Autofocus on Xiaomi smartphones often works in unpredictable ways: it clings to the background instead of the subject, then constantly adjusts to dynamic scenes. This is especially annoying when shooting macro, video or using manual settings when you need to fix the focus on a particular point. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not added an obvious button to turn off autofocus in the standard camera application, but there are several proven ways to get around this limitation.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to disable autofocus on Xiaomi, from hidden features in MIUI Camera to using third-party apps and ADB commands. We’ll describe the nuances for different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), and also warn about the possible consequences of each method. If you’re tired of constantly “refocusing” the camera, read on.
Why is Xiaomi’s autofocus not working properly?
Autofocus issues on Xiaomi smartphones are usually due to three factors:
- 🔍 Algorithms MIUI: The firmware aggressively optimizes your shots, including forced focus on “key” objects (faces, textures), even if you’ve chosen a different point.
- 📱 Hardware restrictions: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) use simplified autofocus modules with a laser or contrast sensor, which are worse at handling dynamic scenes.
- 🤖 Calibration errors: After drops or firmware updates, the calibration of the lenses can be lost, which causes the focus to “float” even in static frames.
Interestingly, on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3), the problem often manifests itself in Pro mode: the camera ignores manual focus and returns to automatic after 1-2 seconds. This is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI - this is how the manufacturer tries to "help" users not to spoil the frame. Fortunately, it can be turned off.
Method 1: Focus fixation in a standard MIUI camera
The easiest way to trick autofocus is to use the built-in focus lock feature, which is available in all versions of the MIUI Camera, but hidden in the depths of the menu.
- Open the Camera app and go to Photo or Video mode.
- Touch the screen at the point where you want to fix the focus (a yellow square will appear).
- Hold your finger on the screen for 1-2 seconds until the AE/AF Lock (Blocking Exposure and Focus) appears.
- Release your finger and the focus will remain fixed even if you move the camera.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 11) The lock is reset after one frame or when the lighting changes, and you have to repeat the procedure to get it back.
Make sure the camera settings turn on Focus when touching | Try to lock the focus in different modes (Photo, Portrait, Night) | Check if the lock is maintained when the distance to the object changes | If the focus is reset, try restarting the camera app-->
This is a one-off technique, but it doesn't solve the problem completely, and it's going to require more radical measures to permanently shut down autofocus.
Method 2: Using Pro-mode (manual settings)
In Pro mode (aka Manual or Professional), it is theoretically possible to turn off autofocus by moving the Focus slider to the MF (Manual Focus) position.
- 📸 On Redmi and POCO manual focus is often “reset” in 1-2 seconds.
- 🔄 On flagships (Xiaomi) 12T, 13 Ultra) focus slider may not be available at all.
- 🚫 On some firmware (MIUI 14 and later) manual focus is blocked when shooting video.
To circumvent these restrictions:
- Open the camera. → More. → Professional.
- Touch the MF icon (if any) and manually adjust the focus with a slider.
- If the slider is missing, try holding your finger on the screen for 3-5 seconds – sometimes this will unlock hidden settings.
- For video: Enable Pro mode for video in the camera settings (if available).
Why can't a manual focus work?
If manual focus is not available or is not working smoothly, proceed to the following method.
Method 3: Third-party applications for the camera
The most reliable way to turn off autofocus is to use alternative cameras that give you complete control over settings.
| Annex | Support for manual focus | Compatibility with Xiaomi | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Camera (GCam) | ✅ Complete. | ⚠️ Requires a config for the model | Better quality shots, but autofocus may work differently than MIUI |
| Open Camera | ✅ Complete (including) MF) | ✅ Most models | Simple interface, RAW support, but worse HDR processing |
| ProCam X | ✅ Complete. + lockdown | ✅ All models. | Paid version, but there is a trial period |
| Footage | ✅ For the video. | ✅ Flagships (Snapdragon) 8xx) | Specializes in video shooting with manual focus |
🔹 Recommendation: Open Camera is best for photos, it is free, supports Manual Focus on most devices and allows you to fix the focus indefinitely. For video, try Footage (if your model is supported).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Lite, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Third-party cameras may not see all modules (e.g. telephoto or macro.
Method 4: Disabling Autofocus through ADB (for Advanced)
If you need to turn off autofocus completely at the system level (for example, for continuous macro shooting or camera testing), you can use ADB commands. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging over USB, but gives maximum control.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global camera_af_mode 0 (where 0 — autofocusing, 1 — switchback).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: This method can cause the camera to fail in some applications (e.g. TikTok or Instagram).In addition, on models with multiple modules (wide-angle, telephoto), autofocus can only turn off on the main lens.
💡
Before using ADB, back up your camera settings through Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Backup. This will help you quickly recover if something goes wrong.
Method 5: Setup the camera through Engineering Mode (engineering menu)
The Engineering Mode can fine-tune autofocus settings, including focus speed and sensor sensitivity, which is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect settings can impair the quality of the shooting.
How to open the Engineering Mode:
- Type the code ##4636## in the phone app (some models may require ##3644633##).
- Choose Hardware Testing → Camera.
- Scroll to the AF Calibration or Focus Settings section.
- Turn off Auto Focus or Continuous AF options (if available).
📌 Important: In the engineering menu, it is not recommended to change the values AF Position or Lens Calibration – this can cause physical damage to the camera module.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after you turn off autofocus, you might have some unexpected difficulties.
- 🔴 Focus is not fixed in macro mode: Most Xiaomi macro shooting is forced to use autofocus. The solution is to use a third-party camera (such as Open Camera) with manual focal length adjustment.
- 🔴 Video 'wash' with manual focus: This is because firmware is trying to compensate for the lack of autofocus with software processing.Solution is to disable Video enhancement in camera settings.
- 🔴 After updating MIUI Autofocus is back: Reset camera settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).
If neither method worked, the problem could be hardware, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 and 12 Pro, which have a floating focus bug due to a laser sensor defect, and only a service center will help.
💡
On models with optical zoom (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 2), disabling autofocus can make it impossible to use a telephoto lens. Before experimenting, check the operation of all modules manually.