Function Android Beam has long remained one of the most convenient ways to instantly exchange data between smartphones. Device owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often face the need to quickly transfer photos or contacts, not wanting to waste time searching for Bluetooth devices or sending via instant messengers. However, in modern versions of the shell MIUI the path to this function has become less obvious, and in the latest Android updates it has been completely abolished in favor of Nearby Share.
Nevertheless, on many current models of the mid-price segment, the possibility of using the classic transfer method via NFC still remains. You only need to know the exact location of the hidden switches in the system menu. If you own a smartphone released before 2023, most likely the necessary tool is already installed in the firmware, just waiting for your activation.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions to enable the service, consider possible pitfalls of the interface HyperOS and offer alternatives for those whose devices no longer support the outdated protocol. Understanding the principles of near-contact communication will help you avoid mistakes when pairing gadgets.
Checking NFC hardware support
The first and most critical step is to confirm the presence of the required module in your device. Not all brand smartphones Xiaomi equipped with a chip NFC, especially for budget lines Redmi Note entry level. Without the physical presence of an antenna, software activation of the function will become impossible, no matter what settings you manipulate.
The fastest way to check the presence of a module is to look at the back cover of the case or study the technical specifications on the box. Typically, the logo NFC appears directly on the device panel or is indicated in the list of specifications next to the amount of RAM. You can also use system information by going to the settings menu.
If a visual inspection does not produce results, go to the settings search. Type "NFC" into the search bar at the top of the Settings screen. If the system finds the corresponding partition, then the hardware is present. The absence of search results most likely indicates that your specific device does not support this technology.
- 📱 Inspect the back cover of the smartphone for the logo NFC.
- 📦 Check the device box in the technical specifications section.
- 🔍 Use the search in the settings for "NFC" or "Contactless" payment".
⚠️ Attention: The presence of an NFC module does not guarantee that Android Beam will work on all versions of Android. Starting with Android 10, Google began to gradually phase out support for this function in favor of new standards.
Classic activation method through settings
For devices running Android 9 (Pie) and Android 10 with shell MIUI 11 or MIUI 12, the activation procedure looks quite standardized. You need to go to the main settings menu and find the section responsible for connections and network. All wireless communication tools are concentrated here.
Inside the "Connection and sharing" or "Advanced settings" section (depending on the firmware version) there should be an item Contactless payment or simply NFC. After entering this menu, you will see a main switch that activates the communication module itself. Without turning on this toggle switch, all subsequent actions are meaningless.
After activating the main module, pay attention to the additional options below. This is where the treasured item is hidden Android Beam. In some builds MIUI it may be called "File Transfer" or combined with settings HCE Wallet. Click on it and move the switch to the active position.
☑️ Algorithm for turning on Beam
It is worth noting that on some models, for example Xiaomi Mi 9 or Mi 10, the path may differ slightly. Sometimes the required item is hidden in the “More” menu inside the connections section. If you do not see the switch right away, carefully study all the sublists in the category of wireless networks.
Interface features of MIUI and HyperOS
With the release of new versions of the operating system, the company Xiaomi has significantly changed the logic of the arrangement of system functions. In the shell MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and new HyperOS shells, developers strive to simplify the menu, often hiding advanced settings from the average user. This leads to the fact that the usual path to Android Beam may be blocked or deleted.
In the latest updates, item Android Beam is often completely absent from the menu, even if the NFC chip works properly for card payments. This is due to Google's policy, which officially declared the function deprecated and recommended that manufacturers use the protocol Nearby Share. The system automatically replaces the old transfer method with a new one when you try to send a file.
However, in some regions and on specific software builds (especially Chinese versions of ROM), the old methods may remain. If you are using the Global version of the firmware, the likelihood of finding a classic Beam is close to zero on devices produced in 2023-2026. In this case, the system will prompt you to use alternative sharing methods.
Why is Xiaomi removing Android Beam?
Google has officially stopped supporting the feature in Android 10 and higher to encourage the transition to a faster and more universal Nearby Share standard, which does not require physical touching of devices and works over long distances.
If you have updated before HyperOS and lost the ability to send files the old way, you should not try to search for hidden menus through engineering codes unnecessarily. This may lead to unstable operation of the radio module. It is better to adapt to the new realities of the ecosystem.
Alternative: Using Nearby Share
Service Nearby Share (in some regions renamed to Quick Share) has become a modern replacement for the outdated protocol. This technology combines the advantages of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to transfer files at high speed without the need for devices to physically touch each other.
For this function to work on smartphones Xiaomi you do not need to turn on the mode Android Beam. It is enough to activate Bluetooth and geolocation. When you try to share a file through the standard "Share" menu, the system will automatically find devices nearby if this service is also activated on them.
The advantage of the new method is speed and convenience. You don't need to hold your phones up with their back covers, waiting for the moment of vibration. The initiation transfer occurs instantly after selecting a device in the list. This is especially true when transferring large video files or large packages of photos.
| Characteristics | Android Beam | Nearby Share |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 0 cm (touch) | Up to 30 meters |
| Speed transmission | Low (via Bluetooth) | High (via Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Required modules | NFC + Bluetooth | Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + GPS |
| Support status | Obsolete / Disabled | Actively developing |
For maximum transfer speeds via Nearby Share, make sure that the screen is on on both devices and system access is unlocked when sending the file.
Data transfer process and pairing
If you managed to activate the classic Android Beam, the transfer process requires some skill. You need to unlock both devices and open the content you plan to send (photo, contact, web page). Simply selecting a file in the gallery is not enough - you need to click the "Share" button.
In the Sharing menu, select the icon Android Beam. After this, bring the back panels of the smartphones close to each other. Hold them in this position until you feel a slight vibration and see an animation of the image collapsing on the screen. This is a signal that the connection has been established.
Do not put your phones away immediately after vibration. Wait for the “Touch to transfer data” message to appear and confirm by tapping the screen. The copying process will take a few seconds or minutes depending on the file size. Interrupting contact before completion may result in a transmission error.
⚠️ Attention: When transmitting via NFC, make sure that phone cases do not contain metal plates or too thick a layer of material, as this will shield the antenna signal.
If you use Nearby Share the procedure is simplified. You select a file, click “Share”, the system scans the air and offers available devices. All you have to do is click on the recipient's name and confirm reception on the second device. Physical contact is not required here.
Solving common problems
A common problem is when the phones touch, but the transfer does not start. First of all, check if the screen is on on both devices. Android Beam Does not work if one of the smartphones is in sleep mode or locked with a password.
Also make sure that you are touching the phones exactly in the area where the antennas are located. On most models Xiaomi the NFC module is located at the top of the back cover, next to the camera. However, on some larger models the antenna may be shifted towards the center of the body. Experiment with the position of the devices.
If the function is enabled, but the “Share” menu item is grayed out, try restarting both smartphones. This will clear the network services cache and reset possible NFC driver hang errors. In rare cases, temporarily disabling and re-enabling airplane mode helps.
- 🔄 Reboot both smartphones to reset network settings.
- 📍 Make sure that the touch occurs in the upper part of the body (camera area).
- 🔓 Unlock the screens of both devices before starting transmission.
The success of transmission via NFC depends 90% on the correct positioning of the antennas and the absence of a screen lock on the receiving device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I find the Android Beam item in the settings of my Xiaomi?
Rather In total, your smartphone is running Android 10 or higher, where Google has officially removed this feature. In this case, the system automatically uses the Nearby Share analogue. Also check if your phone is equipped with an NFC module, since on budget models without it this option is physically unavailable.
Is it possible to transfer files between Xiaomi and Samsung through this method?
Yes, if both devices support the standard Android Beam protocol and have NFC enabled. However, due to differences in shells (MIUI and One UI), recognition problems may occur. It is safer to use the cross-platform solution Nearby Share, which is supported by most manufacturers.
Is it safe to transfer data via NFC?
Yes, this is one of the safest transfer methods. Since the connection requires physical contact between the devices (distance less than 4 cm), it is almost impossible for an attacker to intercept the signal from a distance. Data is not transmitted over the air, as when using regular Bluetooth.
What to do if the transfer freezes at the "Sending" stage?
Try to reduce the size of the transferred file or send it in smaller portions. Also make sure that both phones are not running heavy applications that can load the processor and slow down the processing of the network request. As a last resort, clear the cache of the "Content Sharing" application in the settings.