Video recording on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features, but not all users know how to quickly switch between the main and front cameras during shooting. This feature is especially useful for bloggers, streamers or those who broadcast on social networks where you need to quickly show yourself and the environment. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.) and the firmware version (MIUI 14 or HyperOS), the ways of switching can vary from standard gestures to hidden settings.
In this article, we’ll break down all the available methods, from basic (double-touch, swipe) to advanced (voice commands, third-party apps), and you’ll learn why the feature may not work on some devices, how to manually enable it, and what unique features are in the new Xiaomi models of 2023-2026 (for example, automatic timer switching). If you often shoot videos for TikTok, YouTube or Instagram Reels, these life hacks will save you time and make content more dynamic.
1. Standard method: double touch on the screen
The simplest and most versatile method that works on most Xiaomi smartphones is double-tapping the screen while recording.It is activated by default in the standard Camera app and requires no additional settings.
How it works:
- 📱 Start shooting video in the Camera app.
- 👆 Twice tap any place on the screen (except the control button area).
- 🔄 The camera will instantly switch to the opposite (from the main to the front or vice versa).
- 🎥 To get back, do a double touch again.
This method is supported on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including HyperOS.
- ⚠️ In some models (for example, POCO F4) double-touching may conflict with zoom gesture (if enabled).
- ⚠️ In Professional Video or Long Shutter Speed, the function can be disabled.
Up/down swipe to switch camera
An alternative gesture, a screen swipe, is available on smartphones with MIUI 13 and later, and is convenient if the double tap is disabled or conflicts with other features.
Instructions:
- Open the Camera app and start recording the video.
- Swipe up or down the right or left side of the screen (not in the center!).
- The camera will switch, and a brief animation will appear on the screen.
This method works both horizontally and vertically, and if the swipe doesn't work,
- 🔧 Check if the option is enabled in the camera settings: Settings → Gestures → Swipe for camera switching.
- 📱 On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4) Swipe can be disabled by default.
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If the swipe accidentally triggers the notification bar, try making a gesture closer to the edge of the screen or turn off the swipe for the curtain in the system settings (Settings → Screen → Swipe for the curtain).
3. Camera switch button on the control panel
On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (2026) and some models on the MIUI 14, there's a virtual camera switch button right on the control panel as it's recording. It looks like a two-arrow icon (🔄) and located next to the recording button.
How to use it:
- 🎬 Start recording the video.
- 🔄 Click on the icon. 🔄 toolbar.
- 📸 The camera will switch without stopping the recording.
If no button:
- 🔧 Go to the camera settings → Toolbar and enable the camera switch button option.
- 📲 On older models (Redmi 9, POCO X3) This function may not be.
Where else is the switch button hiding?
4. Voice commands (only for the purpose of MIUI 14 and HyperOS)
Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 and HyperOS smartphones support voice control of the camera, including switching while recording, which works via the built-in voice assistant Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware) or Google Assistant (on global versions).
How to activate:
- Open the Settings. → Voice assistant.
- Enable the option to control the camera voice.
- During the recording, say: 🎤 "Switch the camera" (Russian or English). 🎤 "Switch camera (for global firmware).
Limitations:
- ⚠️ The function may not work in noisy places or when the Internet is disconnected (requires command processing on servers). Google/Xiaomi).
- ⚠️ On models without a high-definition microphone (for example, Redmi). A1) recognition works worse.
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Voice commands are the most convenient way to capture selfies or streams where hands are busy, but they require a stable Internet connection for accurate recognition.
5. Third-party applications for extended management
If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party camera apps that offer more features, such as:
- 📱 Open Camera (Free, Google Play) – supports camera switching with gestures, timer and voice.
- 🎥 FilmoraGo – allows you to switch cameras directly in the editor without stopping recording.
- 🔄 Camera MX — Auto-switching on timer (e.g. every 10 seconds).
How to set up in Open Camera:
- Install the application and open it.
- Go to Settings → Management → Gestures.
- Enable the option of Double Touch to switch the camera or Swipe up/down.
- Start recording – now switching will work even in modes where the standard Xiaomi camera does not allow it (for example, in Slow Motion).
Advantages of third-party applications:
- ✅ They are running on older models (Redmi 7, POCO F1).
- ✅ Support switching in modes where a standard camera cannot (for example, when shooting in the video). RAW).
- ✅ Allows you to assign your own gestures or hot keys.
Install Open Camera from Google Play| Give all permissions (camera, microphone, storage)|Configure gestures in the "Manage" section | Check the switching operation in test mode-->
6. Hidden functions and life hacks for advanced users
On Xiaomi smartphones there are several non-obvious chips that make it easier to switch cameras:
| Function | How to turn it on | Supported models |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-timer switching | Open Camera: Settings → Timer → Auto-Change Camera | All models. |
| Switching by triple pressing the power button | Settings → Buttons → Triple press → Switch the camera | MIUI 14, HyperOS |
| "C drawing" gesture | Enable in the camera settings → Gestures | Xiaomi 12/13/14, POCO F4/F5 |
| Switching by sound (cotton) | Google Assistant or Tasker | Models with a good microphone |
One of the most useful life hacks is to set the camera to a physical button, for example, on the POCO X5 Pro, you can set the camera to switch when you double press the volume button.
- Install the Button Mapper app from Google Play.
- Give him permission for Special Opportunities.
- Set the action to switch the camera to double pressing the volume button.
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If you shoot videos for social media often, create a quick shortcut on your desktop: add a Camera Shortcut widget and select the Camera Switch Video option. Now shoot immediately with the ability to quickly switch.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes, switching the camera while recording may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:
⚠️ Warning: If the camera freezes after switching or shows a black screen, this may be due to overheating of the processor. Close all background apps and let the smartphone cool for 2-3 minutes.
Problem 1: Double-touch or swipe doesn’t work.
- 🔹 Check if gestures are included in the camera settings: Settings → Gestures → Switching the camera.
- 🔹 Update the Camera app via Google Play or MIUI Updater.
- 🔹 Reset the camera settings: Settings → Restore the default settings.
Problem 2: When switching, the video is interrupted.
- 🔹 This is normal behavior in regimes. 4K 60 FPS Slow Motion – Xiaomi’s standard camera doesn’t support hot switching in these formats.
- 🔹 Use third-party apps (Open Camera, FilmoraGo) that can switch without stopping recording.
Problem 3: Voice commands are not recognized.
- 🔹 Make sure you have Google Assistant or Xiao enabled. AI.
- 🔹 Check your internet connection (voice commands require cloud processing).
- 🔹 Restart the Camera app and repeat the command.
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Xiaomi’s standard gestures may not work. In this case, use third-party apps or set up a switch through Tasker.