How to shoot 60 fps video on Xiaomi: from settings to pros

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with powerful sensors that can capture movement with incredible smoothness. However, many users do not even suspect that their device can write video at 60 frames per second, since by default this option is often hidden or disabled. The standard 30 frames provide acceptable quality, but it is the high refresh rate of the image that gives the same “cinematic” and clarity in dynamic scenes that we are used to seeing in professional reviews.

Turning on 60 fps dramatically changes the way you view video content, making object movements more natural and devoid of jerks. This is critical for shooting sports, active games, children or pets, where camera speed plays a crucial role. In this article, we will examine not only standard activation methods through the system menu, but also ways to bypass software constraints for owners of budget models.

It’s worth noting that going to high frame rates requires more CPU resources and significantly increases the size of the final file. 60 fps takes up about 1.5-2 times more space on the drive compared to a similar 30 fps video at the same resolution. So before starting a shooting marathon, make sure that your Mi or Poco has a few gigabytes of free space reserved in your memory.

Basic activation of 60 frames in a standard application

The easiest and most reliable way to get smooth video is to use the built-in capabilities of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. In most mid-range and flagship models (for example, the Xiaomi 13, 14 or Redmi Note series of the latest generations), this feature is available out of the box, but the interface for enabling it may not be obvious to the beginner.

To start, run the standard Camera app and switch to Video mode. Notice the top of the screen: it usually displays the current resolution. When you click on this indicator, you'll see a drop-down menu where you can select not only the resolution (1080p, 4K), but also the frame rate. If 60 fps is missing, try changing the resolution to 1080p, because in 4K mode many processors do not support high hertz.

Sometimes you can set your frame rate to a separate setting menu, and then you can click on the three horizontal bars in the top right corner and select Settings. In the list that opens, look for Resolution and Frame Rate or just Video Quality, and you can force smoothness to prioritize it.

• 🎥 Open the Camera app and swipe to Video mode.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (three stripes) in the top corner.
• 📺 Select the "Permission" item and set 1080p 60 fps.
• ✅ Check that the icon 60 appears on the viewfinder screen.

It is important to understand that when activated at 60 frames per second, image stabilization or HDR mode can automatically turn off if the processor cannot handle all data streams simultaneously, in which case the system prioritizes either smoothness or dynamic range, as a pop-up notification usually warns.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting at 60 fps, the smartphone battery discharges much faster due to the increased load on the device. ISP (It is recommended to have a power bank on hand for long recording.

Use of ABM regime for manual control

If the standard automatic mode does not give the desired result or you want to get full control of the exposure, PRO Video mode comes to the rescue. This tool turns the camera interface into a kind of professional video camera, allowing you to manually set shutter speed, ISO and, most importantly for our topic, frame rate.

Switching to PRO Video mode (often in the "More" menu) will show a set of sliders and values. Find the FPS setting and set the value 60. Unlike automatic mode, you can record shutter speed here. To get a natural cinematic picture at 60 frames per second, shutter speed is recommended to be set to 1/120 seconds. This rule of "180 degrees" helps keep the natural blur in motion.

Manual settings also allow you to bypass some software constraints. For example, if in normal mode the camera resets the frame rate when zoom is turned on, then in PRO mode you can try to fix the parameters before zooming. However, be careful with ISO settings: at a high frame rate, the matrix receives less light, which may require increased senses and, as a result, digital noise.

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Use a tripod or stabilizer when shooting at 60 fps, as the high detail of the movement makes even small hand tremors noticeable, which at 30 fps could be hidden.

Remember that PRO requires a certain knowledge of the basics of photography and video shooting. Incorrect exposure can cause the video to look twitchy or, conversely, too “soapy” due to the long exposure of the frame. Experiment with settings in good light to understand the logic of the sensor of your Xiaomi.

Third-party applications for enhanced capabilities

The built-in features of the system do not always meet the needs of advanced users, especially if the manufacturer has software limited the functionality of the camera on budget models, in such cases, third-party applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, which can access the camera API at a deeper level.

One of the most popular solutions is the Open Camera app, which is a completely free, open source tool that supports 60 fps video recording on most Android devices, even where the regular camera does not allow it, and then you go to the app's settings, select the "Video" section, and set 60 or Prefer 60fps at the "Frame rate."

Another powerful tool is Filmic Pro (or its free counterparts like Cinema FV-5).These apps provide a professional interface with histograms, focus picking, and precise bitrate control. They allow not only 60 frames to be shot, but also customize audio tracks, making them ideal for creating content for YouTube or TikTok.

When using third-party software, it is worth considering that optimization can be worse than that of the native application. This can lead to overheating of the device or unstable autofocus. However, for static scenes or interviews, alternative cameras often give a cleaner picture due to the ability to manually control the coding parameters.

Slow Motion (Slow Motion)

Special attention deserves Slow Motion, which by definition requires a high frame rate. On Xiaomi smartphones, this mode often allows you to shoot in the video. 120 fps or even 240 fps, but with a lower resolution to 720p. However, some models allow you to save slow-motion video in the_fullHD_ quality.

It's different from a video recording, and it shoots at very high speeds, and then it's software-driven, slowing down the motion, and if you want to get smooth video instead of slow down, it's not going to work for you, because it artificially slows down the playback, but if your goal is to capture the moment a glass breaks or a bird flies, that's the best tool.

Newer versions of MIUI have added the Magic of the Moment, or similar names that use AI to automatically create slow-motion inserts inside a regular video, a hybrid of standard shooting and high-frame-rate, allowing you to get a spectacular result without post-processing, and this feature is activated in the camera settings in the "Magic of the Moment" section or through the magic wand icon.

⚠️ Note: Files taken in Slow Motion (120/240 fps), may not be supported by some older video players or social networks when downloading directly.

Technical limitations and heating of the device

Recording high-frequency video is a resource-intensive process that loads all components of a smartphone: the processor, graphics core and memory module. On devices with Snapdragon or Dimensity series processors, a long 60 fps shooting can lead to thermal trottling.

When the body temperature reaches a critical point, the protection system automatically reduces performance, and in the context of the camera, this can be expressed in a forced reduction in resolution, a drop in frames per second (the video begins to slow), or even in the emergency closure of the camera application, especially when shooting in 4K 60 fps, if this option is available.

To minimize the risks of overheating, try to shoot in rooms with good ventilation or in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Removing a protective case for long recording also helps to remove heat. If you plan to shoot a long timelapse or high-quality interview, consider using an external cooler for smartphones.

Post-processing and editing 60 FPS video

Getting raw material in 60 frames is only half the battle, and in order for viewers to feel comfortable watching such video, especially on screens with standard refresh rates (for example, 60 Hz monitors or 30 Hz of some streaming platforms), the material often requires proper processing. When uploaded to social networks (Instagram, TikTok), algorithms can convert the video themselves, but better control this process.

When editing on a PC or mobile device, it is important that the project parameters match the source material. If you shot in 60 fps, create a project with a 60 fps timeline. If you want to get a slowdown effect, you can put 60-frame video on a 30-frame timeline, which will give a perfect slowdown of 2 times without loss of smoothness.

For iPhone owners or Apple ecosystem users, it’s worth noting that when you transfer video from Xiaomi to Apple devices via “iCloud Photos” or AirDrop (through third-party apps), frame rate metadata can sometimes get lost. Always check the file properties before the final render. In mobile editors like CapCut or InShot, when exporting, be sure to choose 60 fps in the quality settings, otherwise the application may default to set 30.

Remember that high bitrate and frame rate require fast memory cards. If you're recording video on a microSD, make sure it has a speed class at U3 or V30. The slow card becomes a bottleneck, and the camera will simply stop recording, giving an error.

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Main conclusion: For stable 60 fps recording on Xiaomi, it is critical not only to choose the right mode in the settings, but also to monitor the temperature of the device and the speed of the drive write.