How to blur the background in the photo Xiaomi: from standard tools to professional applications

You took a great photo on your Xiaomi, but the background spoils the whole composition? Bokeh blur helps highlight the main object, giving the picture a professional look. There are several ways to achieve this effect on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from built-in camera functions to third-party applications with advanced settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods, from simple blur in the gallery to manually adjusting the aperture in Pro mode. You’ll learn which Xiaomi models support hardware blur (due to the dual camera), and where to rely on software processing. We’ll also compare popular blur applications and give tips on how to avoid typical editing errors.

Important: not all methods are equally effective. For example, software blur in budget models (like Redmi 9A) often looks unnatural, while flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) cope with the task at the level of SLR cameras.

1. Blurring background during shooting: Portrait mode

The easiest way is to use the built-in Portrait Mode (or Portrait in global firmware) that automatically blurs the background, keeping sharpness on the face or subject. This mode is available on most Xiaomi smartphones released after 2017, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Dual camera is mandatory: the mode only works on models with an optional module (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Xiaomi). 12T). Single-modular cameras (type) POCO M3) They simulate the effect of software - the result is worse.
• 🔍 Distance to object: Keep the camera 1-2 meters away from the person/object. Too close, the effect will disappear, too far, the background will blur completely.
• 🎯 Focus: tap the screen so that the camera correctly identifies the main object. If the background blurs unevenly, try moving the object or changing the angle of shooting.

How to set the mode:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Scroll through the shooting modes left/right and select Portrait (a human silhouette icon).
3. Point the camera at the object – the blur effect will appear in real time.
4. Press the down button to take a picture.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3) Portrait mode can automatically apply "beautiful" face filters. Turn them off in the camera settings if you want naturalness.

2. Manual blur in Pro mode: for advanced users

If you need more control over blurring, use Pro (or Manual) mode, where you can manually adjust your aperture (F-number), which directly affects depth of field. The smaller the aperture (e.g. f/1.8), the stronger the background blur.

Instructions for Pro mode:

1. Open the camera → select Pro (or More → Pro).
2. Touch the gear icon (⚙️), to open up additional settings.
3. Find the aperture (or Aperture) setting and set the minimum value (e.g. f/1.7 on the Xiaomi 13 Pro).
4. Adjust Focus manually if the automation is wrong.
5. Take a picture and check the result in the gallery.

On smartphones with a single camera (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31), manual aperture adjustment in Pro mode will not give real blur – the effect will be simulated software and look unnatural.

💡

Before shooting in Pro mode, clean the camera lens – dust or fingerprints can spoil focus and increase noise in the background.

3. Blurring the background after shooting: Xiaomi Gallery tools

If you forgot to turn on Portrait mode or want to edit the finished photo, use the built-in editor in the Gallery app. The feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 firmware and newer.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the photo in the Gallery and click Edit (pencil icon).
2. Select the Portrait tab (or Effects → Blurring).
3. Circle the main object (face, object) – the algorithm will automatically blur the background.
4. Adjust the intensity of the effect with the slider Blurring Force.
5. Save the changes (Ready or Save as a copy)

• ✅ Pros: no need to install third-party applications, works offline.
• ❌ Cons: Improperly defines the boundaries of objects (hair, complex shapes). EXIF-Original data (if you choose Save as a copy).

4.The Best Background Blurring Apps on Xiaomi

Standard MIUI tools don't always do the job perfectly. If you need professional blur, install one of these apps:

Selection recommendations:

• 🎨 For creative shots: Focos – allows you to add light spots (bokeh balls) and adjust the blur form.
• 📱 For quick results: Snapseed – intuitive interface and no advertising.
• 💰 For professionals: Lightroom – integration with other Adobe tools.

Example of work in Snapseed:

1. Open the photo → click Tools → select Depth of Field.
2. Add a brush to circle the object that should remain in focus.
3. Remove errors (for example, if the algorithm blurred part of the face).
4. Adjust the blur intensity and the transition (for smoothness).

⚠️ Note: Apps like AfterFocus can heavily load the processor on weak smartphones (Redmi) 8A, POCO C3). Close background tasks before editing to avoid lags.

Make a backup copy of the original|Close unnecessary applications|Connect charging (for long-term work)|Check available disk space (minimum 500 MB)-->

5. MIUI's secret functions for background blur

There are hidden features in MIUI firmware that few people know about, such as some models (Xiaomi 11T, Redmi K50) that can enable Movie Effects, which adds dynamic background blur to the video, and the gallery hides the Cloning Magic tool, which indirectly helps improve the bokeh effect.

How to activate hidden functions:

1. Blurr in video: Open Camera → More → Movie Effects. Select Cinematic Bokeh effect (available on flagships with MIUI 13+).

Improvement of portrait mode

• Go to the camera settings → Additional settings.
• Enable Portrait Enhancement (Portrait Enhancement).

On smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) in Movie Effects mode, real-time background blur is available with pixel accuracy - this effect cannot be repeated on budget chips.

💡

Hidden MIUI features often depend on the firmware region. If the option is not on your menu, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone and update it.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with good tools, you can get poor results, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

• 🔴 Unnatural boundaries: If the hair or edges of the object are “cut” by blurring, reduce the intensity of the effect or use a brush for manual correction in Snapseed.
• 🔴 Too much blur: The background should remain recognizable. Optimal intensity is 30-50%.
• 🔴 Incorrect focus: If the camera is focused on the background rather than the subject, switch to Pro mode and adjust focus manually.
• 🔴 Noise on blurred background: This is evident in photos taken in poor light. Use Night Mode before shooting.

Example of fixing the "cut" edges in Lightroom:

1. Import photos and go to the Edit module.
2. Select Masking → Select Subject (AI will highlight the object).
3. Add a blur mask (Blur) and invert it (Invert Mask).
4. Adjust Feather (blurring the edges of the mask) to 50-70%.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later in Portrait mode, skin smoothing can be automatically applied. Turn it off in the camera settings if you want to save the texture of the face.

7. Blurring the background for social networks: optimization for Instagram and TikTok

If you are editing a photo for publication in social networks, take into account their features:

• 📸 Instagram: Optimal resolution — 1080×1350 (The blurring effect should be visible even on a small screen — increase the intensity on the screen. 10–15% compared to the original.
• 🎥 TikTok: Video with blurred background is better to shoot in 1080p 60 FPS. Use Movie Effects Mode (if available) for dynamic bokeh.
• 💼 LinkedIn: Blurring should be minimal, where professionalism and clarity are valued. Use Lightroom to fine-tune depth of field.

Advice for Instagram Stories:

If you post a blurry-background photo in a story, add text or a sticker over the main subject, and that will draw attention to a key element of the composition.

📌 New Xiaomi smartphone 13T – testing the camera!


(Text is placed on a sharp object, background blurred)

💡

Before posting, check how the photo looks in a social media preview – some platforms (like Facebook) automatically compress images, which can amplify blur artifacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about background blur on Xiaomi