Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users many settings to create perfect shots. However, one of the most common problems that device owners face when taking selfies is automatic mirror image reflection. This default behavior often confuses those who are used to seeing themselves in the mirror, rather than the way others see them.
Mirror mode is easy to crop, but the final file is saved inverted, which can be critical if the photo has text or asymmetrical details. In this article, we will detail how to turn off mirror imagery so that your photos are saved in their natural form immediately after you press the shutter.
Xiaomi developers are constantly changing the layout of menu items in different versions of the firmware, so finding the right switch can be difficult.We will consider the current paths for all versions of the operating system, and also touch on the nuances of third-party applications. Understanding these settings will allow you to avoid the need to use additional editors to correct the orientation of the frame.
Why Xiaomi’s camera mirrors the image by default
The logic behind the standard Camera app in Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is based on the principle of “what I see, I get it.” When you look at the screen of your smartphone, holding it in front of you, you expect to see a movement similar to the reflection in the mirror: raise your right hand on the screen, your hand rises on the right, this is done for the psychological comfort of the user while posing.
But technically, the front camera captures the world as it is, and the software artificially flips the preview, and the problem arises when you save it, because if the Save as in the viewfinder setting is active, the final file will be mirrored, which means that the labels on the clothes will be unreadable, and the hairstyle will look inverted relative to reality.
⚠️ Warning: Turning off the mirror mode will only change the way new photos are saved. The images already taken will remain the same, and they will have to be manually corrected through the gallery or third-party editors.
It's important to understand the difference between a preview (a screen image before shooting) and a final file. In some versions of MIUI firmware, the preview always remains mirrored for convenience, even if you've told the system not to save the photo that way. It's normal interface behavior that's not a bug.
Why is the text in the photo turned upside down?
Instructions for disabling the mirror in the standard application
The process of changing the image orientation settings is simple enough, but it requires care, since the desired item can be hidden in the submenu. First, open the standard Camera app on your device. Make sure you switch to the front module by clicking on the camera change icon or swiping on the screen.
In the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see a three-horizontal bar icon or a gear, which is the input to the settings menu. Click on it. You'll see a list of all the available shooting options, including resolution, filters and framing grid, and you'll need to find the item that saves the preview.
☑️ Algorithm of action
The desired setting in the Russian version of the firmware is usually called "Save as in the viewfinder" or "Save preview." If this switch is active (blue or green), then the photo will be mirrored. You need to deactivate it. After that, take a test shot and check the result in the gallery.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the name of the item may differ. Look for options like Mirror front-facing camera (if the interface is in English) or Mirror Photo. If you didn't find this option right away, it may be hidden in the "Additional Settings" section inside the camera menu.
Settings depending on the version of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shell interface is constantly evolving, and the location of key features varies from version to version. Owners of devices with MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 most often find the right switch in the general list of camera settings. However, in newer versions such as MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the algorithms for grouping points have been changed.
In recent updates to HyperOS, the company has introduced a smarter image processing system. Sometimes a separate switch may not be available because the system itself determines the scene. If the standard method does not work, try to go to Portrait or Video mode - the settings can be individual for each shooting mode.
| Shell version | Location of settings | Title of paragraph | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 / 12 | General settings menu | Save it like a viewfinder. | Works for all regimes |
| MIUI 13 / 14 | Camera settings menu | Keep previews. | May require restarting the application |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings -> Additional | Mirror reflection | Separate settings for photos and videos |
| Chinese firmware | Common menu | Mirror front camera | English language or translator required |
If you are using the Chinese version of the firmware, the interface may be entirely in Chinese, in which case it is recommended to target icons or use the screen translation function if it is available in your version of MIUI. The menu item is usually at the top of the list of basic settings.
Solving problems with video calls in messengers
The video call situation deserves special attention, as many users confuse the main camera settings with the settings used during calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber. It is important to understand that the settings you changed in the Camera application often do not affect the performance of third-party applications.
Messengers have their own video processing algorithms. In most cases, they ignore the system orientation settings and use their own to provide the same experience for all users regardless of the phone model.
If during a video call the interlocutor sees you in a mirror image, and you see yourself normally (or vice versa), try the following actions:
- 🔄 Check the settings inside the messenger itself (Section "Privacy" or "Calls").
- 📱 Make sure that the messenger app has access to the camera and microphone.
- 🛠 Update the messenger app to the latest version via Google Play or GetApps.
⚠️ Note: In some instant messengers, mirroring for yourself during the call is a fixed interface function and cannot be changed.
It’s also worth noting that in video mode, settings may work differently through third-party apps.If you’re recording videos for TikTok or Instagram Stories through their built-in cameras, they’ll also use their own algorithms, ignoring Xiaomi’s system preferences.
Use of third-party selfie apps
If the standard Camera app doesn't give you enough control over the image or you want a more professional result, it makes sense to consider third-party solutions.The Google Play Store offers a variety of alternatives that allow you to flexibly customize save options.
Popular applications like Open Camera, Camera FV-5 or ProCam X give full access to the control of the matrix, and in these applications you can not only turn off the mirror, but also adjust the compression level, focal length and white balance manually, this is especially true for bloggers.
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When installing a third-party camera, immediately check the Settings section -> Camera -> Front camera auto-mirror. In the Open Camera app, for example, this item is at the very beginning of the settings list.
When using third-party software, it is important to remember permissions. Once you install a new application for shooting, be sure to give it all the requested rights to access the camera and storage. Without this, the functionality will be limited, and you will not be able to save pictures.
The advantage of third-party apps is also the ability to create profiles, so you can set up one profile for selfies with the mirror turned off, and another profile for document shoots, where absolute accuracy is important, which gives you more flexibility than standard tools.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, users may experience non-standard device behavior, such as resetting to factory values after updating the firmware, in which case the procedure for disabling mirror mode will have to be repeated.
Sometimes the problem isn't the software, it's the app cache. If the switch doesn't work or the settings don't work, try clearing the Camera app cache. To do that, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Camera → Clear and select Clear Cache.
Also worth mentioning is the effect of accessories: some magnetic ring covers or lenses worn on the lens can physically distort the image, which the user mistaken for a software mirror image. Make sure that the problem is in the software part.
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If after all the manipulations the problem persists, try to make a full reset of the camera settings (not the phone!) through the app settings menu by clicking the Reset button at the bottom of the list.
In rare cases, the bug may be associated with a specific version of Android. If you have upgraded to a fresh version of Android and the feature stopped working correctly, watch for security updates, as Xiaomi promptly releases patches to fix such errors.