Reset camera settings on Xiaomi: full instruction for all models

The camera on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key elements that often requires fine-tuning. However, after numerous experiments with manual parameters, software updates or malfunctions, the quality of images can deteriorate dramatically: artifacts appear, the wrong white balance, problems with autofocus or even a complete failure of the module, in which case resetting the camera settings to factory parameters becomes the most effective solution.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible resets, from standard features in the MIUI menu to hidden engineering commands that work even on locked devices. We’ll focus on the nuances for different series: Redmi Note, POCO F/X, Xiaomi 12/13/14 and flagship models with Leica branded cameras.

When do I need to reset the camera settings?

Before you start resetting, it is important to understand whether it is really necessary, and here are the key signs that the camera needs a "reset":

• 📸 Artifacts in the photo: green/purple spots, stripes or "snow" in the pictures under normal light.
• 🔍 Focus problems: The camera can’t focus on the subject, constantly “breathing” or making pictures blurry.
• 🎨 Incorrect color reproduction: All photos are too warm/cold, despite manual white balance settings.
• ⚙️ Failures in the application: the camera spontaneously closes, does not save a photo or gives an error "Camera does not respond".
• 🔄 After updating MIUI: New firmware versions sometimes drop optimizations under iron, which leads to a deterioration in quality.

If any of these symptoms are systemic (regardless of lighting or the subject in question), resetting is likely to help.

⚠️ Attention: If the problem occurs after a physical injury (fall, moisture, impact), resetting the software settings will not help - you need to diagnose the camera module in the service center.

To clarify the diagnosis before reset, try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the Camera app cache in settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Install a third-party application for shooting (such as Google Camera or Open Camera) and check the quality.

Method 1: Reset via camera settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in reset feature in the Camera app.It works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other models.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the standard Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (usually located in the upper right corner).
3. Scroll down to the Resets section (on some models, the item may be called Restore Default Settings).
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Reset.

After that, all manual settings (white balance, exposure, shooting modes) will return to factory values. Note: this method does not affect the camera system files or the module firmware, so it is safe even for beginners.

Close all background applications

Connect your smartphone to charge (if the charge is less than 30%)

Make sure there are no important unsaved photos in the gallery.

Check the version of the Camera app (should be up to date)-->

If the Reset option is not in the menu, this can mean:

• 📱 You have an outdated version. MIUI (Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 The Camera app has been modified (e.g. custom version installed). In this case, try method 2 or 3.
• 🛠️ The device has activated the developer mode with the camera's system services disabled.

Method 2: Reset via phone settings (deep cleaning)

If the application reset failed or the item was missing, you can use a more radical method - clearing the data and cache of the Camera application through system settings, which deletes all temporary files and returns the application to the post-installation state.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera app (may be called the Camera or Mi Camera) in the list.
3. Choose Warehouse.
4. Click Clear Data and confirm the action.
5. Then press Clear the cache.

Once the data is cleaned, the Camera app can run slower for the first time, which is normal, because it reassembles the cache and optimizes for hardware. If the camera still doesn't work properly after the reset, move to method 3.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Cleaning the camera data can cause the pulse-width modulation settings to reset (PWM) for a display that temporarily impairs the color reproduction of the screen. To return normal colors, restart the device.

Method 3: Reset via engineering menu (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use the Engineering Mode, which is available on all Xiaomi devices, which allows you to reset your camera settings at the firmware level, but you need to be careful – incorrect actions can lead to loss of functionality of the module.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. In the menu that appears, select Testing (or Engineering menu on Russian firmware).
4. Go to Camera or Hardware Testing → Camera.

In the engineering menu, you will see a list of all the cameras of the device (main, front, wide-angle, etc.) for each of them you can perform:

• 🔄 Soft Reset – software reset without data loss.
• 🧹 Clear Calibration (can help with focus problems).
• 📊 Restore Defaults – Returning all settings to factory.

For most users, you just need to select Restore Defaults for each camera individually.

1. Close the engineering menu.
2. Reboot your smartphone.
3. Test the camera in different modes (photo, video, night mode).

Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! For example, changing the AF Calibration values without special equipment can permanently disable the camera.

Method 4: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods worked, the most radical way is to reset via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and knowing the basic commands, but allows you to reset the camera settings even on locked or “brick” devices.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Developer's Included Mode and Debugging USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Turn on USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB debugging switch.

Terminal

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, move on.

adb shell pm clear com.android.camera

For some models (e.g. POCO) you may need to command:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.camera

adb reboot

After the reboot, all camera settings will be reset and the cache cleared, which is most effective in serious crashes, but requires caution:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause data loss or damage to system files. Never execute commands that you don't know what they're supposed to do. -rf /data It would completely erase all user data on the device!

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Before using ADB, back up your important data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer. Also check that your smartphone has enough charge (at least 50%) – interrupting the reset process can cause errors in the camera.

What if the reset didn't help?

If the camera is still not working properly after all the manipulations, the problem may be deeper.

If you suspect a software failure but the reset didn't help, try:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install alternative camera software (e.g. Google Camera with the correct configuration for your model).
• 🧩 Reverse the updates to the Camera app (if the problem appears after the update).

For models with custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), you may need to completely flash the device with the data partition cleaner. This is an extreme measure, since it deletes all user data.

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If the camera stops working after a fall, moisture or mechanical impact, resetting the settings will not help - physical repair is required, in which cases, self-manipulation can exacerbate the problem.

How to avoid camera problems in the future?

To avoid having to reset your settings regularly, follow these guidelines:

• 📲 Regularly clean the cache of the Camera application (once in a week) 1-2 month).
• 🔄 Do not install beta versions. MIUI, If you are not ready for bugs in the camera.
• 🛡️ Use magnetless covers – they can affect the operation of sensors.
• 🧼 Clean the lens with a soft lilaless cloth (do not use alcohol for an external lens!).
• 📱 Avoid overheating the device – high temperature worsens the quality of images and can damage the matrix.

Also pay attention to the shooting modes:

• 🌃 Night mode heavily loads the processor and can cause artifacts in prolonged use.
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K/60fps Warming up the camera – don’t shoot for so long without interruptions.
• 🔍 Macromode on budget models (Redmi) 9/10) often gives blurry pictures - it is better to use the main camera.

For models with flagship cameras (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, 14 Pro) it is recommended:

• 📸 Calibrate autofocus once every six months through the engineering menu.
• 🔧 Update color rendering profile (if available in camera settings).
• 📥 Install official camera updates through the Mi App Store.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi camera reset