How to reduce the size of the JPG on Xiaomi phone: from built-in tools to secret chips

Photos in format JPG on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) It often takes up too much space – especially if you’re shooting in high resolution or using mode. 48MP/64MP/108MP. The average shot from the flagship camera weighs 8–15 MB, and when shooting actively, memory is clogged in a matter of days, while sending such files to messengers or uploading to sites is inconvenient: size restrictions (for example, size limits, 10 MB in Telegram or 15 MB in Vkontakte) forced to look for ways to compress.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods to reduce the weight of JPG directly on a Xiaomi phone — from standard MIUI features to little-known chips using Google Photos, third-party apps and even Termux for advanced users. You will learn which method gives maximum compression without visible loss of quality, and where to sacrifice details for the sake of space. At the end of the article, a comparison table of the effectiveness of each method and answers to frequent questions.

1.Integrated compression through the “Gallery” Xiaomi

The easiest way is to use tools already integrated into MIUI firmware. The compression function is hidden in the photo editing menu, but does not work on all models (available starting with MIUI 12 and later).

How to reduce the size of JPG:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app** and select the photo you want.
• ✏️ Click Edit (pencil icon at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Scroll the tools to the right to the section More → Choose to squeeze.
• ⚖️ Specify the target size (options available: Smaller (≈300 KB), Medium (≈1 MB), Large (≈3MB)).
• 💾 Click Save as a copy (the original will remain intact).

Advantages of the method: does not require the installation of additional applications, saves EXIF-Disadvantages: limited choice of compression degrees, on some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3) function may not be present.

⚠️ Note: When compressed through the “Gallery” Xiaomi files are saved to the folder DCIM/.thumbnails. Remove them from there after export so as not to duplicate the occupied space.

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If the “Squeeze” option is not available in your MIUI version, update the Gallery app via Google Play or use an alternative method from Section 3.

2. Optimization with Google Photos: Automatic Compression

Google Photos offers two modes of storage: original quality (no compression) and high quality (with automatic size reduction). The second option compresses JPG to ~4-6 MB (for photos with resolutions up to 16MP) or ~10-12 MB (for 48MP+), while visual losses are minimal.

How to turn on compression:

• ☁️ Install Google Photos (if not already installed).
• ⚙️ Open the app. → Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
• 📊 Choose High Quality (Free Unlimited Storage until 2027).
• 🔄 Wait for the photos to be uploaded to the cloud. Compressed copies will appear in the Google Photos/Compressed folder.

Important: This method is suitable for batch processing – all new photos will automatically compress when uploaded. However, the originals will remain on the phone, so after backing up, they must be manually deleted through Settings → Free up space.

3. Annex side: top-3 precisely

If built-in tools aren’t enough, use specialized utilities, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the three most effective for Xiaomi:

Recommendations for use:

• 🎯 For maximum compression (for example, to send to messengers), choose Image Compressor with setting Quality: 60%.
• 📊 For batch processing (for example, an archive of family photos) is suitable Photo & Picture Resizer - it saves the date of the shooting and GPS-coordinates.
• 🔍 To reduce the resolution (e.g., with a 4032×3024 before 1920×1080), Use Compress Images with the option to Change Size.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Lit Photo or PicsArt promise “lossless compression,” but in practice they use aggressive algorithms that distort colors. For critical shots (documents, portraits), it is better to use Photo & Picture Resizer with a setting Quality: 80%.

4 Manual change of permission before shooting

If you don't need high resolution at the shooting stage, change the camera settings, which will reduce the file size by 2-4 times without additional compression.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. 📷 Open the Camera app».
2. 🔧 Slide up or tap on the gear (on some models - swipe left to the section More).
3. 📏 Select Photo Resolution (or Side Ratio) → Permission).
4. 🔢 Set the value 9MP or 12MP opportunistic 48MP/64MP.

Effect: A 48MP photo (~12MB) when switching to 12MP will weigh ~3-4MB, and the visual difference on the smartphone screen is almost imperceptible. Except that if you plan to print pictures on posters (A3 or larger), you’d better leave high resolution.

Permits to be established 12MP|Shut down. HDR (weights up 20%)|Use the Photo mode, not the Professional mode»|Check the lighting (dark pictures shrink worse)-->

5. Advanced method: Termux compression (for experienced)

If you’re ready to dive into console commands, Termux lets you compress JPG with fine-tuning settings, a technique that works for Xiaomi on Android 10+ and requires basic Linux knowledge.

Steps:

1. 🐧 Install Termux from Google Play (not to be confused with Termux:API).
2. 📦 Enter the commands in turn: pkg update & pkg upgrade pkg install imagemagick
3. 📁 Move the photo to the Download folder (for example, photo.jpg).
4. 🔧 Perform compression (example to reduce to 70% quality: convert -quality 70% /sdcard/Download/photo.jpg /sdcard/Download/photo_compressed.jpg

Pros: full control of compression, support for batch processing through scripts. Cons: difficult for beginners, no graphical interface. To automate, create a bash script:

6.PK Optimization: When the Phone Fails

If your phone doesn’t have enough power to process hundreds of photos (like after a vacation), transfer the files to your computer and use desktop tools:

• 🖥️ XnView MP — packet-compression.
• 📦 ImageOptim (macOS/Windows) — Delete metadata and optimize without loss.
• 🐧 jpegoptim (Linux) – console utility for advanced users: jpegoptim --max=80 --strip-all -d /output_dir /input_dir/*.jpg

After processing, return the photo to your phone via Mi Share (built-in Xiaomi feature) or Google Drive. Tip: before moving, archive your photos in ZIP - this will further save space (especially important for Redmi with a small amount of memory).

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For maximum space savings, combine methods: first reduce the resolution in the camera settings, then use Google Photos to automatically compress when uploaded to the cloud.

7. secret MIUI function: "Light photos" in camera settings

Starting with MIUI 13, some Xiaomi models (Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi K50, POCO F4) have a hidden option Light photos, which automatically compresses images while saving up to 50% of space without visible loss of quality.

How to turn on:

1. 📷 Open the "Camera»** → Go to Settings (cogs).

Restrictions: The feature only works for the main camera (it does not work in Portrait, Night or Professional modes), and it turns off when shooting in RAW or 48MP+.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Some other models may not have light photos even in the MIUI 14.In this case, use the alternative methods in Sections 2 or 3.

Comparative table: which method to choose?

FAQ: Frequent questions about JPG compression on Xiaomi