How to make a series of photos on Xiaomi: all the ways and hidden chips

Serial photography on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a feature for fixing fast movements, but a powerful tool for creating professional shots. Without it, it is difficult to catch the perfect moment at sports events, children's parties or even when shooting pets, but many users still do not know how to activate this mode correctly or optimize its settings for specific tasks.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available ways to shoot serially on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard options in the Camera’s native app to hidden MIUI chips and third-party solutions. You’ll learn how to adjust frame rates, save all high-resolution shots, and even automate the process with gestures. And we’ll also reveal the secrets of post-processing serial photos so that your shots look like a professional camera.

Methods of activating serial shooting in a standard Xiaomi camera

The basic method of enabling a series shooting depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. In most devices (starting with the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Redmi Note 8), the feature is available directly from the Camera application interface.

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Photo mode (if you are in another mode, such as Portrait or Video).
2. Touch the Burst icon (usually a three-camera icon or a Series label) in the top toolbar.
3. Hold the shutter button and shoot automatically. On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), just one short press is enough to make a series of 10-20 frames.

If there is no Burst icon, check the camera settings:

1. Slip on ⚙️ Settings → Shooting Modes → turn on Serial Slider.
2. On older models (e.g. Redmi 5), the function can be hidden behind a long hold of the down button (3-5 seconds).

Important: On flagships (Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13 Ultra), serial shooting works at up to 50 MP resolution, but saves 12 MP frames by default. To change this, go to Camera Settings → Resolution → Save Full Resolution.

⚠️ Warning: When shooting in RAW (available on Xiaomi 11T Pro and later), the capture rate will drop from 20-30 frames per second to 5-7. Use this format only in good light.

Hidden MIUI chips for serial shooting

Xiaomi hides a few useful options that make it easier to work with serial images.

• 🔄 Automatic serial motion detection: Enables in Camera Settings → Additional → Motion Series. The smartphone will do the series itself if it notices a rapid movement of the object (only works on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chips).
• ⏱️ Time limit: In Professional mode, you can set the shooting duration (1 to 10 seconds) through Settings → Series Timer.
• 📁 Separate folder for series: Activated in Settings → Folders → Separate series. Now frames will not mix with regular photos.
• 🎯 Focus Priority: On POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 in series mode, you can lock focus on the first frame (hold your finger on the screen for 2 seconds before shooting).

Another little-known possibility is serial volume shooting.

1. Go to Settings → Further → Button Management.
2. Select the Volume Up button → Serial shooting.
3. Now holding the top button will start the "Burst" mode.

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If the serial shooting is slow, try turning off HDR in the camera settings, which will speed up frame processing by 30-40%.

How to set frame rate and resolution

Xiaomi defaults to 10-15 frames per second (FPS) shooting, but on some models, this value can be increased.

To change the resolution of the serial images:

1. Open the camera settings → resolution of the photo.
2. Choose High (24-50 MP) or Standard (12 MP), remember: High resolution will reduce FPS by 20-30%.
3. For models with Leica optics (Xiaomi 13 Pro), Leica Authentic mode is available - it saves the series in DNG (RAW), but limits the speed to 5 FPS.

⚠️ Warning: On Redmi models with a MediaTek Helio G96 chip (e.g., the Redmi Note 11) when shooting in 50 MP, the series will contain no more than 7 frames, even if you hold the button longer.

Serial shooting with gestures and voice

Not everyone knows that you can run a series shoot on Xiaomi without pressing the screen. Here are three non-standard ways:

• 👋 Fist gesture: Settings → Gestures → Camera → Signature series. Quickly press your hand into your fist twice to start shooting. Works on MIUI 13+.
• 🗣️ Voice command: Say "OK, Google, take a series of photos" (Google Assistant and permission to use the camera is required).
• 🔄 Double tapping on the back: Set up to Settings → Additional → Quick Actions → Double tapping → Serial shooting.

For owners of the POCO F3 GT and Xiaomi Black Shark, a unique way is available - serial shooting using physical triggers (shoulder buttons).

1. Open the settings of the → Shark buttons.
2. Assign the top button to the Serial Shooting.
3. Now, one tap on the trigger will make a series of 10 frames.

Third-party applications for extended serial shooting

If Xiaomi’s standard features don’t suit you, try these apps (tested on MIUI 14):

For installation:

1. Download APK from the official website (for example, Open Camera).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. In the application settings, select Burst Mode and set the settings (e.g., Pre-capture for shooting before the button is pressed).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Burst Camera may conflict with the MIUI Optimization. If the camera starts to brake, turn off optimization for the app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Optimizing the battery.

Clear the camera cache in Settings → Storage → Camera

Disable AI- Mode to boost FPS

Charge the battery by at least 30% (the series consumes a lot of energy)

Install a UHS-I memory card (if shooting in RAW)

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How to choose the best shots from the series and process them

After you shoot, you'll see dozens or even hundreds of photos, and here's how to quickly sort and improve them:

• 📊 Automatic Selection: In the Xiaomi Gallery, open the series, tap the Best (star icon) and the algorithm will select the 3-5 most sharp shots.
• 🔍 Manual viewing: Use the double tap gesture to quickly switch between frames (works in MIUI 13+).
• ✂️ Series Cut: In the Google Photos app, select a series → Tools → Animation to create GIF from the best frames.
• 🎨 Packet processing: In Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile, apply the same settings to all frames in the series (use Copy Edit feature).

For advanced processing:

1. Export the series to DNG (if filmed in RAW) via Adobe Lightroom.
2. Use Topaz Gigapixel AI to increase frame resolution (relevant for Redmi models with 48 MP camera).
3. To create a long exposure (motion effect) from the series, use StarStaX (free for Android).

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 12S Ultra series shot in Leica Authentic mode, you can process in Leica Fotos – the application automatically applies color correction profiles similar to the branded Leica cameras.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even on top Xiaomi models, serial photography can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the camera refuses to do the series:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Clear the camera cache: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Reset the camera settings to factory: Camera settings → Restore default settings.
4. Update the firmware: sometimes bugs are fixed in newer versions of MIUI.

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If the serial shoot doesn't work after the MIUI update, try rolling back the Camera app version via APKMirror. Often newer versions contain bugs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions