Taking the perfect group photo or selfie without fuss is a real thing if you know how to turn on a timer on a Xiaomi camera. Even the budget models Redmi and Poco support delay shooting, but not all users know how to use it. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from a standard timer for 3/10 seconds to hidden features for advanced users.
The problem is that the MIUI camera interface changes with each firmware version, and some options are hidden in non-obvious menus. We tested the instructions on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and Poco X5 — all methods work on MIUI 12-14, including global and Chinese versions. If your model is older than 2019, check the Frequent Problems section — there are solutions for outdated devices.
Standard timer: how to turn on a delay of 3 or 10 seconds
The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in timer feature that is found in any Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphone, which allows you to set the delay by 3 or 10 seconds before shooting, suitable for selfies, group photos and tripod shooting.
To activate the timer:
- 📷 Open the Camera app and switch to Photo Mode (or Selfie if you need to take a self-portrait).
- ⏱️ In the top toolbar, find the timer icon (a watch with an arrow) hidden under the "More" button on some models» (...).
- ✅ Choose 3 seconds or 10 seconds – the countdown time will begin after pressing the down button.
- 🔴 Press the shutter circle, the countdown will appear on the screen, and the speakers will sound signals (3 short ones 1 second before shooting).
If the timer icon is missing, check the camera settings: sometimes the option is disabled in the Settings menu → Additional → Timer. On Poco F5 and Xiaomi 12T, the path may differ: Settings → General → Shooting Timer.
Hidden mode “Delayed shooting”: how to take a photo in 30 seconds
Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden 30 seconds latency feature that doesn't show up in the main menu. It's useful for complex compositions when you need to get in place or adjust the lighting. It works on most models with MIUI 13+, but requires activation via Pro mode.
Instructions for inclusion:
- Open the camera and switch to Pro mode (or Manual on some models).
- In the upper right corner, tap on the icon. ⚙️ Settings.
- Scroll down to the Additional section and find the Delayed Shooting item.
- Set the value of 30 seconds (or 20 seconds if 30 is not on the list).
- Go back to the shoot, tune the composition and press the shutter. The timer will start automatically.
On the Redmi Note 11 and Mi 11 Lite, this mode may be called Long Exposure, but the functionality is the same. If you do not have an option, update the camera app via Google Play or the App Store (for global versions).
Install the smartphone on the top surface or tripod |
Check the lighting (autofocus can get lost in the dark)|
Turn off digital zoom (it degrades quality) |
Activate the frame grid for a level composition
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Voice control: how to take a photo on command without a timer
If you're uncomfortable running to the camera after you run the timer, use voice commands. The feature works on all Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ and supports Russian. The main advantage is that you don't need to touch the screen, just say a phrase.
How to set up:
- 🎤 Open the Settings. → Voice assistant → Voice control of the camera.
- 🔊 Turn on the voice shutter switch.
- 📋 Select a command from a list (such as “Cheese!” or “Smile”) or add your own.
- 📸 Return to the camera and say the phrase: shooting will begin in 1-2 seconds.
On the Poco X4 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, this feature can be called Voice Descent and is in the camera settings (Settings → Additional).If the command does not work, check the microphone permissions in the app settings.
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For better voice recognition, pronounce the command clearly and without accent, and in noisy places (for example, on the street), the function may work worse.
Apps for extended timer: TOP-3 alternatives to the standard camera
If the built-in features aren't enough, install third-party apps that allow you to set up a delay of up to 60 seconds, add sound signals or shoot serially, and we tested 10 programs and selected the best ones for Xiaomi.
| Annex | Max, delay. | Additional functions | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera MX | 60 seconds. | Cotton shooting, serial pictures, manual settings | All Xiaomi models |
| Open Camera | 30 seconds. | RAW support, night mode, timelapse | Requires MIUI 11+ |
| Delay Camera | 120 seconds | Vibration before shooting, saving to the cloud | It works on Android 10+ |
To avoid compatibility issues, check the Android version in your phone settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version) before installing. On Xiaomi with HyperOS (new interface), some apps may require additional permissions.
How to install APK if the app is not available in your area?
Frequent problems and solutions
Even on the new Xiaomi users are faced with bugs when using the timer.-5 errors and ways of correcting them.
⚠️ Warning: If the timer is working but the photos are blurry, check the stabilization mode in the camera settings. 12S Ultra and Mi 11 Pro may be in conflict with delayed shooting.
Common problems:
- 🚫 Timer not turned on: Update the camera app or reset its settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).
- ⏳ Latency is knocked off: Turn off battery optimization for the camera (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Camera. → No restrictions).
- 🔇 No countdown sound: Check the volume of the media or restart the phone. F4 This bug is corrected by a firmware update.
- 📱 App crashes: Remove the camera cache or install Google Camera (GCam) with timer support.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Close background apps before shooting – the timer consumes additional resources.
The Redmi 9A and other budget models may not have Pro mode, so a 30-second delay is not available. In this case, use third-party apps (see previous section) or voice control.
Delayed shooting on older Xiaomi models (2018–2020)
If your smartphone is released before 2021 (Redmi Note 8, Mi A3, Poco X3, etc.), the built-in timer may not work stable or at all.
- Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.
- Install Google Camera (GCam) with timer support. Each model needs its own version - look for the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.
- Use the “Burst” mode as an alternative: hold the shutter button to take several frames in a row, and then choose the best one.
On Xiaomi Mi 9 and Redmi K20, the timer can hide behind a long tap on the shutter button. Try holding it for 2-3 seconds, and a menu with a delay option will appear.
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On older Xiaomi models (until 2020), the standard timer is often limited to 3 seconds. Advanced features require the installation of GCam or third-party apps.