How to enable video stabilization on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a detailed guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face situations where footage is unnecessarily twitchy and unstable, especially when walking or running. This is a common problem in the budget segment, where software processing plays a crucial role in the final quality of the video. Fortunately, the developers have built into the shell of MIUI tools that allow you to significantly improve the situation without the use of third-party equipment.

Understanding how electronic stabilization works on your device will help you avoid frustration and get an acceptable result immediately. Unlike an optical system that uses movable lenses, there is digital cropping and software alignment. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the nuances of the settings so that you can shoot smooth and pleasing videos.

Before we get to the bottom of the game, it's worth noting that the quality of the final image depends on the resolution you choose. The stabilization feature on Redmi 9 is available only when you record at 1080p at 30 frames per second. If you choose 720p mode or try to shoot at 60 FPS, the software alignment algorithm simply doesn't activate, and the shaking will remain.

The principle of electronic stabilization in MIUI

The technology used in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is based on the EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) algorithm, which reads data from the gyroscope and accelerometer, analyzing the slightest movements of the operator's hands, and then the software shifts the frame in the opposite direction, compensating for jerks, a process that requires significant processing resources.

That's why digital stabilization often conflicts with high frame rates. When you try to turn on 60 FPS, the processor may not be able to handle the simultaneous processing of a large stream of data and its alignment, as a result, the system forcibly disables the EIS function to avoid performance drops and interface lags.

It's important to understand that when you run the stabilizer, you get a little bit of digital magnification, and that's an inevitable side effect, because the edges of the frame are used as a buffer zone to shift the image, and if you notice that the viewing angle is narrower, it means that the smoothing algorithm is active and doing its job.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use third-party apps from Google Play to enable stabilization in unsupported modes.This can cause the Helio processor to overheat. G80 and the unstable operation of the entire system.

πŸ“Š What mode of shooting you use most often?
1080p 30fps
720p 30fps
1080p 60fps
4K (if available)
Slow-motion

Step-by-step instructions for activating the function

The process of enabling stabilization in a standard camera application is as simple as possible, but requires attention to the details of the interface. The icon responsible for this function can change its position depending on the version of the MIUI firmware installed on your Redmi 9.

To start, open the Camera app and switch to Video mode. Make sure you're in this section, because in Photo or Portrait mode, this setting doesn't show. In the top control panel, you'll see a number of icons, among which you'll want to find a symbol that resembles a spark camera or dotted lines.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-screening

Done: 0 / 4

Click on this icon to activate mode. If it's yellow or white, it's working. If you press it, it's not happening, or it goes out, check your current resolution settings. Often users accidentally switch to 720p, where it's not technically available.

Once activated, a brief notification may appear on the screen that stabilization is on, from which point the processing algorithm will begin to adjust your every move, and it is recommended to do a few trial seconds of recording, turning the phone in different directions to make sure that the system is working correctly.

Setting up permission and staffing frequency

The key to a successful stabilizer is to choose the right recording options, and in the camera settings menu, which is called by swipe or clicking three strips in the corner, you need to find the video settings, and here are the sliders or drop-down lists for selecting quality.

You need to set a value of 1080p. If you have HD (720p), stabilization will not work. It is also critical to choose a frequency of 30 k/s (frames per second). 60 k/ mode provides a smoother picture in dynamic scenes, but disables electronic anti-aliasing on this model of the smartphone.

ParameterStabilization availableQuality of detailProcessor load
1080p, 30 FPSYes.High.Medium
1080p, 60 FPSNo.Very high.Tall.
720p, 30 FPSNo.Low.Low.
720p, 60 FPSNo.Low.Medium

When choosing between smoothness and resolution, always prioritize stability if you’re shooting on the go. High frame rates without stabilization on a budget device often look worse than a stable 30 frames, as shaking 60 FPS becomes more noticeable and annoying to the viewer.

Why 60 FPS is more important for sports?
60 frames per second is indispensable for shooting very fast objects, such as running children or cars. In this case, the camera shaking is less noticeable against the background of the speed of objects, and priority is given to smoothness of movement.> In addition to the standard video mode, Xiaomi Redmi 9 has specialized scenarios where stabilization is built in by default. For example, Short video or Cloning often have their own processing algorithms that may differ from the main camera module. In Short video mode, stabilization is usually active always, since this format is sharpened for shooting for social networks, but this mode can be quickly captured in the way. Also worth paying attention to is Timelapse mode, which is critical to stabilize when shooting accelerated video, otherwise it won't be possible to watch. In this mode, the software applies more aggressive smoothing methods, as any small tremors in accelerated time turn into a strong shaking. ⚠️ Warning: In nighttime video shooting, stabilization may not work properly or be disabled, due to the need for long shutter speeds for each frame, which conflicts with electronic alignment algorithms. Typical problems and solutions: Even with the right settings, users sometimes find the image continues to tremble or twitch, and one common reason is the lack of lighting. In poor light, the camera is forced to increase shutter speed, which leads to lubrication of frames that the stabilizer cannot fix. Another problem is that the device is overheated. G80 Active video recording and simultaneous operation of algorithms EIS If the temperature reaches critical values, the system can force the stabilization to be turned off or the frame rate to cool down. MIUI For Redmi 9, there may have been errors in the camera module. β†’ About the phone and check for new versions of the software. Updates often contain patches that improve image processing algorithms. If nothing works, try clearing the camera app data. β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ Camera. β†’ Clean up β†’ Clear all data. This will return the camera settings to factory values and can fix software glitches. πŸ’‘If stabilization works in snags, try to reduce the load on the processor by closing the background applications before recording a video. Tips for as smooth a picture as possible Software stabilization is a powerful tool, but it can not work wonders. To get a truly professional result on the Xiaomi Redmi 9, you need to combine the capabilities of the software with the right shooting technique. No algorithm compensates for a strong shaking of the hands as well as the right grip. This creates an extra foothold and greatly reduces the amplitude of the vibrations. When you walk, try to bend your knees so that your steps are softer and the camera moves more smoothly, and these simple physical actions enhance the effect of the electronic stabilizer. Use a tripod or monopod whenever possible. Even a cheap, flexible octopus tripod will produce results that are not programmatically available. If you don't have a tripod, stick your phone against a wall, a table, or any stationary object. ⚠️ Warning: Do not use digital zoom while recording video. When zooming, the shaking becomes more noticeable exponentially, and the stabilizer may not be able to cope with the compensation of movements, which will lead to the "floating" of the picture. β˜‘οΈ Rules of perfect shooting Hold the phone with both hands Press your elbows against your body Do not use digital zoom Keep track of the battery level: 0 / 4 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Why on Redmi? 9 No optical stabilization (OIS)? Optical stabilization requires the presence of physical movable elements in the camera module, which increases the cost and dimensions of the device. In the low-end segment, which includes Redmi 9, manufacturers use software (electronic) stabilization to reduce the price. Does the enabled stabilization affect the sound quality? No, electronic stabilization only processes the video stream. However, some algorithms may include microphone noise cancellation if the camera settings activate the appropriate option, but directly. EIS Can you install Google Camera for better stabilization? Yes, Google Camera ports (GCam) often have more advanced stabilization algorithms than stock cameras. However, installation requires finding the right version for the Helio processor. G80 And it can be unstable. Does stabilization increase video recording time? The function itself doesn't affect duration, but the active operation of the processor to process video in real time can lead to faster battery discharge and heating, which indirectly limits the time of continuous shooting. What if the video still shakes? Make sure you don't use zoom, hold the phone tightly and shoot in good light. If the shaking remains strong, consider buying an inexpensive mechanical stabilizer (stedicam) for a smartphone.