NFC on Xiaomi: how to enable, configure and use on Android

Technology NFC (Near Field Communication) has long ceased to be exotic - today it is integrated into the majority of modern smartphones, including the Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO. With its help, you can pay for purchases with your phone, share files, connect wireless headphones, or even automate tasks through tags. But many users are faced with a problem: how to activate NFC on their device if the corresponding switch is not displayed in the settings?

In this article we will analyze all possible scenarios from basic activation to solving typical problems. You will learn how to check NFC support on your model, where to look for settings in different shell versions (from 12 to 14), and what to do if the function is not available. We will pay special attention Xiaomiwhere to look for settings in different shell versions MIUI (from 12 to 14), and what to do if the function is not available. We will pay special attention hidden options for models with regional restrictions —for example, when NFC is disabled by the manufacturer for certain markets.

It doesn’t matter whether you want to configure contactless payments via Google Pay or simply transfer a photo to a friend - after reading these instructions you will be able to use NFC to the maximum.

1. Checking NFC support on your Xiaomi

Before trying to enable NFC, make sure that your device supports this technology at all. Not all models Xiaomi equipped with a chip - this is especially true for budget lines Redmi and POCO.

Here list of popular models with NFC (relevant for devices released after 2019):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+/12 Pro+/13 Pro+ 5G
• 📱 POCO F4/F5 Pro, POCO X5 Pro 5G
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11/11 Lite/11 Ultra
• 📱 Black Shark 4/5 Pro (gaming smartphones)

If your model is not on the list, check the specifications on the official website Xiaomi or use the application CPU-Z (section System → NFC). Please note: even if there is a chip, the function may be blocked at the firmware level for some regions (for example, in models for India or China).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi (especially those purchased through unofficial channels), NFC may be disabled by software. In this case, only flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

2. Where is NFC located in the MIUI settings

Depending on the shell version MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model, the path to the NFC settings may differ. Let's consider all possible options.

Method 1: Standard path (MIUI 12–14)

For most modern devices, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Open Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Connections and sharing (or Network and Internet on some models).
3. Select NFC —the switch will be at the top of the screen.

Method 2: Through the notification panel

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5) the NFC icon can be added to quick settings:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
2. Click on the pencil (Edit).
3. Find NFC in the list and drag it to the active area.

Method 3: For older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

If you have Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro or another model from 2019–2020, the path may be like this:

Settings → Wireless networks → Advanced → NFC

If the switch is not in any of the indicated places, go to the next section - we will look at the reasons and solutions there.

3. Why NFC is not displayed in the settings

If you did not find the NFC option in the menu, There may be several reasons. We will analyze each and offer solutions.

Cause	How to check	Solution
Regional blocking	Check the firmware version in Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If at the end there is CN (China) or IN (India), NFC may be disabled.	Install global firmware (Global or EEA) via Mi Flash Tool.
Outdated version of MIUI	Compare your version with the latest one on the website Xiaomi.	Update the software via Settings → System update.
Hardware missing chip	Check the model's characteristics on GSMArena.	Buy an external NFC adapter (connects via USB-C).
System failure	NFC previously worked, but disappeared after the update.	Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

Especially often owners of Redmi Note and POCObought on AliExpress or in Chinese stores encounter regional blocking. In this case, only flashing to the global version will help.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing your smartphone will void the warranty and may lead to data loss. Before the procedure, make a backup copy via Settings → Advanced → Backup.

4. Setting up NFC for contactless payments

Activating NFC is only the first step. To pay for purchases with your phone, you need to set up contactless payments via Google Pay, Mi Pay or a banking application.

Step 1: Adding a card to Google Pay

If you use Google Pay:

1. Install the application from Play Market.
2. Open it and click Add card.
3. Scan the card or enter the data manually.
4. Confirm via SMS or push notification from the bank.

Step 2: Setting up a default payment

For the phone to automatically use the desired card when brought to the terminal:

1. Open Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC.
2. Select Default payment.
3. Specify Google Pay or another application.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13) there is an option Allow payments when the screen is locked —enable it so as not to unlock the phone before paying.

5. Using NFC to transfer data (Android Beam)

In addition to payments, NFC allows you to quickly exchange files between devices. This function is called Android Beam (in new versions of Android - Fast transfer).

How to enable Android Beam

Instructions for MIUI 13/14:

1. Activate NFC in the settings (see section 2).
2. Open Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC.
3. Enable the option Android Beam or Data transfer.

How to transfer a file

To send a photo or contact:

1. Open a file in the gallery or a contact in the phone book.
2. Put the back panel of your Xiaomi to another smartphone (distance - no more than 5 cm).
3. Wait for the sound signal - the transfer will start automatically.

Please note: Android Beam only works between devices on Android. To transfer files to iPhone, use AirDrop or instant messengers.

Why doesn't NFC transfer files?

If Android Beam is not working, check:

- Both devices must support NFC and have the function enabled.

- Screens must be unlocked (on some models).

- The file should not exceed 1 GB (for large files, use Wi-Fi Direct).

6. Solving problems with NFC on Xiaomi

Even if NFC is enabled, you may encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The terminal does not read the payment

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is low: NFC requires a minimum charge level (usually 5% or higher). Connect the charger.
• 📶 Weak signal: Move the phone to another part of the terminal (the NFC antenna may not be in the center).
• 🔒 Bank block: Check the SMS from the bank - transaction confirmation may be required.
• 📱 Application conflict: Delete cache Google Pay in Settings → Applications → Google Pay → Storage → Clear cache.

Problem 2: NFC turns off spontaneously

If the function is deactivated after a reboot or after some time:

• 🔄 Check Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and disable optimization for Google Pay.
• 📲 Update MIUI to the latest version - in old firmware there were bugs with NFC auto-turning off.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

Problem 3: Does not work with bank cards

Some banks (for example Sberbank or Tinkoff) require additional settings: Sberbank option

• 💳 Make sure your card supports contactless payments (it must have the logo PayPass or PayWave).
• 📱 In the bank application, activate the option Pay by phone or Add to Google Pay.
• 🔐 If used Mi Pay, link the card again - sometimes the data is reset after updating.

⚠️ Attention: On devices With root access or an unlocked bootloader, contactless payments may not work due to security requirements Google Pay.

7. Alternative ways to use NFC

Payments and file transfers are not the only use cases for NFC. Here are some more useful functions that smartphones support Xiaomi:

• 🔑 Smart locks and tags: Open doors, turn on lights or run automation scripts (for example, Mi Home or Google Assistant Routines).
• 🎧 Quick connection of headphones: Some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) support pairing via NFC - just bring the case to the phone.
• 🚗 Car keys: In new cars (for example, BYD or Geely) the phone can be used instead of a key fob.
• 📦 Reading RFID tags: Download the application NFC Tools iz Play Marketto read information from tags on products or passes.

To work with automation tags (for example, starting Wi-Fi when you bring your phone to a tag on the table), install the application Trigger or Automate. They allow you to create complex scenarios based on NFC tags.

If you want to experiment with recording your tags, buy empty NFC stickers (cost from 50 rubles apiece) and use NFC Tools for programming. For example, you can app the tag to:

• Opening a specific site.
• Enabling the mode Do not disturb.
• Launch the navigator with a pre-entered address.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about NFC on Xiaomi

Is it possible to add NFC to Xiaomi if it is not in the specifications?

No, if your model physically does not have an NFC chip, it is impossible to add it programmatically. The only option is to use an external NFC adapter connected via USB-C (for example, Sonoff NFC-USB). However, such devices only support tag reading, but not payments.

Why does NFC not work with a bank card in Google Pay?

Possible reasons:

1. The bank does not support contactless payments via Google Pay (check the list on the website bank).
2. The phone has a bootloader installed root or unlocked (this violates security requirements).
3. In the settings Google Pay the default card is not selected.
4. SIM card does not support eSIM or HCE (virtual card technology).

Solution: Try adding a card to Mi Pay (if available) or contact your bank to check support.

How to transfer data from NFC to a new Xiaomi?

To transfer contacts, photos or settings via NFC:

1. Enable NFC on both devices.
2. On your old phone, open Settings → System → Backup → Transfer data.
3. Select NFC as the transfer method.
4. Place the phones close to each other and follow the instructions.

Please note: this method is only suitable for small amounts of data (up to 1-2 GB). For a complete transfer it is better to use Mi Mover or cloud storage.

Is it possible to use NFC to pay for transport (metro, bus)?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🚇 In Moscow and St. Petersburg Google Pay i Mi Pay support payment for travel through Troika or Strizh (you need to link a transport card in the bank application).
• 🚌 In other cities, check does local transport support contactless payments according to the standard EMV (usually this is reported on the carrier's website).
• 📱 On some terminals you need to unlock the screen before paying.

If the payment does not go through, try adding a virtual transport card through the app My travel card (for Moscow) or similar services in your region.

How to disable NFC if it is not needed?

To save battery power, disable NFC:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and sharing → NFC.
2. Slide the switch to position Off.
3. Remove the NFC icon from the quick settings panel (if it was there).

Also You can disable autorun Google Pay in the battery settings so that the application does not consume resources in the background.