Mirror display on Xiaomi camera is a common problem that users face when taking selfies or videos. The feature automatically reflects the image horizontally, which causes the text in the photo to be read backwards and gestures look unnatural. Most of the time it is embedded in the MIUI firmware for easy preview, but when you save the pictures, the effect is preserved, which annoys many.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to disable SLR mode, from standard camera settings to hidden developer settings. Cover Redmi, POCO, Mi and other Android 10-14 devices with MIUI 12-14 shell, and pay special attention to the nuances for different firmware versions and possible limitations.
Why does Xiaomi’s camera mirror the image?
Mirror reflection (or horizontal flip) is not a bug, but a feature of the front camera, and manufacturers including Xiaomi are using this effect to:
- 🔹 Natural Preview – When you look at the screen, your reflection matches the mirror, which is intuitively convenient for framing.
- 🔹 Messenger compatibility – many apps (such as WhatsApp or Instagram) mirror video on their own when transferring.
- 🔹 Resource savings – processing images without turning requires less processing power.
But when you save a photo or video, the effect is left, which is not always appropriate, for example, if you take a picture of text, T-shirts or gestures (as a sign of victory). ✌️), On the main camera, mirroring is less common, but it is also possible in some modes (for example, when using Portrait Mode or Beauty).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) SLR is automatically activated when external accessories are connected, such as self-styled or gamepads. Check the connected devices if the camera settings do not help.
Method 1: Turning off the mirror in standard camera settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in Camera app options, but these depend on the MIUI version and the smartphone model.
- Open the Camera app and switch to the front camera (if there is a problem with the selfie).
- Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down to the Additional or Shooting Modes section.
- Find the option Mirror, Flip horizontally or Reflection (the name may vary).
- Turn off the switch. Some versions have options: Preview only (on-screen mirror only) or Disable completely.
If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:
- 📱 In Video or Portrait mode, click on ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Mirror video.
- 🔄 Some of them. POCO-The option is hidden in the camera lab (experimental functions).
Check the Camera app update on Google Play
Reboot your smartphone
Clear the Camera app cache in Android settings
Try another way from this article.-->
Important: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, the option may be called Self-Reflection - it is responsible for mirroring when using a joystick for a selfie.
Method 2: Using the Developer Mode
If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android’s hidden settings, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!
Settings → Additional → For Developers
USB debugging
Network
Hardware acceleration
- disable_camera_mirroring (disables mirroring globally).
- force_camera_orientation (forced orientation).
- If there are no such options, use them. ADB-command (see Method 4).
If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.camera/.CameraActivity --es mirror_mode off⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) ADB-The only way to help the teams is to stop working because of the manufacturer's limitations.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 5: Editing saved photos and videos
If you've already applied mirroring to finished files, you can fix it with editors.
- 🖼️ Snapseed (Google) – Rotating function → Reflect horizontally.
- 🎬 CapCut - for video: Effects → Mirror reflection → Cancel.
- 📱 Xiaomi Gallery - Built-in Editor (click Edit) → Tools → Reflect).
- 💻 Photoshop Express – for accurate correction (useful for text in the photo).
For batch processing (e.g., 100 photos from an event), use FastStone Image Viewer (Windows) or XnConvert (cross-platform), which allows you to automatically apply the reflection to all files in the folder.
Important for Video: When you cancel mirroring in CapCut or KineMaster, check your export settings – sometimes the effect applies only to the preview, not the final file.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the mirror mode is turned off, Xiaomi users are faced with nuances.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror returns after rebooting | Resetting camera settings by default | Use it. ADB-flag-bearer --persist third-camera |
| The effect remains only in messengers | App settings (for example, WhatsApp mirrors video calls) | Turn off the option in the messenger settings or use Duplex mode in MIUI |
| The main camera mirrors in Panorama mode | Firmware error (found on Mi 11 Lite) | Update the Camera app to the latest version or reset the settings |
| The mirror works only when you connect headphones | Conflict with the Audio Focus function in MIUI | Turn off the sound enhancement in the sound settings |
If none of these methods helped, check:
- 🔍 Updates MIUI — In newer versions of the firmware bug with the camera is often corrected.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware – for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS do not have mirroring by default.
- 📞 Service center – if the problem is hardware (damaged camera plume).
💡
On Xiaomi with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., POCO F3), mirroring is most often eliminated through camera settings or ADB. MediaTek (Redmi 10) may require firmware.