If you're a Xiaomi Redmi 9 owner and you're wondering what NFC is in your phone, how to activate it, where to apply it, this article is for you. Near Field Communication has become an integral part of modern smartphones, but not everyone knows about its capabilities. In Redmi 9, the NFC module is not present in all versions, which causes confusion. We'll discuss how to check its availability, configure for contactless payments, data sharing and smart device management, and reveal nuances that even official instructions do not mention.
It’s important to understand that NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a “chip” for paying with a phone. It’s a multitasking tool that makes it easier to interact with the world around you, from unlocking doors to quickly transferring contacts or photos. However, many features remain unclaimed due to lack of information. In this guide, you will find step-by-step instructions, comparisons with other Xiaomi models, and answers to frequent questions – for example, why NFC can not work after a MIUI update or how to save battery power with active use of the module.
What is NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9 and why you need it?
NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm) that allows you to exchange data between devices or read information from tags. NFC built-in version with marking NFC In the name of the model (for example, Redmi 9). NFC), But not in the base version of Redmi 9 (no console), which is the key point: if the box or the phone specifications are not specified «NFC», The functionality is not available hardware.
The main scenarios of using NFC in Redmi 9:
- 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).
- 🔑 Smart home: Managing locks, lamps, or other devices with support NFC (For example, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Tag).
- 📱 Android Beam (an outdated feature, but still works in some firmware) for transferring files, contacts or links between phones.
- 🚇 Transport cards: binding of virtual travel (in Moscow - "Troika", in St. Petersburg - "Popodrovnik»).
- 🏷️ Reading NFC-tags in stores, museums or on advertising stands (for example, for a quick transition to the site).
Compared to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC consumes minimal power, but only works at close range, which is both a plus (security) and a minus (discomfort for some tasks), for example, it is easier to use Wi-Fi Direct to transfer a large file, and NFC to pay for a purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 (without) NFC) You can't add support for the module software or through firmware. If your model doesn't have a hardware chip, no software will help. Check the labeling on the box or in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Full specifications).
How to check for NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before you set up NFC, make sure your Redmi 9 supports it. There are three reliable ways to check:
- Visual inspection of the box and phone. The original Xiaomi Redmi 9 NFC packaging will have the appropriate NFC label or logo (usually on the front or on the spec sticker). Also check the marking on the back of the phone - there may be an NFC icon (dot waves) next to the Xiaomi logo.
- Check in MIUI settings. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC. If there is no partition, there is no module. In some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Wireless Networks → NFC.
- Use third-party apps. Install NFC Tools or NFC Check from Google Play. They will show if a chip is detected in the phone. The apps are also useful for testing the module after the MIUI update.
If you bought a Redmi 9 b/d, there is a risk that the module will be used. NFC It's damaged (for example, after a fall or repair), in which case the partition can be displayed in the settings, but the function will not work. NFC-tag (for example, a bank card or a transport ticket).
How to Enable and Configure NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9
If you're Redmi. 9 supportive NFC, You can activate it in a few steps. MIUI 12/13/14:
Open the Settings.|Go to Connections and Sharing|Tap on point. NFC|Move the slider to the position on.|(Optionally) Set the settings in the Additional section-->
After activation, it is recommended to adjust the following parameters:
- 🔄 Work mode: Select Read Only (for battery savings) or Read/Write (for full use).
- 💳 Payment systems: activate the option HCE-wallet to work with Google Pay or banking applications.
- 🔒 Security: Enable Unlocking Required to NFC It only works when the screen is unlocked.
Contactless payments will additionally require:
- Install the bank application (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).
- Add a card to Google Pay or a similar service.
- Set up the default payment in Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Payment.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI NFC stopped working, try resetting the network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.Relatively, flashing your phone over Fastboot helps.
Comparison of NFC in Redmi 9 with other Xiaomi models
The NFC in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is based on the NXP PN54T chip, which supports ISO 14443 (for bank cards) and ISO 18092 (for data exchange between devices), but its capabilities are inferior to flagship models, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5, which uses a more modern NXP PN80T chip with support for UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for accurate positioning.
| Model | Type NFC-chip | Support for HCE | Energy consumption | Additionally. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9 NFC | NXP PN54T | Yes. | Average (~5% charge per day with active use) | Mi Pay support, but without UWB |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | NXP PN67T | Yes. | Low (~3% charge) | Quick initialization of payments |
| POCO X3 NFC | NXP PN54T | Yes. | Average. | Optimized for games with NFC-accessories |
| Mi 11 | NXP PN80T | Yes. | Very low. | Support for UWB and bilateral communication |
The main difference is the Redmi 9 NFC The most expensive models are the lack of real-time dual-to-peer support, such as the Mi 11, which allows you to exchange data between two phones at the same time, and the Redmi 9, which only works in series, and the budget model does not have hardware protection for enterprise phones. NFC-(as in BlackShark or BlackShark) POCO F4).
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If you want maximum compatibility with smart locks or transport cards, choose models with an NXP PN80T chip (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50) that support more protocols and are less likely to emit read errors.
NFC Issues in Redmi 9 and How to Solve Them
Redmi 9 NFC users often face typical problems with the module, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔋 NFC Not enabled: Check if the module is disabled in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode. Some firmware automatically locks NFC You can also try to reboot your phone to save charge.
- 💳 Payment is not working: Make sure Google Pay has added a card and selected the default payment app. NFC, Update it or reinstall it.
- 📵 Phone doesn't read tags: The problem could be in the chip or antenna itself NFC (You can check this by taking the phone to another tag or terminal. If there's no reaction, you need repairs.
- 🔄 NFC It shuts down itself: MIUI There's a bug that causes the module to deactivate after you lock the screen. NFC (If available, or disable battery optimization for Google Play services.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network or resetting to factory (Settings → System → Reset). Before doing this, back up your data! In extreme cases, you may need to flash it through Fastboot (the instructions are on the 4PDA forum).
What if the NFC stopped working after the upgrade?
How to Save Battery with NFC
The NFC in Redmi 9 consumes power even in the background, especially if the option is always on. To extend the phone's life, follow these tips:
- ⚡ Turn it off. NFC, When you're not using it, like after you pay in a store or read a tag.
- 🔄 Use Read Only mode. It consumes 20 to 30 percent less energy than Read/Write.
- 📴 Add in. NFC This will allow you to quickly turn the module on/off without going into the menu.
- 🔋 Turn off autostart for NFC-Apps. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Autostart and prohibit background work for NFC Tools, Mi Pay and others.
According to the tests, constant NFC operation in Redmi 9 reduces battery life by 8-12%. If you are actively using contactless payments, it is recommended to carry a power bank with you or turn on energy saving mode (Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode) between use.
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The NFC in Redmi 9 isn’t optimized for round-the-clock work. If you want the module’s constant availability (like for a smart home), consider models with more energy-efficient chips like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+.
Alternative ways to use NFC in Redmi 9
In addition to payments and tag reading, NFC in Redmi 9 can be used for non-obvious tasks.
- 🎵 Quick speaker connection. Some Bluetooth speakers (e.g, JBL Charge 5 or Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker support pairing via NFC. Just hold the phone to the speaker and the connection will be established automatically.
- 🚗 Task automation. Tasker or Automate can program actions to do things. NFC-For example, if you put your phone on a bedside table, you'll turn on Do Not Disturb, and your alarm will set at 7:00.
- 📦 Smart appliance management. Xiaomi Mi Smart Tag tags (about 500) ₽ Allows you to run smart home scenarios, such as a tag on your front door that can turn on the lights and air conditioning when you return.
- 📇 Contact exchanges. Apps like this. NFC Business Cards allow you to create a virtual business card, and you just have to hold your phone to another device, and your contacts are saved by the person you're talking to.
For experiments with automation suitable inexpensive NFC-tags (from 100) ₽ They can be programmed through AliExpress for 10 grand. NFC Tools or Trigger. For example, a tag on your desktop can open the desired tabs in your browser or run Zoom.