Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the need to combine two images into a single file, which may be required to create a before-and-after comparison, create a screenshot of correspondence, or simply to aesthetically design a social network post. The built-in MIUI or HyperOS shell provides basic but functional tools to solve this problem without installing additional software.
However, standard methods are not always obvious to beginners, since the gluing function is often hidden in the editing or collage creation menu. Moreover, different versions of the operating system may differ in the location of the buttons. In this guide, we will discuss all the available methods, including the use of Google Photos and specialized applications, so you can choose the most convenient option.
The process of combining images on Xiaomi does not require root rights or complex technical knowledge. Just follow the algorithm of actions described below. We will consider both horizontal and vertical gluing, as well as how to adjust the quality of the final file.
Use of the built-in MIUI Gallery and HyperOS
The fastest way to combine two photos is to use the standard Gallery app, which is pre-installed on all the brand’s devices, which requires no internet connection and works even in aerial mode. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the basic logic remains the same for all models.
To start, open the app and go to the album where the images are located. Select the first photo, then click on the second one with your finger on, or just tap both images so they are ticked, and then you highlight them at the bottom of the screen and you'll see a toolbar where you want to find a "Create" button or a three-dot icon.
In the menu that opens, select Collage. The system automatically offers multiple layout options. If you just want to place a photo next to you, select a two-cell template. The interface allows you to swap photos in places by dragging them with your finger, and change the aspect ratio and rounding of corners.
- 📱 Open the gallery and select two images.
- 🎨 Click the “Create” button and select the “Collage” type».
- ⚙️ Set up boundaries and proportions in the editor.
- 💾 Save the result by pressing the button in the upper right corner.
⚠️ Note: When using collage patterns, the quality of the final image can be slightly compressed by the system algorithms to optimize the file size. If maximum detail is important, check the result after saving.
Importantly, in some older versions of MIUI, the feature could be called “Unite” or hidden in the “More” submenu. If you don’t see the collage creation button, try updating the Gallery app through GetApps.
Creating collages through Google Photos
An alternative and often more flexible tool is the Google Photos app, which is also pre-installed on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, a method that is especially convenient for those who store backups in the cloud, as it allows you to work with images that do not occupy space in the device’s memory.
The process starts with highlighting two photos in the library tape, and unlike the standard gallery, the interface is more minimal. After selecting the images, click on the Add In button (often looks like a plus square) and select the Collage option in the drop-down list.
Google Photos offers automatic layout, but allows you to manually change the layout of items, you can swipe your finger along the dividing line to shift the boundary between photos, or replace one image with another from the gallery right in the process of editing.
The main advantage of this method is that you can quickly access your edit history, and if you accidentally saved a bad version, it can be easily fixed or rolled back because the originals remain intact in the cloud.
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Use the Free Form feature in Google Photos if standard grids don't suit you, allowing you to place your photos in random order and add stickers.
Application of specialized editorial applications
When built-in tools are scarce and a professional approach is needed, third-party apps from the Google Play store come to the rescue. Programs like PicsArt, Canva or Layout from Instagram provide advanced features for working with images, including working with layers and masks.
Installing this software is worthwhile if you plan to create content for social media on a regular basis, and these apps allow you to not only glue two photos together, but also add text, filters, frames and effects, usually starting with choosing the "Collage" or "New Project" feature on the home screen.
Unlike system solutions, you get full control of each pixel, you can overlay one photo over another with transparency, you can use overlay modes or draw over the image, but you should keep in mind that these programs often require more CPU resources and may contain advertising.
| Annex | Difficulty | Advertising | Key function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Gallery | Low. | No. | Quick gluing |
| Google Photo | Low. | No. | Cloud synchronization |
| PicsArt | Medium | There is. | Layering |
| Layout | Low. | No. | Minimalism |
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the permissions it requests. To work with photos, the application only needs access to media files. If the program requires access to contacts or a microphone without an obvious need, this is an occasion to think about its security.
“Long Screenshot” Mode for Vertical Sticking
There is a specific scenario where you need to combine two photos vertically, for example, to save a long correspondence or a web page, in this case, Xiaomi smartphones are the most effective to use the feature Long screenshot, although it is originally designed to scroll the screen.
Take a screenshot of the first image, then open it and click the Scroll button (usually immediately after the shot or in the editing menu). The screen will start to scroll down. Take a screenshot of the second image in another tab or app, then go back to the first one.
This technique requires some skill, as automatic scrolling can capture unnecessary interface elements, a more reliable way is to take screenshots of two different screens, and then use the "Scream glue" feature, which is sometimes offered by the system automatically when sequential screenshots are taken.
⚠️ Note: The long screenshot function only works with scrollable content. Two separate files from the gallery cannot be glued together directly by this method unless they are displayed in a long tape.
For the perfect vertical docking of two separate files, it is best to return to the 1x2 vertical collage method, which ensures that the resolution and quality of both images remain unchanged and the boundaries are clear.
☑️ Pre-conservation checks
Customization of quality and format of preservation
When combining photos, it is critical to maintain a balance between image quality and file size. In Xiaomi's camera and gallery settings, you can often choose the save format. By default, JPG is used, which provides good compression, but can lose details when edited repeatedly.
If your model supports the format HEIF (or HEIC), Consider using it to save space, but remember that when you send these files to older devices or some computers, they may not open without converting. JPG.
Some advanced editors can manually set the quality parameter for export. 90-95%, avoid the appearance of compression artifacts, especially on gradients and homogeneous surfaces.
Also worth paying attention to is the resolution of the final file. If you combine two 4K photos, the final image can become very heavy. For social networks, it is often enough to reduce the resolution to 1080p, which will significantly speed up download and send.
Why does the photo become cloudy after gluing?
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may experience a situation where the collage creation button is inactive or disappears, most often because more than two photos are selected (the system may require exactly two for simple templates) or the files have an unsupported format, such as RAW or video.
Another common problem is a lack of RAM when processing heavy images. If the application closes when trying to save the result, try to close the background programs or restart the smartphone before starting work.
Sometimes, after updating MIUI, the paths to features may change. If you can't find familiar buttons, search for settings or update system applications through the GetApps store.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to rename image files manually through the file manager by adding extensions.This will not change the format and may cause file corruption.
Regularly cleaning the cache of the Gallery app also helps to avoid errors in work. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → Gallery → Memory and click “Clear Cache.” This will not delete your photos, but will reset temporary program files.
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The most stable result of gluing is the use of built-in Gallery templates, as they are optimized specifically for the hardware and software of your Xiaomi.