How to make a GIF on a Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions for all models

Creating animated images (GIFs) on Xiaomi smartphones is easier than ever. With built-in MIUI features and third-party apps, users can convert videos to GIFs right on the device — without having to use a computer or complex programs. This feature is especially relevant for owners of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship lines, where the camera and multimedia features play a key role.

But how exactly do you do that? There are a number of methods, from standard tools to specialized utilities, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways, including the hidden MIUI features that many users miss, how to create a GIF from videos, live photos, or even screenshots, and what settings will help optimize the quality and size of a file.

1. Creating a GIF through the standard MIUI gallery

The easiest way is to use the built-in Xiaomi gallery.This feature is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Xiaomi 12/13/14. The algorithm of actions is the same for all versions of the firmware, but the names of menu items may differ.

To convert the video to GIF:

1. Open the Gallery app and select the desired video.
2. Click on the Edit button (the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen).
3. In the tool menu, find the GIF option (can be called “Animation” or “Create GIF”).
4. Cut the video to the desired snippet (maximum length is 5 seconds for most models).
5. Set up the playback speed and save the file.

The finished GIF is automatically saved to the DCIM/GIF or Pictures/GIF folder. Note that MIUI 14 has added the ability to change the resolution of the output file – this is useful if you plan to share the GIF in limited-size messengers.

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If the "GIF" option is not in the editing menu, update the Gallery app via Google Play or MIUI App Store. On some models, the feature is hidden behind a long tap in the video.

2.Use of the function "Live photos"

Many Xiaomi smartphones support live photos, which captures a few seconds of video before and after shooting, which can be easily converted to GIFs without loss of quality, and is ideal for creating short animations that last 1.5 to 3 seconds.

Instructions:

• 📸 Take a live photo in the Camera app (activate the mode in the shooting settings).
• 🖼️ Open the resulting file in the Gallery and click on the playback icon.
• ⚙️ In the top menu, select Save as GIF (or “Export as animation").
• 🔄 If necessary, cut the beginning and end of the clip.

Live photos are 1080p, so the resulting GIFs will be clearer than converting from a regular video. However, remember that MIUI limits the length of live photos - the maximum duration of the GIF will be no more than 3 seconds.

3. Applications for creating GIFs: TOP-3 utilities

If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can use third-party apps, and we tested dozens of utilities and selected three of the most reliable and free options optimized for Xiaomi smartphones.

To install, click on the links or search for apps in Google Play by name. Once installed, provide access to storage and camera. For example, in GIF Maker, the algorithm for working is:

1. Import videos or select photos for animation.
2. Cut the fragment and adjust the speed (recommended 15-24 FPS for smoothness).
3. Add text or stickers if necessary.
4. Export in GIF format with a choice of quality (optimally Medium for balance of size and clarity).

Close background applications to release RAM |

Check the vacant space (GIF Weighs 2-3 times as much video)|

Disable battery optimization for the selected application|

Select a source (video or photo) in advance-->

4. Create a GIF from screenshots or a series of photos

If you want a gif of static images (like a display interface or step-by-step instruction), you can animate a sequence of screenshots, which is useful for creating tutorials or memes based on screenshots.

For this:

• 📱 Take a series of screenshots (use the Power Button combination) + Turning down the volume).
• 🖼️ Open the application to create GIF (for example, Imagif).
• 📂 Select the “Create from Images” option and import screenshots in the right order.
• ⏱️ Set up the delay between frames (0.3–0.5 seconds for smooth transition).

Tip: for better results, use screenshots with the same resolution. If the frame is not enough, you can duplicate individual images to increase the duration of the animation. For example, to demonstrate the download process, you need to use 5-7 screenshots at intervals of 1 second.

5. Optimization of GIF: Size reduction without loss of quality

GIFs are often too heavy to send in instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp limits the file size to 16 MB).To reduce weight without significant quality loss, follow these guidelines:

• 🎞️ Reduce duration: optimal duration – 3-5 seconds.
• 🔍 Reduce the resolution: enough for social networks 480×480 pixel.
• 🔄 Reduce. FPS: 12-15 frames per second is enough for most animations.
• 🎨 Use a 256 color palette instead of a full color mode.

For automatic optimization, EZGIF (available as ezgif.com web service) will do the job. Download the GIF, select Optimize and apply the settings:

Size: 50-70% of the original


FPS: 12–15




Color palette: 256 colors




Removal of duplicate staff: Incl.

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Gifs with text inscriptions or a monochromatic background compress better than animations with gradients and small details.

6 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When creating a GIF on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.

⚠️ Note: If the gif is "teared" (with jerks), check the frame rate (FPS) In the application settings. For smooth animation, select a value no lower than 15 FPS. On models POCO F4/F5 screen-frequency 120 Hz may need to manually adjust synchronization.

Other frequent mistakes:

• 🚫 GIF is not saved: check the application access permissions to the storage (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔇 No sound in the GIF: format GIF It doesn't support audio tracks. Use video or convert to MP4 soundly.
• 📱 The application crashes: close the background processes or restart the phone (on Xiaomi with 4 GB of RAM this is relevant when working with video in the mobile phone). 4K).

If you’re using MIUI 13 or later, check out the Smart Optimization feature in the gallery settings. It can automatically compress gifs when you save — disable it if you want to maintain the original quality.

7. Alternative methods: screen recording and online services

To create a GIF from the smartphone screen (for example, to demonstrate gameplay or the operation of the application), you can use the built-in screen recording. This method works on all Xiaomi with MIUI 11+:

1. Call the Quick Settings Panel and find the Screen Record icon (or add it to the panel editing).
2. Start recording, perform the necessary actions on the screen.
3. Stop recording and convert the video to GIF via the Gallery or a third-party app.

Online conversion services like GIPHY or Imgflip are suitable, and they allow you to download video directly from your phone and adjust the settings of the GIF.

⚠️ Note: Online services may store uploaded files on their servers. Do not use them for sensitive videos (such as with personal data or geotagged content).

Frequently asked questions