How to change the format of photos on the Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi Photos Are Important and When to Change It

Modern Xiaomi smartphones – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra – supports several formats for saving photos, each of which has its own pros and cons. By default, most devices save pictures in the photo format. JPEG (or an improved version HEIF/HEIC), But some models allow you to choose between RAW, DNG even TIFF For professional photography, the choice of format directly affects image quality, memory space and compatibility with other devices.

When should you think about changing the format? First of all, if you notice that photos take up too much space on your phone, you might want to switch from a new format to a new format. RAW on HEIF, It saves up to 50 percent of the space without loss of quality, and secondly, if you edit pictures in professional software (like Lightroom or Photoshop), RAW It will give you more opportunities for correction than compressed JPEG. Some social media platforms (such as Instagram) still don’t support HEIC, Therefore, conversion may be required before downloading.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to check the current photo format on your Xiaomi
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for changing the format in the camera settings
• 📱 Features for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T etc.)
• ⚠️ Possible problems and how to avoid them (e.g., the error "Format not supported")
• 🔄 How to convert your photos to another format

How to find out what format photos are saved on your Xiaomi

Before you change the settings, it's helpful to understand what format is in use right now. There are three ways to check this out:

1. Through file properties: Open the Gallery app and select any photo. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Information (or Details) Look at the file type bar and it will show the format (.jpg,.heic,.dng, etc.).
2. Through Explorer: Connect your phone to your computer and open the folder DCIM/Camera. Expanding files will show their format.
3. Through Camera Settings (for some models): Launch the camera, go to Settings → Format of preservation (if such item exists).

Please note: on devices with MIUI 14 and newer by default is often used HEIF (heic extension, which doesn't open on older PCs without additional codecs. If you often transfer photos to a Windows computer 7/8, better switch to JPEG.

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Xiaomi. 12S Ultra and 13 Pro are automatically saved two files when shooting in Pro mode: JPEG (viewable) + RAW (You can turn this off in the camera settings.

Step-by-step: how to change the format of the photo on Xiaomi

The process of changing the format depends on the version MIUI Here is a universal instruction that is suitable for most devices (Redmi Note). 11/12, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 12/13/14 series.).

Open the Camera app

Go to Settings (cog icon)

Check the current shooting mode (normal, Pro, night, etc.)

Make sure there is enough space on your phone (especially for the RAW)

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Method 1: Through camera settings (MIUI 12–15)

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (or swipe from the right edge of the screen on some models).
3. Select the option Format of saving (or Quality of photo) → Format).
4. Available options: 📷 High quality (HEIF) — Save space, but may not open on older devices. 📷 Compatible (JPEG) — Universal format, supported everywhere. 📷 RAW + JPEG (Only in Pro mode - saves both files. 📷 Only RAW (professional).

Select the desired format and confirm the changes.

Method 2: For older models (MIUI 11 and below)

On devices like the Redmi Note 8/9 or Mi 9T path may differ:

1. Open the camera. → Settings.
2. Find the photo resolution or quality.
3. If you have a format option, choose between JPEG and HEIF.
4. In some models RAW It is included separately in Pro mode (sign) RAW top-down).

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If you often share photos through messengers or upload them to social networks, it is better to use them. JPEG. HEIF It is suitable for personal archives where saving space is important.

⚠️ Note: When transferring photos in format HEIC There will be no problems on Mac or iPhone, but on Windows. 10/11 without updates, files may not open. Check compatibility or convert to JPEG.

How to convert your photos to another format

If you have changed your camera settings but want to convert old photos, there are a few ways to do this:

Method 1: Through the standard Xiaomi gallery

1. Open the photo in the Gallery app.
2. Press Edit. → More. Three dots).
3. Choose Save as or Export.
4. Specify the format you want (JPEG or PNG) quality.

Method 2: Using a File Manager

Use the Files (or Total Commander) app:

1. Find the right photo in the folder DCIM/Camera.
2. Keep your finger on the file. → Open with help → Photo editor.
3. Save the copy in another format.

Method 3: Online Converters (for HEIC → JPEG)

If you need to convert a lot of files quickly:

• 🌐 heictojpg.com - download HEIC, get JPEG.
• 🌐 CloudConvert – Supports batch processing.

⚠️ Note: When converting RAW → JPEG Some data is lost (e.g., extended dynamic range) If the photos are valuable, keep the original data. RAW-file.

Method 4: Automatic Conversion When Sending

Some messengers (for example, Telegram) automatically convert HEIC into JPEG When you send it, WhatsApp doesn't work, it's in the original format.

Problems with changing the format and their solutions

When you change the format of photos on Xiaomi, users sometimes encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The option "Save Format" is not in the camera settings

Reason: On budget models (Redmi) A2, POCO C50) or older versions MIUI (MIUI 10 and below) this function may be disabled.

Decision:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 📱 Install an alternative camera (e.g., GCam with support) RAW).
• 🖥️ Use the conversion after shooting.

Problem 2: Photos in format HEIC not open on PC

Reason: Windows does not support default HEIF/HEIC.

Decision:

• 🖥️ Install an official extension from Microsoft: HEIF Image Extensions.
• 🍎 On Mac or iPhone, files will open without additional actions.
• 📱 Convert the photo to JPEG directly on the phone before transmission.

Problem 3: RAW-Files take up too much space

Reason: One RAW-Xiaomi 13 Pro can weigh 60-80 MB.

Decision:

• 🗑️ Respond regularly RAW-files on PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• ⚙️ In camera settings, turn off saving RAW + JPEG, leave only JPEG.
• 🔍 Use compression applications RAW (For example, Adobe Lightroom).

Problem 4: After the format change, the photos became worse

Reason: You may have chosen HEIF compressed or JPEG low-quality.

Decision:

• ⚙️ Go back to the camera settings and select High Quality (even if the format remains) HEIF).
• 📏 Check the resolution of the photo: in the camera settings should be a maximum (for example, 50 MP or 200 MP for flagships).

Recommendations for choosing a format for different tasks

Which format to choose depends on how you use your photo, and here are our recommendations for scenarios:

📸 For everyday shooting (social networks, messengers)

• 📌 Format: JPEG (compatible).
• 📌 Quality: High (90–100%).
• 📌 Why: Universal format, supported everywhere, does not require conversion.

🎨 For professional editing

• 📌 Format: RAW (DNG) + JPEG (preview).
• 📌 Settings: Turn on Save RAW pro.
• 📌 Why: RAW saves maximum data for light, color and detail correction.

📱 To save space on the phone

• 📌 Format: HEIF (if compatibility is not important).
• 📌 Additional: Enable Storage Optimization in Settings → Memory.
• 📌 Why: HEIF It takes up 2 times less space with the same visual quality.

🖼️ For printing photographs

• 📌 Format: TIFF or JPEG (maximum quality).
• 📌 Resolution: At least 300 dpi (check in print settings).
• 📌 Why: TIFF It maintains maximum quality without compression, but the files are very large.

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For most users, the best choice is — HEIF for personal archives and JPEG post. RAW You only need to do professional processing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo formats on Xiaomi