How to activate additional camera settings on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Introduction: Why you need hidden camera settings on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their powerful cameras, but most users are unaware that the standard MIUI Camera app hides dozens of professional features, which allow you to squeeze the most out of your device’s hardware — from manual ISO settings and shutter speed to RAW shooting and using a log profile for video, but by default they are disabled or hidden in the depths of the menu.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to unlock hidden camera modes, which Xiaomi models support advanced features (including Redmi, POCO, and flagship series), and how to avoid typical activation errors. You’ll learn how to turn your smartphone into a near-professional camera – without root rights or third-party firmware.

Important: some features depend on the MIUI version and hardware platform. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with IMX989 sensor supports DOL-HDR and 8K@24fps, while the budget Redmi Note may be limited to basic manual settings.

What additional settings hides the camera Xiaomi

Before you turn on advanced features, let's figure out what you can unlock. Here are the key options that the manufacturer hides from the average user:

• 📸 Professional Mode (Pro Mode): manual setting ISO (100–32000), extraction (1/4000–30(c) white balance (2000–10000K), focusing and exposure.
• 🎞️ Logarithmic profile (Log): for video - extends dynamic range (available on flagships with a high-speed MIUI 14+).
• 🖼️ Shooting in RAW: storing raw data from the sensor (.dng or.raw formats).
• 🔍 Expanded HDR: multi-frame DOL-HDR (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips+).
• 📽️ Additional video formats: 8K, 4K@60fps bitrite-to-bitrite 150 Mbit/s.
• 🎛️ Lens settings: switching between wide-angle, telephoto and macro modules manually.

Not all features are available on all devices. For example, 8K video only supports flagships with a Snapdragon 888 processor and later, and the Log profile appeared only in MIUI 14 for the Xiaomi 13/14 series. To check compatibility, use the table below.

If your model doesn’t make it to the table, it doesn’t mean that features aren’t available, but you can activate some options through the engineering menu codes or modified versions of the MIUI Camera app (see the next section).

Method 1: Activate through the standard settings menu

Let's start with the safest method, which is to enable hidden functions through the camera app, which works on most devices without the risk of damaging the firmware.

Open the Camera app and follow the following steps:

1. Put it on the icon. ⚙️ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or Lab on newer versions of MIUI).
3. Activate the switches: 🔘 Professional mode (if disabled) 🔘 Save. RAW (raw-format) 🔘 Advanced video settings (for 8K, Log profile etc.)

Pro

RAW

Long Exposure

If options are not on the menu, they are locked at the firmware level, in which case the engineering menu or a modified version of the application will help (see the following sections).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the vacant space (RAW-file ~25MB each)

Battery charge of at least 50%

Make a backup of your photos-->

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If you activate Pro Mode, you have Flat Color in your settings, it's an analogue of the Log profile for your photo, and you can turn it on for post-processing in Lightroom.

Method 2: Use the engineering menu (codes ##)

For advanced users, there is an engineering menu activation method that requires special codes and is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices. Careful: wrong actions can cause the camera to crash!

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484## (some models run ##64663## or #36446337###).
2. You'll be on the menu. MIUI Camera Test. Options are available here: 📷 Enable RAW — filming RAW 🎥 Enable 8K — unlock 8K Video (if supported by iron) 🔧 Enable Manual Focus – Manual Focus

Activate the necessary options and restart the smartphone.

When the Camera app is rebooted, new modes will appear in the Camera app, and if the code doesn’t work, then your model is using a MediaTek processor (like the Redmi Note 12 on the Helio G99) and you need a different approach.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after resetting (MIUI Global) options can be blocked - in this case, only flashing on the MIUI China or Xiaomi.EU.

Method 3: Install a modified version of the MIUI Camera

If the standard methods didn't work, the most reliable way is to install a modified camera app.

• 📱 MIUI Camera by Xiaomi.EU – Extended version with support RAW, Log and 8K European-style.

For the installation of a modified chamber:

1. Download. APK-a file from a trusted source (e.g., GCam repository or Xiaomi.EU forum).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. Install the APK and open the app. When you first start, give all permissions.
4. In the new camera settings, activate: Settings → Additional → Enable RAW Settings → Video → 8K resolution (if supported)

The advantage of modified versions is that they often bypass the limitations of standard firmware. For example, the GCam on the Redmi Note 11 allows you to shoot in RAW, although the regular camera can not do this. However, beware: some modifications require an unlocked bootloader or Magisk.

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Modified versions of the camera may conflict with the standard app, either back up your data or use a second user profile before installing.

Advanced settings for video: Log profile, 8K and bitrate

If you’re shooting video, the hidden settings of Xiaomi’s camera will open up new possibilities.

• 🎬 Log profile: allows you to record video with extended dynamic range for subsequent color correction. → Color profile → Log (available on Xiaomi) 13/14 s MIUI 14+).
• 📊 8K@24fps: Maximum resolution video. Activated in video settings → Permission → 7680×4320. Requires a Snapdragon processor 888 or newer.
• 🔄 Customization of bitrate: by default, Xiaomi limits the bitrate to 50 Mbit / s. In the engineering menu (#6484##) you can increase to 100-150 Mbit / s for better quality.

For professional shooting, we recommend using an external microphone (via USB-C or 3.5 mm) and a stabilizing holder. On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the option of Gyro EIS is available - hardware stabilization with gyroscope data.

⚠️ Attention: Shooting in 8K Or high-bitrate, quickly drains the battery and heats the processor. Use an external battery and avoid long sessions in temperatures above 40.°C – This can lead to trottling (automatic performance decline).

Solving the problem: why not include additional settings

If you followed the instructions but the hidden features never appeared, here are the possible reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 An outdated version MIUI: Some features (such as a log profile) require MIUI 14+. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Regional limitations: MIUI Global often disabled options available in MIUI China.Solution - flashing on Xiaomi.EU or China ROM.
• 🔒 Blocked bootloader: Modified versions of the camera (e.g, ANX Camera) require unlocking via fastboot and Magisk installation.
• 📱 Hardware limitations: budget models (Redmi) 10A) physically supportive RAW or 4K@60fps owing to a weak processor.

To diagnose the problem, check:

1. Version MIUI and smartphone model in Settings → About the phone.
2. Updates for the Camera app in the Play Market or App Gallery.
3. Error logs via ADB (adb logcat | grep camera)

If nothing worked, check out the 4PDA or Xiaomi.EU forums – there are separate themes for each model with instructions for unlocking the camera.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions