If you've ever taken a selfie on a Xiaomi smartphone and noticed that the photo is "inverted" compared to the display in real time, you've encountered the effect of mirror mode. This feature, available in most modern devices of the brand, often raises questions: why the image in the camera does not match the end result, how to fix it, and whether it is possible to turn off the mirror reflection.
In fact, SLR is not a bug, but a conscious decision by manufacturers, and it affects how you see yourself in preview mode and how the final photo is saved. In this article, we will take a look at what SLR is in the Xiaomi camera, how it works on different models (from the Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14), and give you a step-by-step instruction on how to set up, and you will learn when mirror image is useful and when it is better to turn it off.
What is mirror mode in the camera of a smartphone?
Mirror mode (or mirror image) is a feature where the image from the front camera is displayed in real time as if you were looking in a mirror, so the left and right sides are switched places, but when you save a photo or video, the camera can either save this reflection or "roll" the image back, depending on the settings.
Why is that happening? Because the front camera is physically located at the top of the screen, and without the mirror image, you would see yourself upside down or in the wrong orientation. And manufacturers add this mode for convenience, so it's easier to adjust the frame, or adjust the hairstyle or the position of the face. But here's what happens to the photo after you take it.
- 🔄 Keeping the mirror: the photo is left upside down (like in a mirror) and that's how many social media sites work (like Snapchat or TikTok).
- 📷 No mirror: The camera automatically unfolds the image and the photo looks “right” (as other people see you).
- ⚙️ Customizable mode: in some Xiaomi smartphones, you can choose whether to keep a mirror image or not.
It's important to understand that mirror mode doesn't affect the quality of the shot -- it only affects the orientation of the image. However, many users are psychologically uncomfortable seeing themselves as "not" as they used to in the mirror, so the question of setting this setting remains relevant.
How does mirror mode work in Xiaomi smartphones?
In Xiaomi devices, mirror mode is implemented differently depending on the model and version of the MIUI firmware.
- Preview: The image is always displayed in a mirrored form (left and right are switched places) to make it easier for the user to customize the frame.
- Photo/video saving: On most devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), the camera defaults to unfold the image when saved, removing the mirror effect. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13T) have a manual choice to save the mirror image or not. When shooting video, SLR mode may work differently: some devices save the video "as is" (with reflection), others deploy.
Interesting fact: Xiaomi SLR mode is the default on the front camera, but it doesn't affect the main camera. It makes sense, because when you shoot with the rear camera, you don't see yourself in real time, so you don't need a mirror image.
| Smartphone model | Mirror mode in preview | Photo saving (by default) | Tune in the mirror |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro | Yes. | No mirror. | There's in the camera settings. |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Yes. | No mirror. | It's in the settings. |
| POCO F5 | Yes. | With a mirror. | No settings. |
| Xiaomi 12T | Yes. | No mirror. | There are in additional parameters |
If your model is not listed in the table, check out the MIUI version: recent updates (such as MIUI 14 and later) have added additional options to manage SLR. It is also worth considering that some third-party applications (such as Google Camera or Open Camera) may ignore the settings of the mirror from Xiaomi and work on their algorithms.
💡
To quickly check if your camera retains mirror image, take a selfie with text in the background (such as a T-shirt inscription). If the text reads correctly, there is no mirror, if the mirror is "backward" - the mirror is saved.
Why do I need a mirror mode and when to turn it off?
The mirror image in the camera is not just a whim of the developers, but it has a practical rationale:
- 👁️ Comfort: When you look at the screen, the mirror image is the way you see yourself in the mirror, which makes it easier to customize the composition, especially when taking a selfie.
- 🎭 Natural gestures: If you show something with your hand (like a gesture), it will look familiar in mirror mode. Without a mirror, gestures may seem "inverted».
- 📱 Social Compatibility: Many platforms (such as Instagram Stories or TikTok) retain mirror imagery for content captured with the front camera by default.
However, there are situations when the mirror mode is better to turn off:
- 📸 Printing photos: If you plan to print a selfie, the mirror image may look unnatural (for example, an earring will be on the “wrong” ear).
- 📄 Documents and text: when shooting a passport, driver's license or text, a mirror image will make information unreadable.
- 👗 Clothing with prints: if there is an inscription on a T-shirt or sweatshot, in mirror mode it will be turned upside down.
⚠️ Attention: If you are shooting videos for YouTube or other platforms where “correct” orientation is important (such as training videos), mirror mode can confuse viewers!
How to turn on or off mirror mode in Xiaomi?
Most Xiaomi smartphones have SLR mode on the front camera by default, but it can be adjusted. Instructions vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Let's consider two main ways:
Method 1: Through the settings of a standard camera
This method works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 11, POCO X4):
- Open the Camera app.
- Switch to the front camera (swipe or click on the camera switch icon).
- Put it on the gear. ⚙️ (or three dots) in the upper right corner to open the camera settings.
- Find the Mirror Selfie section (or Mirror Selfie in English).
- Choose one of the options: On: save a photo with a mirror image; off. - save a photo without a mirror (as others see you); only preview (if any) - mirror only in preview mode, but not in the saved file.
On some devices (such as Xiaomi 11T), this option may be in the section Additional settings or Selfie settings. If you do not find the item, check for MIUI updates: in older versions of the firmware, the mirror mode may not be available.
Open the "Camera" app |
Switch to front camera |
Find the settings icon (⚙️)|
Check the "Mirror Reflection" section |
Save a test photo for verification-->
Method 2: Through third-party applications
If the standard camera does not have the option of controlling mirror mode, you can use alternative applications:
- 📱 Google Camera (GCam): Many ported versions of this camera allow you to turn off mirroring in settings (Front camera mirroring section).
- 🎥 Open Camera: Mirror front camera preview and Mirror front camera photos.
- 📸 Footage or ProCam X: Professional cameras with advanced image orientation settings.
When using third-party apps, be aware that they may not support all of the main camera’s features (e.g. night mode or portrait photography), and some versions of GCam require manual configuration files to work properly with SLR.
⚠️ Attention: on devices with MIUI 13 and older, after updating the camera settings may reset. If the SLR suddenly started to work differently, check if the settings in the Reset camera settings section reset.
Frequent problems with mirror mode and their solutions
Despite the simplicity of the feature, Xiaomi users often face difficulties when working with mirror mode.
Problem 1: Mirror mode is not turned off
If the camera settings do not have a mirror control option or it does not work:
- 🔄 Update the firmware: check for updates MIUI In the Settings section → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📲 Clear the camera cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find the camera, tap it. Select the Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
Reset the camera settings
Restore the default settings
If the problem persists, your model may not support disabling the mirror at the software level, in which case only a third-party application (such as Open Camera) will help.
Problem 2: Mirror reflection is saved in video, but not in photos
On some Xiaomi devices (such as the Redmi 10 or POCO M4), the mirror mode may work differently for photos and videos.
- Photos are processed by a smartphone processor that can automatically unfold the image.
- Videos are often saved “as is” to save resources and speed up recording.
Problem 3: Mirror mode is not working properly on social networks
If you upload a photo or video to Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp and it doesn’t show up the way it does in the gallery:
- 📤 Check the settings of the application: some social networks (for example, TikTok) forcibly apply mirror image to content from the front camera.
- 🔄 Deploy video before downloading: Use apps like InShot or VivaVideo.
- 📎 Turn off processing in the social network: in Instagram, when downloading Stories, you can remove the tick from the mirror reflection point (if there is one).
Why does mirror image work differently in Zoom?
Comparison of mirror mode in Xiaomi and other brands
The mirror function is not only implemented in Xiaomi smartphones, but let’s take a look at how it works in other manufacturers and how it differs:
| Brand | Mirror mode in preview | Save the photo by default | Tune in the mirror |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Yes. | No mirror. | There's in the camera settings. |
| Apple (iPhone) | Yes. | With a mirror (on iOS 14+) | No settings. |
| Google Pixel | Yes. | No mirror. | There's a Google Camera. |
| Huawei | Yes. | Depends on the model. | There's in the extended settings. |
| Xiaomi | Yes. | No mirror (in most models) | There's a MIUI 12+. |
An important nuance: the iPhone mirror mode works differently – photos are saved with reflection, and in Android smartphones (including Xiaomi) most often without it. This leads to confusion when users switch from iOS to Android and expect to see a selfie “like in an iPhone”.
It’s also worth noting that some Chinese firmware (like domestic devices) may have different setups for mirror mode, and if you’re using a global version of MIUI, you don’t usually have any setup issues.
💡
Xiaomi smartphones have SLR mode turned off by default to save photos (unlike the iPhone), but it can be turned on manually, which is important to consider when switching from one brand to another.
Additional tips for shooting with mirror mode
Mirror reflection can help or hinder the shooting, and here are some life hacks to work with this feature:
- 📏 For symmetrical shots, if you're taking a portrait with a symmetrical hairstyle or clothing, the mirror mode won't be noticeable. But if there's an asymmetry on your face (like a mole or an asymmetrical haircut), turn off the mirror for a natural result.
- 🎭 For acting: If you’re shooting TikTok or Reels videos where gestures are important, mirror mode will help control movement (for example, your index finger will look in the right direction).
- 📐 For text shooting: if you need to take a picture of a document or screen from the front camera, be sure to turn off the mirror, otherwise the text will be unreadable.
- 👗 For fashion bloggers, when shooting bows with prints or accessories (such as a watch on your right hand), mirror mode can distort perception.