NFC in the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions for setting up applications and functions

The NFC module in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is often left unused, with users either unaware of its capabilities or having difficulty configuring it. Meanwhile, the technology allows not only paying for purchases with a smartphone, but also automating routine tasks, sharing data with other devices, and even managing smart appliances. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate NFC, set up key applications (including Mi Pay and Google Pay), and reveal hidden chips that even official instructions do not mention.

Feature of Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC) It is the fact that her NFC-module supports standards ISO 14443 Type A/B and ISO 15693, But not all of the features are out of the box, like contactless payments, you'll need to tie a bank card, and you'll need to install additional software to use your smartphone as a door key. We'll go through each scenario in detail so you can make the most of it. NFC error-free.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware (especially custom) features NFC It can be disabled at the kernel level. MIUI In Settings โ†’ If it is below 12.0.3, update the system first.

1. How to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

It takes less than a minute to activate the NFC module, but many users miss key details. For example, in Redmi 9, the function is hidden in the Connections and Sharing sub-menu, rather than in the main settings section. Here's the exact algorithm:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing โ†’ NFC.
  3. Activate the NFC slider (it will turn blue).
  4. Below you will see the option โ€œAndroid Beamโ€ โ€“ turn it on if you plan to transfer files between devices.

โš ๏ธ Attention: If items "NFC" No menu, so your version is not MIUI This is true for some regions (for example, the Indian version of Redmi 9 Prime), where the module is physically absent.

After activation NFC The notification panel will have an "N" icon, which means that the module is ready to go. To check its performance, hold the phone to any device. NFC-If you hear a beep or see a pop-up notification, everything is set up correctly.

๐Ÿ“Š You've already used it. NFC on his smartphone?
Yes, for payments.
Yes, for file transfer.
I tried it, but it didn't work.
No, never.

2.Configure contactless payments via Mi Pay and Google Pay

The main application of NFC is payment for purchases with a smartphone. Redmi 9 has two official services: Chinese Mi Pay (works with UnionPay cards) and international Google Pay.

Mi Pay: Bank card binding

Mi Pay is integrated into MIUI firmware, but requires additional configuration:

  1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download it from Google Play).
  2. Sign in with your Xiaomi account (required!).
  3. Click "Add card" and scan it or enter the data manually.
  4. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.

Important: Mi Pay only works with cards issued in partnership with UnionPay (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.). If your card is not supported, use Google Pay.

2.2 Google Pay: a universal solution

Google Pay is more universal and supports most Russian banks.

  1. Install Google Pay from the Play Market.
  2. Open the app and click "Start."
  3. Select "Add Card" and follow the instructions (you will need a picture of the card or manual input).
  4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.

After setting up for payment, it is enough:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Unlock the phone (PIN print).
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Bring the top of Redmi 9 to the terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
  • โœ… Wait for the sound signal or tick on the screen.

Make sure that NFC is enabled in the settings

The card is added to Google Pay/Mi Pay

The phone is unlocked (not working with the screen turned off!)

The terminal supports contactless payments (icon) ๐Ÿ“ถ checkout)

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โš ๏ธ Note: Some banks block payments through the NFC, If you have root or custom firmware installed on your phone, if payment fails, check the integrity of the system through the SafetyNet Test app.

3. Data transmission via NFC (Android Beam)

Android Beam allows you to share files, contacts or links between two NFC smartphones. This is convenient when there is no internet or Bluetooth is unstable.

  1. Enable NFC and Android Beam (as in the first section).
  2. Open the file you want to transfer (photo, contact, page in the browser).
  3. Bring the back of Redmi 9 to another phone (screens must be unlocked!).
  4. Wait for the beep - the screen will appear the inscription "Touch to pass".
  5. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

Limitations of Android Beam:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Maximum file size is 1 GB (in practice, it is better to transfer files up to 100 MB).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Transfer speed is about 400 KB/s (slower than Bluetooth 5.0, but more stable).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery consumption is higher than when using Wi-Fi Direct.

๐Ÿ’ก

If Android Beam doesnโ€™t work, try turning off the energy-saving mode โ€“ it can block background activity. NFC-module.

4.Using NFC for Automation (Tags and Triggers)

One of the most useful but little-known features of NFC is automating actions with special tags, for example, you can program a tag so that when it touches a phone, it:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š It's a silent mode.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Mobile hotspot activated.
  • ๐Ÿš— Yandex.Navigator with a route to work.

This will require:

  1. NFC-tags (you can buy on AliExpress or in electronics stores, are worth it) ~50โ‚ฝ piecewise).
  2. Application for recording (recommended NFC Tools).

Instructions for setting:

  1. Install NFC Tools and open it.
  2. Press "Write down" โ†’ "Add a record".
  3. Select an action (e.g., โ€œWi-Fiโ€ โ†’ specify network name and password).
  4. Hold the phone to the tag and wait for the record confirmation.

Now, when you touch the Redmi 9 tag, you automatically connect to your selected Wi-Fi network.

Action.Example of useRequired SOFTWARE
Launch of the applicationTouching tag on bedside table opens Sleep as AndroidNFC Tools
Sending SMSTag in the car sends a message "I'm going home" to the spouseTrigger (paid)
Change in sound profileTag on the desktop turns the phone into a vibrationAutomate
Opening of the web pageTag on the refrigerator opens the recipe for dinnerAnybody NFC-attachment
Where to buy NFC-tagging?
The cheapest tags (pos) 10-20โ‚ฝ per piece) sold on AliExpress in stores NFC Tag Store or Smart RFID The best option for beginners - a set of 10 piece NTAG213 (enough 144 For complex tasks (e.g. encryption), take NTAG216 (888 byte).

5. NFC as a key to a door, car or smart lock

Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be used instead of a physical key for doors, gates or cars with a single door. NFC-It's going to take a lot of access:

  1. Check with the manufacturer of the lock/system, whether it supports emulation of cards (not all devices work with smartphones!).
  2. Download specialized software (for example, Mifare Classic Tool for Mifare cards).
  3. Copy data from the original card to the phone.

โš ๏ธ Note: Most intercoms and office systems use closed protocols (e.g., EM-Marin or EM-Marin). HID Prox, which cannot be emulated on a smartphone. NFC-Check if the lock supports Android.

If your system is compatible, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

  1. Scan the original map through the Mifare Classic Tool (click "Read Tag").
  2. Save the memory dump to the file.
  3. Use the NFC ReTag app to emulate the card.
  4. Link the saved dump to the virtual card in the phone.

Important: Some cards (such as Mifare Ultralight) will require root rights, and without them, the phone can only read data, not replace a physical card.

๐Ÿ’ก

Emulation NFC-The card does not work on all firmware. On custom builds (for example, LineageOS), the function may be disabled due to security restrictions.

6.Typical NFC Problems on Redmi 9 and Their Solutions

Even after you set it up correctly, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
NFC is not includedThere is no support at the hardware levelCheck the phone model (Not in Redmi 9C/9A NFC)
Payments don't passBank blocks transactionsCall the bank support and activate the contactless payment option
The phone doesn't read tags.Weak signal or interferenceBring the phone closer (1-2 cm) or remove the case
Android Beam is not working.Disabled in settingsEnable Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ NFC โ†’ Android Beam
Apps don't see NFCsNo permits.Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Permissions โ†’ NFC and enable access

If none of these methods worked, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reset network settings (Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Update MIUI last-minute.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some of the Redmi 9 firmware (e.g, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) Resets are reset after the update NFC. Check them out after installing new patches!

7 Hidden NFC features you didn't know about

In addition to standard scenarios, the NFC in Redmi 9 can:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Connect to game controllers (for example, 8BitDo Razer Kishi without Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Quickly steam with smart speakers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Reading passport data RFID (It requires specialized software like NXP TagWriter).
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Work as a key for laptops with NFC-A module (e.g. Lenovo ThinkPad).

Third-party applications are usually required to activate these features, such as using Redmi 9 as a laptop key:

  1. Install the NXP NFC Tools program on your PC.
  2. In the laptop security settings, activate the option "NFC Login".
  3. Bring the phone to NFC-Reader on the laptop case and save it as a trusted device.

๐Ÿ’ก If you have a Xiaomi Mi Band, you can use it. NFC Redmi 9 for fast bracelet connection to new phone:

  1. Turn on NFC on both devices.
  2. Open Mi Fit on your old phone and select Transfer Data.
  3. Bring Redmi 9 to the old smartphone โ€“ the bracelet data will be transferred automatically.

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Can I pay for NFC purchases if my phone is dead?
No. Unlike a chip-based bank card, the Redmi 9 requires at least a minimum charge (5-10%) to run NFC. If the battery is completely dead, contactless payments will be unavailable.
Why does NFC shut down after the reboot?
This is a known bug in MIUI firmware 12.0.1โ€“12.0.5. Solution: Update to the latest version. Or turn off battery optimization for NFC in Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Battery Management โ†’ Optimization.
Can I use Redmi 9 as a ticket?
Technically yes, but only in regions where transport systems support card emulation (e.g. Troika in Moscow or Strizh in St. Petersburg). NFC. When passing through the turnstile, unlock the phone and bring it to the reader. โš ๏ธ In most cities of Russia, this function does not work due to closed card standards.
How to protect NFC data from hacking?
NFC-chips are vulnerable to scanning at a distance (up to 10 cm) To protect themselves: Turn off NFC, When not in use, use the covers with RFID-lock (they shield the signal) Do not store sensitive data (passwords, PIN-codes NFC-tag.
Will Redmi 9 support Mir cards for contactless payments?
Yes, but only through Google Pay or banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online).Mi Pay cards are not supported. Before linking, check with the bank whether payments are allowed through NFC.