How to make a boomerang on the phone Xiaomi: 3 ways with photos and videos

Boomerang is a short video that is played back and forth in an endless cycle, creating a funny β€œtime-back” effect. Such videos have gone viral on social media, especially TikTok and Instagram. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models) often wonder: can you make a boomerang right on your phone without third-party apps?

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can do it, from built-in camera features to customized apps, how to create a boomerang with music, change the speed of playback, and even keep the result high-quality, and why some Xiaomi models have hidden this feature and how to activate it.

If you want to share a fun moment with friends quickly or add creativity to your story, a boomerang is a great solution. But before you get started, check whether your Xiaomi model supports this feature out of the box - it depends on the choice of method.

πŸ”Ή Important: On Xiaomi smartphones with firmware MIUI 12 and later, the boomerang feature can be integrated into the standard Camera app, but its location varies depending on the model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro it is in the β€œAdvanced” section, and on the Redmi Note 11 it is in the β€œMore” sectionΒ».

Method 1: Boomerang through a standard Xiaomi camera

The easiest way is to use the built-in Boomerang feature in the Camera app, but it's not available on all devices.

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Fly through the shooting modes to the left (or click on More / Additional).
  3. Look for an icon called Boomerang or Loop (on some firmware).

If there is a function, the algorithm of actions is simple:

  1. Select Boomerang mode.
  2. Point the camera at the object and press the recording button (usually a round red button).
  3. Recording will automatically stop in 3-5 seconds (depending on the model).
  4. The finished video will be saved in the Gallery in the Camera/Boomerangi folder.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) Boomerang mode may not be available even if MIUI 14.In this case, use Method 2 or 3.

Update the Camera app via Google Play

Check for the function in the "Advanced" or "More" section

Install alternative software (e.g. GCam with boomerang support)

Use third-party apps (TikTok, Boomerang from Instagram)-->

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ”Ή No need for third-party applications – everything is done out of the boxΒ».
  • πŸ”Ή Quick processing – video is ready immediately after shooting.
  • πŸ”Ή Minimum quality loss (as opposed to online services).

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ”Έ Limited duration (usually no more than 5 seconds).
  • πŸ”Έ There is no way to add music without post-processing.
  • πŸ”Έ Not available on older models (e.g. Redmi 7 or Mi). A2).

Method 2: Creating a boomerang through TikTok

If a standard camera doesn’t have a boomerang feature, TikTok is a great alternative.This app automatically offers you to create a boomerang from any video up to 3 seconds long.

Step instructions:

    πŸ’‘ Useful tip: TikTok can add music before the boomerang effect, so that the sound synchronizes with the movement.

    Through the standard Xiaomi camera

    TikTok.

    With Boomerang from Instagram

    I'm using other apps.-->

    TikTok's pros for boomerangs:

    • 🎡 The ability to add music from a large library.
    • 🎨 Additional effects (slowing, acceleration, filters).
    • πŸ“± It works on all Xiaomi models, even the oldest.

    Cons:

    • πŸ”Έ Watermark TikTok (can only be removed if saved without publication).
    • πŸ”Έ Duration limit (maximum 3 seconds for boomerang).

    Method 3: Boomerang from Instagram

    The official Boomerang from Instagram app specializes in creating boomerangs. It is free, ad-free and works on all Xiaomi smartphones.

    How to use:

    1. Download Boomerang from Instagram from Google Play.

    ⚠️ Note: The app does not allow you to add music directly, and you will need to use additional editors (for example, CapCut or InShot).

    The benefits of Boomerang from Instagram:

    • πŸ”Ή A simple interface is just one tap to shoot.
    • πŸ”Ή High quality video (resolution depends on the camera phone).
    • πŸ”Ή There are no watermarks (unlike TikTok).

    Disadvantages:

    • πŸ”Έ No built-in editor (you can't cut or add music).
    • πŸ”Έ Limited duration (maximum 2 seconds of recording).
    How to speed up or slow down a boomerang after shooting?
    If the standard boomerang speed doesn’t suit you, use the editing apps: 1. CapCut – import the video, select Speed and set the value from 0.5x (slowdown) to 2x (acceleration). 2. InShot – in the Video section, click on the boomerang, then select Speed and adjust the slider. 3. KineMaster – allows you not only to change the speed, but also to add key frames for a smooth transition.

    Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

    To determine the best method, compare the key parameters:

    CriteriaXiaomi's Standard CameraTikTokBoomerang from Instagram
    Duration of the boomerang3-5 seconds3 seconds.1-2 seconds
    Music.❌ No.βœ… Yes (TikTok library)❌ No.
    Video quality⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (camera resolution)⭐⭐⭐⭐ (compression)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (lossless)
    Watermark❌ No.βœ… Available (at publication)❌ No.
    Suitable for the old Xiaomi❌ No, only. MIUI 12+)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.

    πŸ’‘

    For maximum quality, use a standard Xiaomi camera (if available). If you need music, TikTok. For minimalism and speed, Boomerang from Instagram.

    How to improve the boomerang: 5 tips

    To make your boomerang look professional, follow these guidelines:

    • πŸ”„ Experiment with angles – shooting from above or below adds originality.

    πŸ’‘ If you’re shooting a boomerang for Instagram Stories, the optimal duration is 2-3 seconds. TikTok can be made a little longer (up to 5 seconds), but do not forget about the platform algorithms that prefer short videos.

    On Xiaomi smartphones with support AI-cameras (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Boomerangs are smoother due to hardware stabilization, if your model is equipped with optical stabilization (OIS), Be sure to activate it in the camera settings before shooting.

    Frequent problems and their solutions

    When you build a boomerang on Xiaomi, users are faced with common mistakes.

    πŸ”Ή Problem: Boomerang turns torn (unsmooth).

    πŸ”§ Decision:

    • Make sure that the frame rate (FPS) in the camera settings is set to 60 FPS (if supported).
    • Use the Boomerang from Instagram app – it’s optimized for smoothness.

    πŸ”Ή Problem: Video is not saved to the Gallery.

    πŸ”§ Decision:

    • Check permissions for the application (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera./TikTok β†’ Permits β†’ Memory).
    • Reboot your phone and try again.

    πŸ”Ή Problem: TikTok has no Boomerang effect.

    πŸ”§ Decision:

    • Update the app to the latest version.
    • Try to find the effect by asking for β€œloop” or β€œpingpong”.

    ⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard Boomerang mode in the Xiaomi camera may not be available. In this case, install GCam with Motion Photos (similar to a boomerang).

    Can you make a boomerang on Xiaomi without the Internet?
    Yes, all of the methods described (the standard camera, Boomerang from Instagram) work offline. Only in TikTok, you might need the Internet to download the effects.
    Why does TikTok’s boomerang have black stripes on its sides?
    This is due to aspect ratio. TikTok defaults to 9:16 (vertical video) to remove stripes: Before shooting, switch the camera to Full-screen mode. or crop the video after shooting in the editor (for example, in CapCut).
    How to make a boomerang 10 seconds long?
    Standard apps limit the boomerang to 3-5 seconds. For longer videos: Take a regular 10-second video. Import it to CapCut or InShot. Duplicate the clip, flip the second copy (Return effect) and connect them.
    Can I make a boomerang out of photos?
    Yes, but you'll need third-party apps like Boomerang by Google (turns a series of photos into a video), PicPlayPost (enables you to create animations from your snapshots), Instructions: Take 5-10 photos at a short interval (e.g. jumping in different phases), import them into an app and select the Boomerang effect.
    Why is my Xiaomi not having a Boomerang mode in the camera?
    The reasons may be: Obsolete version of MIUI (update firmware). Phone model does not support this feature (relevant for budget Redmi until 2020). Mode hidden in the settings - try to enable Camera Lab in Settings β†’ System applications β†’ Camera β†’ Additional features.