Modern Xiaomi smartphones have powerful cameras, but for creating truly high-quality group shots or wide-angle landscapes, built-in optics are often not enough. This is where the selfie stick, or monopod, comes to the rescue, which has become an essential accessory for travelers and bloggers. Unlike cheap counterparts, Xiaomi products and its sub-brands (such as ZMI or Yi) offer thoughtful ergonomics, reliable materials and a stable connection.
Many users are struggling with the first switch on, not understanding how to get the button on the handle to control the camera shutter. In fact, the setup process takes only a few minutes if you know the right sequence of actions. In this guide, we will detail how to use a Xiaomi selfie stick, look at the features of wired and wireless models, and give tips for creating professional shots.
Don't ignore the possibility of extending your smartphone's functionality with this simple device, and a properly configured monopod allows you not only to take a photo on your outstretched arm, but also to use it as a tripod for taking timelapses or video calls. Let's start exploring the possibilities of your new gadget.
Xiaomi Monopod Types and Their Features
Before you start operating, it is important to understand what kind of device you are dealing with. Xiaomi produces several types of monopods that are fundamentally different in terms of connection and functionality. The most common Bluetooth monopods that transmit a signal to a smartphone without wires, they are equipped with an integrated battery and require periodic recharging.
The second type is wired models that connect via a 3.5 mm (Mini-Jack) or USB Type-C connector. These devices do not require charging and work immediately after connecting, but their use is limited by the length of the cable and the presence of the corresponding port in the smartphone. Modern flagships without a headphone jack will require adapters.
There are also hybrid models that can work both wirelessly and via cable, often with a 360-degree rotary mechanism and a built-in tripod in the legs, and the choice of the specific type depends on your phone model and personal preferences for usability.
- 📱 Bluetooth versions: provide a range of up to 10 meters and complete freedom of movement, but require charging.
- 🔌 Wired versions: work always while the phone is on, but can interfere with the wires when shooting.
- 🔄 Hybrids: combine wire reliability and wireless convenience, often at a higher price.
⚠️ Note: When buying a wired version for a new Xiaomi smartphone (for example, the Mi 11 series or Xiaomi 13), be sure to check the availability of an adapter from Mini-Jack to Type-C in the kit, otherwise you will not be able to connect a monopod.
Preparation for first use
Before you try to take the first picture, you need to properly prepare the device. If you have a wireless model, the first step should always be to charge the battery. Even if the indicator indicates a charge, it is recommended to put the device on charge for 30-60 minutes to activate the chemical processes in the battery.
For wired models, the preparation is to visually inspect the connector for dust and dirt. Make sure the plug is fully inserted into the phone port. In some cases, tight cases on the smartphone can prevent the plug from fully immersing, which will cause the button to fail.
It’s also worth checking compatibility with your operating system. Most Xiaomi monopods support both Android and iOS, but advanced functionality (like button zooming) may require installing a dedicated app. Standard features usually work out of the box.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for shooting
Place your phone next to the monopod before setting up.
Instructions for connecting Bluetooth monopod
Setting up a wireless connection is the most important step. Unlike regular headphones, it's important not only to make a pair, but also to make sure that the phone "sees" the shutter button. The process begins with the device itself. The handle usually has a power button on it, which you hold for a few seconds until the light indicator appears.
Once turned on, the indicator will start flashing, which means the pairing mode. At this point, you need to open the Bluetooth settings on your Xiaomi smartphone. Find the name corresponding to your monopoe (often YZC-01RM, Xiaomi Selfie Stick or ZMI) in the list of available devices.
Click on the name of the device to connect. The system can request code confirmation, although in 99% of cases, the code is not required for Xiaomi accessories or is standard 0000. Once successfully connected, the indicator on the handle will stop flashing quickly and light up with a flat light or will slowly pulse.
Sequence of action:
1. Press the button on the handle (3 seconds)
2. Open Settings -> Bluetooth
3. Find the device in the list
4. Press "Connect"| The monopod model | Status indicator | Connection action | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Bluetooth | Blue (blinks) | It's burning all the time. | Android / iOS |
| ZMI Selfie Stick | Green/Red | Slow blinking | Android / iOS |
| Yi Action Stick | Orange | Off. | Specifically. |
| 3.5mm wired | Absent. | No reaction. | Universally. |
What to do if the phone does not see the monopod?
Use of wired models and adapters
Wired monopods are valued for reliability, but connecting them can raise questions for owners of modern smartphones. If your phone has a 3.5 mm connector, just insert the plug before the characteristic click.
For devices without an audio jack (for example, Xiaomi Mi Mix or the new Xiaomi 12/13/14) series, a quality USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is required. It is important to use original adapters or certified counterparts, since cheap Chinese cables often transmit only sound, ignoring button control signals.
After you have physically connected, you don't need to make any additional settings in the Bluetooth menu. Android automatically redirects the button on the handle as a "take a photo" command in the camera's active app. If you don't take a photo, try restarting the camera with the monopod connected.
- 🔊 Volume: Some wired models use volume control channels to simulate shutter pressing.
- 🎧 Headset: If a monopod is defined as headphones, it’s normal for wired versions.
- 🔋 Power: Wired models can slightly increase battery consumption.
⚠️ Note: Do not use a monopod during a thunderstorm or in high humidity conditions if it is wired, as this can short-circuit and damage the charging port of the smartphone.
Camera setup and additional functions
Once connected successfully, you can move to fine-tuning the shooting process. The standard MIUI Camera Shell app (or HyperOS) fully supports external buttons. However, for best results, it is recommended to activate the framing grid in the settings.
Go to the camera settings menu (cog in the corner) and find Grid or Grid. This will help you align the horizon and build the frame composition, especially when the phone is far away from you. HDR, This automatically balances light and shadow in the photo.
Many users are unaware that the button on the monopod can be used not only for photos, but also for other actions. In some applications (for example, YouTube or Instagram), a short press can start or stop recording a video, and a long one can turn on the serial shooting mode.
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Use a timer in the camera app (3 or 10 seconds) in combination with a monopod. This will allow you to put the phone on the ground or to swing a stick, step back into the frame and calmly pose without twitching at the moment of pressing the button.
For advanced users, third-party apps from Google Play are available that allow you to adjust the actions of the buttons more flexibly, for example, you can assign a double tap to switch between the front and main camera, which is very convenient when shooting vlogs.
Creating the perfect pictures: tips and techniques
The selfie stick opens up new horizons for creativity, and the rule is not just to hold a stick on your outstretched arm, but to experiment with angles. Try to lift the monopod above eye level and tilt the camera downwards, which visually lengthens the figure and makes the face more expressive.
When taking group photos, use panorama or wide-angle mode. The monopod allows you to push the camera far enough so that all participants are in the frame without the distortion of perspective that often occurs when shooting up close.
Remember the lighting. Even the best Xiaomi camera won't save a shot if the lights fall wrong. Try to keep the light source (the sun or the lamp) in front of you, not behind, otherwise you'll get a silhouette instead of a portrait.
- 🌅 Golden Hour: Shoot at dawn or sunset for soft, warm light.
- 🤳 Stabilization: Use both hands on the handle to avoid lubricating frames.
- 🔄 Rotation: Slowly rotate the monopod around your axis to create a background rotation effect.
💡
Photo quality is 80 percent dependent on lighting and arm stability, not just megapixels, and the monopod solves the problem of stability by allowing you to take clear pictures even in low light.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the reliability of Xiaomi’s hardware, there can be some malfunctions, and the most common problem is that the button on the monopod stops responding, and 90% of the time, this is solved by reconnecting the device or restarting the smartphone.
If the Bluetooth connection is constantly broken, check if the handle battery is discharged, and the cause may be interference from other wireless devices or a metal case on the phone that shields the signal.
In the case of wired models, the problem is often oxidation of contacts or getting the pile into the connector. Carefully clean the port of the phone and the monopod plug with dry soft cloth or compressed air.