How to set up focus on Xiaomi phone: from autofocus to macro mode

Focus is a key element of quality photography, and Xiaomi smartphones offer ample opportunities for fine-tuning it. Even budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or the flagships of the Xiaomi 14 series are equipped with advanced autofocus algorithms, but not all users know how to use them effectively. Problems with blurry images, slow focusing in the dark or incorrect macro mode are often solved literally with a couple of changes in settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust the focus on Xiaomi, from the basic parameters in the standard camera app to hidden features in Pro mode and third-party applications. MIUI Cameras that are not available in stock cameras from other brands, such as facial focus priority or dynamic adjustment to moving objects. If your smartphone persistently "does not catch" the focus on close objects or shooting video suffers from constant "twitching" of the picture - here you will find a solution.

Focus Types on Xiaomi: Which One to Choose?

Xiaomi smartphones support several types of focus, and their correct choice depends on the shooting scenario. Here are the main modes available in most models (from Redmi 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra):

• 🔍 Autofocus (AF) — It's the standard mode, where the camera chooses the focus point itself, and it's suitable for most scenes, but it can be wrong in complex lighting.
• 🎯 Manual focusing (MF) — It allows you to manually set the distance to the object, and it's not essential for macro photography or for creative effects.
• 👤 Focusing on the face/eyes – priority is given to the people in the frame, even in video mode (starting with the first stage of the video). MIUI 12).
• 📸 Continuous autofocus (CAF) — It's good for shooting sports or kids.
• 🌌 Laser autofocus (LAF) — It is used in flagships (for example, Xiaomi). 12S Ultra) for accurate focusing in the dark.

Most users don't even know that their smartphone can block focus by tapping a screen, for example, in Photo mode you can hold your finger on the subject, the camera will capture focus and exposure, which is convenient for a series of shots with the same parameters, and in Video mode this feature helps to avoid unwanted "jumps" of focus during recording.

Basic autofocus setting in a standard camera

Let’s start with the basics: how to configure autofocus in the standard Camera app on the MIUI. These steps are suitable for most models, including POCO X5, Redmi Note 11 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite:

1. Open the Camera app and go to Photo or Video mode.
2. Touch the screen where you want to focus, and you'll see a yellow square, which is the focus zone.
3. To block the focus, hold your finger on the screen. 1-2 It'll be written. AE/AF Lock (Blocking Exposure and Focus).
4. To reset the lock, simply touch the screen elsewhere.

If autofocus is unstable (for example, constantly “breathing” when shooting a video), check the following settings:

1. Go to Camera Settings → Focus (or Additional) → Focus depending on the version MIUI).
2. Activate the option Continuous autofocus to capture moving objects.
3. Turn off the car.-HDR, If you notice delays in focusing, this feature can conflict with autofocus in difficult conditions.

On models with laser autofocus (for example, Xiaomi Mi) 11 Ultra) may have a separate item in the menu AF. It should be turned on for shooting in the dark - this will speed up the focus in the film. 2-3 Compared to the usual contrast autofocus.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Autofocus is getting worse, try resetting the camera to factory settings. → Restore default settings. In 30 percent of cases, this solves the problem without any further manipulation.

Manual focusing: when and how to use

Manual focusing (MF) It is useful in situations where autofocus is not able to cope:

• 🕷️ Macroscopy (insects, flowers, small details)
• 🌃 Shooting through glass or mesh (autofocus can cling to an obstacle)
• 🎨 Creative effects (Blurring background, selective focus)
• 📹 Fixed focus video (for example, for timelapses)

To enable manual focusing:

1. Open the Camera app and go to Pro mode (or Manual on some models).
2. Click on the icon. MF (usually located to the right of the down button).
3. A focus slider will appear – move it around while watching the change in sharpness on the screen.
4. For fine-tuning, use focus picking (backlighting sharp areas) if it is available in your model.

On Xiaomi with a telephoto lens (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro), manual focusing is particularly useful when shooting on a large zoom. AF at long focal lengths often misses, and manual tuning allows for perfect sharpness. Remember that when you manually focus, the depth of field decreases — even a slight shift in the camera can lead to blur.

Focusing Problems and Their Solutions

If the camera on your Xiaomi isn’t focusing or is doing it too slowly, the reasons could be both software and hardware.

1. Autofocus doesn't work at all

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 🧹 Clear the camera cache: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Check if third-party camera modules (such as GCam) are installed that may conflict with the native app.
• 🔧 Reset the camera settings to factory (see section above).

2. Slow focusing in the dark

• 🌙 Turn on Night Mode – it automatically optimizes focus in low light.
• 🔦 Use a flashlight to illuminate an object (even a brief flash helps the camera to catch the focus).
• 📸 Switch to manual focus if autofocus is constantly floating".

Problems with macro regime

• 🕊️ Make sure the distance to the object is at least the minimum for your model (see table above).
• 🔍 Switch to the main camera (not telephoto lens!) – macro usually only works on a wide-angle module.
• 🧲 Check if magnetic cases or metal accessories interfere (they can affect autofocus).

💡

If the camera on Xiaomi stopped focusing after falling or getting moisture, do not try to disassemble it yourself! 90% of the time the problem is the misalignment of the lenses or damage to the flexible plume. Contact the service center - repair will cost less than replacing the entire module.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10 or Xiaomi) POCO M4 Pro) Macro mode is activated automatically when the camera approaches the object. If it is inappropriate (for example, when shooting documents), turn it off in the settings: Camera settings → Macro → Off..

Video Shooting: How to Avoid the Breath of Focus

The focus's "breathing" is the constant small tweaks of autofocus while recording videos that make the picture nervous and unprofessional. At Xiaomi, this problem can be solved in several ways:

1. Lock focus before shooting: Open Video Mode. Point the camera at the subject and hold your finger on the screen until it appears. AE/AF Lock. Start recording, focus will remain fixed.
2. Using manual focusing: Switch to Pro Video mode (if any in your model). MF And you can set the focus manually. Record the video, and the focus won't change.
3. Autofocus speed setting: On flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14) In Pro Video mode, you can adjust the refocus rate. Select Low for smooth transitions or Off for full autofocus disabling.

For dynamic scenes (sports, concerts) turn on Continuous Autofocus, but note that it increases battery consumption. 10-15%. If you want autonomy, it is better to fix the focus manually or use an external battery.

💡

For professional video shooting on Xiaomi, use the Filmic Pro or ProCam X app. They allow you to flexibly adjust focus, including tracking zones and refocus speed, which is not found in a standard camera.

Hidden focus functions in MIUI Camera

Xiaomi hides some useful focus options in the depths of the menu, and here are some little-known features that will help improve the quality of images:

• 🎯 Focusing on the eyes: In camera settings (Settings) → Focus. → Eye priority, you can turn on the camera to focus on the person's eyes, not the face as a whole.
• 🔄 Switching between cameras with saving focus: If you shoot on the main camera, focus, and then switch to a telephoto lens, the focus will remain (does not work on all models).
• 📏 Manual focus zone setting: In Pro mode, you can resize the AF zone (click on the plus/minus square icon). Small area is more accurate, large area catches the object faster.
• 🚫 Disable autofocus for selfies: In the front camera, you can turn off autofocus completely if it constantly goes down. → Front camera. → Focus. → Fixed.

In the models with MIUI 14 and later, Dynamic Focus, which automatically adjusts the sharpness to moving objects, to activate it:

1. Open the camera settings → Additionally.
2. Find the Dynamic Focus option and turn it on.
3. Select the type of object: People, Animals or Transport.

This feature is especially useful for children or pets, who rarely sit still, but it increases the processing time, so it's best to turn it off for serial photography.

Third-party applications for extended focusing

If Xiaomi’s standard camera doesn’t suit you, you can use third-party apps that offer more control over focus, especially on budget models without advanced modules.

To install GCam on Xiaomi, follow the instructions:

1. Check the support Camera2 API Using the Manual Camera Compatibility.
2. Download a version of GCam that is optimized for your model (e.g., for the POCO F4 fit BSG GCam).
3. Install. APK-file and configure config (can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA).
4. In GCam settings, enable Focus Enhancer for improved focusing.

Important: Not all Xiaomi models work well with GCam. For example, Redmi 10 can be used to create artifacts while shooting in the video. RAW, Xiaomi 12 Pro has problems with the telephoto lens. Check user reviews before installing your model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about focusing on Xiaomi