You picked up a Xiaomi smartphone and suddenly a notification appeared on the screen: “Discovered” NFC-What is it, where did it come from, and is it a security threat to your device? In this article, we'll explain why your Redmi is so important, POCO or Mi reacts to NFC-Labels, how to use them correctly and what risks may be hidden behind this message.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that allows smartphones to communicate with other devices up to 10 cm away. Xiaomi uses it for payment (Mi Pay), fast file transfer, smart device management, and even automation. But sometimes the smartphone “sees” tags that you didn’t expect to find — for example, in public transport, a store or even at home.
Why Xiaomi is Discovering Why NFC-tagging without your request?
Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9 and newer) are equipped with active NFC-If the function is enabled in the settings, the device automatically scans the surrounding space for tags:
- 📱 Background mode is on NFC: In the settings Wireless networks → NFC The option “Allow background scanning” is activated».
- 🏷️ External tags in the environment: Bank cards, transport tickets, smart locks or advertising stickers contain NFC-chip.
- 🔄 Task automation: Apps like Google Pay or Mi Home can initiate scans for quick action.
- ⚠️ Potentially dangerous tags: In rare cases, fraudsters place tags to steal data (for more information, see the section on security).
If the notification appears too often, it's not always a sign of a problem, for example, in the subway, the smartphone may respond to turnstiles, and in the store - to price tags with embedded chips, but if the message pops up at home for no apparent reason, it is worth checking the settings.
How do you check what's up? NFC-tagged?
When Xiaomi finds a tag, it usually offers to open its contents through the standard NFC Tools app (if installed) or browser.
- Click on the notification: The system will redirect you to an app that can read the data (e.g. Mi Pay for payment cards or Google Lens for links).
- Use third-party apps: 🔍 NFC Tools (Google Play) - shows the type of tag, its UID and stored data. 📊 NFC TagInfo – analyzes the structure of the label and identifies potential threats.
Check the event log.
MIUI
Settings → Connected devices → NFC
If the tag contains a link (for example, a website), do not click on it immediately. Fraudsters can mask phishing pages as legitimate services, it is better to manually enter the address in the browser or check it through services like VirusTotal.
💡
If your Xiaomi does not respond to NFC-Tags, make sure the function is included in Settings → Wireless networks → NFC The antivirus does not block access to the chip.
What data can be stored on NFC-marker?
NFC-Labels come in many different types, and their content depends on the destination. Here are the most common options faced by Xiaomi users:
| Type of tag | Example of contents | Where do you meet? | Security risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Card number, expiration date, token for contactless payment | Bank cards, smart watches, transport cards | Medium (the ability to copy data at close contact) |
| URL/Links | Site address, pages in social networks, promotions | Advertising posters, business cards, packaging of goods | High (phishing risk) |
| Textual | Contact details, notes, Wi-Fi passwords | Smart stickers, tags on equipment | Low. |
| Automation teams | Scripts to enable Wi-Fi, launch applications, change settings | Smart homes, office systems | Medium (risk of performing malicious commands) |
Warning: Tagged with commands to automate (e.g., to enable Do Not Disturb mode) may contain malicious code if created by intruders. Never confirm that unknown actions have been performed!
Security: Can you trust the discovered NFC-marker?
NFC-Labels are safe in themselves, but their contents are not. Fraudsters can use this technology to make them safe:
- 💳 Credit card cloning: Reading data from your card through a hidden tag (e.g. on public transport).
- 🔗 Phishing attacks: Redirecting to fake sites to steal logins/passwords.
- 📱 Malware installations: Automatic downloading APK-file-scan.
To protect yourself:
⚠️ Warning: Turn off the “Automatic Activity” option in the settings NFC, If you don't use it, it will prevent unknown commands from launching.
Turn off background scanning in NFC| settings
Use a case with RFID-lock for bank cards |
Do not confirm actions from unknown tags |
Check links through services like VirusTotal-->
How to disable notifications about NFC-tagged on Xiaomi?
If persistent alerts are annoying, you can turn them off without completely turning off the NFC. Here is a step-by-step instruction for MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open Settings → Wireless Networks → NFC.
- Turn off the Background Scan (or Automatic Label Detection in older versions) switch.
- To disable notifications completely: Settings → Applications → Application Management → NFC → Notifications → Disable
If NFC stops working on payment systems (such as Mi Pay) then turn the feature back on and add exceptions for trusted applications in the security settings.
What if NFC doesn’t work after MIUI update?
Next articlePractical application of NFC on Xiaomi: what can be useful?
NFC on Xiaomi smartphones isn’t just about payment and random notifications, but here are some useful scenarios:
- 🔑 Quick door unlock: Set up a label at the front door so that the smartphone automatically turns on Wi-Fi or sends a notification to households.
- 🚗 Running the navigator in the car: Attach the phone to the tag on the dashboard - Google Maps will open with a route home.
- 📱 Contact Transfer: Save your business card on the tag and share it by touching the interlocutor’s phone.
- 🎵 Music Management: A desktop tag can run a playlist in Spotify or Yandex Music.
To automate, use applications like Tasker or Automate, for example, you can set a label on your bedside table that will:
⚠️ Note: Do not place personal data (passwords) tags, PIN-They're easy to copy with other codes. NFC-smartphone.
FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC on Xiaomi
My Xiaomi can't see. NFC-What do we do?
Can I copy a bank card via NFC to Xiaomi?
How do I know if my Xiaomi NFC supports?
Can I use NFC on Xiaomi to pay abroad?
What if Xiaomi’s NFC is on its own?
💡
NFC on Xiaomi is a useful tool, but it requires caution. Always check the source of the tags and do not confirm unknown actions.