Live Photo on Xiaomi: How to enable and use the feature of animated photos

Live Photo (or Live Photos) captures not only a static shot, but also a few seconds of video before and after shooting, creating a unique “revived” photo effect that is especially appreciated by owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and the likes of the company. POCO. However, not all users know how to turn on and configure this option correctly – especially on newer HyperOS shell models or other devices. MIUI 14/15.

In this article, you will find the latest ways to activate Live Photo for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the flagship Xiaomi series. 13/14, Mid-budget Redmi Note 12/13 even the old models on MIUI 12. We will analyze not only the basic camera settings, but also hidden chips – for example, how to save live photos in.mov format or convert them to.mov. GIF. If the Suddenly feature disappeared after the update, you will learn how to return it.

What is Live Photo and Why You Need It

Live Photo is a hybrid of photography and short video (usually 1.5-3 seconds) that captures motion and sound around a frame.

• 📸 Automatically start when you click on an image in the gallery (on supported devices).
• 🎞️ Weighs less than a full-length video of the same quality (due to codec optimization).
• 🔄 Can be converted into GIF or video for sending in messengers.
• 🎨 Support effects (such as loop, rebound or long shutter speed) in the standard Xiaomi gallery.

The main advantage over video is that it's instantaneous, you don't have to start recording beforehand, because it captures the context before and after you tap the trigger, and it's perfect for the spontaneous moments of a child laughing, a dog jumping, or a leaf falling.

However, there are limitations:

• ⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support Live Photo, especially budget ones (Redmi) A2, POCO C50).
• ⚠️ The function may disappear after software updates (for example, when switching from the MIUI HyperOS).
• ⚠️ Live photos take up more space than regular photos (on average) +2-5 MB per frame).

What Xiaomi models support Live Photo

The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, issued after 2018, but with reservations:

If your model is not in the table, check the support as follows:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Go to Photo mode.
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) or swipe up the screen.
4. Look for Live Photo, Live Photos or Dynamic Photos.

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On smartphones with Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) live photos can be taken even in mode 8K, But they'll weigh up to 50 MB per frame.

How to enable Live Photo on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The activation process depends on the firmware version. Below is a universal algorithm for the MIUI 14/HyperOS (It is relevant to most devices in 2026 year).

Method 1: Through the main menu of the camera

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Select Photo Mode (not Video or Portrait).
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) in upper right corner.
4. Find the Live Photo (or Live Photos) item and switch the switch to the on position.
5. Return to the shooting – an icon will appear at the top of the screen. 🌟 or LIVE.

Method 2: Quick Settings (for HyperOS)

On new firmware HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) path may differ:

1. In the Camera app, swipe your finger up the screen to open the modes panel.
2. Find the tab Additional or More.
3. Slip on Live Photo – the function is activated automatically.

If the item is not on the menu, try:

Settings → Applications → Camera → Resolutions → Camera (include)


Settings → System → Additional → Special features → Improved camera (enable)

Method 3: For older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

On Xiaomi Mi. A2, Redmi Note 7 and other devices with MIUI 10–11:

1. Open the camera and go to mode.
2. Select Additional → Live photos.
3. After shooting, live footage will be marked with an icon. 🎬 gallery.

How to shoot Live Photo: tips for the perfect shot

Live photos require a special approach to shooting, here are 5 rules to help avoid blurred or unsuccessful shots:

• 📏 Hold your smartphone steady. Live Photo captures movement, so shaking your hands will ruin the effect. Use both hands or stick your elbows to the surface.
• ⏱️ Time frames. The camera records 1.5 seconds before and after the button is pressed.
• 🔊 Watch the sound. The microphone picks up all the noise. In windy weather or in a noisy place, it's best to turn off the sound in the Live Photo settings.
• 🌄 Avoid sudden lighting changes. If there is a flash or shadow in the frame, the live effect may twitch.
• 📱 Don’t switch between cameras. Live Photo only works on the main camera (not front or telephoto).

So, a good example of this is you take a picture of a fountain, you press the descent button a second before the water gets as high as possible, and you get a dynamic shot of the jet moving.

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Live Photo is best for capturing repetitive movements (waves, swings, jumps) – it’s easier to capture the perfect moment.

How to view and edit Live Photo on Xiaomi

Live photos are displayed in the standard Xiaomi Gallery with an animation icon (🌟 or 🎬). To see them:

1. Open the gallery and find a photo marked LIVE.
2. Touch the picture and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds – the animation will start automatically.
3. For cyclical playback, click on the icon ▶️ bottom-line.

To edit the live photo:

1. Open the picture in the gallery and tap Edit.
2. Select Live Photo Effects (options available: Loop, Bounce, Long Shutter speed).
3. To crop the video part, use the slider under the frame.

If the live photo is not reproduced:

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9C) To view the animation, you need the installed Google Photos app. Download it from the Play Market and import the pictures.

How to save Live Photo in video format or GIF

Live photos are saved in the proprietary.mov format (or.mp4 on new models, but can be converted for convenience:

Method 1: Through the Xiaomi Gallery

1. Open a live photo in the Gallery.
2. Press Share. → Save as video.
3. Select permission (720p or 1080p) and confirm the export.

Method 2: Through Google Photos

1. Upload a live photo to Google Photos.
2. Open it and tap it to three points. → Export → Save as video.
3. The video will be saved to the Movies folder on the device.

Method 3: Conversion to GIF

To create animation:

1. Use applications like this. GIF Maker or Imagplay.
2. Import live photos and cut the duration to 3-5 seconds.
3. Export to.gif format with no higher resolution 480p (Otherwise, the file will be too heavy).

Frequent problems with Live Photo on Xiaomi and their solutions

If the function is not working or is not behaving stable, use this instruction:

• 🔄 Live Photo Disappears After Update Solution: Reset Camera Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 📵 Photos saved without animation Solution: Check if the option to Save Live Photos is enabled in the camera settings.
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly when shooting Solution: Turn off Live Photo in Night or 50 MP modes - they consume more energy.
• 🚫 You can't turn Live Photo on in Portrait mode Solution: This is a firmware restriction. Shoot in standard mode Photos.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Mediatek Helio G chip (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Live Photo may not work as well because of hardware limitations, and use third-party apps like Google’s Motion Stills.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).


2. Install an alternative camera (e.g., GCam with Live Photo support).




3. Reset the phone to factory settings (pre-drive backup!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions