How to Include Bokeh on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to All Models (2026)

The bokeh effect is the blurring of the background in photos that highlights the main object and gives the images a professional look. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and the top-end of the image). POCO) This effect can be enabled in several ways: through standard portrait mode, manual camera settings or third-party apps, but not all users know how to properly activate and adjust bokeh, especially on budget models or after an update. MIUI.

In this article, we will look at all the available methods for including bokeh on Xiaomi, from basic to advanced, and give tips for improving the blur quality. You will learn which models support hardware bokeh (due to the dual camera), and where the effect is simulated software. In addition, we will reveal the secrets of adjusting the depth of blur, working with manual mode and circumventing restrictions on older devices.

What is bokeh and how does it work on Xiaomi

The term bokeh (from Japanese bokeh, blurring) refers to the artistic blurring of background elements in a photograph that helps focus attention on the main subject. On Xiaomi smartphones, this effect is achieved in two ways:

• 📸 Hardware bokeh – used on models with dual camera (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+). The second camera analyzes the depth of the scene, and the processor creates an accurate blur mask.
• 🤖 Software bokeh – simulated by algorithms based on a single lens (for example, on the basis of a single lens). POCO M5 or Redmi 10A). Quality depends on the power of the processor and software.

It is important to understand that even on Xiaomi flagships, bokeh is not always perfect: algorithms can be wrong when blurring the edges of objects (such as hair or branches). MIUI accuracy is improving. MIUI 14 added a feature called "Improved Bokeh" that better handles complex scenes.

On budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) And the way you do it is that you can often look unnatural, and you can blur the background evenly, without taking into account the distance to the objects, and to improve the results, you can use third-party applications like Focos or AfterFocus, which offer more flexible settings.

Method 1: Enabling Bokeh through Portrait Mode

The easiest way to activate bokeh on Xiaomi is to use the built-in portrait mode, which is available in the standard Camera app on most models starting with the Redmi Note 5 (2018).

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Fly through the shooting modes left or right until you find Portrait (sometimes labeled as Portrait). PORTRAIT or a human silhouette icon).
3. Point the camera at the object. If the device supports hardware bokeh, the screen will show a prompt "Ready to take a portrait."
4. Touch the shutter circle to take a picture. The background will automatically blur.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) in portrait mode, manual blur level adjustment is available:

1. After the photo, open the photo in the gallery.
2. Press Edit. → Boque (or background blur).
3. Move the slider to change the intensity of the effect.

Lighting should be uniform (avoid contrasting shadows)

The subject must be located at a distance of 0.5-2 meters from the camera

It is better to choose a monochromatic background or with a minimum number of details

Make sure the camera settings enable the “Save the Original” option (if any)-->

Restrictions of Portrait Mode:

• ❌ Does not work with macro objects (e.g. flowers or insects).
• ❌ May incorrectly blur edge objects (hair, glasses, branches).
• ❌ On budget models (Redmi) 9C, POCO C31) blurring looks unnatural.

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If the portrait mode is inactive, check if the function is enabled. AI-The camera is in the camera app settings. Some models don't have bokeh.

Method 2: Manually activating bokeh in Professional mode

For power users, Xiaomi offers manual control of the bokeh via Professional (or Pro Mode) mode, a method suitable for models with support. RAW-Shooting and manual focusing, for example, Xiaomi 11T pro POCO F4 GT.

Instructions:

1. Open the camera. → Select the Professional Mode (or M).
2. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper right corner to open additional settings.
3. Activate the option of Boke or Depth Effect (if any).
4. Adjust the parameters: 🔍 Focal distance: set the value 50–85 mm (equivalent) for better blur. 📏 Aperture: Choose as open as possible (for example, f/1.8), if the camera supports adjustment.

Take a picture and edit the blur level in the gallery.

On models with a telephoto lens (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the hand-held bokeh works better thanks to its optical zoom and greater focal length.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) The manual bokeh can be hidden in the developer settings. To activate it, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times, then in the Developer Settings → Camera. → Hand-on bokeh.

Method 3: Using third-party bokeh apps

If you don't like Xiaomi's built-in tools, you can use third-party apps that offer more flexible blur settings, support. RAW-File fixes and artifact fixes.-3 bokeh:

• 📱 Focos – allows you to edit the depth of field after shooting, supports formats DNG and JPEG. Perfect for Xiaomi with dual cameras.
• 🎨 AfterFocus is a hand blur with the ability to highlight objects with a brush. Suitable for budget models without hardware bokeh.
• 🔍 Snapseed – Selective blur tool helps point blur the background without losing details.

Instructions for Focos:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (for models without Google services).
2. Take a photo in the “Professional” mode on Xiaomi, saving RAW-file (if supported).
3. Open the photo in Focos and select the mode «3D Lighting or "Refocus».
4. Adjust the parameters: 🔄 Depth: Change the focal length to simulate lenses (e.g. 85mm for a classic portrait). 🌟 Light effects: add vignetting or light glare.

Export the result in high resolution.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ More accurate blurring of edges (for example, hair).
• ✅ Ability to edit bokeh after shooting.
• ✅ Support for additional effects (light glare, vignette).

⚠️ Note: When using Focos or AfterFocus on weak smartphones (Redmi) 8A, POCO C3) It can take up to 30 seconds to process. Close the background applications before editing.

Method 4: Bokeh video mode on Xiaomi

Not everyone knows, but some Xiaomi models can record bokeh-effect videos, which is available on flagships with powerful processors (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi). K60 Pro) and requires manual activation.

How to turn on:

1. Open the camera. → Go to "Video" mode».
2. Touch the icons ⚙️ → Select "Resolution and Frequency of Frames».
3. Install. 1080p 30fps or 4K 30fps (bokeh doesn't work in 60fps).
4. Return to the main screen and click on the Portrait icon (only if the model supports video bokeh).
5. Start recording. The background will blur in real time.

Limitations:

• 🎥 Video bokeh is only available on models with Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 or Dimensity 9000+.
• 🔋 Shooting with bokeh severely drains the battery (up to 10% in 5 minutes).
• 📱 On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and older video bokeh only works in 1080p.

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Video with bokeh on Xiaomi is recorded with less detail than regular video. For professional tasks, it is better to shoot without effect, and blurring is added in post-processing (for example, in CapCut or Premiere Rush).

The problems with bokeh on Xiaomi and their solutions

Even on top-end Xiaomi models, users are having problems shooting with bokies, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

After the update MIUI I lost the portrait mode, try it:

1. Remove updates for the Camera app (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → ⋮ → Remove updates).
2. Clear the camera cache (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
3. Install an alternative camera (e.g. GCam for Xiaomi).

Additional tips for improving bokeh on Xiaomi

To make your bokeh photos look professional, follow these guidelines:

• 🌞 Lighting: Shoot against light (for example, at sunset) – this creates a natural glow at the edges of the object and enhances the blurring effect.
• 📏 Distance: The optimal distance to the object is 1-2 meters. If you get too close, autofocus can get lost.
• 🎨 Background: Use contrasting colors (e.g. green leaves against a gray wall) that will highlight blurring.
• 🔧 Settings: On models with Leica optics (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), turn on the “Leica Authentic” mode for natural bokeh.

For the purpose of photographing small objects or products:

• Use the Macro mode (if any) and manually blur the background in Snapseed.
• Install additional lighting (such as an annular lamp) to clarify details.

Example of settings for the perfect portrait on Xiaomi 13 Pro:

• Mode: “Portrait» + Leica Vibrant.

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If you're shooting a person wearing glasses, ask them to tilt their head down a little bit, which will reduce glare and improve the processing of the edges of the lenses by the bokeh algorithm.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the bok on Xiaomi