How to enable video stabilization on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still a popular choice among users who value the balance of price and functionality. One of the key questions that arises for owners of this smartphone is how to improve the quality of video shooting, especially in dynamic scenes. A trembling video can ruin even the most interesting story, but the solution is: built-in image stabilization.

In this article, we’ll not only explore how to enable stabilization on the Redmi Note 8, but also which shooting modes are best used for different conditions. You’ll learn about hidden camera settings that the manufacturer doesn’t always advertise, and how to get around typical problems (for example, when the option is gray and not available).

Important: The stabilization algorithms in MIUI have been updated since the smartphone was released in 2019, and if your device hasn’t received updates in a long time, some features may work differently, as we’ll talk about later.

Why the video is shaking on the Redmi Note 8: the main reasons

Before you set up stabilization, it's worth figuring out what exactly causes the frame to shake. On the Redmi Note 8, this may be due to:

• 📱 Lack of optical stabilization (OIS) — The model is equipped with electronic only (EIS) Hybrid stabilization, which is less effective in sudden movements.
• 🔋 Low battery power – at levels below 15%, the smartphone automatically disables power-intensive functions, including advanced video processing.
• 🌡️ Overheating of the processor - Snapdragon 665 during prolonged shooting in the 4K It can trattle productivity, which affects the stabilization work.
• 🎥 Incorrect resolution/frame frequency – for example, shooting in the 4K@60fps This model often gives a more "trembling" result than 1080p@30fps.

The jitter can also be enhanced by poor lighting, which increases ISO and shutter speed in the dark, which increases noise and reduces stabilization efficiency. If you shoot indoors with incandescent lights (50 Hz), you may experience a flicker effect that the camera mistakenly perceives as shaking and tries to "compensate."

Where is the video stabilization setting: step-by-step instructions

You can turn on stabilization on the Redmi Note 8 directly in the camera app.

1. Open the standard Camera app (non-third-party, like Google Camera or Open Camera).
2. Switch to Video Mode (the movie camera icon or the words "VIDEO").
3. Touch the gears. ⚙️ in the upper right corner to open the settings.
4. Scroll down to the Video Stabilization section (some versions of MIUI may call it Anti-Trembling or Image Resistance).
5. Activate the switch. If you have a gray option, see the section below on how to solve this problem.

Once activated, you'll see a stabilization icon (usually an icon with wavy lines or a hand) in the top of the camera interface. Note: on the Redmi Note 8, stabilization only works when shooting in Full HD (1080p). In 4K mode, it automatically turns off — this is a hardware limitation.

Is stabilization enabled in the camera settings

Selected 1080p resolution (not 4K)

Battery charge above 20%

The camera lens is clean (no fingerprints)

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On MIUI 12.5 and later, the camera settings have a hidden Ultrastabilization mode – it is only available when shooting at 1080p@30fps and uses an aggressive crop of the frame (up to 1.5x). To turn it on, hold your finger on the stabilization icon for 2 seconds.

What to do if the stabilization option is inactive (gray)

If the gray stabilization button is not pressed, the problem may be one of the following:

If none of these are good, try resetting your camera settings: Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Camera → Storage → Clear the data. Attention: this will remove all user preferences (for example, saved shooting modes).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may not have stabilization because of the lack of Qualcomm drivers for the EIS. In this case, only a return to the official MIUI.

Comparison of stabilization modes: what is better to choose

There are three types of stabilization available on the Redmi Note 8 that work in different ways:

1. Standard EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization): – Works in all 1080p modes – Moderate Frame Crop (~1.1x) – Suitable for everyday shooting
2. Ultrastabilization (available with MIUI 12.5): — Aggressive Crop (~1.5x) — Better handles sharp movements — Only for 1080p@30fps
3. Hybrid Stabilization (EIS + gyroscope): – Uses data from the gyroscope to compensate for jitter – Only available in Video Pro mode (on some firmware) – Can give artifacts in low light

For most scenarios, standard EIS is enough. Ultrastabilization should only be enabled if you are shooting something very dynamic (like a bike ride or running), Hybrid mode is useful when shooting with your hand indoors, but requires good lighting.

If you want maximum quality without crop, try shooting in 4K without stabilization, and then stabilizing the video on your computer with Adobe Premiere Pro or free CapCut. However, remember that software post-stabilization requires a powerful processor and can take a long time.

Optimal camera settings for stable video

To get the most smooth video on the Redmi Note 8, use the following options:

• 🎞️ Permission: 1920×1080 (Full HD) — into 4K stabilization shuts down.
• 🔄 Frame rate: 30 fps – at 60 fps, stabilization works worse due to lower shutter speed.
• 🌞 White Balance: Auto (not "incandescent lamp" - it causes flicker).
• 📏 The aspect ratio: 16:9 - in 1:1 or 4:3 crop increases trembling.
• 🔇 Microphone: Turn off noise cancellation - it can cause processing delays.

If you are shooting in motion (for example, from a car), additionally:

• 🚗 Turn on Mode. HDR — It helps with sudden lighting changes.
• 📱 Secure your smartphone on a tripod or use an improvised stabilizer (for example, put your hands in the wall).
• 🔋 Activate Performance Mode in Battery Settings to Avoid Trottling.

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If you’re shooting for TikTok or Reels, use a 9:16 (vertical) 1080p resolution, in which case stabilization works better because the algorithm is optimized for portrait orientation.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with stabilization enabled, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Stabilization stopped working, check the version of the camera app. Sometimes system updates reset it to the factory version. → Annexes → Camera. → Three points. → Remove updates, then update your camera through Play Market.

Another common problem is the jumping autofocus in stabilization shots, which is because of the conflict between EIS and AF algorithms.

1. Switch to Video Pro mode.
2. Manually set the focus by touching the screen and holding your finger for 2 seconds (AF Lock will appear).
3. Turn off Continuous Autofocus in the Pro-Mode settings.

If the video is produced with a warping effect, it means that the EIS algorithm cuts and warps the edges too aggressively.

• Turn off ultra-stabilization.
• Remove the case - sometimes it blocks the gyroscope sensors.
• Try to shoot in the mode of Short video (the icon with a timer) - there is a different stabilization algorithm.

Alternative ways to stabilize video

If built-in stabilization is not satisfied, consider these options:

1. Third-party apps: – Filmic Pro (paid but with advanced EIS settings) – Open Camera (free, supports manual stabilization) – ProCam X (works well with the Redmi Note 8 gyroscope)
2. Post-processing software: – CapCut (free, there is a Stabilization tool) – Adobe Premiere Rush (automatic correction of tremors) – PowerDirector (supports gyroscopic data from metadata)
3. Physical stabilizers: — DJI Osmo Mobile (from 5,000) ₽, Compatible with Redmi Note 8 – Hohem iSteady Mobile+ (budgetary option from 3,000 ₽) — Homemade stabilizer from a load and rope (instructions on YouTube)

For post-processing in CapCut, follow this algorithm:

1. Import the video to the project.
2. Make the clip a timeline.
3. Click Stabilization in the lower menu.
4. Select the correction level (medium recommended).
5. Apply the effect and export the video.

When using gyroscopic data (for example, in Premiere Pro), video with Redmi Note 8 stabilizes better if the video Pro mode was turned on in the camera settings - in this case, data from the gyroscope and accelerometer are recorded in metadata.

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Third-party applications like Filmic Pro often provide better stabilization than a standard camera, thanks to more flexible processing algorithms, but they can drain the battery more.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions