How to set up a front camera on Xiaomi: from basic parameters to hidden chips MIUI

The front camera in Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be just a tool for video calls - it is a full-fledged photo module with a lot of hidden features, POCO or Mi are often limited to standard modes, unaware that you can squeeze out of the frontal in the 2-3 The problem is that the settings are scattered across different menus, and some features are hidden so deep that they can't be found without a hint.

In this article, we will not just show you where the background blur is turned on or how to improve the clarity of selfies. We will analyze all the levels of customization, from the basic parameters in the Camera app to the hidden engineering menus that the manufacturer does not advertise. You will learn how to make the frontal Xiaomi shoot as a professional DSLR (or almost like), even if you have a budget model with an 8 megapixel module. And yes, we will reveal a couple of life hacks, which even the official guides do not talk about.

Basic settings of the front camera in the standard application

So, to start with the obvious, the Camera menu, where you're looking at the basic adjustments that affect the quality of the selfie and the video, and to open the frontal settings, swipe it around the screen or tap it on the Camera Turn icon (two arrows in a circle), and then tap the gear in the top corner, and that will open the settings menu.

Depending on the version MIUI The available options may differ, but the key points are usually such:

• 🔍 Photo/video resolution – choose the maximum for your model (for example, the maximum for your model, 4K@30fps video- 32 MP for photos on flagships).
• 🌟 HDR — Turn on for shooting against bright light (window, sun), but turn off in the dark - otherwise selfies will be too noisy.
• 👁️ Facial correction is artificially "pulling" the trait and narrowing the nose.
• 🎨 Filters – Xiaomi has built-in presets (like “Natural” or “Bright”), but it’s best to use them after shooting in Google Photos.

Pay special attention to the item "Blurring background" (or "Portrait mode"). In budget models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) It's software-based, and it often cuts hair or ears to improve the outcome:

1. Step away from the camera to 50-70 centimeter.
2. Take a picture in a well-lit place (but not against the sun!).
3. After shooting, edit the photo in the gallery - you can manually correct the blur mask there.

⚠️ Note: If the camera settings do not have a "Resolution" option for the frontal, then your model supports only a fixed value. Try updating the firmware - sometimes Xiaomi adds new options in the latest versions. MIUI.

Secret modes of shooting: what is hidden behind a long tap

Few people know, but the Camera app on Xiaomi has hidden gestures and combinations that open up additional features.

• 📸 Double tap on the screen – quick switch between the main and front camera (does not work on all models).
• 🔄 Long hold of the down button – activates serial shooting (useful for dynamic selfies).
• 🎥 Swipe up/down in video mode – switching between resolution 1080p and 4K (if maintained).

But here is a lifehack for owners of smartphones with a wide-angle frontal (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi). K60 Pro: In selfie mode, make a pinch (zoom gesture) with two fingers. The camera will switch to a wide angle, allowing more people or the landscape behind you to fit into the frame. Unfortunately, this mode often drops clarity, so use it only in good lighting.

Another hidden feature is Beauty 2.0, which isn't available on all models, but if you go to the camera settings, you can see the camera. → Beauty. → And you can also find sliders for the customization of skin tone, eye clarity, and even facial shape, and there's the Natural Makeup option, which adds a lighter blush and eyeliner that looks much more organic than Instagram filters.

Manually adjusting exposure, white balance and focus

If you want to get a professional quality selfie, standard automatic modes are not enough. MIUI There are manual settings that allow you to control key settings in your shot:

1. Launch the Camera app and switch to the frontal.
2. Slap the icon «PRO» (or "M" on some models).
3. At the bottom of the screen will appear sliders for adjustment:

Especially useful manual focus setting – automation on the frontal Xiaomi often “misses”, especially if you shoot from close range (less than 30 cm). Try manually set the focus at 1.0 m and take a selfie – the difference with the machine will be striking.

For color reproduction experiments, try the white “Cloud” (for warm tones) or “Incandescent” (for cold shades) balance modes, which will help avoid the unnatural yellow or blue tides that often spoil selfies when artificially lit.

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If the regime PRO no slider ISO, Try installing a third-party camera app, like Open Camera or GCam (for supported models) that gives you more control over your settings.

Optimization of frontal via engineering menu (for advanced)

If you don't like the standard settings, you can dig into the smartphone's engineering menu, and there are parameters that the manufacturer doesn't put into the main interface. Attention: the wrong changes can worsen the quality of the shooting or even disable the camera. Do it at your own risk!

To get into the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636###
2. Select the item "Testing" (or "Engineering menu").
3. Go to Camera or Hardware Testing.

Here you will find parameters that can be adjusted:

• 📊 Sharpness: Sharpness, sharpness, and a higher value will make selfies sharper, but it can add artifacts.
• 🎛️ Contrast/Saturation — contrast and saturation. Useful for dim shots.
• 🔍 AF Calibration is an autofocus calibration. If the frontal phone is constantly "not getting" into focus, try running this option.

For example, for the Xiaomi model 12T Pro, you can find the "Front Camera Tuning" item on the engineering menu, where presets are available for different lighting conditions. By choosing "Low Light," youforced improve your shooting in the dark, but in the afternoon, photos can get too noisy.

⚠️ Note: Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after the smartphone is restarted, «AF Calibration" can bring down the factory settings of the camera. If after experiments the frontal camera began to shoot worse, reset the camera settings in the menu "Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Drop it».

Record the current camera settings (take test photos)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Connect to Wi-Fi (in case of resetting)

Have a backup copy of important data on hand-->

Set up frontal for video calls (Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram)

The front camera quality in instant messengers is often worse than in the standard Camera app, because of the video compression and automatic settings that apps use to save traffic, but there are ways to fix this.

Here’s what you can do to improve your image on Zoom, WhatsApp or Telegram:

• 📶 Turn off the data restriction in the application settings. For example, in Zoom, go to Settings. → Video → Permission" and select «1080p».
• 🔦 Use an external light source. Even a desk lamp in the front will give you a better result than an overhead light.
• 🎤 Turn off “Improving Appearance” in your video call settings – this option adds artificial blur that spoils details.
• 🔄 Switch to the main camera if the frontal quality is not enough. WhatsApp does this with a double tap on the screen during the call.

There is a separate life hack for Zoom: close all background apps before calling and turn on the “For Game Processors” mode in the battery settings (“Settings”). → Battery → Performance mode. "" This will make the processor work at full speed, and the picture will become smoother.

If you often host streams or conferences, consider buying an external webcam. C270 For 2-3 thousand rubles will shoot better built-in frontal on most Xiaomi (except for flagships like Mi 13 Ultra). OTG-Adapter or Wi-Fi (if supported).

Resolving common frontal problems

Even after setting up properly, the front camera on Xiaomi can malfunction. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

If the frontal phone has completely stopped working after falling or getting moisture, the problem is likely hardware.

1. Check if the camera plume is moving away (click carefully on the top of the screen next to the speaker - if the image appears, you need to solder).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the diagnosis via Mi PC Suite – the program will show whether the camera is recognized by the system.
3. If the warranty is valid, contact the service center. Self-repair of the frontal can damage the display.

For models with retractable frontal (Xiaomi Mi) 9T, Redmi K20) The typical problem is mechanical wear. If the camera doesn't move or gets stuck, don't try to pull it out by force! Better gently tap on the top edge of the phone (from the camera side) or use a hair dryer to heat the mechanism (temperature is not higher than 50).°C).

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Before you visit the service center, back up your data, and 30 percent of the time, after you repair the camera, you need to reset your phone to the factory settings.

Top.-5 Apps to improve the frontal on Xiaomi

If you don't like the standard settings, you can install third-party apps that give you more control over the camera and are often better optimized for selfies.

1. GCam (Google Camera) Google Pixel app port with improved processing HDR Supports many Xiaomi models, but requires manual configurations. 🔹 Best. HDR amongst the cameras. 🔹 Night mode for frontal (if supported). 🔹 Cons: complex installation, possible bugs.
2. Open Camera Open Source with manual settings ISO, It supports the shooting in the RAW. 🔹 Complete control of parameters. 🔹 No advertising and restrictions. 🔹 Cons: the interface is not as convenient as in the standard application.
3. B612 Snow Selfie Apps with a bunch of real-time filters and effects. 🔹 Automatic face retouch. 🔹 Animated stickers and masks. 🔹 Cons: strong compression of photos, a lot of advertising.
4. Footage Application for video from frontal with support 4K stabilizing. 🔹 Manual control of the exhibition. 🔹 Ability to record video in LOG-Profile for further color correction.

Retrica

A handy selfie app with a timer and collages.

• 🔹 Quick shooting of serial photos.
• 🔹 Built-in editor with setting up shadow lightening.

If you don’t have one, try third-party apps like Open Camera – there’s a separate setting for that.