How to turn on the microcamera on Xiaomi smartphones: instructions with photos and videos

The microcameras in Xiaomi smartphones are compact, optional modules that often go unnoticed by users, which can be used for macro photography, depth detection, or even facial recognition systems, but not all owners know how to properly activate and configure this feature.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn on the microcamera on different Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO And the flagship series, what settings are available in the standard Camera app, and what to do if the module doesn't work, and you'll also learn about the hidden capabilities of microcameras that are not discussed in the official instructions.

Important: Microcamera functions may differ depending on the smartphone model and firmware version MIUI. If your device does not support this or that option, it is not a mistake, but a feature of the hardware.

What is a microcamera in Xiaomi smartphones and why you need it

A microcamera (sometimes called a macro camera or depth sensor) is an optional module with a matrix resolution of usually 2-5 MP, which is designed for close-up shooting or space analysis. Depending on the Xiaomi model, it can perform various tasks:

• 🔍 Macrographing – focusing on objects 2–10 cm away (ideal for photographing insects, flowers, textures).
• 👤 Facial recognition – used in unlock systems or to improve portrait mode.
• 📏 Definition of depth – helps create the bokeh effect (blurred background) in portraits.
• 🤖 Augmented reality (AR) — In some models, the microcamera is involved in the work. AR-applications.

For example, in Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra microcamera used for macro photography with a magnification of up to 5×, A in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It helps to improve portrait photography, in budget models, for example, POCO M5) Its functions may be limited.

If you’re not sure if you have a microcamera in your smartphone, check the specs on Xiaomi’s official website or look at the back panel – it’s usually the smallest lens in the camera block (often signed as Macro or Depth).

How to turn on the microcamera in the standard Camera app

In most Xiaomi smartphones, the microcamera is activated directly in the standard Camera app.

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Scroll the list of shooting modes left or right until you find Macro (or Macro, Close-up).
3. Point the camera at the object at a distance of 2-5 cm If the module works, you will see a clear image without blurring.
4. To shoot, click on the shutter circle or use a timer.

If the Macro mode is not on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes modes don’t show up due to temporary failure.
• 📱 Update the Camera app via Google Play or App Gallery.
• ⚙️ Check your camera settings: go to Settings → Additional parameters → Shooting modes and turn on Macro.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) microcamera activates automatically when approaching the object – just to point the main camera close, and the system itself will switch to macro mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not touch the surface of the subject with the microcamera lens, this can damage the glass or focus mechanism. The optimal distance for shooting is 3-4 cm.

Activation of the microcamera through the engineering menu (for experienced users)

If the microcamera doesn't turn on as standard, you can try activating it through an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Testing).
3. Scroll down to the Camera section and click on it.
4. In the module list, look for Macro Camera or Aux Camera and select Test.
5. If the test is successful, the microcamera should start broadcasting the image.

If the microcamera never appeared in the Camera app after the test, the problem may be:

• 🛠️ Software glitch – try resetting the camera settings to factory.
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction – possibly the module is disabled at the firmware level or damaged.
• 📱 Firmware incompatibility – some custom firmware disables additional cameras.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

Setting up a microcamera for the best photos

To get high-quality images from a microcamera, it's not enough to just turn it on. Here are some tips for setting up:

To take pictures of small objects (such as insects or jewelry), use additional lighting — microcameras do not cope well with the lack of light.

• 💡 Smartphone flash (but not too close to not highlight the object).
• 🔦 Desktop lamp or ring-light.
• ☀️ Natural light (for example, at the window on a sunny day).

Xiaomi microcameras have a fixed aperture (usually) f/2.4), So they have very little depth of field, and even a slight shift in the object can cause blur.

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If your model supports Pro Mode shooting, try manually adjusting it. ISO (higher 800) and endurance (1/200–1/500 (s) for better macro image quality.

Microcamera problems and their solutions

If the microcamera doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work properly, here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If after all the manipulations the microcamera has not worked, check:

• 📦 Firmware integrity – possibly after the update there was a failure.
• 🔌 Connecting a plume – if the phone fell, the camera contacts could move away.
• 🛡️ Security settings – some antiviruses block access to cameras.

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If the microcamera stopped working after the upgrade MIUI, Try to roll back on the previous version of the firmware or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

Hidden Microcamera Functions You Didn't Know About

In addition to standard macro photography, the microcameras in Xiaomi smartphones can perform other useful functions, including:

• 🔒 Fingerprint scan – in some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 10T Pro) microcamera used for scanning fingers in Under-Display Fingerprint mode.
• 🎭 AR-Masks and filters – in apps like Snapchat or TikTok, the microcamera helps you track facial movements more accurately.
• 📐 3D-scanning – using special applications (for example, 3D Scanner App: You can create three-dimensional models of small objects.
• 👓 Vision correction – in experimental modes, a microcamera can be used to adjust visual acuity in the VR-glasses.

To activate these functions, it may be necessary to:

1. Install additional apps from Google Play.
2. Enable Developer Mode and allow access to the camera for third-party programs.
3. Update your firmware to the latest version (some features only appear in newer versions) MIUI).

For example, for 3D-The scanning app is suitable Qlone and for AR-Google ARCore (check compatibility with your model on the official website).

How to check if your Xiaomi microcamera is working

If you are not sure if the microcamera is working, you can run a quick test:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Macro mode.
2. Hover the lens over small text (such as a barcode or label).
3. If the text is clear and readable, the camera works.
4. If the image is blurry or the camera doesn’t switch, there’s a problem.

An alternative way is to use third-party apps to test the cameras, such as:

• Camera Test – shows the status of all modules.
• Manual Camera – allows you to manually control each camera.
• CPU-Z — displays the technical characteristics of the cameras.

If the test shows that the microcamera is not detected, it may mean:

• 🔌 Hardware failure – damaged plume or camera itself.
• 📱 Software shutdown – the module is blocked by firmware.
• 🔄 Software conflict – requires resetting or flashing.

⚠️ Note: If the microcamera is not detected in any application, do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - this may lead to loss of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi microcameras