NFC.
  2. Switch the slider "NFC" in the "Included" position.".
  3. (Optional) Enable Android Beam to transfer data between devices.

For convenience, add a shortcut NFC notice panel:

  • Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  • Click on the "Edit" icon (pencil).
  • Find the tile "NFC" And drag it to the active area.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for use NFC

Done: 0 / 5

After inclusion NFC The phone will automatically scan the tags when you approach them, and the sound signal or vibration will confirm the successful reading.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Russia), the emulation of bank cards via Google Pay may be restricted due to sanctions, in which case use alternatives like Mi Pay or bank applications with support NFC (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).

Contactless payments through NFC: Google Pay, Mi Pay and banking apps

Principal application NFC In 2026, it's the smartphone that pays for your purchases. 9C You can set up several ways:

1. Google Pay (if available in your area)

Instructions:

  1. Download Google Pay from Google Play.
  2. Add a bank card (Mastercard, Visa, Mir are supported depending on the region).
  3. When paying, unlock your phone and bring it to the terminal.

2. Mi Pay (alternative for regions where Google Pay does not work)

Mi Pay supports UnionPay cards and some local banks (for example, in China, India). For Russia and the CIS, this option is less relevant, but you can try:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ NFC β†’ Mi Pay.
  2. Follow the instructions for linking the card.

3. Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.)

Many Russian banks offer their own solutions for contactless payments through the Internet. NFC. For example:

  • 🏦 SberBank Online: add a card to the application, activate the option "Pay by phone".
  • πŸ’³ Tinkoff: In the card settings, turn on Contactless Payments".
  • πŸ”„ VTB: Use the function "VTB Pay".
Payment methodSupported cardsRegionNeed the Internet?
Google PayVisa, Mastercard, Mir*World (restrictions in Russia)No (only at the first addition)
Mi PayUnionPay, local banksChina, India, some Asian countriesYes.
Sberbank OnlineMir, Visa, MastercardRussia, CISNo.
TinkoffTinkoff Black, ALL AirlinesRussiaNo.

In Russia, Google Pay has not officially supported Mir cards since 2022, but some users find workarounds through virtual cards or third-party apps.

πŸ’‘

If the terminal is not reading the payment, try bringing the phone to it from a different angle or closer to the top (where it is located). NFC-Also make sure the screen is unlocked – some terminals require confirmation.

NFC Data Transfer: Android Beam and Alternatives

With help. NFC You can quickly share files, contacts or links with other Android devices. 9C This is done using the Android Beam feature (although it has been replaced by Nearby Share in newer versions of Android, but it is not. NFC-connection still working).

How to transmit data:

  1. Turn it on. NFC Android Beam in Settings (Settings) β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ NFC β†’ Android Beam).
  2. Open the file, contact, or web page you want to send.
  3. Bring the Redmi. 9C back-to-back NFC-device (distance) < 5cm).
  4. Wait for the beep - the notification "Touch to pass" will appear on the screen.

Limitations:

  • ⚠️ Transmission speed is low (maximum) ~400 Kbps – For larger files, it is better to use Nearby Share or Bluetooth.
  • ⚠️ Both devices should be supported NFC and have Android Beam enabled.
  • ⚠️ On the iPhone, transfer through NFC Impossible (Apple restricts functionality).

Alternatives to Android Beam:

  • πŸ“² NFC Tools: the application allows you to create and read NFC-tags and also transmit small data.
  • πŸ”— Send Anywhere: Used by NFC to initialize the transfer, and the data itself is sent over Wi-Fi Direct.

πŸ’‘

Android Beam is convenient for sending contacts or links, but for files larger than 1 MB, it is better to use other methods (for example, Nearby Share or other methods). QR-code).

NFC-Smart Home and Labels: How to Use Redmi 9C automation

One of the most interesting functions NFC β€” These are small stickers or key fobs that can be programmed to do certain things when you touch a phone:

  • 🏑 Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you return home.
  • 🎡 Run Spotify playlist when you touch a tag in the car.
  • πŸ”¦ Turn on the flashlight and open the camera in the dark.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn your phone into silent mode at work.

How to set up NFC-tags on Redmi 9C:

  1. Buy it. NFC-tags (e.g., labels, NTAG213 or NTAG215 on AliExpress or electronics stores).
  2. Install the NFC Tools or Trigger app.
  3. In the application, select "Write", then specify the action (URL, text, command for a smartphone).
  4. Hold the phone to the record label.
  5. Place the mark in a convenient place (on the door, table, in the car).

Examples of use in a smart home:

  • 🌑️ Climate control: the label at the door turns on the air conditioner at the desired temperature.
  • πŸ’‘ Lighting: touching the mark on the bedside table turns off all the lights in the apartment.
  • πŸ”’ Security: A tag at the front door activates surveillance cameras.

⚠️ Attention: NFC-Labels are sensitive to magnetic fields and metal, and do not put them on metal surfaces or near powerful appliances, which can disrupt their operation.

For advanced automation, combine NFC For example, a tag can trigger a script that simultaneously turns on lights, opens curtains and triggers a coffee maker.

Emulation of cards: travel card, key, pass

NFC redmi 9C You can use it to emulate different cards, but there's some important things to do with it (HCE), emulate:

  • πŸš‡ Transport cards (for example, Troika in Moscow, Podzornik in Minsk).
  • πŸ”‘ Keys and passes (for intercoms, offices, parking lots).
  • 🏒 Student or Corporate Badge.

However, there are limitations:

  1. Redmi 9C It does not support Secure Element (a secure key storage chip), so the emulation only works for card-based devices. MIFARE Classic or Ultralight.
  2. Some transport systems (for example, the Moscow metro) block emulation through smartphones.
  3. Intercom keys may require special software (for example, KeyCopy or other devices). NFC ReTag).

How to copy the card to your phone:

  1. Install the app NFC Tools or MIFARE Classic Tool.
  2. Bring the original card to the phone and read its data.
  3. Save the card dump to the file.
  4. Use an emulation app (such as Card Emulator) to load the dump.
Risks of emulation of maps
Copying someone else’s cards (travel passes) without permission may be illegal, and some systems (such as ATMs or turnstiles) block emulated cards, and use this feature only for personal use and with the permission of the infrastructure owner.

For transport cards in Russia, it is easier to use official applications (for example, "My ticket" for "Troika"), if they support the use of the official application. NFC-payment.

Problems with NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C and their decisions

Redmi users 9C Sometimes they have problems working with NFC. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
NFC is not includedSoftware failure or outdated firmwareUpdate. MIUI Up to the latest version or reset your network settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings)
The terminal doesn't read the payment.Incorrect position of the phone or application conflictHold the phone up to the terminal, turn off the other payment apps.
I can't count. NFC-markerThe tag is damaged or the phone doesn't support its type.Try another label (recommended) NTAG213/215/216). Check the tag with another device.
Android Beam is not working.The function is disabled or not supported by the recipientEnable Android Beam in your settings NFC. Make sure the second device is also on. NFC.
The battery is quickly discharged when turned on NFCBackground tag-scanning processesTurn it off. NFC, When you're not using it, in the settings. NFC Turn off the option "Scan when blocked".

If the problem is not solved:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ“± Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings).
  • πŸ”§ Update the firmware through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“ž Contact Xiaomi Support (if hardware is a problem).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version. In some cases, new updates break compatibility with the software. NFC-tagging or payment systems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC Xiaomi Redmi 9C

Can I add NFC to the Redmi 9C if I don't?
No, NFC redmi 9C It's done at the hardware level, if your model doesn't support it. NFC You can't add a module at the beginning (check in the specifications), the only option is to buy an external one. NFC-adapter (e.g. through USB-C), But it's inconvenient for everyday use.
Why Google Pay is not working for Redmi 9C Russia?
Since 2022, Google has suspended support for contactless payments via Google Pay for cards of Russian banks due to sanctions.Alternatives: Use banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB). Set up Mi Pay if your bank supports UnionPay. Link the card to Samsung Pay on another device (if any).
How to protect data when using NFC?
NFC It is considered a safe technology, but there are risks: πŸ›‘οΈ Turn it off. NFC, when not used. πŸ”’ Do not store sensitive data on NFC-marker. πŸ“± Use the lock screen (PIN, print, pattern lock). πŸ”„ Update regularly MIUI Payment applications, which can be used for additional protection NFC-shielded covers (they block the signal when the phone is in the case).
Can I use Redmi? 9C like a car key?
Technically yes, but with reservations: βœ… If your car supports you NFC-keys (such as some Tesla models) or BYD), You can program your phone as a backup key. ❌ For most traditional cars (with chip keys on the car) 433 MHz or 868 MHz) NFC Not suitable – you will need a separate adapter. πŸ”§ Alternative: Some manufacturers (such as Hyundai or Kia) offer official remote control applications via the Bluetooth/NFC. Before setting up, check with the dealer or in the documentation for the car, whether it is supported. NFC-access.
How much energy does it consume? NFC redmi 9C?
NFC-module 9C Consumes minimal amount of energy: πŸ”‹ Standby mode (when) NFC on but not used: about 0.1-0.3% charge per hour. ⚑ When used actively (tag scanning, payments) – up to 1-2% per minute (depending on the task). NFC, Turn it off in the settings. For convenience, add a shortcut to the notification panel to quickly turn the module on/off.