How to shoot music videos on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Shooting music videos on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that bloggers and regular users alike face when they want to add emotional background to their videos. However, the standard camera of most models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11) does not support simultaneous recording of sound from a microphone and playing tracks, a limitation related to the Android architecture and MIUI security policy, which blocks applications from accessing the microphone while playing audio.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods to circumvent this limitation: from using third-party applications to hidden firmware functions. You will learn which tools are suitable for shooting TikTok, Reels or Stories, how to sync music with video in the editing stage, and why some methods are used. They only work on certain models, and we'll focus on the nuances of working with them. MIUI 14 and later — here the algorithms for processing sound have changed.

Why does Xiaomi’s standard camera not record music videos?

The problem is that when you play music through a player (such as Mi Music or Spotify), the system reserves the audio channel to play. The standard camera app tries to capture the microphone to record the sound, but MIUI blocks this process to avoid:

• 🔊 Echo and overlay sounds — when music from the player mixes with sound from the microphone, creating interference.
• 🛡️ Sensitive data leaks – recording conversations over the audio being played could be used by attackers.
• ⚡ CPU overload – simultaneous processing of two audio streams requires additional resources, which is critical for low-end models (e.g. Redmi 10A).

The exception is the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), which have hardware support for multi-channel audio. However, even here, the standard camera does not provide the option of turning on music – this requires third-party tools.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global version below 13.0.5 Attempting to record music videos through workarounds can cause the system to automatically shut down the microphone. media.audio_flingerwhich prioritizes reproduction over recording.

Method 1: Applications for shooting with music (TOP-3)

The most reliable method is to use specialized applications that bypass the limitations of MIUI due to their own audio processing algorithms, we tested dozens of programs and selected the top 3 variants that work on all Xiaomi models (including devices with HyperOS):

To shoot through these applications:

1. Install the program from Google Play (avoid APKs from third-party sites – they may contain viruses).
2. Open the app and select Record with Music mode (in CapCut this is the Camera tab).
3. Download the track from the gallery or select from the application library.
4. Adjust the volume of the music and microphone with sliders (optimum ratio is 70% music / 30% microphone).
5. Press the recording button and start shooting.

Select an application with support for multichannel audio

Check the space available (minimum 1 GB for 1080p video)

Disable battery optimization for camera app

Close background applications (especially messengers)

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On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek chipset (such as the Redmi Note 11), InShot applications can give an error "Audio recording failed." Solution: turn on developer mode and activate the "Deactivate absolute volume level" option in the audio settings.

Method 2: Recording a screen with music (for game videos and streams)

If you need to record gameplay or on-screen music (like streaming on Twitch or YouTube), use the built-in Screen Recording feature in MIUI. This method works on all devices starting with MIUI 10, but has a limitation: sound is recorded only from speakers, not from a microphone.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Screen recording.
2. Activate the slider and adjust the settings: 🎵 Record the sound - turn it on. 📱 Show the touch - turn it off (if you don't need to). 🔄 Resolution - select 1080p to balance the quality and size of the file.

Mi Music

Spotify

VLC

Screen recording has begun

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), screen recording with sound may be interrupted when you lock the screen or switch to another application. To avoid this, add a player app to Settings → Battery → Battery → All apps → Not Optimize.

To record voice over music, you'll have to use an additional app like Voice Recorder, and then synchronize the audio tracks in the editor, and more on that in Method 4.

Xiaomi's Standard Camera

CapCut/InShot

Screen recording

Other (I will write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Using an external microphone or Bluetooth headset

One of the most reliable, but little-known, ways to connect an external audio device is to get around the limitations of MIUI by hardware-based audio stream separation.

• 🎤 External microphones with a 3.5 mm or USB-C connector (e.g., Boya BY-M1 or Rode VideoMic).
• 🎧 Bluetooth headsets with A2DP support (e.g., Xiaomi AirDots or Sony WH-1000XM5).
• 🔊 USB- audio cards (e.g. iRig 2) if your Xiaomi supports OTG.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the device to your smartphone (for Bluetooth, make sure the headset is connected in Media Audio mode).
2. Open the standard Xiaomi camera and go to the sound settings.
3. Select an external microphone as your recording source (path: Camera settings → Audio → External microphone).
4. Run the music through the player and start shooting, and the sound from the microphone and the music from the speakers will be recorded on separate tracks.

Models without a 3.5mm connector (e.g., Xiaomi 12T) will require a USB-C → Jack adapter. Importantly, some adapters (especially cheap ones) do not support simultaneous recording and playback. Check compatibility before buying.

Method 4: Synchronize music and video in the editor

If the previous methods don't work, the most versatile way is to separate video and music and then sync it in the editor, which is the approach that professional bloggers use because it gives you maximum control over sound.

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone (any model)
• 🎵 A separate file with music (e.g., in MP3 or WAV format).
• 🎬 Video editor: CapCut, KineMaster or Adobe Premiere Rush.

Step-by-step:

1. Shoot videos without music (you can use a standard camera).
2. Mark the moment of movement or clapping your hands – this will help synchronize the sound later.
3. Import the video and audio file to the editor.
4. Drag the music onto the audio track and combine its beginning with a tag (cotton or movement).
5. Adjust the volume of the music and the original sound with the video (optimally: music at -12 dB, speech at -18 dB).
6. Export H.264 video with a bit rate of at least 10 Mbps to maintain quality.

The advantage of this method is:

• 🎛️ Full control of sound: You can cut pauses, add effects, normalize volume.
• 🔄 Ability to replace music without reshooting video.
• 📈 Suitable for any Xiaomi model, including older models (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus).

⚠️ Warning: When recording videos for TikTok or Instagram Reels, avoid using copyrighted music. Platforms automatically block or restrict the monetization of such videos. Use free libraries: Epidemic Sound, YouTube Audio Library or built-in collections in CapCut.

💡

To synchronize music and video accurately in CapCut, use Beat Sync, which automatically adjusts the frames to the rhythm of the track.

Method 5: Hidden MIUI features for advanced users

MIUI firmware (starting with version 12.5) has hidden settings that allow you to manually activate music recordings, which requires super-user rights (root) or ADB use, but gives a better result than third-party applications.

Instructions via ADB (without root):

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC and connect Xiaomi over USB (enable USB Debugging in the developer settings).
2. Open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global capture_audio_output_enabled 1 This command unlocks the recording of system audio (including music) in the background.
3. Reboot your smartphone.
4. Open a standard camera and play music through the player, and the sound will be recorded along with the video.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Only works until the first reboot (sets reset).
• 🛡️ On some models (e.g. POCO F4) the camera may freeze.
• 📵 Not supported on HyperOS devices (alternative command required).

For HyperOS, use another command:

adb shell cmd media_session set_capture_enabled true

But keep in mind that this may result in a loss of warranty if the service center detects changes in system settings.

💡

The ADB method is only suitable for advanced users, and improper use of commands can cause system failure or data loss.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with proper follow-up, users face problems, and let's look at the 5 most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods work, check:

• 🔄 Version MIUI: On beta versions of the firmware, the music recording function may be disabled.
• 🔊 Sound settings: in Settings → Sound → Sound quality must be selected High Mode.
• 📱 Microphone state: Wipe the microphone holes (they can get clogged with dust, especially on the Redmi series).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions