Shooting video with the screen off on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways (including hidden MIUI features)

Why Xiaomi is blocking shooting with the display off and how to get around it

Xiaomi smartphones, despite their advanced cameras and flexible settings, do not allow video recording by default when the screen is off. This limitation is due to optimizing power consumption and preventing random recordings. However, there are legal ways to circumvent locking, from built-in MIUI features to third-party applications with extended rights. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including those that work on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and other models from 2023-2026.

It’s important to understand that shooting with the screen off increases the load on the processor and battery. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this can lead to overheating when writing long-term in 4K@60fps. We tested all methods on MIUI firmware 14-15 and found optimal scenarios for various tasks from hidden shooting to saving charge.

Method 1: Built-in “Write with screen off” in MIUI (for new models)

Starting with MIUI 14 (Android 13+), some Xiaomi models have a hidden option that allows you to continue shooting after locking the screen, which is available on flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold 3) and parts of the devices of the Redmi Note 12 series.

1. Open the Camera app and go to video mode.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ («Settings») → Additionally. → Background recording.
3. Turn on the switch Continue recording when blocked.
4. Start shooting, then lock the screen with the power button - the recording will continue.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) This option may not be available or may not work properly, in which case use alternative methods in the following sections.

Method 2: Using Double-Tap gestures for covert photography

If your firmware doesn't have an option built in, you can bypass the restriction with a double-touch gesture, which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ and doesn't require root rights.

1. Activate video shooting in the Camera app.
2. Twice touch the screen with your finger (the gesture must be enabled in Settings → Lock screen → Double touch to wake up).
3. The screen will go out, but the recording will continue, so to stop it, unlock your phone and press the Stop button.

🔹 Advantages of the method: does not require the installation of third-party applications, works on most models.

🔹 Disadvantages: the gesture may accidentally trigger in your pocket, which will lead to unnecessary recordings. To avoid this, turn off Double-Tap after shooting.

Insert double touch in the settings

Start recording the video in the Camera app

Twice touch the lock screen

Check the free space on the device (video takes ~150 MB/min in Full HD)

-->

Method 3: Third-party applications with background recording (without root)

For devices where standard methods don't work, specialized applications are suitable. We tested 5 popular programs and identified the best ones:

📌 How to set up Background Video Recorder:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Grant permissions for Camera, Microphone and Background work.
3. In the application settings, select Recording when the screen is off.
4. Run the shooting through the notification widget.

💡

Before using third-party apps, check their ratings and reviews. Some programs (such as Hidden Camera) may contain ads or collect data.

Method 4: ADB-commands to unlock hidden functions (for advanced ones)

If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can unlock the hidden camera capabilities. This method is suitable for Xiaomi based on Android 10-14 and requires a computer.

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global capture_bypass_enabled 1
4. Reboot the device. The camera will now be in the background.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause a camera malfunction. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings. → Memory. → Backup.

Method 5: Automation via Tasker (for power users)

Tasker allows you to create automated scripts, such as setting up a recording to run on a schedule or under certain conditions (wi-fi connection, geolocation).

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
2. Create a task with actions: 1. Launch the application → Camera 2. AutoInput → Press the Video button 3. Lag → 2 seconds 4. Lock the screen (adb shell input keyevent 26 command)
3. Set up a trigger (such as a desktop widget or voice command).

🔹 Pros: full customization, the ability to integrate with other devices (for example, start recording when moving on data from Mi Band).

🔹 Cons: complex setup, requires the purchase of a premium version of Tasker.

How to avoid overheating and fast battery discharge

Shooting with the screen off increases the workload of the processor, especially in 4K or HDR modes.

• 🔋 Turn off background processes: Close all applications through Recent → Close it all down.
• ❄️ Use cooling: on flagships (Xiaomi) 13T, POCO F5) Activate Game Turbo mode for better heat sink.
• 📶 Limit the permission: remove in 1080p@30fps instead 4K — It'll reduce the load. 40%.
• 🔌 Connect power: with a long recording (>30 minutes) use a charger with Quick Charge 3.0 support+.

Critical information: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Mix Fold 2, 8K shooting with the screen off causes an emergency shutdown after 10-15 minutes due to overheating. Use only modes up to 4K@30fps.

💡

The optimal balance of quality and power consumption is shooting in 1080p@30fps with a bitrate of 15 Mbit / s. This gives acceptable quality with minimal heating.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you shoot with the screen off, you're going to have a problem with the typical problem, and we've put together solutions for the most common cases.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) This can be a backup protection, and then only the firmware on the back can help. MIUI EU use ADB-Teams from Method 4.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions