Eliminating the flicker in the Xiaomi camera: causes and step-by-step solution

Have you noticed strange streaks or flickering in Xiaomi’s video? This effect is a common problem that spoils the quality of the shot, especially in artificially lit rooms. The flickering results from a mismatch between the camera frame rate and the flickering frequency of the light source (such as lamps or screens). In this article, we’ll look at why this happens, how to diagnose the problem and fix the flicker on any Xiaomi smartphone, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

It's important to understand that flickering isn't always a camera malfunction, it's more often a physical phenomenon caused by electronic components. However, in some cases, the problem can be in device settings or even hardware defects. We'll look at all possible scenarios, from simple settings to complex technical solutions.

What is a flicker in the camera and why does it appear

The flickering (or strobe effect) in video is the alternating dark and light bands that appear when shooting under artificial light, and the reason is because the camera frame rate is different (FPS) and the frequency of the light source flickering (usually 50 or 60 Hz:

  • πŸ’‘ Filament lamps and LED flash 100–120 Hz (depending on the network) 50/60 Hz).
  • πŸ“Ί Screens of monitors and TVs are updated at 60, 120 or 144 Hz.
  • πŸŽ₯ The camera of the smartphone shoots at a frequency of 24, 30, 60 FPS higher.

When the camera frame rate is multiple times different from the light flicker frequency, there's interference, and the camera catches different phases of flickering, which creates the bands in the video. For example, when you're shooting 30. FPS under 50 Hz light, the bands will be more noticeable than at 25 FPS.

Interestingly, the human eye does not perceive the flickering of lamps (due to the inertia of vision), but the camera captures it clearly.

  • πŸ“Ή When shooting video in rooms with fluorescent lamps.
  • πŸ–₯️ When recording a monitor or TV screen.
  • 🚦 When shooting in low light conditions (the camera automatically raises the camera). ISO, reinforcement).
πŸ“Š Have you ever encountered a flicker on Xiaomi’s camera?
Yeah, often.
Yeah, but rarely.
No, I didn't.
I don't know what it is.

How to Check if the Camera is Shimmering on Your Xiaomi

Before you start settings, make sure the problem is really related to flickering, not a matrix defect or software failure.

  1. Open the Xiaomi camera and switch to video mode.
  2. Point the lens at the artificial light source (lamp, TV or monitor screen).
  3. Record 5-10 seconds of video and watch the results.
  4. If the video shows horizontal stripes or flickering, the problem is confirmed.

For more accurate diagnosis:

  • πŸ”¦ Try shooting in different lighting (natural and artificial).
  • πŸ“± Compare the result with another smartphone (if possible).
  • πŸ”„ Switch frame rate (FPS) In camera settings and repeat the test.

If the swelling is only present under certain conditions (for example, under certain conditions). LED-If the bands are always visible, there may be a hardware defect (e.g., a stabilizer or matrix malfunction).

πŸ’‘

To accurately determine the frequency of light flickering indoors, use the Light Meter app or Flicker Detector from Google Play. They will show the frequency in Hertz (Hz).

The main ways to eliminate flickering on Xiaomi

In most cases, you can eliminate flicker without repair β€” just change the camera settings or the shooting conditions. Let's look at 5 working methods, from simple to complex.

1. Change in frame rate (FPS)

The most effective way is to match frame rates, multiples of the flickering of light.

  • 🌍 In Europe and Russia, the 50 Hz network β†’ take off with 25 FPS 50 FPS.
  • 🌎 In the United States and some Asian countries, the 60 Hz network β†’ take off with 30 FPS 60 FPS.

How to change FPS Xiaomi:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Go to Video Mode.
  3. Touch the badge. βš™οΈ Settings (or swipe up/down on the screen).
  4. Select the resolution and frame rate.
  5. Set 25. FPS (for 50 Hz or 30 FPS (60 Hz).

Find out the frequency of the network in your country (50 or 60 Hz)|

Open the Xiaomi camera settings|

Select video mode|

Install FPS, frequency (25/50 or 30/60)|

Check the result of the shooting-->

2. Use of Manual Mode (Pro Mode)

If the automatic mode fails, switch to Pro Mode (available on most Xiaomi models).

  • πŸ“Έ Shutter speed – set the value 1/50 (for 50 Hz? 1/60 (for 60 Hz).
  • πŸ”˜ ISO β€” Reduce to 100-400 to reduce noise.
  • πŸ”„ White balance – select manually (e.g., incandescent lamp).

Example of settings for shooting under LED-lamps (50 Hz):

Mode: Pro Video


Resolution: 1080p




FPS: 25




Excerpt: 1/50




ISO: 200




White balance: 3200K (lamp)

3. Disable video stabilization

Sometimes electronic stabilization (EIS) It's actually making the flicker more flickering because of the image processing algorithms:

  1. Open the camera settings β†’ Video.
  2. Find the Stabilization option or EIS.
  3. Turn it off and check the result.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) stabilization is disabled only in Pro Mode.

4. Camera firmware update

The manufacturer regularly releases updates to fix bugs, including flicker problems.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Update your smartphone to the latest version MIUI.
  3. Separately check for updates to the Camera app in Google Play.

If there is no update, try resetting the camera settings:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Camera and select the Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all custom settings (including manual modes).

Hardware solutions

If the software methods did not help, the problem may be:

  • πŸ”‹ Matrix malfunctions (for example, after a fall).
  • πŸ”Œ Poor contact of the camera plume (disassembly required).
  • πŸ› οΈ Defect of the image stabilizer (OIS).

In such cases, contact the Xiaomi service center. Self-repair can lead to loss of warranty!

What if the flicker appeared after the fall of the smartphone?
If the flicker occurred after physical damage (hit, fall), most likely, the optical stabilizer is disrupted (OIS) Or matrices. In this case: 1. Check if there are other artifacts (blurring, colored spots). 2. Try to shoot a video in Pro Mode with the switched off. OIS β€” If the flicker is gone, the problem is in the stabilizer. 3. Contact the service: repair OIS It is cheaper than replacing the matrix (from 2000 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

Table: Optimal camera settings for different conditions

Filming conditionsNetwork frequency (Hz)Recommended FPSExposure (seconds)ISO
Room with LED-lamp-lamp5025 or 501/50100–400
Space with filament lamps50251/50200–800
Screenshot of the monitor (60 Hz)6030 or 601/60100–200
Street (natural lighting)β€”24, 30 or 60AutomobileAutomobile
Poor lighting (night)50/60241/24800–3200

⚠️ Note: When shooting with high ISO (over 1600) flickering may be enhanced by matrix noise, in which case it is better to use an external light source or reduce the frequency of the light. ISO manually.

Flickering on specific models Xiaomi: features and solutions

Some Xiaomi models have unique flickering problems, and let's look at the most common ones.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12 series

On these smartphones, flickering is often associated with the malfunction of the algorithm. HDR. Decision:

  1. Open the camera settings β†’ Additionally.
  2. Turn off the option. HDR or video enhancement.
  3. Install. FPS manually (25 or 30).

Xiaomi 11T / 11T Pro

On these models, flickering may occur due to conflict with Cinematic Mode, which you can turn off in the video settings.

Xiaomi 12/13 series including Ultra)

The flagship models support the shooting in 8K and 4K@60fps, But at high resolutions, the flicker increases:

  • Reduce the permit to 1080p.
  • Use Pro Mode with manual settings.
  • Update the firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 14 fixed flicker bugs).

Poco F3 / F4 / F5

On Poco devices, flickering is often associated with overheating of the processor, which is why the camera automatically reduces the temperature. FPS. Decision:

  • Close the background applications before shooting.
  • Remove the cover (for better cooling).
  • Use the regimen. 4K@30fps instead 60fps.

πŸ’‘

On smartphones with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Pro) flickering may increase when overheating!

Frequent mistakes in eliminating flickering

Many users make mistakes that not only don't solve the problem, but also make video quality worse.

  • ❌ Maximum setting FPS (for example 120 or 240 FPS) β€” This will increase the flicker, because the frequency will not coincide with the network.
  • ❌ Using night mode when shooting under artificial light – brightness algorithms amplify artifacts.
  • ❌ Disabling autofocus – it doesn’t affect flickering, but it can spoil sharpness.
  • ❌ Using third-party camera apps (such as Open Camera) without pre-setting FPS.

Also not worth it:

  • πŸ”§ Disassemble the smartphone yourself (risk of damage to the camera plume).
  • πŸ“² Reset your phone to factory settings without backup.
  • πŸ”„ Change the firmware region (this can lead to unstable camera operation).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI You've got more flickering, try to roll back to the previous firmware version through Fastboot. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Camera Flickering

The only thing that appears is when you shoot in TikTok/Instagram. What do you do?
Social media often uses its own video processing algorithms that can amplify artifacts. Try: Take a video from a standard Camera app and then upload it to social media. TikTok/Instagram set up 30 FPS (If you have an option, disable filters and effects in the app.
Will replacing indoor lamps with more expensive ones (like Philips Hue) help?
Yes, but not always. High-flashing lamps (e.g., squirting lights, >200 Hz or constant light (no flickering) will solve the problem. LED-The lamps can flicker if they're not designed for professional photography.
The only thing that's flashing is on the main camera, but the front camera isn't. What's the matter?
Front cameras usually have a simpler matrix and don't support high-end cameras. FPS, So the flickering is less noticeable, and the main camera is more sensitive to artifacts because of the high resolution and the frequency of the shooting. FPS on the main camera to 24-30.
After updating MIUI The flicker is gone, but the video is less clear?
The manufacturer could optimize the video processing algorithms, sacrificing detail to eliminate artifacts. HDR Use Pro Mode with manual focus. Check if the Power Saving option is activated in your phone settings (it may limit camera performance).
Can you eliminate flicker software on older models (for example, Redmi) 4X or Mi A1)?
On older smartphones, the options are limited, but try: Install a third-party app (like Open Camera) and manually configure FPS. Take the video in resolution 720p@30fps β€” It will reduce the load on the processor. Use an external light source (like an annular light) without flickering. If nothing works, the problem may be the hardware constraints of the matrix.