Xiaomi’s “Maximum Video Size”: 7 Ways to Solve the Problem and Continue Shooting

You shoot a big video on a Xiaomi smartphone, and suddenly a notification pops up on the screen saying, "Maximum video size" and the recording is interrupted. This is familiar to many owners of the brand's devices, especially when shooting in high resolution or long videos. What is the reason for this limitation, and how to get around it without losing quality?

The error is due to the technical features of the FAT32 file system that Xiaomi uses for memory cards by default. This system does not support files larger than 4 GB, which leads to automatic termination of writing. However, the problem is solvable — and does not always require buying a new drive or changing your smartphone. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to continue shooting, save video and avoid errors in the future.

Important: the solutions are different for different Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and the POCO X5 Pro have different camera settings) and MIUI versions.

Why Xiaomi is limiting video size: technical reasons

The main reason for the error lies in the FAT32 file system, which Xiaomi defaults to format microSD cards. This system was developed in 1996 and has a strict limit: the maximum size of a single file is 4 GB minus 1 byte. When shooting high-resolution video (for example, 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps), this limit is reached in 5-20 minutes, depending on the bitrate.

The second possible reason is the camera settings in MIUI. Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) have a software limit on the duration of the roller, even if the file system allows it, which is due to the optimization of the processor and the prevention of overheating.

• 📱 FAT32: 4 GB limit per file (relevant for memory cards).
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI: Artificially limiting video duration in some models.
• 🔥 Overheating: Long shooting in 4K This can cause the camera to automatically shut down.
• 💾 Memory Lack: If your device or card has less than 10% of the available space, the system may interrupt the recording.

To determine the exact cause, check:

1. File system of memory card (via Settings → Storage → Memory card).
2. Camera settings: Go to the Camera → Settings (⚙️) → Video resolution.
3. Device temperature (use the CPU Monitor app or analogues).

Method 1: Formatting a memory card in exFAT or NTFS

The most reliable way to eliminate the 4GB limit is to reformat the memory card to an exFAT or NTFS file system. These systems support files up to 16 EB (exabytes), which is more than enough for video.

⚠️ Attention: formatting will remove all data from the card. Pre-copy files to the computer or cloud.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the memory card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Open this computer, find a removable disk (card).
3. Right-click. → Format.
4. In the File System field, select exFAT (recommended) or NTFS.
5. Click Start and wait until it is completed.

For macOS:

1. Open the Disk Utility (Applications → Utilities)
2. Select a memory card in the left menu.
3. Click Erase → Specify the exFAT format.
4. Confirm the action.

After formatting, insert the card back into the smartphone. Now the Xiaomi camera will be able to record video without file size restrictions.

Save all data from the map to PC/cloud

Check the map for errors (via chkdsk on Windows)

Use a card reader (do not connect the card via a smartphone)

Select the exFAT file system (optimum for Xiaomi)-->

Method 2: Change the resolution or bitrate of the video

If the map cannot be formatted (for example, it is used for other devices), you can reduce the file size by changing the shooting settings, which will reduce the quality, but will allow you to record longer videos.

How to change the settings in MIUI:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (setting).
3. Select Video Resolution.
4. Set a lower resolution: 📹 4K (3840×2160) → FHD (1920×1080) (file size will decrease in ~4 once). 🎞️ 60 FPS → 30 FPS (bitrate will drop by 30–50%).

You can also enable video compression (if available in your model).

1. Go to Camera Settings → Additionally.
2. Activate Storage Optimization or HEVC (H.265) (if supported).

Instructions for Open Camera:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open the settings (⚙️) → Video settings.
3. Install: Resolution: 1080p or 4K (optional). Bitrate: Auto or manually (e.g. 20 Mbps). Format: MP4 (H.264) or MKV (H.265).

Break down video by size

3.9 GB

✅ Pros: full control over the shooting, bypassing restrictions MIUI.

❌ Cons: Some features (such as Night Mode) may not be available.

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If the video is interrupted due to overheating, use a cooling case or lower the resolution to 1080p. Also help to turn off the flashlight during shooting.

Method 4: Breaking up video into segments

If you can not reformat the map, and the video quality does not want to reduce, you can break the recording into parts of 3-3.9 GB. Many Xiaomi cameras support this feature automatically, but it can be configured manually.

How to include a breakdown in a standard camera:

1. Open the camera. → Settings (⚙️).
2. Find the Max file size option or Share video.
3. Set a value of 3900 MB (3.9 GB).

If you don’t have this option, use apps like Auto Split Video Recorder, which automatically divide a record when it reaches a preset size.

⚠️ Note: when breaking down video into segments, synchronization of sound between parts (especially in the video) may be lost. 4K). Before an important shot, test the function.

Method 5: Update the MIUI firmware

In some cases, the "maximum video size" error is caused by bugs in the firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix similar issues. MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

Instructions for Google Photos:

1. Install the app and log in to your Google account.
2. Open the settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Turn on the option and select Original Quality (without compression).
4. Start shooting – the video will automatically upload to the cloud as it is recorded.

⚠️ Note: When using mobile Internet, streaming or uploading to the cloud consumes traffic quickly (up to 1-2 GB in 10 minutes). 4K-It is recommended to connect to Wi-Fi.

Method 7: Hardware solutions (for advanced users)

If software methods don’t help, consider hardware ways to circumvent the restriction:

• 🔌 External recorder: devices like Atomos Ninja V or DJI Osmo Mobile is connected to the smartphone HDMI or USB-C Record video on your memory card without restrictions.
• 📱 Replacement of memory card: Some Xiaomi models (such as Black Shark 5 Pro) support microSDXC cards with exFAT by default.
• 🔧 Modification of firmware: on forums XDA Developers have patches for MIUI, remove the video size limit (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Example of connection of an external recorder:

1. Buy a USB-C → HDMI adapter (e.g. Xiaomi USB-C to HDMI).
2. Connect your smartphone to the recorder via HDMI.
3. Set the resolution and bitrate in the recorder (should match the camera settings).
4. Start recording – the video will be saved to the recorder card without restrictions.

✅ Pros: complete absence of restrictions on file size, professional quality.

❌ Cons: high cost of equipment, additional wires.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to circumvent the video size limit, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or quality degradation.

• 🚫 Formatting the map in NTFS Android: Many Xiaomi smartphones do not support NTFS to write (read only). Use exFAT.
• 🔄 Record Interrupt at 3.99GB: If the video breaks down but the last part is damaged, try reducing the segment size to 3.5GB.
• 📱 Ignoring overheating: long shooting in 4K without pause, it can cause the camera to crash. Take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes.
• 💾 Lack of space on the map: even if the file system allows you to write large files, MIUI Can block shooting with less than 500 MB of free space.

🔹 Tip: Before taking an important shot, check the memory card for errors using the utility chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (Linux/Mac). Damaged sectors can lead to a record break.

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If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi’s service center – the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the camera module or memory controller.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions