Xiaomi’s “Maximum Video Size” Error: Reasons and Solutions

You try to record a video on a Xiaomi smartphone, and suddenly a notification pops up on the screen saying, "Maximum video size is reached," and the shooting is interrupted. What does that mean? Why does the camera stop working when there's still space on the phone? This bug is one of the most common problems for owners of Redmi devices, POCO and Mi lineups, but its causes and solutions often remain a mystery to users.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why there is a restriction on the size of the video, which Xiaomi models are susceptible to this problem, and what to do to record long videos without interruption. You'll learn about hidden camera settings, alternative ways to shoot, and even how to get around the limitations of software without rooting or complex manipulation. FAQ-The section at the end of the article will help you quickly find the answer to your specific case.

What does the error mean “maximum video size is reached”?

The message “Attain maximum video size” appears when the file being recorded reaches the manufacturer’s limit on volume. This is not due to free space on the phone – the restriction is in the firmware or hardware capabilities of the device. For example, on many Xiaomi models, the maximum size of a single video file is 4 GB (due to the FAT32 file system) or 2 GB (on budget devices).

It's important to understand that this is not a bug, but a planned limitation, and it may depend on:

• 📱 Smartphone models (for example, Redmi Note 9 has a limit of 4 GB, and POCO X3 — 2GB).
• 🎥 Video permissions (in 4K File reaches limit faster than Full HD).
• 🗃️ File system (on memory cards) FAT32 Maximum file size: 4 GB).
• 🔧 Firmware versions (in old ones) MIUI The limits are tighter than the new ones).

Interestingly, some flagships (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) do not have this limitation – video can be recorded as long as there is enough memory. On budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M3), the limit can be triggered after 10-15 minutes of shooting in high quality.

Which Xiaomi models have a video size limit?

The video file size limit depends on the hardware platform and the MIUI version. Below is a table with popular models and their limits (data is relevant for the latest firmware versions for 2026):

* With enough memory.

🔍 How do you know your model's limit? Try to record video at maximum resolution before an error occurs. Time before interruption will help you calculate an approximate limit. 4K@30fps video cuts through 7 minutes, the file size is about 2–2.5 GB.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A) The error can occur even when writing to internal memory, if it is formatted in the FAT32. Check the file system in the storage settings.

Why Xiaomi is limiting the size of video?

The manufacturer has a reason to impose these restrictions, and here are the main reasons:

1. Compatible with FAT32 file system. Many memory cards are formatted by default into this system, where the maximum file size is 4 GB. Xiaomi does not want to risk stability, so artificially reduces the limit.
2. Optimization for low-end chipsets: Cheap processors like the Snapdragon 4xx or Helio Gxx can’t handle long-term high-quality video recording, so the firmware is forced to stop shooting.
3. Preventing overheating: Long-term 4K video recording heats up your smartphone; limiting file size indirectly protects against overheating.
4. Energy savings: On budget models, the battery drains quickly when shooting, so Xiaomi reduces the recording time.

💡 Interesting fact: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) This can be circumvented by recording video not through the standard Camera app but through Google Camera (GCam), but this requires manual tuning and does not always work consistently.

How to get around the video size limit: 5 working ways

If you need to record a long video without interruption, try these methods (from simple to complex):

1. Formatting a memory card in exFAT

If the video is recorded on SD-map, check her file system:

• 📁 Connect the card to the PC.
• 🖱️ Right-click. → Format.
• 🔄 Select exFAT (not to be used) NTFS — Not all smartphones support it).
• ⚠️ Note: All data will be deleted!

Once formatted, try re-recording the video. If the limit was FAT32, the problem will go away.

2. Recording to internal memory

Xiaomi’s internal storage is usually formatted to ext4 or F2FS, which have no file size restrictions. Go to the camera settings and select:

Camera settings → Storage → Internal memory

Cons: Internal memory fills up faster, especially if you have a budget model with 64-128 GB.

3. Use of third-party applications

Some third-party cameras (such as Open Camera or Footage) ignore the limitations of MIUI. Install them from Google Play and configure:

• 🎬 Choose the maximum resolution.
• 📁 Specify the storage on the internal memory or exFAT card.
• ⚙️ Turn off automatic file sharing (if you have an option).

4.Separating the video into parts

If nothing works, set up automatic video segmentation. In the standard Xiaomi camera:

Settings → Additional → Separate video by time → 5/10/15 minutes

This will not remove the limitation, but will make it less noticeable.

5. Firmware update

In newer versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 14/15), restrictions may be relaxed.

Settings → About the phone → System update

Is the card formatted in exFAT?

Is it a choice for internal memory?

Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?

Is a third-party camera app installed (like Open Camera)?

Are energy saving modes off?

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Frequent mistakes when trying to get around the restriction

Users often make mistakes while trying to record a long video.

• 🚫 Format the map in NTFS. Many Xiaomi smartphones do not support this file system for recording, although they can read it.
• 🚫 Use unofficial firmware. ROM (For example, LineageOS can remove restrictions, but often break the camera or system stability.
• 🚫 Disconnecting the thermal restrictions through ADB. This can cause overheating and automatically shutting down the phone.
• 🚫 Record the video in 4K@60fps Even without file size constraints, the phone can start to lag or overheat.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Camera (GCam) to bypass restrictions, make sure the module version is compatible with your model. HDR, Artifacts or even a phone reboot.

💡

If you want to record long videos for a stream or conference, use apps like Streamlabs or Zoom – they automatically divide the recording into parts and are not subject to camera limitations.

Alternative ways to record long videos on Xiaomi

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

1. Screen recording.

Use the built-in screen recording function (Settings → Additional → Screen recording).

• 📉 The quality is lower than the camera (maximum) 1080p).
• 🎤 The sound is recorded from the microphone, not from the stereo.

Plus: File size restrictions don’t usually apply.

Connecting the external chamber

If you need a professional video, connect an external camera via USB-C (such as Sony ZV-1 or DJI Osmo Pocket).

1. Buy USB-C → HDMI or USB-C → USB-A adapter.
2. Connect the camera and select it as the source in the streaming app (e.g. Larix Broadcaster).

3. Use of cloud services

Some apps (like Google Photos or Xiaomi Cloud) automatically upload videos to the cloud and divide them into parts, which won’t solve the recording problem, but will make it easier to store.

4. mode "Professional video" (on flagships)

On models like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix Fold 3, there is a Pro Video mode that allows you to record video in LOG or HDR10+ format without size restrictions.

Camera → More → Pro Video → Settings → Format: MOV (without restrictions)

💡

The most reliable way to get around the restriction is to record video to internal memory in exFAT format or use third-party applications that support large files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions