Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S is equipped with a quadro camera with a separate macro lens that allows you to take pictures from a distance of only 2-4 cm from the object. However, many users are struggling to find this mode or do not know how to use it correctly. In this article, we will understand where macro shooting on the Redmi Note 9S, how to activate it in the standard Camera application, and what settings will help improve the quality of macro frames.
While the macro lens in the Redmi Note 9S is modest in resolution (2 MP), when approached correctly, it can produce impressive results — for example, for shooting insects, tissue textures or small electronics details — the key is to know a few tricks, which we will discuss below.
Where is macro shooting in the standard camera Redmi Note 9S
Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where macro mode can be brought to the home screen of the camera, the Redmi Note 9S has to search for it in the optional mode menu.
- Open the Camera app** on your smartphone.
- Tap the icon “More”** (three horizontal lines or the word MORE) in the upper right corner of the screen.
If you don’t have macro mode on the list, make sure you have the latest version of the Camera app installed, which can be updated via the Google Play Store or MIUI App Store.
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Before shooting, wipe the macro camera lens with a dry wipe – even a small dust or fingerprints can spoil the frame.
Why macro photography may not work: common problems
Sometimes Redmi Note 9S users find that macro mode is either missing from the menu or not focusing.
- 📱 Outdated Firmware: In Early Versions MIUI Macro may have been hidden. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔧 Camera module disabled: check if the macro lens is disabled in the developer settings (path: Settings) → All parameters. → Advanced settings → For developers → Shut down the cameras).
- 🎯 Wrong distance: macro lens focuses only on distance 2-4 cm If you hold the phone too close or far, autofocus will not work.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: if macro does not work after updating and resetting the settings, the module itself may be damaged (for example, after the phone falls).
⚠️ Note: If the macro mode is lost after the update MIUI, Try resetting the camera settings. Go to Settings for that. → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will delete all user settings of the camera!
Optimal settings for macro shooting on Redmi Note 9S
To get clear and detailed macro frames, it's not enough to just turn on the mode. Here are the key parameters to look at:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 2 MP (maximum for macro) | The greater resolution is not supported hardware. |
| File format | JPEG | RAW is not available for macro lens. |
| White balance | Auto or Daylight | Artificial lighting can distort colors. |
| Exposition | −0.3...−0.7 EV | The macro lens is prone to re-light. |
| Focus | Manual (tap on screen) | Autofocus is often mistaken at close ranges. |
Important: The macro lens in the Redmi Note 9S doesn't support optical stabilization, so even a slight shaking of the hands will lead to a blurry frame. Use a tripod or lean your phone on a stable surface.
Clean the lens of dust and prints |
Set the phone on a tripod or a stop |
Enable the grid in the camera settings (to align the frame)|
Turn off digital zoom (it degrades quality) |
Select a natural light source (avoid flashing)-->
The Best Macro Shooting Apps on Xiaomi
Xiaomi's standard Camera app provides basic macro photography capabilities, but third-party programs can be used for advanced control.-3 Applications compatible with Redmi Note 9S:
- 🎨 Open Camera: Open source with support for external microphones and advanced exposure settings.
Before installing third-party cameras, make sure they have access to the Camera API2 (check in the app description in Google Play).Some programs may not support the Redmi Note 9S macro lens due to manufacturer restrictions.
Standard camera Xiaomi|
Camera FV-5|
Open Camera|
Macro Camera|
Other (write in the comments)-->
How to shoot macro on Redmi Note 9S
Technical settings are only half the success, and to make a really high-quality macro frame, follow these guidelines:
- Use natural light. A close-up flash creates sharp shadows and glares; it's best to shoot near a window or outside in cloudy weather.
- Figure an object. Even a slight movement (like a breeze, an insect moving) will spoil the frame. When you take live objects, take a series of pictures.
- Experiment with angles. The macro lens gives you a minimum depth of field -- try shooting at an angle to highlight texture.
- So, you can process your images. Software like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help you adjust your sharpness and color balance.
⚠️ Note: When shooting small objects (such as electronics or jewelry), avoid using digital zoom, which degrades detail, and a macro lens already provides sufficient magnification.
How to check if the macro lens is physically working?
Comparison of macro shooting Redmi Note 9S with other smartphones Xiaomi
The macro lens in the Redmi Note 9S is a budget lens, and its capabilities are inferior to the flagship models.
| Model | Resolution of the macro lens | Minimum focal length | Autofocus. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9S | 2 MPs | 2–4 cm | No (fixed focus) |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 5 MP | 3-7 cm | Yes (AF) |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | 5 MP | 3-10 cm | Yes (AF + macrolight) |
| POCO X3 Pro | 2 MPs | 2-5 cm | No. |
As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 9S is losing out to newer models in resolution and AF, but for basic macro photography, it's enough — the main thing is to choose the right lighting and angle.
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The macro lens in the Redmi Note 9S does not have autofocus, so focusing is done by changing the distance to the object, which requires patience and practice, but allows you to achieve interesting effects (for example, a blurred background).
Frequent macro photography errors and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil macro frames, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
- 🌫️ Blurredness: It's caused by shaking hands or misfocus, and the solution is to use a tripod or a timer.
- 💡 Overlight: macro lens sensitive to bright light, so the solution is to reduce exposure manually or shoot in the shade.
- 🎨 Unnatural colors: often appear when shooting under incandescent lights, the solution is to adjust white balance to "daylight».
- 🕳️ Dark angles (vinetting): typical of budget macro lenses. The solution is to frame a picture after shooting.
If you notice that all the images are dim or noisy, try increasing the ISO to 400-800 in manual mode, but remember: high ISO adds digital noise, so it is better to shoot in good light.