NFC (Near Field Communication) is no longer exotic — it’s now embedded in most Xiaomi smartphones, from budget Redmis to flagship Mis and POCOs, which can pay with a single touch, share files, connect smart devices, and even automate routine tasks. However, many Xiaomi phone owners still don’t use NFC simply because they don’t know how to set it up properly.
In this article, we will explore how to enable and configure NFC on Xiaomi smartphones (including models from 2023-2026), what features are available, and how to avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay, SberPay), interaction with smart tags and compatibility with other devices. If your phone supports NFC but you have never used it, it’s time to fix this!
How to check if there is NFC in your Xiaomi smartphone
Before you set up NFC, make sure your phone supports it. Not all Xiaomi models have this module - especially for ultra-budget devices. Here's how to know if there's NFC in your smartphone:
- 🔍 See the specifications of the model on the official Xiaomi website or in the store where you bought the phone "NFC: Yes".
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → NFC. If there is no partition, there is no module.
- 🛒 Check the model code (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G supportive NFC, The Redmi Note 12 is not available).
If NFC It is not available, but you need it – consider buying an external one. NFC-Adapter (connected through the USB-C), However, its options will be limited (for example, contactless payments will not work).
How to turn on NFC on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
NFC activation on Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Here is the universal algorithm for most models (including Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5/F5, Mi 11/12/13):
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Slip on NFC.
- Activate the Use NFC switch.
- (Optional) Enable Android Beam (to share data between devices).
After activation, an NFC icon (stylized letter "N") will appear in the top notification bar. If it is not, try restarting your phone or updating your firmware.
☑️ Preparation for use NFC
Attention! On some models (e.g. the POCO F4 GT), NFC can be turned off by default to save battery power, and if you don't plan on using the technology all the time, it's best to turn it off after use.
Configure contactless payments via NFC
One of the most popular features of NFC is payment for purchases by smartphone, with Xiaomi phones compatible with several payment systems:
- 💳 Google Pay (works on all models with Google Pay) NFC and Google Certification).
- 🏦 SberPay (requires binding of Sberbank card).
- 📱 Mi Pay (branded solution from Xiaomi, available in China and some regions).
To set up payments via Google Pay:
- Download the Google Pay app from the Play Market.
- Add a bank card (Mastercard, Visa, Mir are supported).
- Confirm the card via SMS or bank application.
- Assign Google Pay as the default payment application in the NFC settings (Settings → NFC → Default Payment).
To pay, bring the unlocked phone to the terminal (you don't have to open the app). PIN-card code at the first payment through NFC.
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If the terminal is not reading the payment, try holding the phone to another part of the terminal body – sometimes the NFC antenna is not in the center.
Using NFC for Smart Devices and Automation
Xiaomi’s NFC smartphones can be used not only for payments, but also for smart home management, fast device connectivity, and automating routine tasks.
| Script | How to set up | Examples of devices |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Wi-Fi setup | Bring the phone to NFC-tag on the router (for example, Xiaomi Router) AX6000). | Xiaomi Mi Router, TP-Link Archer |
| Smart lamp management | Tie the Yeelight or Mi LED lamp via the Mi Home app and use NFC to turn on/off. | Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb, Yeelight Color |
| Automation with Google Assistant | Create a routine in Google Assistant and tie it to the NFC-mark. | Any device with Google Home support |
| Exchange of contacts | Activate Android Beam and touch your phones to each other. | Any Android smartphones with NFC |
Smart devices may require additional software, such as Mi Home or Google Home, to make sure your phone and device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How to create NFC-tag?
Solving Common NFC Problems on Xiaomi
If NFC is not working or is not working properly, check the following points:
- 🔋 Low battery charge: at a charge level below 5% NFC can be automatically switched off.
- 📲 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🛡️ Case conflict: Metal or too thick covers can block the signal NFC.
- 🔄 Resetting: if NFC stopped working after the update, try resetting the network settings (Settings) → System and device → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
If the problem persists, check the integrity of the NFC antenna (it is usually located under the back cover near the camera).
⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) NFC It may conflict with Double-Tap to Wake Up. If payments don't pass, temporarily turn off this option in the screen settings.
NFC Compatibility in Xiaomi 2022-2026 Models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are NFC-equipped, especially in the budget segment, and the following is a compatibility table for popular models of recent years:
| Model | Support for NFC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | ✅ Yes. | Dual-NFC (two antennas for better signal) |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/13 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | Only in 5G versions |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | No base model POCO F5 (Pro only) |
| Redmi 12/12C | ❌ No. | Budget models without NFC |
| Xiaomi Civi 3 | ✅ Yes. | Optimized for mobile payments |
If you are planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone and NFC is critical for you, check the availability of the module specifically for your region. For example, global versions of Redmi often lack NFC, whereas Chinese versions of the same model may have one.
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The NFC in Xiaomi smartphones typically runs at 13.56 MHz and supports ISO/IEC 14443 (Type A/B) and ISO/IEC 18092. This means compatibility with most contactless terminals and tags.
Security with NFC on Xiaomi
NFC is considered a safe technology, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind:
- 🔒 Payment protection: for payment through NFC You need to unlock your phone (PIN, faceprint ID). Never turn off screen locks if you use contactless payments.
- 📵 “Talking” Attacks: Attackers May Try to Earn Data NFC at a distance of up to 10 cm Avoid use NFC crowded.
- 🛡️ Phishing tags: Do not touch unknowns with your phone NFC-tags (for example, on the streets or in transport) – they may contain malicious links.
To further protect yourself:
- Turn off NFC when you are not using it.
- Use only official payment applications (Google Pay, SberPay).
- Check your transaction history regularly in the banking application.
⚠️ On Xiaomi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader, some banking applications may block work NFC-If you get an error "Device not certified", try locking the bootloader back or use alternative payment methods.