Extract on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure for the perfect photos

Shutter mode on Xiaomi devices allows you to control exposure time when shooting, which is critical for creating professional photos in low light, shooting light painting or fixing movement. However, many users face difficulties in finding this feature - its location varies depending on the model of the smartphone, version. MIUI and camera type (main, front or module with Pro Mode support).

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable shutter speed: from standard settings in the Camera app to hidden features through Google Camera (GCam) and third-party applications, POCO X5), You'll also learn how to get around the limitations. MIUI and access manual settings even on devices without official Pro Mode support.

What is the shutter speed and why it is needed on Xiaomi

Shutter speed (or exposure time) is the time during which the camera matrix captures light. The longer the shutter is open, the more light hits the sensor, but the higher the risk of getting a "lubricated" image due to hand tremors or object movements. On Xiaomi smartphones, shutter speed is used to:

• 🌃 Night photography – fixing the starry sky, city lights or interiors in low light.
• 🎨 Light Painting – creating drawings with light (for example, laser pointer inscriptions).
• 📸 Macrographing – increasing the depth of field when shooting small details.

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the shutter speed is limited by default 1/4 Automatically, but in Pro Mode or via GCam, this range extends to 30 (in some models) up to 2 It is important to understand that long exposure requires a tripod or stable support, otherwise the photo will be slurred.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and Leica cameras (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) shutter speed can be blocked when turned on AI-Turn it off in camera settings before using manual settings.

Method 1: Enabling shutter speed through the standard Camera app

The easiest method is to use the built-in Pro Mode (or Manual Mode), but not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Fly through the shooting modes to the left to Professional (or Pro). If not, proceed to Method 3.
3. In the bottom panel, find the icon S (a stopwatch) or the inscription Shutter.
4. Tap the icon and select the value from 1/4000 (shortest 30" (maximum for most models).

On some smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You need to activate the long shutter speed:

1. Switch to manual focusing (MF).
2. Install ISO 100-800 range (higher values add noise).
3. Lock the smartphone on a tripod or support.

Install your smartphone on a tripod|Turn off stabilization (if you have an option)|Lower down. ISO up to 100-400|Use a timer or remote to release the shutter-->

If your Camera app does not have Pro mode, check:

• 🔍 Is the firmware updated to the latest version? MIUI (In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 Smartphone model: budget Redmi and POCO often lacking manual settings.
• 🔧 Firmware region: Pro Mode may not be available on Chinese versions.

Method 2: Configure shutter speed in Night Mode

If Pro Mode is not available, the alternative is Night Mode, which automatically increases the shutter speed for shooting in the dark, but allows you to manually adjust exposure time on some models:

1. Select Night mode in the Camera app.
2. Click on the icon. ⏱️ (timer AUTO top-of-screen.
3. A slider with a range from 1c to 10c will appear (depending on the model).
4. Select the desired value and fix the smartphone – shooting will begin automatically.

Limitations of this method:

• ❌ Maximum shutter speed – 10 seconds (vs. 30c in Pro Mode).
• ❌ No control over it. ISO, White balance and other parameters.
• ❌ On Xiaomi with Sony cameras IMX766 (for example, 12T Pro) Night Mode may appear purple when exposure exceeds 5c.

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To shoot light painting in Night Mode, use black cardboard or lens cover so that the light painting only begins after you press the descent.

Method 3: Using Google Camera (GCam) for Extended Shutter Speed

Google Camera is an image processing algorithm application from Google Pixel adapted for Xiaomi devices.It allows you to unlock hidden camera features, including shutter speeds of up to 30 seconds and manual settings. ISO, focus and white balance.

Steps to install and configure:

1. Download the compatible version of GCam for your model from the Celso Azevedo forum (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro is suitable for you). BSG GCam).
2. Install. APK-File (Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
3. Open GCam, go to More → Settings → Advanced.
4. Activate the Manual Focus option (if available) and turn on RAW-post-processing.
5. Return to the main menu, select Night Sight or Photo mode, then tap the icon. ⚙️ manually.

In GCam, shutter speed is referred to as Shutter Speed.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) GCam may not start due to lack of support Camera2 API. Check compatibility on the developer’s website.

Standard Xiaomi app|Google Camera (GCam)|Appendix (Manual Camera, Footej)|I don't take photos with exposure.-->

Method 4: Third-party applications for manual shutter speed control

If Pro Mode and GCam are not available, use the specialized apps from Google Play:

• 📷 Manual Camera – supports shutter speed up to 60c, saving in RAW, It's a histogram. It's good for Xiaomi on Android 10.+.
• 🎥 Footej Camera is a user-friendly interface with shutter speed slider and manual focus. The free version is limited to 10c.
• 🌌 NightCap Camera – Optimized for night photography, automatically reduces noise in long exposure.

Example of settings in Manual Camera:

1. Install the app and give access to the camera.
2. Select Manual mode.
3. Click on the S icon (suspension) and drag the slider to the right for more time.
4. Adjust. ISO (400-1600 for dark scenes).
5. Use a timer or Bluetooth remote to pull the shutter down without shaking.

On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13), third-party apps can deliver clearer long-exposure shots than a standard camera, thanks to optimizations. ISP (image-processor).

Problem Solving: Shutter speed doesn’t work or resets

If the shutter speed is reset to Auto or the camera app is giving an error, check the following points:

On devices with MIUI 13/14 and Samsung cameras ISOCELL (For example, Redmi Note 11S) Can help reset the camera settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the camera, press Warehouse.
3. Choose Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

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If you still don't have Pro Mode after resetting, check the regional firmware version (EEA) build-up MIUI Manual settings can be disabled by the manufacturer.

Tips for Perfect Long Shutter Speed Shooting on Xiaomi

Even with the right shutter speed settings, the result can be disappointing due to shivering, noise or improper exposure.

• 📏 Use a tripod - even when you are holding up 1/10It's going to ruin the frame, like a Xiaomi Mi Tripod mini-station or a makeshift support).
• 🔋 Charge the battery, long exposure shoots faster than usual, and below 20%, the camera can shut down.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature - when overheating, the smartphone will automatically limit the shutter speed. Avoid direct sunlight.
• 📱 Turn off stabilization - when shooting from a tripod EIS or OIS may add artifacts.
• 🔄 Take it down. RAW — format DNG Fix white exposure and balance in Lightroom or Snapseed.

For the light painting:

1. Set shutter speeds of 10–30c and ISO 100–400.
2. Use a light source (lantern, laser pointer).
3. Start "drawing" after you press down, moving smoothly.
4. Experiment with color filters for creative effects.

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To shoot the starry sky on Xiaomi, use the shutter speed 20–30s, ISO 1600–3200 lens-blind f/1.9 Star Tracker app will help you find constellations for frames.

FAQ: Frequent questions about exposure on Xiaomi