How to put a timer on a photo in Xiaomi smartphones: detailed instructions for all models

Taking the perfect group photo or selfie without the help of outsiders on Xiaomi smartphones is easier than it seems. The built-in camera timer allows you to postpone the moment of shooting for 3 or 10 seconds - enough time to get back in place, fix your hairstyle or adjust the composition. But many users are not even aware of this feature or face problems when activating it.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to turn on the timer on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO cameras, from standard settings to hidden MIUI chips. You will learn how to adjust the delay on the main and front cameras, why the timer may not work, and what alternative applications will help if the regular funds do not suit.

Where is the timer in the standard Xiaomi camera app

In most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and newer), the timer button is hidden in the top of the camera’s toolbar. However, its location may vary depending on the MIUI version and firmware.

1. Open the standard Camera app (not third-party!).

2. Switch to Photo Mode (if you are in Video or Portrait Mode).

3.At the top of the screen, find the icon with the image of the watch (⏱️) or a timer.

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14: The timer icon is on the right of the flash button.
• 🔄 Old versions (MIUI 11 and below: You may need to swipe up the screen to reveal additional settings.
• 🎯 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10A): The timer is hidden in the menu More (three dots in the upper right corner).

If there is no timer icon at all, check if additional features are disabled in the camera settings (more on this in the next section).

Step-by-step: how to turn on a timer for 3 or 10 seconds

The activation algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi devices, but there are nuances for different shooting modes.

1. Open the Camera app and select Photo mode (switch to the front camera for a selfie).
2. Click on the timer icon (⏱️) top-panel.
3. Select the latency: 3 seconds or 10 seconds. Some models also have a mirror mode for selfies.
4. Point the camera at the object and press the descent button, and the countdown will start automatically.

💡 Important: If you use the mode HDR Or you can shoot at night, the timer may be delayed by processing, so you'd better set the composition first, then activate the timer.

Make sure the camera is in Photo mode.

Check the lighting (timer will not save from dark frames)

Set your focus in advance (click on the screen)

Turn off the live photo mode if it interferes.

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On models with an ultra-wide camera (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the timer only works on the main camera. To shoot on other modules, you will have to use third-party applications.

Why the Timer May Not Work: 5 Frequent Problems and Solutions

If the timer button is inactive or the function is not working, the reasons usually lie in settings or conflict with other camera options.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The timer refuses to work with an external microphone or headphones connected.

If the problem persists, try resetting the camera settings to factory settings: → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Erase the data. ⚠️ This will remove all user settings, including filters and modes!

Hidden chips: timer in Pro mode and shooting by gesture

Few people know, but in professional mode, Xiaomi camera can also use a timer — although it will have to do a little tinkering with the settings.

1. Open the camera and switch to Pro (or M on some models).
2. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the upper right corner.
3. Activate the Timer option (if not, update the camera app via Google Play).
4. Return to the shooting and select the delay (the same 3 or 10 seconds are available).

🔥 Bonus Lifehack: In Pro mode, the timer works even with manual settings ISO, It allows you to take professional long exposure and self-descent shots, ideal for night photography or lighting.

Another hidden feature is gesture shooting, which is available on models with a front camera (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4):

• 👋 Activate Selfie Mode.
• 🔍 In the camera settings, find the option of gesture for selfie (or Smile/Gistre).
• 📸 Raise your hand with your palm open in front of the camera – countdown will start automatically in 3 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Sign function may conflict with the timer. If both options are on simultaneously, the gesture will take priority - the timer will only work if you did not wave your hand.

The Best Third-Party Timer Apps on Xiaomi

If you don’t like the standard timer (for example, you need more than 10 seconds of delay or shooting serial shots), try these apps from Google Play:

💡 Tip: Before installing third-party cameras, turn off battery optimization for them (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization, otherwise the timer may not work in the background.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+), third-party cameras cannot use all modules (telephoto, macro), in which case you will have to go back to the standard app to shoot with a timer.

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If you need to take serial shots at intervals (for example, for timelapse), use the Lapse It app. It allows you to adjust the delay between frames from 1 second to several hours.

How to make a timer on a video in Xiaomi

Unlike photos, video recording with a delay in the standard camera Xiaomi is not provided.

1. Use third-party apps: Open Camera or ProCam X support a timer for video (delay up to 10 seconds).
2. Voice command: Turn on OK, Google and say, "Start recording video in 5 seconds." It doesn't work on all models.
3. Manual countdown: Press and hold the record button, then release after the right time (requires training).

📌 Important: When shooting video with a timer through third-party applications, stabilization can deteriorate (especially on Redmi with electronic stabilization.

On models with a gyroscope (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can use Horizon Mode to stabilize when shooting with a timer (📏).

Comparison of timers on different Xiaomi models: what has changed in 2023-2026

With the release of new versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the camera interface has changed, and this is how the timer works across devices:

🔍 Trend 2026: HyperOS has made the timer smarter, now it automatically brightens the screen before shooting to make it easier to navigate the shot. And on flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) there is the option Group photo, which takes 3 pictures in a row with an interval of 1 second.

On budget models (e.g. Redmi A2+), the timer functionality was cut, with only 3 seconds of latency available, and this is due to firmware optimization for weak processors.

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Starting with MIUI 14, the camera timer syncs with system sounds. If you have camera sounds turned off (Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → System Sounds), the timer countdown will also be silent.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Timer