NFC on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is meant to work instantly, especially for contactless payments and quick device pairing. When it suddenly stops working, tap to pay fails, tags are not detected, and sharing features break. In most cases, the issue comes from settings conflicts, software restrictions, or simple placement mistakes, not hardware failure.
Why NFC Is Not Working on Your Xiaomi 15 Ultra
- NFC is turned off in system settings.
- The phone case or accessory is blocking the NFC antenna.
- Google Wallet or the default payment app is not set correctly.
- Battery or power-saving features are restricting NFC services.
- Temporary software glitches after a system update.
Turn On NFC in Settings
NFC must be enabled manually, and it can be turned off automatically after resets or updates. If the feature is disabled, your phone will never detect terminals or tags.
Open Settings, and then tap More connectivity options.
Tap NFC, and then toggle it on.
Set the Correct Default Payment App
Even if NFC is enabled, payments will fail if no default payment app is selected. This is very common after installing updates or switching wallets.
Open Settings, and then tap NFC.
Tap Default payment app, and then select Google Wallet or your preferred app.
Remove Thick Phone Cases or Metal Accessories
The NFC antenna on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra sits near the back of the phone. Thick cases, metal plates, or magnetic accessories can block the signal completely.
Remove the phone case, and then clean the back panel.
Test NFC again by tapping the phone directly on a terminal.
Disable Battery Saver or Performance Restrictions
Battery saving features can silently limit background services, including NFC. This prevents the phone from maintaining a stable NFC connection.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Tap Battery saver, and then turn it off.
Restart the Phone
A restart reloads system services and clears temporary conflicts. This often restores NFC immediately if the issue is software related.
Swipe down from the top right to open Control Center.
Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart.
Check App Permissions for Payment Apps
If NFC works but payments still fail, the wallet app may lack required permissions. This can happen after updates or manual permission changes.
Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
Tap your payment app, and then allow all required permissions.
Update System Software
System bugs can affect NFC stability, especially on newer devices. Installing updates often includes fixes for connectivity and payment issues.
Open Settings, and then tap About phone.
Tap System update, and then install any available updates.
NFC issues on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra are usually easy to fix once you check the right settings. After enabling NFC, removing physical interference, and confirming app configuration, contactless features should work normally again.
FAQs
Where is the NFC antenna located on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The NFC antenna is usually near the upper back area of the phone. Holding this section close to the terminal improves detection.
Can a software update break NFC?
Yes. Some updates reset NFC settings or payment app permissions. Rechecking these settings usually resolves the problem.
Does NFC work when the screen is off?
For payments, the screen must be on and unlocked. NFC tag reading may also fail if the phone is locked, depending on system security settings.
