Macro Shooting on Xiaomi: How to Turn on and Customize for the Perfect Frames

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication – they have become full-fledged tools for creativity, especially when it comes to photography. One of the most popular features among mobile enthusiasts is macro photography, which allows you to take detailed pictures of small objects from a minimum distance, but not all users know how to properly activate this mode and use its potential 100%. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic settings, but also the nuances of working with a macro lens on different Redmi models, POCO and flagship series Xiaomi.

It is important to understand that the ability to shoot macro depends on the hardware of the device. Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with dedicated lenses with a focal length. 2-5 See, even if your model doesn't have a separate macro module, some software tricks can do the same thing. We'll look at both options, from enabling built-in mode to manually adjusting for devices without a dedicated lens.

What Xiaomi models support macro photography

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have a separate macro lens. To avoid wasting time looking for a non-existent feature, check the specifications of your model first.

• 📱 Redmi Note: Starting with Note 8 Pro (2019) and newer. Especially good Note 10 Pro with the Note 10 Pro 5MP macro-camera.
• 📱 POCO: POCO X3 NFC, POCO F3, POCO M4 Pro and higher. POCO F5 macro-module improved to 2MP autofocus.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi: Mi 10T, Mi 11 Lite, Mi 11i. Flagship models often have more advanced lenses.
• 📱 Redmi: Redmi 9, Redmi 10, Redmi K40 Gaming – here macro is implemented at the level of 2MP sensor.

If your model doesn't make it to this list, don't worry. In the macro software section, we'll show you how to simulate the effect without a dedicated lens. It's also worth considering that even with a hardware macro module, the quality of the images can be very different.+ s 8MP The macro camera will give more detailed images than the POCO M3 s 2MP sensory.

Important: Starting with MIUI 14, macro image processing algorithms have been significantly refined. If your smartphone supports an upgrade to this version, be sure to install it to improve the detail of your images.

How to enable macro photography in a standard camera app

If your Xiaomi is equipped with a dedicated macro lens, you can activate the mode right in the camera's native app. MIUI, But the general logic holds:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the DOP icon. (extra) or MORE in the bottom panel.
3. Scroll through the modes menu and select Macro (sometimes labeled as Flower). 🌸).
4. Bring the camera to the object at a distance 2-5 See the screen for a hint to keep the distance.

In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) Macro mode is activated automatically when the camera approaches the object, in which case an icon will appear in the upper right corner. 🌸, macro-switch.

Clean the lens of dust and fingerprints|

Charge your phone at least 30% |

Turn off the digital zoom |

Use a tripod or a stable surface-->

⚠️ Note: On models without autofocus in macro mode (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You'll have to manually adjust the distance to the subject, and if you're too close or too far, you'll blur the frame.

For better results:

• 🌞 You do it in good light. Macro lenses don't work well in the dark because of the small size of the sensor.
• 📱 Use a timer or volume button to lower the shutter – this will reduce hand shaking.
• 🔍 Enable the grid in the camera settings (Settings) → Grid) for precise framing.

Software macro shooting: how to make a macro without a special lens

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a dedicated macro module, you can try to simulate the effect with the main camera and some tricks. A1 or POCO C40, where hardware macrography is not provided.

The basic principle is to use manual focus and maximum approximation.

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Professional (Pro) mode.
2. Click on the icon. MF (manual focusing in the top panel.
3. Bring the camera to the object at a distance 5-10 Slowly adjust the focus slider until the image is clear.
4. Lock the focus by touching the screen and holding your finger. 1-2 seconds (the inscription will appear) AE/AF Lock).
5. Take a picture using a timer or volume button.

To improve the outcome:

• 📸 Use the maximum resolution of the shot (in the camera settings, select the aspect ratio: 4:3 and resolution: Maximum).
• 🔦 Turn it on. HDR for better working out of shadows and lights.
• 🎨 Turn off AI enhancement – it can blur small details.

For even better results, you can use third-party apps like Open Camera or Camera. FV-5. They allow you to more accurately control the shooting parameters:

Install it on Google Play:


Open Camera (free, with manual focusing)




Camera FV-5 (paid version with advanced settings)




In both applications, activate the “Macro” or “Close-up” mode and experiment with exposure.

Camera settings for perfect macro photography

Even if you activate macro mode, the right settings can dramatically improve the result. MIUI:

Additional tips for setting up:

• 🔄 Turn on Saving settings in the camera menu so you don’t reset the settings every time.
• 📊 In Pro mode, set it up. ISO weight 100-200 noise-mitigating.
• ⏱️ Use the shutter speed. 1/100c or shorter if the object is stationary to avoid blurring.

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If you support Xiaomi RAW-Format (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), shooting in this format will give more options for post-processing macro frames in Lightroom or Photoshop. RAW retains more detail in shadows and lights, which is critical for shooting small objects.

Remember white balance. When you're taking macro pictures, the automatic balance is often mistaken because it's close to the subject (5000-6500K) color-rendering.

Top.-5 Mistakes in macro shooting on Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil macro frames, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Each macro lens has a minimum focal length (usually a short distance). 2-5 If you bring the camera closer, the picture will be blurred. Focus on the green autofocus frame.
2. When shooting from close range, even microscopic movements lead to blurring. Use a delay timer or an external down button (for example, headphones with a microphone).
3. Macro lenses have a small aperture, so in the dark, the pictures are noisy, take pictures in daylight or use an annular lamp.
4. Dust and fingerprints on the macro-module lens become visible in the pictures. Rub the lens with a microfiber wipe before shooting.
5. Digital zoom Any increase in macro mode results in a loss of quality. Always shoot without zoom and crop later in the editor.

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The most common mistake is ignoring the interface cues, and if the screen is lit with a warning of "Too close" or "Too far", do not take a picture until the green focus box appears, which is a signal that the object is in the optimal field zone.

Another common problem is the incorrect processing, and many users over-sharp editors, which leads to artifacts, and for macro frames, it's better to use delicate tools like:

• 📱 Snapseed (tool "Details")
• 🖥️ Lightroom Mobile (Sharp Slider is not higher) +30)
• 🌐 Photoshop Express (Smart Sharpness Filter")

Comparison of macro shooting on different Xiaomi models

To give you a sense of the difference between the budget and flagship models, we tested macro shooting on three popular Xiaomi smartphones, all shots taken in the same conditions: daylight, manual focus, no post-processing.

As you can see from the table, the difference between the budget and top models is significant.Redmi Note 12 Pro+ thanks 8MP Macro camera and hardware stabilization perform better, while Redmi 10 suffers from lack of autofocus and weak detail.

Interesting fact: on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, macro photography is implemented through the main camera with variable aperture. This allows you to achieve a professional level of detail, but requires manual focus adjustment. If you are looking for a smartphone specifically for macro, look at models with:

• 🔍 A separate macro lens 5MP higher
• 📏 Minimum focal length up to 3 cm
• 🤖 Support for autofocus in macro mode

Additional accessories for macro photography

Even if your Xiaomi doesn’t boast a top-end macro camera, the right accessories will help take shooting to the next level.

• 🔍 Lens nozzle: For example, Xenvo Pro Lens or Apexel Macro Lens. Fastening to the main camera and allows you to shoot from a distance 1-2 centimeter.
• 💡 Ring lamp: Neewer 18" Ring Light with adjustable brightness will eliminate shadows when shooting small objects.
• 📸 Mini-Statution: Joby GorillaPod will help to fix the phone at the right angle.
• 🔋 External battery: Macro photography consumes a lot of energy - bring Xiaomi Power Bank 3 with you.
• 🧲 Magnetic mount: PopSocket or magnetic holder for easy one-handed phone holding.

When choosing a lens nozzle, pay attention to:

• 🔎 Increase: Optimal 10x-15x smartphone.
• 📏 Diameter: Must fit the camera size of your Xiaomi.
• 💎 Glass is better than plastic (less distortion).

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Before buying a nozzle, check the reviews specifically for your Xiaomi model. Some lenses are poorly attached to protruding chamber modules (for example, on Xiaomi). 11T Pro).

If you're serious about macro photography, consider buying a Bluetooth remote shutter remote control to avoid shaking when shooting from your hands.

• Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote (compatible with all smartphones of the brand)
• Fosmon Mini (all-purpose, works with any camera)

FAQ: Frequent questions about macro shooting on Xiaomi