Connecting Xiaomi monopod to the phone: a complete analysis of all methods

Introduction: why you need a monopod for a Xiaomi smartphone

Xiaomi's monopod is not just a selfie stick, it's a full-fledged tool for taking videos, streams and photos in difficult environments. It helps stabilize the image, adds the ability to control the camera through physical buttons, and even can serve as a tripod, but many users face problems when they first connect: the phone does not see the device, the buttons do not work, or the connection is constantly broken.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick monopods (including Tripod Edition, Bluetooth Version and Mi Pocket Selfie Stick models) to the brand’s smartphones – from budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra. We will pay special attention to the setting of buttons, solving typical errors and nuances of compatibility with different versions. MIUI.

If you've tried to connect a monopod before, but you've failed, don't be quick to blame the technique. 80 percent of the time, the problem is in the wrong sequence or missing details (e.g., not having permission to access the camera for the Bluetooth system app), and then step-by-step instructions with all the pitfalls.

What Xiaomi Monopods Are and How They Differ

Before you connect, it’s important to know which model you’re holding — the features available and how you pair them depend on it. Xiaomi has produced several types of monopods, and their capabilities vary greatly:

• 📱 Mi Selfie Stick (Bluetooth) is a classic model with a remote remote on the wire, connects over Bluetooth. Supports zoom and shutter release.
• 🎥 Mi Selfie Stick Tripod Edition - has a built-in leg-staff and wireless control. MIUI Camera and Third Party Applications.
• 🔋 Mi Pocket Selfie Stick is a compact version without Bluetooth, controlled mechanically (button on handle) and works only with the native camera app.
• 🔄 Mi Selfie Stick 2-in-1 — hybrid model with removable remote that can be used separately (for example, for group photos).

The most common models on the market are the first two, and the key difference is that the Tripod Edition requires a connection via the Mi Home app (to activate additional features), whereas the classic Bluetooth monopod works directly with the camera. If you are not sure about the model, look at the box or sticker under the battery (if it is removable).

Method 1: Connecting Xiaomi monopod over Bluetooth

This is the most versatile method that works for most models (except the Mi Pocket Selfie Stick), the instruction is relevant for smartphones on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14.

1. Turn on the monopod, holding the power button for 3-5 seconds. The indicator should flash blue (search mode).
2. On your phone, open Settings → Bluetooth and activate device search.
3. Find a device called Mi Selfie or Xiaomi_BLE (It may vary depending on the model.
4. Confirm the pairing on the phone. If you request access to contacts and camera, allow (this is necessary for the operation of the buttons).
5. Open the Camera app and check the buttons: short press – photo, long – video recording.

If the monopod is not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot both the monopod and the phone.
• 📱 Make sure your phone has Bluetooth Visibility Mode enabled (in some firmware it is hidden in Additional Bluetooth Settings).
• 🔋 Check the charge of the monopod - at a low level, it may not give itself away in search.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later, you may need additional resolution for Mi Bluetooth Service in the application settings. Without this, the monopod buttons will only work in the camera's native app.

Method 2: Wired connection (for models with 3.5 mm connector)

Some older Xiaomi monopods (such as the first versions of the Mi Selfie Stick) support wired connectivity via an audio jack, which is more reliable than Bluetooth because it is independent of the battery charge of the monopod and does not suffer from interference, but it only works on phones with 3.5 mm jack (such as Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC).

Instructions:

1. Connect the monopod to the phone via audio cable (it comes with a set).
2. Open the Camera app.
3. Press the button on the monopod handle, the photo should go off. For video, hold the button for 1-2 seconds.

If the button doesn't work:

• 🔌 Check the integrity of the cable (often rubbed at the base).
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t recognize the connected device right away.
• 🔊 Make sure that the audio settings do not activate the Disable audio device mode.

⚠️ Note: On phones without audio jack (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Connection is not possible even through an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm This is due to the limitations of the data transfer protocol.

Configure the monopod buttons in the Camera app

By default, the button on the monopod is programmed to capture a photo/video, but in the MIUI Camera you can reassign its functions, for example, make it so that a short press includes recording a video, and a long one switches between the front and the main camera.

How to change the purpose of the buttons:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (Settings) in upper right corner.
3. Select Devices → Monopod settings (the item name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
4. Set up short and long press actions. Options available: 📸 Photo shoot 🎥 Video recording 🔄 Switching cameras 🔍 Zoom (approach/removal)

If the Monopod Settings item is not in the menu:

• 📱 Update the Camera app via Play Market or App Store.
• 🔄 Reconnect the monopod over Bluetooth (sometimes the settings only appear after re-pairing).
• 🔧 Reset the camera settings to factory (Settings) → Restore the default settings).

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If you often shoot videos for TikTok or YouTube Shorts, assign a long press of the button to switch between the cameras - this will speed up the shooting process by 2 times.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even after successful pairing, monopods may not work properly, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. The monopod is connected, but the buttons are not working.

Causes and solutions:

• 🔒 No permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Camera and check that Bluetooth and Microphone permissions are enabled.
• 📱 Conflict with other devices: Disconnect other Bluetooth gadgets (earphones, fitness bracelets) from your phone).
• 🔄 Monopod firmware failure: Reset it to factory settings (hold the power button 10 seconds until flashing the red indicator).

2.The monopod is permanently shutting down

This is most often due to energy savings:

• 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth Battery Optimization in Settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Bluetooth).
• 📶 Check if other devices interfere (for example, a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router may interfere with the device).

3. zoom or camera switching is not working.

These features are only available in the native Camera app. If you use Google Camera or Open Camera, the monopod buttons will only work for basic actions (photo/video).

Compatibility of Xiaomi monopods with different phone models

Not all Xiaomi monopods work equally well with all the brand’s smartphones.

• 📱 Flagships (Mi) 11/12/13, Mix 4/5): Full compatibility with all features, including zoom and camera switching. BLE 5.2, This ensures a stable connection.
• 📱 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5): There may be zoom issues in third-party apps.Native is recommended MIUI Camera.
• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) A1/A2, POCO M4/M5): Support only basic functions (shutter release), zoom and camera switching may not work.
• 📱 Older Devices (until 2019): Require firmware updates to MIUI 11+. Nana MIUI 10 and below monopods are unstable.

If your phone is not on this list, check it out on Xiaomi’s official support website (Accessories Compatibility section).

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On phones with MIUI 14 and newer, Xiaomi monopods support double-tap for quick switching between photos and videos – a unique feature not available on older firmware versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi monopods