How to turn on the webcam on the Xiaomi phone: all ways and solutions to errors

The webcam on Xiaomi smartphones is not only a tool for selfies or video shooting, but also a key element for video calls, streams and even scanning documents. However, many users face the problem: the camera does not turn on in the browser, messengers or specialized applications. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the webcam on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, and solve typical errors associated with access.

It is important to understand that the term “webcam” on a smartphone implies using the main or front camera in the mode of video transmission over the Internet (for example, in Zoom, Google Meet or the web version of WhatsApp). Unlike a classic camera, it involves additional permissions and security settings. If your camera works in a standard Camera application, but does not run in the browser, the problem lies in these parameters.

We'll look at this.

• 🔧 Basic settings for the camera inclusion in MIUI
• 🌐 How to allow access to the camera in browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
• 📱 Resolving the “Camera is busy” or “No access” errors»
• 🔄 Alternative ways to use the camera as a webcam (via PC)

1. Check basic camera settings in MIUI

Before you set up access for specific apps, make sure the camera runs on your Xiaomi at all.

1. Open the standard Camera app (camera icon).
2. Switch between the front and main camera (circle arrow button).
3. Take a test shot.

If the camera doesn’t open even here, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Hardware failure (damage to the plume or camera module).
• 🛠️ Software failure (needs resetting or flashing).
• 🚫 Blocking by the system (for example, after falling or getting moisture).

If the standard camera works, but does not turn on in the browser or messengers – move on to the next step.

2. Allow camera access for applications

MIUI blocks camera access for all applications by default, to allow the use of:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions → Camera.
2. In the list, find the desired application (e.g. Chrome, Zoom, Viber) and turn on the switch.
3. For browsers, also check site settings: In Chrome: open the site (e.g. web.whatsapp.com) → Click on the lock icon in the address bar → Permits → Camera. → Choose "Allow." In Firefox: ⋮ → Settings → Permits → Camera.

Important! Some apps (like Google Meet) require permission to use the microphone, check it in the same App Permissions menu.

🔹 Camera permission enabled in settings MIUI

🔹 Permission for a specific application (Chrome, Zoom, etc.)

🔹 Permission to use the microphone (if necessary)

🔹 On the site in the browser selected "Allow" for the camera

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If the camera still doesn't work after this action, the problem may be an application conflict, for example, if you've recently used TikTok or Instagram, they might have locked the camera in the background, try closing all apps through the recent task menu (swipe up and hold).

3.Using Xiaomi Camera as a Webcam for PC

If you need to connect your smartphone camera to your computer (for example, for streaming or video conferencing with better quality), there are two reliable ways to do this:

Method 1: Through USB (DroidCam application)

1. Download DroidCam on PC and phone (available on Google Play).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
3. Run the app on both devices and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. In your video calling settings (e.g., in Zoom), select DroidCam Source as your video source.

Method 2: Wi-Fi (Iriun Webcam application)

1. Install Iriun Webcam on your phone and PC.
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Run the app on your phone and scan it. QR-PC-screen.
4. In the video calling program, select Iriun Webcam as your camera.
5. Reset camera settings: Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.

If the error appears in the browser, try:

• 🌐 Update the page (F5 refresher).
• 🔄 Restart the browser.
• 🗑️ Clear the browser cache: Settings → Confidentiality → Clear the data → Cashed images.

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If the Camera is Busy error appears in Google Meet, close all browser tabs except the current one. Sometimes the conflict arises from open tabs with other video services (YouTube, Netflix).

5. MIUI settings that affect the operation of the webcam

MIUI has hidden settings that can block camera access for web applications.

Pay special attention to the energy saving mode, either in Ultra or Super Energy Saving mode» MIUI aggressively closes background processes, including camera access, and check if an app (like Chrome) has been added to the Frozen Apps list (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Frozen).

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If the webcam doesn't work in your browser, turn off the power saving mode first and check for auto-start for that browser. Often this solves the problem without additional actions.

6. webcam problems on specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique camera bugs. Let's take a look at the most common ones:

Redmi Note 10/11 Pro and POCO X3/X4

These devices often have a “failed to connect to the camera” error in Google Meet or Zoom.

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (including security patches).
2. Turn off Image Improvement in the camera settings (Camera Settings → Additional → Image Improvement).
3. Install an alternative browser (such as Firefox or Edge) as Chrome may conflict with firmware.

Xiaomi 12/13 Series

On flagships with MIUI 14+, additional permission for system services may be required:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Camera → System applications.
2. Find Android System Intelligence and enable access.
3. Reboot the phone.

Redmi 9A/9C and budget models

On weak devices, the webcam can slow down or shut down due to lack of resources.

• 🔄 Closing all background applications before video call.
• 📉 Lowering camera resolution in the app settings (e.g., in Zoom select) 360p instead 720p).
• 🔋 Connecting to charging (saves battery and prevents camera from shutting down).

If your model isn’t mentioned here, check out the official Xiaomi forum – there are often patches for specific devices.

7. Alternative applications for webcam

If standard methods don’t work, try specialized camera streaming apps:

For streamers and professional use, we recommend EpocCam, which supports bitrate and resolution settings, and integrates with OBS Studio and Streamlabs. If you want maximum simplicity, choose Iriun.

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When using alternative applications, turn off battery optimization for them: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Battery → No restrictions. This will prevent connection breakdown during streaming.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the webcam on Xiaomi

If none of the proposed methods worked, the problem may lie in a hardware malfunction (for example, damage to the camera plume or controller), in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center or check the phone using a diagnostic code:

#4636## → Testing → Camera →

If the test shows an error, repair is required.