How to reset Xiaomi camera to factory settings: 4 proven ways

Why Xiaomi Camera May Need a Reset and When It Really Needs

Xiaomi’s smartphone cameras are some of the most technologically advanced on the market, but even they sometimes fail. Blurred images in good light, incorrect color reproduction, the Mi Camera app hanging or a sudden drop in video quality are all signs that the module may need to be reset, but before rushing to extremes, it’s worth figuring out whether the problem is in the software or hardware.

80% of the time, the camera settings are to blame for the camera settings that got lost after updating the firmware, experimenting with manual modes or conflicting third-party applications (such as GCam), less often, the cause is corrupted cache files or errors in the operation of image processing algorithms, resetting the camera to the factory settings does not correct the physical defects of the lens or matrix - this requires repair. But if the problem is software, you can return the camera to its original state in 5-15 minutes without losing data on the phone.

In this article, we present the most current reset methods for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including the Mi 11/12/13 line, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X). The methods are distributed from the simplest to the radical, with explanations of when to use.

Method 1: Reset camera settings via the Mi Camera app (without data loss)

The safest and fastest method is to return the factory settings directly to the camera app, which is suitable if:

• 📸 The camera is working, but the pictures are worse than before (for example, too dark or with noises).
• 🔄 You’ve experimented with manual settings (Professional Mode, Long Shutter speed) and want to return to automatic mode.
• ⚙️ Mi Camera app slows down or some features (e.g. Night mode) stop working.

Instructions:

1. Open the camera app (Mi Camera).
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
3. Scroll down and select Restore Default Settings (or Reset Settings in older versions).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Close and reopen the camera app

Check the autofocus operation

Take a test shot in different modes (daylight, night mode)

Update the Mi Camera app to Google Play (if available)

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This method does not affect system files or delete your photos, but it will not help if the problem is caused by:

• 🦠 Damage to firmware files (for example, after a failed update).
• 🛠️ Conflict with custom firmware (Custom) ROM).
• 🔧 Hardware failures (e.g. detachment of the chamber plume).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Reset option can be hidden in submenu Additional or System settings. If you do not find the item, update the Mi Camera app to the latest version.

Method 2: Clearing the cache and data of the camera application (to eliminate lags)

If Xiaomi's camera slows down, opens for a long time, or gives an error "failed to connect to the camera", cache or corrupted temporary files are to blame. Cache cleaning is a "light" reset that does not delete your photos, but returns the application to its original state.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the camera in the list and tap it.
3. Choose Warehouse.
4. Click Clear the cache (it is safe).
5. If the problem persists, click Clear Data (this will reset all camera settings, but won’t delete your photos in the gallery).

Once the data is cleaned, the Mi Camera app will work as if you just installed it again.

• 🔘 Permit access to storage and microphone.
• 📁 Select a folder to save photos/video.
• ⚡ Enable options like HDR or night mode (they are deactivated by default).

💡

If the camera still doesn’t work after cleaning the data, try turning off battery optimization for the Mi Camera app. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, find the camera and select No Limits.

Method 3: Reset via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, and the camera still makes errors like "Camera failed to start" or "Camera no access", you can try resetting via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🤖 Devices with unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Advanced users who installed custom firmware.
• 📱 Smartphones where the camera stopped working after the update MIUI.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands can lead to data loss or device blinking. If you're not sure, skip this section.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb shell pm clear com.android.camera

This command will completely reset the camera settings, including:

• 📂 Photo/video saving folders.
• ⚙️ All user presets (white balance, exposure, etc.).
• 🔑 Application permissions (required to confirm access to storage again).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The camera packet may be called com.miui.camera. To find out the exact name, type in the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep camera

Method 4: Completely reset your phone (last chance)

If none of the previous methods worked, then there's a radical solution, called Hard Reset, that will delete all the data from the device, including photos, videos, contacts, and apps, and only use this method if:

• 🚨 The camera doesn’t work at all (it doesn’t open, it gives a black screen).
• 🔄 Other methods of discharge did not yield results.
• 📱 Phone infected with a virus that blocks access to camera.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Back up your data through Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Check to clear everything (including internal memory if needed).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, the phone will look like new.

• 🔑 Re-enter the Mi Account.
• 📥 Recover data from backup.
• ⚡ Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes camera bugs are fixed in new builds) MIUI).

💡

Before Hard Reset, be sure to remove the memory card (if any) – some Xiaomi models format it along with internal memory.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users are making Xiaomi camera problems worse by making common mistakes.

• 🔨 Disassembling the phone yourself - if the problem is software-based, physical intervention will only hurt. Xiaomi's camera plumes are fragile and easy to damage.
• 📲 Install unofficial firmware in an attempt to "fix" the camera.Incompatible Custom ROM Often breaks the camera drivers forever.
• 🔋 Reset settings when battery is low – if the phone turns off during the process, it can lead to a blink (not turned on, stuck on the logo).

Also not worth it:

• 🧹 Delete system files manually (for example, through Root Explorer) – this can disrupt not only the camera, but the entire phone.
• 🔄 Reverse firmware to old version without compatibility check – some Xiaomi models block downgrade.
• 📸 Use third-party apps to “repair” the camera – most are either useless or contain malicious code.

If after all the manipulations the camera still does not work, check:

1. Whether the front camera is working is the problem in the main module.
2. Does the image appear in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) If the camera is running, it's the third-party software's fault.
3. Is there physical damage (cracks on the lens, bloating of the body near the camera).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions