NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: full instructions for setting up and using

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) module, but many owners are not even aware of its capabilities, which allows you not only to pay for purchases with a smartphone, but also to share files, connect smart devices, read tags — all without an Internet connection.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to activate NFC on the Redmi Note 10S (M2101K7AG and M2101K7AI models), which firmware versions support all features, and how to avoid typical setup errors, with a focus on contactless payments via Google Pay, SberPay and Mi Pay – taking into account the latest MIUI 2026 updates.

What is NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S and why you need it

NFC (from English Near Field Communication) is a near-field contactless communication technology that operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and a distance of up to 10 cm The Redmi Note 10S uses the NXP PN80T chip, which supports:

• 💳 Contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay, Mi Pay, Apple Pay via emulation)
• 📱 Data transfer (Android Beam, sending contacts, links, photos)
• 🏠 Smart home management (compatible with Xiaomi Home, Aqara, Yeelight)
• 🔖 Reading/writing NFC-tags (task automation, script launch)
• 🚇 Emulation of transport cards (in some regions – Troika, Strelka, MetroCard)

Important: The Redmi Note 10S does not support two-way card emulation (e.g., for bank cards with an EMV chip), but can work with most contactless terminals via HCE (Host Card Emulation).

How to check if there is NFC in your Redmi Note 10S

Not all Redmi Note modifications 10S fitted NFC-To make sure it's available:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Full specs.
2. Scroll to the "Wireless Networks" section.
3. Find the NFC string – if there is one, the chip is installed.

Alternatively, enter ##4636## in the dialer, go to the Phone Information tab and check for an NFC item in the list of supported features.

If the NFC specs don't exist, but you're sure you bought a model with a chip, maybe the seller switched the device.

⚠️ Check it out. IMEI phone via IMEI.info service - there should be a mark NFC: If it is not, contact the store with a request to return the money or exchange the device.

NFC setup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

NFC activation takes less than a minute, but requires the right sequence of actions.

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. Transfer the NFC slider to the On position.
3. Enable the option "Android Beam" (required for file transfer).
4. Select the mode of operation: "Read only" - to read tags, "Card" - to emulate payment cards (you need Google Pay), "P2P" - to exchange data between devices.

After activation, the notification panel will add an NFC shortcut. If it is not, manually add:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Edit).
3. Find the NFC and drag it to the active area.

Instructions for Google Pay:

1. Download Google Pay from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and click Add the card.
3. Scan the map or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Install Google Pay as the default app for payments in Settings → Annexes → By default. → NFC-payment.

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If the terminal does not accept payment, try to disable the "Unlock Only" option in the NFC settings. Some ATMs require the screen to be turned on, but not necessarily unlocked.

For SberPay:

1. Install Sberbank Online.
2. Sign in and go to the Payments section → SberPay.
3. Activate the service and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Attention! Some banks (Tinkoff, Alfa Bank) require updated firmware MIUI 13+ If you don't make payments, check the software version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Using NFC for data transfer (Android Beam)

With NFC, you can quickly transfer files, contacts, or links to another Android device.

1. Enable NFC and Android Beam on both devices.
2. Open the file (photo, contact, page in the browser) that you want to send.
3. Hold the Redmi Note 10S back to another smartphone (the NFC antenna is located at the top of the phone, next to the camera).
4. Wait for the sound signal and vibration – the transmission will begin automatically.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Maximum file size is 1 GB (up to 500 MB is recommended in practice).
• 🚫 Transfer speed up to 424 Kbps (slower than Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🚫 It only works between Android 4.0 devices+.

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Android Beam is convenient for transferring small files (business cards, links, photos), but for video or archives it is better to use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth.

NFC and Smart Home: Connecting Xiaomi Devices

With NFC, you can quickly connect Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, sensors, sockets) without entering passwords.

1. Install the Mi Home app.
2. Turn on the NFC on your phone.
3. Bring the Redmi Note. 10S ce NFC-tag on the device (usually located on the back panel).
4. Follow the instructions in the app to complete pairing.

List of compatible devices:

Aqara devices require Aqara Home app, not Mi Home. NFC-pairing only works with devices released after 2019.

Reading and writing NFC-tagged on the Redmi Note 10S

With NFC, you can interact with passive tags (for example, to automate tasks or run scripts).

• 📌 NFC-label (e.g, NTAG213 or NTAG215).
• 📱 Application for working with labels (recommended) NFC Tools).

How to write data on a label:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Specify the type of data (text, link, Wi-Fi network, task).
3. Hold the phone to the tag and wait for confirmation.

Examples of use:

• 🔊 Automation: attach the phone to the mark on the hallway - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth will turn on and music will start.
• 🚗 Automotive: A tag in the car activates the navigator and disables notifications.
• 📋 Quick access: A desktop tag opens the right documents or sites.

⚠️ Not all tags are compatible with Redmi Note. 10S. Avoid cheap Chinese tags without certification - they may not read or damage data: NTAG213/215/216 from NXP.

Common NFC Problems on Redmi Note 10S and Their Solutions

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

If the problem persists, reset the NFC settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it. NFC-service and press Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone.

Critical error: If the NFC has disappeared from settings after the MIUI update, this may indicate firmware damage.

⚠️ Back up the data and perform a full reset via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If it doesn't work, reflash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S