AR-Xiaomi photos: where and how to open them in 2026

AR-Photos (Augmented Reality) on Xiaomi smartphones are not just pictures, but interactive 3D-And yet, many users have a problem: once they're taken, they don't open with standard galleries or they show up as normal images?

The problem lies in the format: AR-Photos on Xiaomi are saved in special files.glb,.gltf or.xmp (with metadata for depth). Normal viewers do not support them. In this article, we will discuss all working ways of viewing - from built-in tools. MIUI to third-party applications, and also tell how to convert AR-Photos in universal formats.

We will pay special attention to Xiaomi models 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5, function AR-If your smartphone doesn't recognize these files, don't rush to delete them, because you probably just don't have the right software.

What is it? AR-Photos from Xiaomi and how they work

Technology AR-Photos (or Live Photos in Xiaomi terminology) use a depth sensor (ToF) and machine learning algorithms to create three-dimensional models of objects:

• 📏 Scene depth – distance to each pixel (for blur and blur effects) 3D)
• 🎞️ Short animation – 1–3 seconds of motion (like Apple’s Live Photos)
• 🔄 Orientation tags – data on the position of the camera in space

On Xiaomi, these images are created in two modes:

1. AR-portrait — 3D-Rotating human model (available on flagships with ToF sensor, such as Xiaomi 13 Pro)
2. AR-object – shooting objects for subsequent placement in virtual space (works on most models with a MIUI 12.5+)

The files are saved in pairs:

• IMG_1234.jpg — flat-image (preview)
• IMG_1234.glb or IMG_1234.xmp — depth-and-animation

If you delete any of these files, AR-effects will stop working!

Standard viewing methods AR-photo from Xiaomi

If your smartphone supports you AR-And then you have to go out of the box, and you have to go out of the box:

1. Gallery MIUI (model MIUI 12.5 and newer)

In the Standard Gallery (Photos) AR-Photos marked with a special icon 🪞. To open them:

1. Launch the Gallery app
2. Find the album. AR-Photos or Live Photos (in the Albums section)
3. Tap the image – if it is supported, a Replay button will appear or 3D-view

In some models (POCO F4, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) You have to hold your finger on the screen for 1-2 seconds to activate the animation. MIUI:

Limitations: on budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4) AR-Photos can be saved but not reproduced due to lack of hardware support.

Annex “Chamber” (preview)

Right after the shoot. AR-You can view the picture in thumbnail in the lower right corner of the camera screen. You can touch it, and you can open a preview with the possibility of a camera screen:

• 🔄 Rotate the object (swipe gesture)
• 🖼️ Change the background (on some models)
• 📤 Export to GIF or MP4

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Note: if you close the Camera application without saving, AR-Always wait until the processing is complete (the indicator is in the form of a circle in the upper corner).

3. Built-in viewer 3D-facility (MIUI 13+)

On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, MIX Fold 2 has a hidden function of viewing.glb files:

1. Open Files (File Manager)
2. Go to the file. DCIM → Camera
3. Find a file with the.glb extension and tap it.

The system will automatically open the built-in viewer with gesture support. If files are not displayed, turn on the hidden file displays in the Files settings.

Viewing side of the annex AR-Photo by Xiaomi

If the standard methods do not work (for example, on older versions). MIUI Or after you reset, use third-party tools. We tested the top 5 Android apps:

How do you choose? Most users will. 3D Viewer – it supports all Xiaomi formats and can export AR-photo GIF or MP4. If you want maximum compatibility, install ARCore (Google Play Services support is required).

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Before installing third-party viewers, check if the “Installation from Unknown Sources” option is enabled in the security settings (Settings) → Annexes → Special access).

How to convert AR-Photos of Xiaomi in normal formats

If you need to share AR-If you take a picture, but the recipient can't open it, convert the file to a universal format:

1.Export through Gallery MIUI

In the models with MIUI 14 can be saved AR-photo GIF or MP4:

1. Open up. AR-gallery
2. Slip on the share button → Export as a video
3. Select permission (until) 1080p) format (MP4 or GIF)

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Attention: when you convert, you lose depth information, and the file you get will be a normal video without any depth. 3D-effects.

2. Online converters (for.glb) →.mp4/.gif)

If export through the Gallery is not available, use the following web services:

• 🌐 GLB Viewer – Supports animation
• 🌐 3D Viewer Online – Converting to STL/OBJ

Instructions:

1. Upload a.glb or.xmp file to the site
2. Select the output format (MP4, GIF, JPG)
3. Download the result (maximum quality — 1920×1080)

3. Manual conversion via Blender (for advanced)

If you want maximum detail, use Blender (free) 3D-editor):

1. Install Blender from the official website
2. Import the.glb file via File → Import → glTF 2.0
3. Set up the lighting and camera (optional)
4. Export in MP4 via → Render Animation

This method requires skill, but allows you to customize viewing angles and add effects before converting.

Problems with AR-Photos on Xiaomi and their solutions

Even on supported models, users are faced with errors.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

If none of these methods worked, check the integrity of the files:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy files.glb/.xmp computer
2. Try to open them through Windows. 3D Viewer or QuickLook (on Mac)
3. If files are damaged, delete them and take new pictures.

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On Xiaomi models without ToF sensor (for example, Redmi) 9A) AR-The photo will remain as normal. JPG Check the specifications of your smartphone on the official website.

Secret functions AR-photo from Xiaomi

Few people know, but in MIUI There are additional opportunities to work with AR-Here are the most useful ones:

1. Real-time background replacement

On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, MIX (4) the background of y may be changed AR-portret:

1. Open up. AR-gallery
2. Slap the icon. ✏️ (Edit)
3. Select Change background → upload your image or select from the templates

The function only works with portraits (not objects) and requires MIUI 14+.

2. Creation AR-messenger sticker

You can transform. 3D-a sticker model for Telegram or WhatsApp:

• 📱 Install the app AR Sticker Maker (like FaceAR)
• 🖼️ Import the.glb file from the folder DCIM/Camera
• ✂️ Cut the model and export as a WebP sticker

3.The seal 3D-model AR-photo

If you have 3D-printer, you can print an object from AR-snapshot:

1. Convert.glb to.stl via Blender or MeshConvert
2. Open the file in the Slicing Program (UltiMaker Cura, PrusaSlicer)
3. Configure the printing parameters (recommended resolution - 0.1 mm)

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Attention: Not all AR-Models are suitable for printing – check them for “holes” in the grid via Netfabb or Meshmixer.

AR-Photos on Xiaomi vs. Live Photos on iPhone: comparison

Many users are comparing AR-Xiaomi with Apple Live Photos. both formats keep moving, there are key differences between them:

What's better? If you want ease of compatibility, Live Photos wins. If it matters. 3D-Effects and Creative Opportunities — AR-Xiaomi is more functional. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra you can export an object to Unity to create games!

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To share AR-Photos with an iPhone user, convert them to Live Photo via the Motion Stills app (Google).

FAQ: Frequent questions about AR-photo from Xiaomi