How to make a GIF on a Xiaomi phone: 5 ways in 2 minutes

Creating animated images (GIFs) on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is easier than ever, and GIFs are ideal for instant messenger reactions, short memes, or process demonstrations — and can be done directly on your phone without a computer. In this article, we will examine all working methods, from built-in MIUI functions to specialized applications with advanced settings.

Important: the ability to create GIFs depends on the firmware version and device model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, an advanced video editor is available, and on the budget Redmi Note 12, you may need third-party software. We tested all methods on current firmware versions (2026) and selected only working solutions.

1.Creating a GIF from a video through a standard gallery

The easiest way is to use the built-in Gallery app tools (or Google Photos, if installed by default) and this method works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the POCO X5, Redmi 12 and flagship models.

Instructions:

• 📹 Open the video in the Gallery app (or Google Photos).
• ✂️ Press the "Edit" button (pencil icon at the bottom of the screen).
• 🎬 In the editing menu, select the "Pruning" tab (or More) → Create GIF version).
• 🕒 Move the sliders to select a snippet of video (maximum 5 seconds for the video) GIF).
• 💾 Press "Save How" GIF" Choose quality (recommended Average for balance of size and quality).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Maximum duration GIF — 5 seconds (up to 6 seconds in Google Photos).
• ❌ No way to add text or stickers.
• ❌ Permission is limited. 720p (even if the original video in 4K).

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If the Save as GIF button is missing, update the Gallery app via Play Market or GetApps. On some firmware, the feature is hidden in the menu More → Export → Animated image.

2. Convert Live Photos to GIFs

Live Photos is available on most Xiaomi dual camera photos, which automatically record 1.5-3 seconds of video before and after shooting, and can be easily converted to GIF.

How to do this:

1. 📸 Take a Live photo: open the camera, turn on Photo mode and click the icon "Live" (circle with concentric waves) in the top menu.
2. 🖼️ Open the photo in the gallery and touch the icon "Replay" (triangle in a circle).
3. 🔄 In the upper right corner, press "More" → "Export how GIF".
4. ⚙️ Set up playback speed (option is not available on all models) and save the file.

Live photos take up 2-3 times more space than regular photos, and once converted to GIF, the original file can be deleted to free up memory.

Once a week |

1-2 times a month |

Only on a special occasion |

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3. Use of the Screen Recording application

If you want to make a GIF out of on-screen activities (such as gameplay or a demonstration of the application), use built-in screen recording. This method is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 11+.

Step-by-step:

• 🎥 Call the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) and find the Screen Record button (or Settings). → Special facilities → Screen recording).
• ⚙️ Set up the settings: Permission: 720p (optimally GIF). Quality: Medium. Sound source: Disconnect (sound to) GIF needless).
• 📱 Write down the desired fragment (no more than 10 seconds for compact). GIF).
• ✂️ Cut the video in the gallery (as in the first method) and save how GIF.

Turn off notifications |

Close personal data in applications |

Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB) |

Set up a permit to 720p-->

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Note: Some models (e.g. POCO F4) block screen recording in banking and cheat-protected apps (e.g. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

4. Third-party applications for advanced GIFs

If built-in tools aren't enough, install specialized applications. We tested 5 popular solutions and selected the best ones:

Recommendation: for one-time tasks, ImgPlay is suitable, and if you want full control over animation, GIF Maker. Both applications weigh less than 30 MB and work without root rights.

5. Create a GIF from multiple photos

If you want to make animations out of static images (like a process demonstration or stop motion), use applications like PicMotion or GIF Studio.

Steps:

1. 📷 Prepare photos: Recommended amount: 5–20 Resolution: same for all photos (e.g, 1080×1920). Format: JPEG or PNG.
2. 📱 Open the application and select "Create" GIF picture".
3. ⏱️ Set up: Latency between frames: 0.1-0.5 seconds. Playback order: Go → Back or loop.

GIF

256 colors

💡 Tip: For smooth animation, use a tripod or fix your phone on a flat surface. When shooting stop motion, change the position of objects by 5-10 mm between frames.

6. Optimization of GIFs for sending in messengers

The finished GIF often needs to be compressed to send to Telegram, WhatsApp or VK. Here’s how to reduce the size without losing quality:

Optimization methods:

• 📉 Reduce the permit to 480×480 (optimally for messengers).
• 🎨 Reduce the color palette to 128 or 64 (in apps like this). EZGIF).
• ⏱️ Increase the delay between frames to 0.2–0.3 seconds.
• 🔄 Convert to WEBP (easier GIF 30-50% supported in new versions of Telegram).

Example of commands for optimization via FFmpeg (for advanced users):

ffmpeg -i input.gif -vf "scale=480:-1,split[s0][s1];[s0]palettegen[p];[s1][p]paletteuse" -loop 0 output.gif

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Note: WhatsApp has a maximum GIF size of 3MB, and VK has a maximum size of 5MB. If the file is heavier, the messenger will automatically compress it with loss of quality.

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For maximum compatibility, use a GIF with a resolution of 480×480, lasting up to 3 seconds and weighing up to 2 MB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about creating GIFs on Xiaomi