Live Photos on Xiaomi: How to Enable, Take and Save Animated Photos

Live Photos on Xiaomi smartphones allow you to capture not only a static frame, but also a few seconds of video before and after pressing the down button. This feature, popular among iPhone users, is now available to owners of devices based on the device. MIUI — But not everyone knows how to activate the mode correctly, which models support the technology, and how to avoid the typical mistakes in shooting.

In this article, we will take steps to take a Live photo on Xiaomi, including camera settings, device requirements and how to view finished images. MIUI (from 12 before 14) and popular series of smartphones - Redmi Note, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14. You will also learn how to convert live photos into videos. GIF, Why sometimes the function doesn’t work.

Which Xiaomi models support live photos?

Live Photos is not available on all Xiaomi devices, but support depends on the version. MIUI, The hardware of the camera and the processor:

• 📱 Minimum version MIUI: 12.5 and higher (on older versions, the function may be missing or unstable).
• 🔧 Hardware requirements: camera module with support for video recording 1080p@30fps higher.
• 📅 Series of devices: Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 10/11 newer.

On budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) It may not be available because of a weak processor or outdated firmware. To check for support on your device, open the Camera app and look for the Live icon in the top mode bar. If it's not available, update. MIUI before the latest version or use alternative methods (we will discuss them below).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi devices may have Live Photos hidden in regional firmware (e.g. China or India), where changing the region to Global or other devices will help. EEA through settings → Additionally. → Region.

How to turn on Live Photo mode in a standard camera

If your device supports the function, you can activate it directly in the Camera app.

1. Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi.
2. Switch to Photo mode (main camera).
3. In the top modes bar, find the “Live” icon (usually a circle with wavy lines or an inscription). LIVE).
4. Tap the icon to activate the mode. The icon should be illuminated in yellow or blue.
5. Take a picture as usual – the function will automatically record 1.5-3 seconds of video before and after the frames.

Ready-made Live photo will be saved in the gallery marked LIVE In the upper right corner, you just click on the picture and hold your finger on the screen.

Make sure your device has enough free memory (1 Live photo) ≈ 10–15 MB)

Turn off battery savings in camera settings

Check that the function is not blocked in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Permits

Use the main camera (frontal may not support the mode)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 "Live" icon may not be on the main menu, in which case try to switch to Professional or Portrait mode - sometimes the function is hidden there.

Alternative ways to create a live photo on Xiaomi

If your model doesn’t support the built-in Live Photo feature, or you want more editing options, use third-party apps.-3 tested:

• 📸 Google Motion Photos: Google’s App that Automatically Creates Animated Pictures When Shooting in Mode HDR+. Available for all Android 8.0 devices+.
• 🎥 Focos: Allows you to shoot live photos with background blur (boke) and manual depth adjustment. Supports export to the United States GIF.
• 🔄 Live Photo Maker: Converts regular videos (up to 5 seconds) to live photo format compatible with Xiaomi Gallery.

To use Google Motion Photos:

1. Download the Google Camera app (like the GCam version for your model) from a trusted source (like Celso Azevedo).
2. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Motion Photos and turn on the option.
3. Take a picture – the application will automatically save the animation.

Important: Live photos created through third-party apps may not show correctly in the standard Xiaomi gallery. Use Google Photos or dedicated players to view.

How to view and edit Live Photos on Xiaomi

Ready-made Live photos are saved in the Xiaomi gallery with a note LIVE. To view the animation:

1. Open the photo in the Gallery app.
2. Touch the screen and hold your finger, and the video will start playing.
3. For cyclic playback, enable the option to loop in the menu (circle arrow icon).

To edit Live Photo:

• 🎬 Video cropping: Click Edit → Cut the video (not available on all firmware).
• 🖌️ Effects: Add filters or adjust color through Edit → Tools.
• 🔄 Exports to GIF: Use applications like this. GIF Maker or ImagPlay for conversion.

If the animation is not reproduced:

• Make sure the file is not corrupted (try opening it on another device).
• Update the Gallery app to the latest version.
• Use Google Photos – it supports the Live Photo format better.

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To save a Live photo as a separate video, open it in the gallery, click More → Save the video. The video file will be saved in the Movies folder.

Why Live Photos Are Not Working on Xiaomi: Common Problems

If the Live Photo function is not activated or is not working properly, the reasons may be as follows:

After the update MIUI function is missing, try resetting the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro), the Live Photo feature may conflict with the mode AI-Turn off the camera. AI before shooting, if the animation is not saved.

How to convert live photos to video or GIF

Live photos on Xiaomi are saved in.jpg format with built-in video file. GIF, Use the following methods:

Method 1: Through the Standard Gallery

1. Open Live Photos in the Gallery app.
2. Press More. → Save the video.
3. Video file (.mp4) will be saved in a folder Movies/LivePhotos.

Method 2: Using the ImagPlay application

• 📥 Install ImagPlay from Google Play.
• 📂 Open Live Photos through the app.
• 🎞️ Press Export. → Video or GIF.
• 🔧 Set up quality and duration (e.g, 1080p for video or 500 KB for GIF).

Method 3: Online Converters

If you do not want to install additional programs, use services such as: EZGIF:

1. Upload a Live photo to the site (the file must be in.jpg format with a tag). LIVE).
2. Choose Extract Frames or Convert to GIF.
3. Download the finished file.

Important: When converting to GIF The quality of the animation may deteriorate. To maintain maximum resolution, export the video in format. MP4.

Tips for shooting high-quality live photos on Xiaomi

To make your animated photos clear and interesting, follow these recommendations:

• 📸 Stabilize the camera: Live photos capture movement, so the tremors of the hands will spoil the frame. Use a tripod or stick your elbows to the surface.
• ⚡ Good lighting: Shooting in the dark makes noise on the video. Turn on Night Mode if there is insufficient lighting.
• 🎯 Focus: Click on the subject to capture the focus before recording. Autofocus can float in Live mode.
• 🔊 Sound: If your model supports sound recording, make sure the microphone is not covered with your fingers.
• ⏱️ Time: Live photography captures 1.5-3 seconds of video. Start shooting in advance to capture the key moment.

For creative photos, experiment with:

• 🌊 Motion: Capturing waterfalls, waves or moving objects (cars, people).
• 🎇 Lighting effects: Bengal lights, fireworks or flashing lights.
• 🐦 Animals/Birds: Live photos perfectly capture their movements.

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To shoot Live photos in low light, turn off HDR In camera settings, this will reduce noise on video.

FAQ: Frequent questions about live photos on Xiaomi