How to take a professional selfie on Xiaomi Redmi 10: from settings to editing

Selfies on Xiaomi Redmi 10 can look like a studio shot if you know how to use the 8-megapixel front camera of the smartphone. Many users complain about “soap” photos or unnatural colors, but the problem is more often not in the “iron”, and in the settings and techniques. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from camera preparation to post-processing in the standard Gallery app, and also reveal hidden features of MIUI 14, which Xiaomi does not advertise in the official instructions.

The smartphone has an f/2.0 front-facing camera with HDR support, but by default these functions are inefficient. For example, Beauty mode overstates skin smoothing by default, and automatic exposure often over-lights faces. We tested all settings on Redmi 10 (MIUI version 14.0.5) and found the optimal settings for different conditions from sunny day to dim evening lighting.

1. Preparation of the smartphone: cleanliness of the lens and software updates

Before you shoot, check two key points: the state of the lens and the relevance of the firmware. A polluted lens can create blur, and outdated software deprives you of new image processing algorithms.

To clear the camera:

• 🧴 Use a microfiber wipe (for example, for glasses) – it does not scratch the glass.
• 💧 Apply 1-2 drops of distilled water or a special optics cleaner.
• 🌀 Move from the center of the lens to the edges in circular motions without pressing hard.
• ❌ Avoid alcohol-containing solutions - they can damage the anti-reflective coating.

To update the software:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. If a new version is available (e.g. MIUI 14.0.6+), download it over Wi-Fi.
3. After installation, restart the device – this will activate new photo processing algorithms.

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MIUI 14 has added Night Shooting mode for the front camera, but it's hidden in the "Additional" menu. Activate it manually for the best selfies in the dark.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera starts to lie down when taking a selfie after the update, reset its settings. → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It'll bring back the factory settings without losing personal photos.

2. Front camera setup: modes and parameters

The standard settings of the Redmi 10 camera are optimized for universal shooting, but for a selfie, you need to adjust it individually.

How to change the settings:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to the front camera (the “turn the camera” icon).
2. Touch the gears (⚙️) top-right.
3. In the "Photo" section, set the parameters according to the table above.
4. For Portrait mode, activate background blur (level 3-4 for natural effect).

3. Lighting: How to avoid shadows and overlights

Even the most advanced camera is powerless in poor lighting, and the main mistake Redmi 10 users make is shooting against a bright light source (window, sun), which turns the face into a silhouette.

• ☀️ Daylight: Stand sideways to the window, not back or face, which creates soft shadows and emphasizes volume.
• 💡 Artificial light: Use two lamps on the sides (such as table lamps) for uniform lighting.
• 🌙 Evening/Night: Turn on Night Mode in the camera settings and illuminate your face with another smartphone screen (white background).
• 🚫 What to avoid: direct sun (squint), incandescent lamps (yellow), the only source of light from above (shadows under the eyes).

If you are shooting in a room with yellow lighting, manually set the white balance:

1. In the Camera app, tap the WB (white balance) icon.
2. Choose an incandescent lamp or Warm light to neutralize the yellow hue.

4.Poses and angles: the geometry of the perfect selfie

The angle of the shot affects the perception of facial features as much as lighting. For the Redmi 10 with its wide-angle front camera (77°), it is important to keep the smartphone at the right distance:

• 📏 Distance: 30-40 cm from the face. Closer - distortion of the nose / forehead, then - loss of detail.
• 🔼 Camera angle: slightly above eye level (5-10)°). It's visually narrowing your face.
• 😊 Expression: Open your mouth slightly and push your chin forward – this eliminates the “double chin».
• 👓 Accessories: If wearing glasses, turn to the light source at an angle of 45° glare-free.

For a group selfie:

• Use Group Selfie Mode (Icon with Multiple Figures).
• Hold your smartphone on your outstretched arm or use a selfie stick.
• Turn on Voice Control (Settings → Gesture Management → Voice commands) to take a voice shot (Cheese!).

Clear camera lens | Check lighting (no shadows under your eyes)| Select angle (camera just above your eyes)| Turn off Beauty mode or lower to level 2| Activate HDR in contrast light-->

5. Additional accessories for professional selfies

Even the budget Redmi 10 can be turned into a studio tool with inexpensive accessories.

For Redmi 10 especially useful accessories with support USB-C, Because the smartphone doesn't have a 3.5mm connector for external microphones, like the Boya lavalier microphone. BY-M1 (1 500 ₽) Connects via adapter and significantly improves sound in video selfies.

⚠️ Warning: When using macro nozzles, turn off digital zoom in the camera settings (Settings) → zum → Otherwise, the smartphone will automatically “reduce” the frame, negating the effect of the nozzle.

6.Editing selfies in the standard MIUI "Gallery"

The Gallery app in Redmi 10 contains hidden editing tools that many users don’t notice, such as perspective correction (to correct wide-angle lens distortion) and selective retouching (skin smoothing).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the photo in the Gallery and click Edit (pencil icon).
2. In the Beauty section: Use Natural Smoothing (slider by 20–30%). Adjust Eye Brightness (+10–15%) and Tooth White (+5%).

Effects.

Portrait light

Perspective → Vertical

Secret trick: To save the edited photo without loss of quality, before saving, click More → Save a copy. This will create a new file in JPEG format with maximum resolution.

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Editing in MIUI's Gallery doesn't degrade the quality of the original if you save a copy. Avoid HEIF format, which compresses the photo when exported.

7.Alternative selfie apps on Redmi 10

If the standard camera doesn't suit you, consider specialized apps that offer advanced settings that MIUI doesn't have:

• 📸 Open Camera (free): Manual setting ISO, snooze and focus. RAW-post-processing.
• 🎨 Snapseed (Google): Selective correction tool for point editing. Intensity-tuning filters.
• 👗 YouCam Perfect: Automatic background removal (for portrait selfies) Library of hairstyles and makeup in real time.

For the installation of Open Camera:

1. Download APK from the official website (opencamera.org.ru).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. After installation, open the application and give access to the camera and storage.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party cameras, turn off battery optimization for them: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Find an app → Without restrictions, otherwise the camera can spontaneously close.

FAQ: Frequent questions about selfies on Xiaomi Redmi 10