How to Use Shutter Speed on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide from Basic Settings to Professional Tricks

Extreme exposure is one of the three “whales” of photography (along with the aperture and the diaphragm). ISO), It's a device that determines how much light will hit the camera array, and on Xiaomi smartphones, from budget Redmis to flagship Mis or even the most expensive ones. POCO — This is a setting that you can flexibly adjust even if you don't have a professional camera, but how do you use shutter speed to get clear images during the day, glowing star tracks at night, or blurry water flows? In this guide, we'll go through everything from basic principles to hidden functions. MIUI, which are not written in the official instructions.

Many users mistakenly think that exposure is only for night photography, but it actually affects the sharpness of moving objects, the sensitivity of light in poor light conditions, and even creative effects such as lighting. At the same time, the shutter speed setting on Xiaomi has its own nuances: depending on the model and version. MIUI The menu may be different, and some modes (like Pro Mode) are hidden in the back of the interface.

It's important to understand that long exposure requires camera stabilization. Without a tripod or a stable surface, the images will be blurred. But even if you don't have additional equipment, Xiaomi has tools in its arsenal to compensate for the shaking of the hands, which we'll talk about later.

What is shutter speed and how it works on Xiaomi smartphones

Shutter speed (or exposure time) is the time during which the camera's matrix captures light, measured in seconds or fractions of a second.

• 🔹 Short exposure (1/1000s — 1/200c): Freezes movement, suitable for sporting events or fast objects.
• 🔹 Average exposure (1/100s — 1/2c): universal option for static scenes in good lighting.
• 🔹 Long exposure (1c or more): used for night photography, lighting or water blur.

On Xiaomi smartphones, shutter speed is regulated in two ways:

1. Automatically, the camera selects the value in the Photo, Portrait or Night modes.
2. Manual – in Pro (or Manual) mode, where the user sets the parameters himself.

At the same time, on most Xiaomi models, the maximum shutter speed in manual mode is limited to 32 seconds (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or XPG). POCO F5 Budget devices like the Redmi Note 12 can only offer up to 10 seconds, due to hardware constraints and matrix heating.

⚠️ Note: When shooting with a shutter speed of more than 1 second, Xiaomi can automatically increase the speed of the video ISO, And that's what's causing digital noise. To avoid that, manually install it. ISO Minimum value (100–200) and use a tripod.

Where to find shutter speed settings: step-by-step instructions for MIUI

The camera interface on Xiaomi has changed with the release of new versions MIUI, But the general logic is the same. Here's how to find manual shutter speed settings on most models (relevant to the current model). MIUI 12–14):

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Flick the left modes to Pro (or Manual, Expert on some models). If you don't, press three dots. ⋮ → Additionally.
3. In the top panel, you'll see the S icon, which is the shutter speed. Tap it to open the scale.
4. Move the slider to the left for short exposure or to the right for long exposure. 1/1000 (fractions of a second, or 1" (seconds).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra is available in the extended Long Exposure mode, which is hidden in the optional menu. It automatically combines multiple frames to reduce noise during prolonged exposure.

Set your phone on a tripod or stable surface

Turn off autofocus (switch to autofocus) MF)

Reduce. ISO up to 100-200

Use a timer or remote to release the shutter

Check the battery (long shooting drains the battery faster)-->

If your camera app doesn’t have Pro mode, try:

• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Install alternative camera software, such as GCam (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔍 Check settings: some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Hide manual mode to simplify the interface.

Optimal shutter speed settings for different scenes

The choice of shutter speed depends on the lighting, movement of objects and desired effect. Below are the recommendations for situations, tested on Xiaomi smartphones (from Redmi Note 11 to Xiaomi 13 Pro):

You can also use the built-in Night mode for night shooting on Xiaomi, which automatically picks up shutter speed (usually 1 to 6 seconds) and combines multiple frames to reduce noise, but in Manual Mode (Pro), you will have more control over the final result.

Automatic (Photos)

Manual (Pro)

Nighttime

Portrait

Other-->

Secrets of shooting with long exposure: how to avoid blurring

The main problem when working with exposure more 1/10 So, you get lubricated by shaking your hands or moving your camera, and even a little touch of the screen when you lower the shutter can ruin your shot:

• 📱 Use a tripod or improvised support (for example, folded books), even a mini-station with flexible legs will work for smartphones.
• ⏱️ Turn on the timer for 2 or 10 seconds in the camera settings, this will avoid vibrations when you press the down button.
• 🔇 Turn off autofocus (switch to autofocus) MF) — This means that the camera will not “breathe” (change focus) during the shooting.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%: long exposure and photo processing put a lot of stress on the battery.

If there is no tripod, try these life hacks:

• 🧘 Lie down on the wall and hold your breath while shooting.
• 🎧 Use wired headphones with a volume button - it can serve as a trigger rope.
• 📦 Place your phone on a soft surface (such as a bag) to cushion the vibrations.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) can automatically shut down the screen when shuttered for more than 10 seconds. To avoid this, increase lock time in Settings → Display. → Sleeping mode.

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If shooting is interrupted due to overheating, try closing the background apps or cooling the phone (for example, removing the case) before the session begins.

Night photography: how exposure affects the quality of the photo

In the dark, exposure becomes a key parameter. Too short — and the photo will be dark, too long — there will be noise and lubrication. On Xiaomi smartphones, there are two approaches to night photography:

1. Night mode: The camera itself selects shutter speed (usually 1-6 seconds) and combines multiple frames, suitable for most users, but does not give creative control.
2. Manual mode (Pro): you set up the shutter speed yourself, ISO It takes experience, but it has unique effects.

When shooting the night city, we recommend:

• 🌃 Start with a shutter speed of 2-4 seconds and ISO 400–800.
• 🔍 Focusing manually (autofocus at night is often wrong).
• 📊 Use the histogram in the camera app to avoid overlighting.

To shoot the starry sky on Xiaomi (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a large sensor) you will need:

• 🌌 Shutter speed of 10–30 seconds (maximum that the camera allows).
• 📷 ISO 1600-3200 (but not higher, otherwise the noise will drown out the stars).
• 🔭 Wide-angle lens (if any) and tripod.

Creative effects with exposure: lighting, water blur and not only

Long exposure allows you to create unique visuals that you can’t get automatically. Here are some ideas for experimenting with Xiaomi:

1. Light Painting (Light Painting)

To paint with light, you will need:

• 🔦 A flashlight, glow stick or phone screen with a white background.
• ⏳ Shutter speed 5–30 seconds (maximum that your model allows).
• 🌑 Full darkness (or at least a little light).

Algorithm:

1. Set the phone on a tripod.
2. Turn on the manual mode (Pro), select the maximum shutter speed.
3. Press the descent and "draw" light in the air in front of the camera.

2. Water Fluidation (Silky Water Effect)

Perfect for waterfalls, rivers, or seas.

• 💧 Excerpt 1/4 – 2 seconds (depending on the speed of the flow).
• 🌊 Neutral filter (if any) or darkened glass to reduce light.
• 📏 Statutory or sustainable support.

3. Star Trails (Star Trails)

To capture the movement of the stars, you will need:

• ⭐ Exposure of 20-30 seconds (maximum on Xiaomi).
• 🌌 Clear sky away from city light.
• 📱 Fully charged phone (it can take hours to shoot).

Tip: Use apps like Star Walk 2 to find the North Star (it will be the center of the tracks).

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For creative long exposure shooting, always shoot in format. RAW (If your Xiaomi model supports it, it allows you to adjust your white balance and exposure flexibly in post-processing.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced photographers sometimes have problems with exposure on smartphones, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If your Xiaomi is constantly resetting shutter speed settings, check:

• 🔄 Reset settings in camera settings (turn off if there is such an option).
• 📱 Updates MIUI — Bugs may appear in new versions.
• 🛠️ Resetting camera settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Exposure on Xiaomi