Xiaomi’s camera timer is an indispensable tool for group shots, perfect selfies, or shooting in difficult conditions, where you need to capture a moment without shivering in your hands. Despite its apparent simplicity, many users face problems: the timer is not working in time, you can not find settings or activate additional options like voice control. In this article, we will examine all the ways to adjust the timer on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from basic to hidden functions, available only through the engineering menu.
We’ll focus on the differences between the firmware versions: MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS, where the camera interface has undergone major changes, and how to get around the limitations of a standard timer (e.g. set a delay of more than 10 seconds) and sync it with external accessories like tripods or Bluetooth remotes. If you’ve ever wondered why the Xiaomi timer behaves unpredictably or how to take a series of snapshots with automatic intervals, this guide is for you.
Where is the timer in the camera Xiaomi: search by model
The location of the timer button depends on the firmware version and the smartphone model, and in most cases it is hidden behind the icon in the form of a watch. ⏱️, But in some versions (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro).+) The way to set up is different. Here are universal ways to find a function:
- 📱 Standard interface MIUI: Open the Camera app, go to Photo or Selfie mode. In the top toolbar, tap the icon. ⏱️ (If you don't have one, swipe down from top to bottom on the screen to expand the options.
- 🔍 HyperOS (2026): In the new shell, the timer button is moved to the side menu. Swipe right on the camera screen, find the Tools section and select the Timer. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 14), the feature is available through long-pressing on the screen.
- 🎯 Leica Camera Models: On Xiaomi 13 Pro or 14 Ultra, the timer is integrated into professional mode. Switch to Pro, then press the gear ⚙️ and activate the Delayed Descent option.
If the timer icon is missing even after these manipulations, check:
- Is the camera firmware updated (go to Settings → About Phone → Software Update).
- Are the experimental functions disabled in the camera settings → More
- Whether you use third-party camera software (e.g. GCam), where the timer settings may differ.
Basic timer setting: step-by-step instructions
Once you find the timer button, you have to adjust the delay and the settings, and here's a detailed algorithm for most models:
- Timer activation: Click on the icon ⏱️ A panel will appear with a choice of delay (usually 3c, 5c or 10c) on some devices (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) Available mirror mode for selfies.
- Select delay: Slip to the desired value. Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS can set custom delay up to 30 seconds after a long press on the timer button.
- Setup of a series of pictures: In some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi K60) The option is available Serial shooting with a timer, activated through an additional menu (icon). ⋮ top-right).
- Shutter release: Press the shooting button. You can cancel the timer by clicking on the cross. ✕, which appears after activation.
Important: If you use the front camera, make sure that the Smile Shutter function is turned off (it may conflict with the timer). → Facial recognition.
Install the smartphone on a stable surface
Check the lighting (timer does not work in complete darkness)
Disable HDR (may slow down shooting)
Activate the grid for the correct composition-->
Hidden functions of the timer: what does the camera Xiaomi
Beyond the standard delay, Xiaomi’s cameras have additional features that most users don’t know about.
- 🔄 Interval shooting: Allows you to take a series of shots with a fixed interval (for example, once every 5 seconds). → Additionally. → Interval timer. Supported on Xiaomi 12S Ultra and newer.
- 🎤 Voice Descent: You can set the timer to work on command ("Cheese!", "Take it off!"). → Voice control → Camera commands. It only works on Chinese firmware or through Google Assistant.
- 📱 Remote Descent: Use the second Xiaomi smartphone as a remote. To do this, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, open Mi Remote and select Remote Camera.
- ⚡ Fast timer: Double pressing the volume button activates a 3-second delay (works on the volume button). POCO F4 GT redmi K50 Gaming).
On models with an infrared port (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) you can control the timer through the remote from the TV, preprogramming the buttons in the Mi Remote application.
How to turn on a timer for 60 seconds?
Timer problems on Xiaomi: causes and solutions
If the timer doesn't work or behaves strangely, the causes can be both software and hardware.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Timer's not activated. | Conflict with other functions (HDR, night mode) | Turn off HDR and Night Mode in the camera settings |
| The delay is not working accurately. | CPU overload (many background applications) | Close all apps through Recent and reboot your phone |
| Timer resets after update | Resetting camera settings in new firmware | Update the Camera app via Google Play or Mi App Store |
| No countdown sound. | System sound or Do not disturb mode is disabled | Check the volume of media and turn off Do Not Disturb in the notification curtain |
| The timer only works with the rear camera. | Restriction of firmware for front camera | Install GCam with timer support for selfies |
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Lite), the timer may not work with an external microphone or headphones connected.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the camera settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Camera and select the Warehouse.
- Click Clear Data (this won’t delete your photos, just reset your settings).
Timer and additional accessories: tripods, remotes, triggers
For professional timer shooting on Xiaomi, you can use external devices. Here's how to connect and configure them:
- 📸 Bluetooth Trials: Compatible with most Xiaomi models via protocol BLE. Connect the tripod to Settings → Bluetooth, then in the camera app, select Remote Descent. Popular models: Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick Tripod or DJI Osmo Mobile.
- 🎮 Gaming controllers: On POCO F5 or Redmi K60 You can assign a controller button (such as Xiaomi Gamepad) to the shutter release.
- ⚡ Smart lamps: With Mi Home, you can synchronize a flash of a smart lamp (like Yeelight) with a camera timer. Create a scenario: When you activate the timer, turn on the lamp for 1 second».
For long exposure (such as starry sky), combine a timer with manual Pro mode:
- Activate the Professional Mode in the camera.
- Set shutter speed 30c and ISO 3200 sensitivity.
- Run the timer on 10c to avoid shaking when pressed.
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If you're shooting a video with a timer, use an external microphone (e.g. Xiaomi Mi AIoT Bluetooth Mic). The built-in microphone can record the timer's countdown noise.
Comparison of timers on different firmware: MIUI vs HyperOS
With the release of HyperOS in 2026, the logic of the timer has changed, and the key differences between old and new firmware are as follows:
| Function | MIUI 14 and below | HyperOS (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum delay | 10 seconds. | Up to 30 seconds (on some models – 60s) |
| Interval | Only through third-party applications | Built-in function in professional mode |
| Voice control | It only works with Google Assistant. | Built-in support for Chinese/English teams |
| Remote descent | Requires a separate Mi Remote app | Integrated into a standard camera |
| Countdown sound | Fixed signal | Customizable sound (you can choose a tune) |
HyperOS also has a Timer feature with a preframe: the camera takes 3 test shots in front of the main one so you can adjust your pose, activated by long pressing the timer icon.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS smartphones released for the European market, some timer features (such as voice control) may be disabled due to restrictions GDPR. To unlock them, change the region of the device to India or China in the settings.
Alternative applications for timer on Xiaomi
If the standard timer doesn't work, consider third-party solutions that offer advanced features like customizable spacing, serial shooting, or gesture control:
- 📷 Camera MX: It allows you to set the delay to 60 seconds, supports shooting on a cotton or a smile. There is a Burst mode.
- ⏱️ Timer Camera: Specialized application with the ability to create custom timer templates (e.g. 5c delay) + 3 2c interval shots. Works on all Xiaomi models.
- 🎥 Open Camera: Open source scripting to automate shooting, you can program a timer for a specific time of day (useful for timelapses).
- 🔄 GCam (Google Camera): Ported camera from Google with advanced timer settings. Xiaomi requires manual installation of the configuration file (XML).
Before installing third-party cameras, turn off battery optimization for them:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the camera installed and press Battery Limits.
- Set it up without limits.
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The camera side may conflict with Xiaomi’s standard Camera app. If the timer stopped working in both apps after installation, clear the standard camera cache in the settings.