How to enable camera stabilization on Xiaomi: a complete guide with settings

Modern Xiaomi smartphones β€” whether the flagship Mi 13 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12 β€” are equipped with advanced image stabilization systems that help capture smooth video and clear photos even in motion. However, many users face the problem: the function is either disabled by default or works ineffectively due to incorrect settings. In this article, we will discuss how to activate stabilization on different Xiaomi models, what modes exist and how to optimize them for specific shooting scenarios.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi’s stabilization comes in two types: software (processes video after shooting) and hardware (uses a gyroscope and optical modules). Flagship devices often combine both types, whereas budget models rely only on software. We’ll take a detailed look at how to turn each mode on, and we’ll give you recommendations for setting up for shooting in different conditions, from running with a handheld camera to recording drone videos.

If you notice that the video on your Xiaomi β€œshaking” or the photos are blurred at the slightest movement, do not rush to blame the iron. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by adjusting the camera parameters correctly. MIUI hyperos.

Types of stabilization on Xiaomi: how they differ

Before you turn on stabilization, let’s understand what technologies are used in Xiaomi smartphones and for what tasks they are suitable:

  • πŸ”Ή Optical stabilization (OIS) β€” Physically shifting the lens to compensate for the jitter, only available in flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro or Mi 11 Ultra). Effective for low-light photography and video in the home. 4K.
  • πŸ”Ή Electronic stabilization (EIS) β€” It works on all devices, but it can reduce the resolution of video, it is suitable for dynamic shooting (sports events, vlogging).
  • πŸ”Ή Hybrid stabilization – a combination OIS and EIS. It's used in top-end models for maximum smoothness. 13T Pro is automatically turned on when shooting in 4K@60fps.
  • πŸ”Ή Ultra Steady (Ultra Steady) - Enhanced Mode EIS Useful for extreme conditions (bicycle, running), but reduces the viewing angle.

Redmi budget models and POCO (for example, Redmi 12 or POCO X5) usually EIS, While flagships are a complete set of technologies, to find out what stabilization is available on your device, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the Camera app. β†’ Settings β†’ Device information.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Ultrastabilization is automatically turned off when shooting in 8K or 4K@120fps In such cases, use a tripod or external stabilizer.

How to enable stabilization in the standard Camera app

Basic stabilization settings are hidden in the Camera app menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI/HyperOS, But the general logic is still there:

  1. Open the Camera app and go to Video Mode (or Photos if you need stabilization for your pictures).
  2. Touch the badge. βš™οΈ Settings in the upper right corner (on some models – swipe up the screen).
  3. Find Stabilization (or Video Improvement) and depending on the model, there may be options: πŸ”˜ On/off: Main Stabilization Switch. πŸ”˜ Ultrastabilization – Enhanced mode (not available on all devices). πŸ”˜ Stabilization while walking – Optimization for shooting in motion.

Activate the parameters you want. For most scenarios, it's enough to turn Stabilization into On.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra has a separate switch to stabilize the photo, which is in the Photo Mode settings and helps to avoid lubrication when shooting with long exposure (for example, in low light conditions).

The annex "Camera" is open"|Selected mode "Video" or "Photo"|Found the section "Stabilization" in the settings|"On" switch activated."|The option β€œUltrastabilization” is checked (if any)

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If you don't have Stabilization in your settings, your model probably doesn't support hardware stabilization, so try third-party apps (which we'll discuss below) or use software techniques like high-frequency shooting (60fps or 120fps) For further stabilization in the editors.

Hidden stabilization settings through the engineering menu

On some firmware MIUI (Especially on old or customized, stabilization options can be hidden from the user, activated through the engineering menu, a special mode for testing hardware components.

Instructions for accessing hidden settings:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Testing (or Engineering Menu).
  3. Go to Camera or Hardware Testing β†’ Camera.
  4. Find parameters related to stabilization (e.g, OIS Calibration or EIS Mode. On some devices, they may be called: πŸ“Œ Gyro Sensor Test – Gyro Test (Important for the Gyro) EIS). πŸ“Œ OIS Test Mode – Optical Stabilization Test. πŸ“Œ Video Stabilization – a common switch.

Activate the options you need and restart the device. After that, check the stabilization operation in the standard Camera application.

⚠️ Note: If after changes to the engineering menu, the camera stopped working, reset settings via Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. In extreme cases, you may need to flash the device.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Lite) combination ##4636## Alternative access methods: 1. Use the app. MTK Engineering Mode (for devices running MediaTek processors). 2. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play and search for hidden activity called β€œEngineering” through it". 3. Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but you need to handle it carefully, and if you are not sure about your actions, you should limit yourself to the settings of the standard Camera application or use third-party programs.

Best Third-Party Video Stabilization Apps on Xiaomi

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit you, look at third-party apps that offer advanced stabilization algorithms, support for external microphones, and additional effects.-5 provenance:

AnnexFeaturesSuitable forCons
Google Camera (GCam)Google Stabilization Algorithms, Support HDR+, Night Sight.Photos and videos in low light conditions.Requires manual configuration for each model.
FilmoraGoBuilt-in stabilization during installation, effects, pruning.Post-processing video after shooting.Watermark on the free version.
ProCam XManual settings ISO, scoring RAW, stabilisation.Professional photography (for example, for Instagram).A paid version with limited trial.
Hyperlapse MobileSpecialized stabilization for timelapses.Shooting accelerated video (trips, sunsets).No support. 4K budget-wise.
Open CameraOpen source, flexible stabilization settings.Experiments with the parameters of the shooting.A complex interface for beginners.

To install Google Camera on Xiaomi you will need to download APK-file from a trusted source (e.g., Celso Azevedo) and select a config for your model. POCO X3 Pro suits configuration from Redmi K40. After installation, enable stabilization in GCam settings:

  1. Open Google Camera and go to Settings β†’ Additionally.
  2. Find the Stabilization Video section and select Improved.
  3. Activate for the photo HDR+ stabilised.

Xiaomi's Standard Camera|Google Camera (GCam)|FilmoraGo|ProCam X|Other/Not using-->

Third-party apps are especially useful if you want advanced post-processing. For example, FilmoraGo not only stabilizes videos, but also adds transitions, music and subtitles β€” ideal for creating content for TikTok or YouTube.

Optimal settings for different shooting scenarios

The effectiveness of stabilization depends not only on the options turned on, but also on the right shooting parameters.

1. Vlogging (hand-to-hand shooting in motion)

  • πŸŽ₯ Mode: Video 1080p@60fps or 4K@30fps.
  • πŸ”„ Stabilization: Ultrastabilization (if any) or EIS + OIS.
  • πŸ“± Use an external microphone (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Lavender) for better sound.

2.Sports and extremes (bicycle, running, skateboard)

  • πŸŽ₯ Regime: 1080p@120fps (for a smooth deceleration) or 4K@60fps.
  • πŸ”„ Stabilization: Ultrastabilization + chest-holding.
  • πŸ“± Additional: Enable Sports Mode in the camera settings (if any).

3. Low light shooting

  • πŸŽ₯ Mode: Night Mode (for photo) or 1080p@30fps (video).
  • πŸ”„ Stabilization: OIS + EIS (for the photo or only OIS (avoid noise EIS).
  • πŸ“± Extra: Use a tripod or support for maximum stability.

4.Timelaps and hyperlaps

  • πŸŽ₯ Mode: Hyperlapse (in standard camera) or Hyperlapse Mobile app.
  • πŸ”„ Stabilization: On. + tripod-fixing.
  • πŸ“± Additional: Set the shooting interval 1 frame/2 seconds for a smooth result.

πŸ’‘

If you're shooting from a drone (like the Xiaomi Mi Drone), turn off stabilization on your phone and use only the drone's gyroscope. Double stabilization can create a warping effect.

Remember that ultrastabilization severely cuts the edges of the frame (up to the end of the frame). 20-30%). If you want a wide angle (for example, for shooting architecture), use the usual stabilization or shoot a video without it, and then stabilize in the editor.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after activating stabilization, Xiaomi users may face a number of problems, including typical situations and ways to fix them:

1. Stabilization does not work in 4K or 8K

On many models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) Stabilization is automatically disabled when shooting in high resolutions due to processor limitations:

  • πŸ”Ή Take a video in 1080p@60fps and scale to 4K editorially.
  • πŸ”Ή Use third-party applications (such as ProCam X) that support stabilization in the 4K.
  • πŸ”Ή Update the firmware – in new versions of HyperOS, restrictions can be removed.

2.The video "floats" or is distorted when moving

This effect (called rolling shutter) is caused by a mismatch between frame rate and camera movement.

  • πŸ”Ή Frequency shooting 60fps or higher (reduces the effect ").
  • πŸ”Ή Use Ultrastabilization (it more aggressively suppresses distortions).
  • πŸ”Ή Keep your phone closer to the body – this reduces the amplitude of the shaking.

3 Stabilization is on, but not working

If the switch is active but the video is still shaking, check:

  • πŸ”Ή Gyroscope: Run the sensor test through the Sensor Test app (from Google Play).If the gyro doesn't respond, repair is required.
  • πŸ”Ή Optical stabilization (OIS): Light a flashlight into the lens – if you hear clicks or vibration, the module OIS faulty.
  • πŸ”Ή Firmware: On custom firmware (like LineageOS), stabilization may not work. MIUI/HyperOS.

4. Strong crop (frame trimming) in ultrastabilization

Ultrastabilization cuts the edges of the video to compensate for the jitter.

  • πŸ”Ή Switch to normal. EIS (Less crops, but worse stabilization).
  • πŸ”Ή Shoot video without stabilization and process it in Adobe Premiere Rush or CapCut.
  • πŸ”Ή Use a wide-angle lens (if any) to compensate for trimming.

πŸ’‘

If the stabilization problem has occurred after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

The effectiveness of stabilization depends heavily on the model of the smartphone, and we tested several popular devices and made a comparison table:

ModelStabilization typeMax. Permission with StabilizationUltrastabilizationSmoothness assessment (1-10)
Xiaomi 14 UltraOIS + EIS (hybrid)8K@24fps, 4K@60fpsYes. 1080p)10
Xiaomi 13T ProOIS + EIS4K@30fpsYes.9
POCO F5 ProEIS4K@30fps (stabilised 60fps)Yeah (with a crop)7
Redmi Note 12 Pro+EIS1080p@60fpsNo.6
Xiaomi 12 LiteEIS1080p@30fpsNo.5

As you can see from the table, flagship models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, 13T Pros show better results thanks to hardware stabilization. Budget devices (Redmi Note 12, POCO M5) They rely on software processing, which affects quality. If stabilization is critical for your tasks, pay attention to the presence of a smartphone. OIS specification.

And what's interesting is that even within a single line, stabilization performance can vary, POCO F5 Pro will be better at shooting a run than Redmi Note 12 Pro+, And this is because of the same characteristics on paper, and it's all about optimizing the firmware and calibrating the sensors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you enable stabilization on Xiaomi while shooting in slow-motion?
On most Xiaomi models, stabilization automatically turns off in modes. 120fps, 240fps and 960fps Because of the high load on the processor, the exception is flagships like Xiaomi. 13 Pro, where EIS work 1080p@120fps. For smooth slow-motion, use a tripod or external stabilizer (for example, a tripod or a scalper, DJI Osmo Mobile).
Why did the video become soapy after the stabilization was turned on?
This is a side effect of electronic stabilization (EIS), It cuts and zooms, and it reduces the detail, to reduce the effect: πŸ”Ή Higher resolution shooting (for example, 4K instead 1080p). πŸ”Ή Use of the OIS instead EIS (if available). πŸ”Ή Disabling Ultra-stabilization in favor of the usual.
How to check if it works OIS on my Xiaomi?
Simple test: Turn on the camera and go to Video Mode. Point the lens at a static object (like text on the wall). Shake the phone from side to side with a gentle movement. If the image remains stable, rather than floating along with the movement β€” OIS For visualization, record the video before and after stabilization and compare it. You can also use the Camera Test app from Google Play, which shows the status of the user. OIS real-time.
Can you improve stabilization on older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro)?
On devices without hardware stabilization (OIS) Improve video content in the following ways: πŸ”Ή Use Google Camera with Video Stabilization enabled. πŸ”Ή High-frequency photography (60fps or 120fps) For further stabilization in the editor. πŸ”Ή Use external stabilizers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Pocket Gimbal). πŸ”Ή Use low resolution modes (e.g, 720p), where EIS On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it also helps to roll back the firmware. MIUI 11 – in newer versions of algorithms EIS It was simplified to save resources.
Does the stabilization affect battery autonomy?
Yeah, but not much (OIS) Expends additional energy on the work of the gyroscope and lens engines, and the software (EIS) It's loading the processor, according to our tests: πŸ”‹ Shooting from OIS + EIS reduce the time of work by 5-10% compared to the disengaged stabilization. πŸ”‹ Ultrastabilization can increase the cost of 15-20% If autonomy is critical (e.g. hiking), turn off ultrastabilization or use an external battery.