How to set a timer for a photo on Xiaomi phone: 5 ways and hidden functions

Taking the perfect group photo or selfie without the help of outsiders is a challenge that every Xiaomi owner faces. The built-in camera timer solves this problem, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly. In this article, we will examine not only the standard way to activate delay shooting, but also hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have a variety of MIUI firmware and camera apps, hidden in the back of the menu, and gestured to it. We tested all the current models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and collected universal methods that work on 90% of devices, and you will learn how to get around the limitations of a standard timer with third-party apps.

Where is the timer in the standard Xiaomi camera

In most Xiaomi models, the timer button is located on the camera’s home screen, but its appearance depends on the MIUI version and smartphone model. In the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14-15), the icon looks like a clock with the number “3” or “10” – this indicates the available delay intervals. On older devices (MIUI 11-12), the button can be hidden under the menu of additional functions.

To find the timer:

• 📱 Open the Camera app (icon on the home screen or menu)
• 🔍 Look at the top toolbar – there should be icons HDR, Filters, Timer and Settings.
• ⏱️ Click on the watch icon (if not, tap on ⋮ or ⚙️ → Timer)
• ✅ Select the desired delay: 3sec, 10sec, or Recruitment options are usually available.

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T), the timer is activated by long pressing the shutter button. If the standard method does not work, check the camera settings - it may be that the function is disabled in the menu Additional.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the timer in the photo

Consider a universal algorithm for all modern Xiaomi smartphones: If your model is released after 2020, these steps will be suitable with a probability of 95%. For older devices (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), an alternative method may be required, which we will discuss in the next section.

Open Camera app | Switch to Photo mode (not Video or Portrait) | Find the timer icon (clock with numbers) on the top panel | Select the delay (3 or 10 seconds) | Press the shutter button and take the pose

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Action 1: Launch the camera and make sure you are in Photo Mode.Timer does not work in Video, Panorama or Professional modes (except for some flagships).

Action 2: On the top panel, find the timer icon. If you don't have one,

• 🔧 Press ⋮ (three dots) or ⚙️ (cogs)
• 📋 In the menu that opens, select Timer or Descent Delay
• ⏳ Set the desired value (usually 3c or 10c)

Action 3: Press the shutter button (round or camera) and the screen will count down and the speakers will sound signals. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra and the new flagships have voice countdown available, which can be enabled in the camera settings.

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the timer resets after the camera closes. If you need to take a series of late-released shots, don't leave the app between frames.

Hidden functions of the timer: what does the camera Xiaomi

Few people know, but in Xiaomi cameras, the timer can be more than just counting 3 or 10 seconds. Here are 5 hidden features that will make shooting easier:

1. Serial timer shot. In Photo mode, hold the shutter button after the timer is activated, the camera will take 3-5 pictures in a row with the selected delay. It works on Xiaomi 11T and later.
2. Voice control. In camera settings (⚙️ → Voice commands), you can turn on the countdown aloud, useful for group photos when you need to sync.
3. Quick access gesture. On models with MIUI 13+, you can assign a double tap across the screen to turn on the timer. You can set it up in Settings → Special Features → Gestures.
4. Selfie timer: Some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro) have a smile self-slip on the front camera, which is triggered when the camera detects faces of smiling people.
5. Manual delay setting: In Professional Mode (Pro), you can set any delay from 1 to 30 seconds through the Timer → Custom menu.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (Xiaomi 13/14 series), the timer supports the "Preview" function - before shooting on the screen for 1 second, a frame that will be taken appears, which helps to adjust the composition.

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If the timer doesn't work, check if it's Professional or Night mode, and in these modes, the delay may work differently or not at all.

Timer does not work: causes and solutions

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the timer is either not turned on or not working correctly. Here are the top-7 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 The camera is busy with another process: Close all background apps (especially messengers with a camera, such as Telegram or Snapchat) and restart the camera.
• 🔄 Firmware failure. Reboot your phone. If the problem persists, clear the camera cache: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Outdated version MIUI: On models older than 2019 (like the Redmi 7), the timer may not work in newer versions of the camera app. The solution is to roll back to the old version via APKMirror.
• 🔕 Permissions disabled. Check if the camera has access to the microphone (required for voice countdown) and storage: Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions.
• 🎯 Shooting mode does not support a timer. Switch from Portrait, Panorama or Video to standard Photo.
• 🛠️ Damaged system files. If the timer stopped working after the update, try resetting the camera settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Reset application settings.
• 🔋 Charge savings: In Ultra-saving mode or low-power (<15%), some camera functions are turned off. Connect charging.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the standard timer may not work, in which case use third-party apps like Camera MX or Open Camera.

Third-party applications for extended timer

If the built-in features of Xiaomi’s camera don’t suit you, you can install alternative apps.

• 🕒 Flexible delay setting (from 1 to 60 seconds)
• 🎤 Customization of countdown sounds (you can upload your voice)
• 📸 Serial shooting at intervals (e.g. 3 photos with 5 seconds delay)
• 🌓 Night mode with timer (this is often not available in a standard Xiaomi camera)

The best free apps for Xiaomi:

To install a third-party camera:

1. Download the APK- file from Google Play or the official website.
2. When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (camera, microphone, storage).
3. In the application settings, find the Timer or Delay Descent section.
4. Set the settings (for example, Open Camera can set the delay in 1 second increments).

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Third-party cameras may offer more features, but consume more battery and sometimes conflict with MIUI. Test them before an important shot!

Video Timer: How to Make a Delay in Recording

Unlike photos, the delay in recording video in the standard Xiaomi camera is not available on all models. on flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) this feature is in Video mode, and on budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 10C) it may not be.

To turn on the timer for the video:

1. Open the camera and switch to Video Mode.
2. Find a timer icon (similar to Photo mode). If it's not available, try:
3. Click on ⚙️ → Additional → Video Timer.
4. Select the latency (usually only 3c or 10c is available).
5. Press the recording button and the countdown will begin.

If your model does not have a timer for video, use the workaround:

• 🎥 Remove the black screen. Cover the lens with your finger, turn the recording on, then remove your hand and take up your pose. Cut the unnecessary fragment in the editor.
• ⏱️ Use a stopwatch. Start recording and simultaneously turn on the timer on another device (e.g., the Mi Band smartwatch).
• 📱 Third-party apps. In either Open Camera or ProCam X, the video timer works on all Xiaomi models.

Tips for the Perfect Photo with a Timer

Even with a timer, photos can be blurred or unsuccessful. Here are 7 professional life hacks for shooting on Xiaomi:

• 📏 Use a framing grid. Turn it on in the camera settings (⚙️ → grid) to help you arrange objects correctly according to the rule of thirds.
• 🔦 Set your focus. Before you activate the timer, tap the screen where the sharp object should be. On Xiaomi 12S Ultra, you can lock the focus with a long press.
• 🌡️ Control the lights. The timer gives you time to check the shadows. If the faces are too dark, turn on HDR or use a flash (but not on a selfie!).
• 🧲 Stabilize your phone. Put your smartphone on a stable surface or use a tripod. Even a little vibration will spoil the frame when you're 10 seconds late.
• 🔄 Do a few takes. Set up a serial shot (if any) or take a 2-3 photo in a row. The chances of a perfect shot will increase.
• 🎭 Use gestures. On models with MIUI 14, you can wave your hand in front of the camera to activate the shooting (set in Gestures → Camera).
• 🔋 Charge the phone. When the battery is low, the camera can brake, and the timer will go off with a delay.

Bonus for flagship owners: On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Pro in Photo mode, Dynamic Frame is available. It automatically selects the best shot from the series taken with the timer. To enable it:

Camera settings → Laboratory → Dynamic frame → On.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the timer on Xiaomi