If you have ever looked at the settings NFC On a Xiaomi smartphone, you might notice a line indicating "chip version" or the firmware of the module. But what does that mean in practice? Why do some users have a version? NFC 1.0.34, and others 2.1.18? And most importantly, does this affect the operation of contactless payments, reading tags or connecting to smart devices?
In this article, we will understand what the version is. NFC Xiaomi, how it relates to the hardware and software of the smartphone, and why updating it can solve problems with paying through Google Pay or working with the Mi Band.
What is it? NFC Xiaomi and why you need a version of it
NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows smartphones to exchange data with other devices at a distance of up to 10 cm:
- 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or banking apps;
- 🔖 Reading NFC-tags (for example, to automate tasks or identify);
- 🏠 Smart home management (connecting sensors, lamps, locks);
- 📱 Fast file transfer between devices (via Mi Share or Android Beam).
Version. NFC — It's a combination of hardware and software information about a module:
- 🔧 Chip firmware version (updated through system updates);
- 📱 Driver version (depends on smartphone model and version) MIUI);
- 🛠️ Hardware revision of the module (may differ even within the same model, for example, Redmi Note 11 with chips) NXP PN547 or PN80T).
Important: version NFC It directly affects compatibility with bank cards and smart devices, for example, older versions of chips (until 2020) may not support the protocol. EMV 3.0, which is why payments through Google Pay are refused to pass in some terminals.
How to find out the version NFC on the Xiaomi
Verification of the version NFC It takes less than a minute. Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
- Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
- Select NFC.
- At the top of the screen, find the Version line. NFC or Module information.
If the line with the version is missing, try an alternative method:
- Install the NFC Tools app from Google Play.
- Open it and go to the Information section.
- It will show the chip model and the firmware version.
Examples of versions NFC in different Xiaomi models:
| Smartphone model | Type NFC-chip | Example of version |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | NXP PN80T | 2.1.18 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | NXP PN547 | 1.0.34 |
| POCO X5 Pro | Broadcom BCM20797 | 1.2.10 |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | NXP SN100T | 1.5.7 |
⚠️ Note: On some smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) version NFC This may not be displayed at all, due to simplified firmware or lack of update support for this module.
☑️ Verification NFC beforehand
Why update the version NFC And how to do it.
Update of version NFC necessary in the following cases:
- 🚫 Payments are not processed (the terminal issues an error "Card is not supported»);
- 🔄 The smartphone does not read the tags or read them with errors;
- 🏠 Smart devices do not connect (for example, Xiaomi Door Lock or Aqara);
- 📱 After updating MIUI NFC quit.
The most reliable way to update the version is to install the latest firmware. MIUI. For that:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the download.
- Install the update and restart the device.
If the update doesn’t help, try resetting your settings. NFC:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find it. NFC Service and select Warehouse → Clear the data.
- Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3 Redmi Note 8 Pro Update NFC It's only possible through fastboot, using special firmware, and it's risky and can lead to loss of warranty!
What to do if NFC Not working after the update?
Version comparison NFC: Which chips are better?
In smartphones Xiaomi is used NFC-chips from three major manufacturers: NXP, Broadcom and STMicroelectronics are very different:
| Chip manufacturer | Chip models | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXP | PN547, PN80T, SN100T | Support EMV 3.0, high read speed, compatibility with most terminals | More expensive in production, is less common in budget models |
| Broadcom | BCM20797, BCM43752 | Low power consumption, stable work with labels | Problems with payments in some banks (for example, Sberbank) |
| STMicroelectronics | ST21NFCA, ST54J | Cheap, often installed in budget smartphones | Outdated protocols, low data transfer speeds |
Usually, chips NXP They are considered the most reliable for payments and working with a smart home. 13T Pro used to be used NXP PN80T, It supports all modern standards, including ISO 15693 for tags and EMVCo 3.1 for bank cards.
In the budget models (for example, Redmi). 10A) They often use STMicroelectronics. ST21NFCA, which may not read some tags or slow down when transferring files.
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If you are planning to actively use NFC For payments, before buying a Xiaomi smartphone, check the chip model on the GSMArena website in the "Comms" section".
Frequent NFC Problems in Xiaomi and Their Solutions
Even with the current version. NFC Users are faced with errors. Let's look at the most common ones:
1. Payments are not accepted ("Card is not supported")
Reasons:
- An outdated firmware version NFC;
- Banking application not added to Settings → Annexes → Special access → NFC;
- The chip doesn't support protocol. EMV 3.0 (current for Broadcom chips until 2021).
Solution: Update MIUI, Add the Bank’s Appendix to Exceptions NFC And try to tie the map back.
2.The smartphone doesn't read tags
Reasons:
- The label is written in an incompatible format (for example, NTAG213 instead NTAG215);
- Version. NFC supportive ISO 15693;
- The tag has overwriting protection.
Solution: Try to re-write the label through NFC Tools or use another (e.g. Mi Band) 6 supports NTAG215/216).
3. NFC shuts down on its own
Reasons:
- Active energy saving mode;
- Failure of the module after the update;
- Conflict with another wireless module (e.g., Bluetooth).
Solution: Turn off battery optimization for NFC Service in settings and restart the device.
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If the problem is NFC appeared after the update MIUI, Try to roll back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi (usually released within 1-2 weeks).
How to Check Compatibility NFC Xiaomi smart devices
Many Xiaomi devices (such as the Mi Smart Door Lock, Aqara Hub, or Yeelight) require specific versions. NFC Here's how to check for compatibility:
- Find your smartphone and smart device model on Mi.com.
- Check the “Requirements for a smartphone” section – there should be a minimum version NFC (for example, NXP PN80T v2.0+).
- If your chip is outdated, upgrade your firmware or use another device to set up (like an iPhone with HomeKit).
Examples of compatibility:
- 🔒 Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock only works with chips NXP PN80T or newer;
- 💡 Yeelight Smart LED Bulb demands NFC version not lower than 1.0.20;
- 🏠 Aqara Hub M2 Compatible with most chips, but can brake on STMicroelectronics.
If your smartphone does not support the desired version, the way out can be to buy Xiaomi. NFC Gateway is a separate module that connects to the outlet and acts as an intermediary between smart devices and the phone.
The future NFC Xiaomi: What to Expect in New Models
In 2026, Xiaomi is actively implementing new standards NFC For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses a chip. NXP PN83T, supportive:
- 🔐 UWB + NFC for precise location (e.g. keyless access to the vehicle);
- 💼 Digital Car Key – Virtual Car Key with CarConnectivity Consortium;
- 📶 Improved energy efficiency (30 percent less consumption than the average) PN80T).
Also in MIUI 15 expected:
- 🔄 Automatic firmware update NFC restarted;
- 🛡️ Built-in protection NFC-scanning (preventing theft of card data);
- 🤖 Support NFC-Xiaomi Pay in Europe (only available in China).
For owners of budget models, the good news is that even in Redmi and the POCO They start to install chips. NXP PN80T Instead of the outdated STMicroelectronics, for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ I have already received an updated module.
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NFC Xiaomi is developing not only as a payment tool, but also as part of the smart home ecosystem, and is expected to integrate with Xiaomi HyperOS in the coming years to make it even faster to interact with devices.