Xiaomi has a new update for its wearable users in China. The company has confirmed that it is the first brand to integrate Alipay’s “Tap to Pay” feature into its smart bands, enabling easier contactless payments.
The update was shared by Zhang Lei, Vice President of Xiaomi Group’s Mobile Phone Division and General Manager of its Wearable Devices Division. According to Zhang, Xiaomi is currently the only manufacturer supporting this feature in the band category.
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition
Alipay’s Tap to Pay works much like other contactless payment systems: users can tap their smartwatch or band at a supported terminal to pay, without pulling out a phone.
However, Zhang says that enabling this feature wasn’t as simple as it might seem. According to him, each product has to go through its own research and development process, testing, and approvals from multiple parties. As a result, different devices receive support at different times.
Xiaomi wearables that support Alipay Tap to Pay
Some Xiaomi wearables already support Tap & Pay. The list includes the REDMI Watch 6, the Xiaomi Band 9 NFC / Ceramic version, and Xiaomi Band 10, including the NFC model, Ceramic version, and the Shining Gold Special Edition. For users of these devices, the feature is already live.
Other products are still in what Xiaomi calls “gray-scale” pilot testing, meaning the feature is being rolled out gradually to a limited group of users. The Xiaomi Watch S4 lineup, including the standard version, eSIM version, 41mm model, and the 15th Anniversary Edition, is currently in this testing phase. The Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport is also included. Xiaomi says full support for Alipay Tap & Go on these watches is expected to arrive in December.
Looking further ahead, Xiaomi has outlined plans for additional devices. Both the standard and eSIM versions of the REDMI Watch 5 will begin gray-scale rollout in December. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Pro is scheduled to enter gray-scale testing much later, starting in February 2026.
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(Via)