Macrograph on Xiaomi Mi 9T: how to turn on and configure for perfect shots

Xiaomi Mi 9T is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, which is still in demand due to the excellent price-performance ratio. However, many owners face a problem: the standard camera application does not have a separate macro shooting mode, although the hardware (48-megapixel main camera + 8 MP telephoto + 13 MP wide angle) theoretically allows you to take pictures of small objects from close range. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to enable macro mode on the Mi 9T, from hidden MIUI functions to third-party applications, and also give recommendations for setting up for the most clear images.

It’s important to understand that macro shooting on the Xiaomi Mi 9T has its limitations. Unlike today’s flagships with dedicated macro modules (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it uses software approximation through the main or wide-angle camera. This means that quality will depend on lighting, stabilization and proper focusing. But with a competent approach, even on the Mi 9T, you can get impressive results — for example, insect pictures, tissue textures or small electronics.

Why is Xiaomi Mi 9T not a separate macro mode?

The lack of dedicated macro mode in the firmware Mi 9T is due to several factors:

• 📱 Hardware limitations: The smartphone has a triple camera, but none of the modules has autofocus for ultra-close shooting (minimum focal length of the main camera — ~10cm).
• 🔍 Software Optimization: Xiaomi Focuses on Improving Night Shooting and Portrait Mode, Donating Macro to Budget Lineup.
• 📲 Version. MIUI: early assembly (up to) MIUI 12) macro mode was hidden even on devices with support, and in Mi 9T It didn't add it later.

However, there are workarounds, such as in some regional firmware (e.g. India), macro mode is activated by default via a wide-angle camera, and can also be enabled through the Test Menu or third-party apps like Google Camera with modified configs, which we will discuss in more detail later.

Method 1: Activate hidden macro mode through the engineering menu

This method works on the Xiaomi Mi 9T with MIUI 11-14 firmware and does not require root rights.The bottom line is that the camera test menu has undocumented settings, including forced macro mode.

⚠️ Warning: Before entering the engineering menu, close all applications that use the camera (including instant messengers with video chats). If the camera stops working after changes, reset the application settings in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Steps for activation:

1. Open the Camera app and go to Video mode.
2. Twice tap the area around the shutter button (not the button itself!) and a hidden menu labeled MTK Engineering Mode should appear.
3. Enter the code ##36446337## (for Qualcomm processors) or #4636## (for Mediatek). The first option will run on the Mi 9T (Snapdragon 730).
4. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Camera.
5. Scroll to Macro Mode and set the Enable value.
6. Return to the standard camera and check for a new mode (a reboot may be required).

Close all applications that use the camera

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make a backup of photos

Remember the engineering menu code for your processor-->

If you don't have macro mode after this manipulation, your firmware version will block this function, so move on to the next one.

Method 2: Using Google Camera (GCam) with a macromode

Google Camera is an application with improved image processing algorithms that often outperforms the standard Xiaomi camera. The Mi 9T has modified versions of the GCam with support for macro shooting through the main or telephoto camera. The main advantage of this method is the ability to manually adjust the focal length to 4-5 cm, which is not available in the standard application.

Instructions for installation and setting:

• 📲 Download the appropriate version of GCam for Mi 9T (recommend BSG GCam or Urnyx05) forum 4PDA or XDA Developers.Discover the Snapdragon 730 versions.
• 🔧 Install. APK-file (allow installation from unknown sources in security settings).
• 📷 Launch GCam and go to Settings → Activate the Macro mode option and select the macro camera (preferably telephoto).
• 🎯 The main interface will have a new Macro mode. When shooting, hold the object at a distance of 5-10 cm and wait for autofocus (may require manual adjustment of exposure).

💡

For better results in GCam, turn off HDR+ in macro mode – this will reduce noise at close ranges.

If the macro mode does not appear after installing GCam, try:

• Install XML-config for your model (you can download it on the same forums).
• Clear the app cache in Android settings.
• Enable the Use macro lens if available option in additional settings.

Method 3: Third-party applications for macro photography

If the engineering menu and GCam didn't work, you can use specialized macro photography apps, they use software zoom and processing algorithms to simulate macro effect. 9T:

• 🔍 Macro Camera HD — Automatically detects close objects and applies increased sharpness.
• 📸 Camera FV-5 — Professional application with manual exposure and focus settings (suitable for experienced users).
• 🌟 Open Camera – open source software with macro support through Focus mode setting → Macro.

Example of settings in Open Camera:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings → Focus and select Macro.
3. Activate the Touch to Capture option for manual focus control.
4. When shooting, tap the screen in the area of the object - the application will block the focus at close range.

Comparison of methods: which method is better?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to help you choose the best option, we have compiled a comparative table:

Recommendation: For most Xiaomi Mi 9T users, the best solution is a Google Camera with the right config. This method gives the best balance of quality and convenience. The engineering menu is worth trying only for experienced users who are ready for possible failures. Third-party applications are suitable for rare shooting when you do not want to mess with the settings.

💡

Google Camera with a modified configuration for the Mi 9T allows you to achieve a minimum focal length of 4-5 cm, which is comparable to budget smartphones with a dedicated macro module.

Tips for shooting macro on Xiaomi Mi 9T

Even with activated macro mode, the quality of the images will depend on the technique of shooting.

• 💡 Lighting: use natural light or external lighting. A built-in flash at close range will create sharp shadows.
• 📏 Distance: experiment with a distance of 5 to 15 cm The optimal value depends on the method chosen (in the GCam you can bring closer than in a standard camera).
• 🖼️ Stabilization: the slightest shaking of the hand will cause blur. Use a tripod or point your phone on the subject.
• ⚙️ Settings: In manual mode (if any) install ISO on 100–200 and endurance 1/100–1/200 noise-mitigating.

A good example of a shot on the Mi 9T (made via GCam):

⚠️ Warning: When shooting live objects (insects, flowers) do not bring the phone too close - it can frighten or damage the object–2x and then crop the photo.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When activating macro mode on Xiaomi Mi 9T users face typical errors.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• MIUI version (upgrade to the latest stable build)
• Camera Integrity (possibly hardware malfunction).
• There are modified firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where macro mode may work differently.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions