How to connect a selfie stick to the phone Xiaomi Redmi 4: all the ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, which is still used by many users. Despite modest by modern standards, it does a great job with basic tasks, including taking selfies. However, connecting a selfie stick (or monopod) to this device often raises questions: Bluetooth does not find the device, the down button does not work, the camera application does not respond. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting, from wireless pairing to using adapters, and also solve typical problems.

The Redmi 4 is powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow (the latest firmware is Android 7.1 Nougat), where external accessory support is not as widely implemented as in new models. In addition, not all selfie sticks are compatible with this smartphone out of the box. But don't worry: with our instructions, you can connect a monopod in 5-10 minutes, even if you have never done it before.

What selfie sticks are compatible with Xiaomi Redmi 4

Before you try to pair the accessory with your phone, make sure your selfie stick is supported by Redmi 4 at all.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Power: if the stick is powered by batteries (AAA or CR2032), It's probably compatible, and accessories with built-in batteries may require special drivers.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Connection Type: Redmi 4 supports Bluetooth 4.1 and OTG (USB On-The-Go. Check if there's a microUSB or Bluetooth connector on the stick.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Down button: mechanical buttons (with wires) usually work without settings, and wireless ones require pairing.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Phone firmware: Custom firmware (like LineageOS) may have problems with OTG. It is better to use the official MIUI.

The most popular selfie stick models that work with Redmi 4 are:

Model selfie stickType of connectionCompatible with Redmi 4Notes
Xiaomi Mi Selfie StickBluetooth + power-buttonโœ… Yes.Official accessory, works without settings
DJI Osmo MobileBluetooth + fixationโœ… Yes.Requires applications DJI Mimo
Anker PowerConfBluetooth 5.0โš ๏ธ Partially.It may not work well because of the older version of Bluetooth on your phone.
No-name (with AliExpress)microUSB (OTG)โœ… Yes.We need to turn it on. OTG customized
Samsung EE-BT100BluetoothโŒ No.Not compatible with MIUI proprietary protocol

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the manual. 4.0/4.1 or had a wired connection via microUSB.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of selfie stick do you use?
Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick
No-name with AliExpress
DJI Osmo or analogues
Another (write in the comments)
I haven't bought it yet.

Preparing the phone before connecting

To avoid problems with pairing, follow a few simple steps:

  1. Update your firmware. Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update the system and install the latest patches, this will fix possible Bluetooth bugs.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and OTG. Go to Settings. โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth and activate the module. OTG: Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ USB OTG (If there is no point, then OTG default-supported).
  3. Clear the Bluetooth cache. Sometimes old data gets in the way of a new connection. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ All applications โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache
  4. Install the camera app. Standard app. MIUI Camera doesn't always work properly with external buttons. Try alternatives: ๐Ÿ“ท Open Camera (free, supports external descents) ๐Ÿ“ธ Google Camera (GCam) (Required for Redmi 4) ๐ŸŽฅ Footage (for video)

Important: If you use a selfie stick with a wired button, but the phone doesnโ€™t respond to the press, try flipping the microUSB plug โ€“ sometimes the contacts are asymmetrical.

Update the firmware to the latest version|Turn on Bluetooth and OTG customized|Clear the cache of the Bluetooth module|Install an alternative camera app (e.g. Open Camera)|Check the battery charge of the phone (minimum 30%)-->

Connecting selfie sticks via Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

Most modern selfie sticks connect to your phone wirelessly, and consider the Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick:

  1. Turn on the selfie stick. Usually, you need to press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes (blue or red).
  2. Activate Bluetooth on your phone. Go to Settings. โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth and move the slider to the right.
  3. Start searching for devices. Click Device Search (or Add a new device) Your monopod (e.g. Mi Selfie or Mi Selfie) should appear on the list. BT Shutter).
  4. Put the name of the device on the stick and confirm the pairing. PIN-try the standard options: 0000, 1234 or 8888.
  5. Check the button. Open the camera app and press the button on the stick handle. If the picture is not taken, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the selfie stick plugs in but the button doesn't work, try using it in "screen clamping" mode, so attach the phone to the holder so that the button on the stick physically presses the screen at the location of the virtual down button in the camera app.

Connecting a wired selfie stick through OTG

Some monopods (especially budget ones with AliExpress) connect to your phone via a microUSB connector. OTG, It comes with a package or it comes with a separate purchase. Here's how to do it:

  1. Turn it on. OTG In most cases, this is not required, but if the stick does not work, check the settings in Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ USB OTG.
  2. Connect. OTG-Put one end in the phone and the other in the selfie stick connector.
  3. Open the camera. Run any application you want to shoot (like Open Camera).
  4. Press the button on the stick. If it's set up correctly, the phone will take a picture. If it's not, see the "Problem Solutions" section.

Pay attention to a few nuances:

  • โšก OTG If the charge is below 20%, it's better to use a Bluetooth stick.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Not all. OTG-The cables are the same. Cheap models don't have to send a signal to the button. Check the cable on another device.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Some camera apps block out external descents.Try Google Camera or Footage.
Why? OTG It doesn't work for Redmi 4?
Xiaomi Redmi 4 (especially on firmware older) MIUI (9) support may be disabled OTG To save energy, to force it to turn on: 1. Install the app. USB OTG Checker from Play Market. 2. if the app shows that OTG Not supported, try to edit a newer version. MIUI (for example, MIUI The alternative is to use a Bluetooth stick, as it is independent of the use of a Bluetooth stick. OTG.

Setting the down button in the camera app

Even if the selfie stick is connected to the phone, the trigger button may not work due to the camera settings.

For the standard annex MIUI Camera:

  1. Open the camera and tap the gear (โš™๏ธ) top-corner.
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ Management.
  3. Find the volume button control or External descent and turn it on.
  4. If there is no such item, update the application through the Play Market.

For Open Camera:

  1. Launch the app and tap three points (โ‹ฎ) top-right.
  2. Select Settings โ†’ Management.
  3. Activate the option to Use the Volume button (this will allow the button on the stick to emulate the press).
  4. Also, turn on external descent support if there is such a point.

For Google Camera (GCam):

  • ๐Ÿ“ท Install a version of GCam adapted for Redmi 4 (e.g. from the developer) BSG or Arnova8G2).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง In settings (Settings) โ†’ In addition), switch on the Outer Descent.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If the button doesnโ€™t work, try restarting the app.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the button on the selfie stick doesn't work, check the camera app settings first. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by turning on the "Outside Descent" or "Manage Volume Button" option.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even when paired correctly, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Selfie stick is not on BluetoothBluetooth module is disabled or defectiveReboot the phone and the stick. Check the visibility of the phone for other devices. Clear the Bluetooth cache (see Preparing the phone).
The trigger button is not working.The camera app does not support external descentsInstall Open Camera or Google Camera and enable the appropriate settings.
The stick plugs in, but shuts off quickly.Weak Bluetooth signal or batteries dischargedReplace the batteries in the stick. Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the stick. Turn off other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets).
The phone's not responding to OTG-cableLack of support OTG or faulty cableCheck the cable on another device. Update the phone's firmware. OTG manually (if there is such a point in the settings).
When you connect the stick, the phone starts to discharge.OTG consumesUse an external battery or connect your phone to charge.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone:

Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting network settings

This will remove all stored Bluetooth devices and network connections, but often solves pairing problems.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If you are using Redmi 4 Prime (a fingerprint model), check if the sensor is blocking the connection. OTG. Sometimes it conflicts with external devices, and the solution is to disable the fingerprint scanner in the security settings.

Alternative ways to control the camera with a selfie stick

If standard methods do not work, workarounds can be used:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game triggers. Some selfie sticks emulate volume button pressing. Enable volume button management in camera settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Gestures in the air. MIUI Camera has a gesture control feature (in settings) You can take pictures by waving your hand in front of the camera.
  • โฑ๏ธ If the button doesn't work, set a timer for 3 or 10 seconds in the camera app.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Remote apps: Install Bluetooth Remote Camera or Selfie Stick Remote from Play Market, and let you control your camera from any Bluetooth button.

For advanced users, there is another way to use Tasker or MacroDroid to tie a stick button to the "Pick a Picture" action, but this requires customizing automatic scripting and is not suitable for everyone.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you often shoot videos from a selfie stick, install the Filmic Pro app, which supports external descents and allows you to record videos with manual focus, which is especially useful for bloggers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a selfie stick to Xiaomi Redmi 4

Can I connect a selfie stick from the iPhone to the Redmi 4?
No, selfie sticks for iPhone (like the Lightning connector) are not compatible with Redmi 4. โ†’ microUSB, but even with it, the down button may not work due to different protocols.
Why does a selfie stick only work with some camera apps?
It depends on how the application processes signals from external devices. MIUI Camera often ignores buttons on sticks, whereas Open Camera or Google Camera support them out of the box.Try a few apps to find the most stable one.
How to check if my Redmi 4 is supported OTG?
Install the app USB OTG Checker from Play Market. It'll show you if it works. OTG You can also plug a flash drive into your device. OTG-cable โ€“ if the phone recognizes it, the selfie stick should work.
Can I use a selfie stick as a remote for music or video?
Yes, but you need to set the button through special applications, such as Button Mapper or MacroDroid, where you can link the press of the stick button to the actions "Start / pause", "Next track", etc.
What if the selfie stick connects, but the phone constantly forgets it?
This is a typical problem with older versions of Bluetooth Solutions: Update your phone's firmware to the latest version. MIUI. Remove the stick from the list of mated devices and reconnect. Turn off battery savings for Bluetooth (Settings) โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery savings โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ Turn off optimization).

If your question isnโ€™t on the list, try searching for a solution in the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers โ€“ there are separate themes on Xiaomi Redmi 4 and accessories compatibility.