A jittery video on a Xiaomi smartphone can ruin even the best shot. Fortunately, the manufacturer has integrated several stabilization technologies into its devices, from software EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) to hardware OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) in flagship models. But how to properly activate these functions and choose the optimal shooting mode?
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO can enable stabilization, from budget devices to premium smartphones, how each technology works, what scenarios are better for HyperLapse or Pro Video, and why stabilization sometimes shuts down on its own, and secret MIUI settings that aren’t written in the official instructions.
What stabilization technologies are used by Xiaomi smartphones
The manufacturer uses three main types of stabilization, and their availability depends on the device model:
- 🔹 EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization, available on all Xiaomi smartphones, works by cutting edges and digital processing, but can reduce video resolution.
- 🔹 OIS (Optical Image Stabilization – hardware stabilization with mobile lenses. Only available in flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi). K60 Pro).
- 🔹 HyperLapse is a special mode for shooting with acceleration and super-smooth stabilization. Uses Xiaomi algorithms to analyze motion.
It’s important to understand that EIS and OIS can run simultaneously on supported models, but this increases the CPU load and reduces battery life. For example, in Xiaomi 12S Ultra, when both types of video stabilization are activated, it becomes perfectly smooth, but the battery goes down 15-20% faster.
Another nuance: in budget models (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), the EIS automatically turns off when shooting in 4K, which is done to save resources, and you will have to use third-party applications like Filmic Pro or Open Camera to get around the restriction.
Where is the stabilization setting in the standard camera app
Most Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 path to stabilization settings is the same, but there are exceptions for older versions of firmware.
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to Video Mode (swipe left/right or tap on the inscription above the down button).
- Touch the icons ⚙️ (Settings) in upper right corner.
- Find Video Stabilization (or Improve Stabilization in some models).
- Activate the switch. Flagships can also have Super EIS or OIS + EIS.
If you have a POCO F5 or Redmi K50, you'll have an additional stabilisation slider that adjusts the algorithm's aggressiveness, and at maximum video, it'll be smoother, but you may have a jelly effect around the edges of the frame.
HDR mode is disabled (it conflicts with stabilization)
Selected resolution not higher than 1080p (for EIS)
Battery charge >30% (OIS requires a lot of power)
Cleared memory (minimum 1 GB free)-->
On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 11T Pro), the setting is hidden deeper: go to Camera Settings → Additional → Stabilization. If there is no point, then your model supports only automatic stabilization without manual control.
Why Stabilization Doesn't Work: 5 Common Reasons
Even after the video function is turned on, it can still shake. Here are the typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilization of gray (inactive) | Shooting in 4K/8K on a budget model | Switch to 1080p or use third-party software |
| The jelly effect around the edges | Too aggressive EIS | Reduce the level of stabilization in the settings |
| Stabilization shuts down on its own. | Processor overheating or low charge | Let the smartphone cool down or connect the charging |
| No item on the menu. | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone |
| OIS is not working. | Physical damage to the camera module | Check at the service center (repair possible) |
A critical feature for Xiaomi 12/13 Series owners: if you activate Document mode in the camera settings, stabilization automatically turns off for all videos except HyperLapse.This bug is confirmed on the Mi Community forums and has not yet been fixed in stable MIUI builds.
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If stabilization is lost after the MIUI update, try resetting the camera settings: go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data. This will return factory settings without losing personal files.
Comparison of stabilization modes: which to choose for different scenarios
Not all modes are equally useful, here are recommendations for use depending on the situation:
- 🎥 A regular video (1080p/30fps): turn on EIS or OIS + EIS (If any, it's optimal for vlog or family filming.
- 🏃 Dynamic scenes (sports, running): use HyperLapse with acceleration factor ×15 or ×30.Xiaomi algorithms here do better at sharp movements.
- 🌃 Night photography: turn it off EIS — It degrades quality in the dark, put your smartphone on a stable surface, or use a tripod.
- 🎬 Professional video (4K/60fps): Xiaomi 13 Pro and later activate Pro Video with manual stabilization setting (available in Additional) → Video modes).
Take the Redmi Note for testing. 12 Pro+ s OIS And compare: when shooting from the hand in mode 1080p/EIS The video is more smooth than in 4K It's not stabilized, but it's not in detail, but HyperLapse on the same model is better for timelapses, but it needs good lighting.
How to check if the OIS is physically working?
Hidden stabilization settings in MIUI (for power users)
MIUI firmware has undocumented settings that can be changed through developer mode or engineering menus, for example, in Xiaomi 11 Lite NE you can force EIS on for 4K, although it is disabled by default.
For this:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find Force 4K EIS (or similar) and turn it on.
- Reboot your smartphone.
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Warning: These settings can cause the processor to overheat (e.g., on the Snapdragon 778G in POCO F4) or artifacts in the video.
Another life hack for Xiaomi 12S owners and newer: if you activate the Camera HAL HDR in the engineering menu (#4636##), then the EIS will work smoother, but it may appear a green tint in the shadows. This bug is fixed only by the firmware rollback.
Third-party applications for improved stabilization
If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t suit you, try alternative programs:
- 📱 Filmic Pro (paid): supports manual setup EIS, OIS And bitrate. 11 lets 4K/EIS clipless.
- 🎞️ Open Camera (free): There is a Video Stabilization option, but only works on Qualcomm processors (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13).
- 📹 ProCam X: a unique feature called Gyro Stabilization, which uses gyroscope data for post-processing. POCO X3 Pro without hardware stabilization.
When using third-party apps, watch for resolution and bitrate. For example, in Filmic Pro for Redmi K40, the optimal settings are 1080p / 60fps / Bitrate 50 Mbps / EIS ON. At these parameters, the video weighs ~1 GB for 5 minutes, but the shaking is minimal.
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The app side may conflict with MIUI Camera. Close all background processes through Settings → Apps → Clear before shooting, otherwise the video will lag.
Post-processing: how to fix the tremor of an already shot video
If you forgot to activate stabilization while shooting, you can fix the video software. Here are the best tools:
- 💻 Adobe Premiere Pro: Warp Stabilizer filter can even handle strong jitters, but requires a powerful PC.
- 📱 CapCut (mobile): Free Stabilization tool in the Effects section → Correction. Suitable for Xiaomi with Snapdragon 865 and newer.
- 🌐 Online Services: Clideo or FlexClip offer basic stabilization without installing software, but the quality is worse.
For the test, we took a video shot on Xiaomi 11T without stabilization and processed it in CapCut.
- The tremor has decreased by 70%.
Loss of quality ~15% (due to edge trimming).
Processing time: 2 minutes on the Snapdragon 888.
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Note: When post-processing video with Xiaomi based on MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), artifacts may appear due to the peculiarities of encoding H.265. Before export, select the H.264 format in the render settings.