Why Xiaomi Camera Clicks: 7 Reasons and How to Fix It

Have you noticed that the camera of your Xiaomi smartphone has started to make strange clicking sounds?This phenomenon can manifest itself in various ways, from barely audible clicks when you start the camera app to loud mechanical sounds when you try to focus. In most cases, this is not a critical breakdown, but you should not ignore the problem - it can signal malfunctions that will worsen over time.

Clicks in Xiaomi’s camera (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 14 is usually associated with the operation of the mechanical elements of the module – autofocus, image stabilization or even physical displacement of the lenses. In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from software failures to hardware defects, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing the problem. 9T), where the clicks are often of a specific nature.

Before you panic and take your phone to the service center, check that sound may be a normal for your model. For example, in laser autofocus cameras (like the Mi 11 Ultra), the clicking on focus is the work of a laser rangefinder. And in budget models, you sometimes hear the sound of a stepper motor moving the lenses. But if there were no clicks before, and now they appear, this is an occasion to look into more detail.

1. Normal clicks vs. signs of malfunction

Not all the sounds that the camera makes are bad. Xiaomi manufacturers often use mechanical solutions to improve the quality of the shot, and some of them inevitably come with acoustic effects. Here's how to distinguish "healthy" clicks from alarming ones:

• 🔍 Laser autofocus: In ToF sensor models (such as the Mi 10 Pro), clicking on focus is normal.
• 📸 Optical stabilization (OIS): cell-locked OIS (Like Redmi. K50 Pro) a slight hum or click may be heard when switched on - these are the motors micro-shifting the matrix to compensate for the jitter.
• 🔄 Retractable camera: in Mi 9T/Pro, Mi A3 The selfie camera push mechanism always gives a click – it is a lock that prevents the module from accidentally falling out.
• ⚠️ Abnormal sounds: If clicks are louder than usual, accompanied by camera hovers or errors in the application, this is a sign of malfunction.

To see if that's normal or not, compare your camera to a similar model, like taking a friend's phone with a camera like that and running it in a quiet room, if the sounds are identical, there's nothing to worry about. If your Xiaomi clicks louder or more often, move on to the next sections.

2. Programmatic causes of camera clicks

In 60 percent of cases, Xiaomi camera clicks are caused not by hardware defects but by software failures, which could be an application conflict, a firmware error, or even a virus.

Failure in the Camera app if clicks appeared after the update MIUI or installing new software, probably a problem in the app's cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera app and select Clear Cache.
3. Reboot the phone.

Conflict with third-party applications: some programs (e.g. Google Camera or applications for shooting in a format) RAW) They may not interact with the camera hardware properly:

• 📱 Remove newly installed camera apps.
• 🔄 Disable permissions to access the camera for suspicious programs in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.

Outdated firmware. Some versions. MIUI There were bugs that caused the camera to behave abnormally. MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 9 Pro was a well-known bug with constant clicks when the camera starts:

Check the current version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Download the latest firmware through Settings → Updating the system

If necessary, manually upgrade via Recovery.

Restart the phone after the update-->

If the clicks are not lost after the update, try to roll back to the previous version. MIUI (If you know that the problem appeared after the update. To do this, download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website and run it through Fastboot.

3. Hardware causes: when clicks are a symptom of breakdown

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably the mechanical part of the camera, and here are the most common hardware reasons for clicking:

Models with a retractable camera are particularly vulnerable. 9T The pull-out mechanism wears out over time, and the hold-up starts to click louder than usual. If you notice that the camera is not moving smoothly or getting stuck, immediately stop using it - further operation can lead to the complete failure of the module.

⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by the message "Camera is off. Reboot the device", this may indicate a break in the plume. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - soldering equipment and experience with microelectronics are required.

To diagnose hardware problems, try the following:

1. Run the camera in safe mode (press Power, then hold "Switch off power" until a request for safe mode appears). If the clicks are missing, third-party software is to blame.
2. Try to shoot a video in 4K Or you can use manual focusing, and if the clicks are amplified, the problem is the autofocus mechanics.
3. Put a flashlight in the camera's lens, and visible dust particles or lens curvature are signs of physical damage.

Retractable chamber: separate case

Xiaomi models with a retractable selfie camera (Mi) 9T, Mi A3, Mi CC9) They need to be very careful, and their mechanism is more complex, and clicks can be both normal and a sign of a breakdown:

• 🔄 Normal click: When you push/retract the camera, you hear one clear click, and that's the lock. It's the same sound every time you move.
• 🔊 Loud crunch or grinding: indicates wear of the gears of the mechanism, often accompanied by a slow extension.
• 🚫 The camera does not push: if after clicking the camera does not appear, it can be a software failure, and mechanical locking.

For owners of such models, there are several rules that will prolong the life of the mechanism:

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Never help the camera move its hands, which disrupts the calibration of the mechanism and can break the gears. If the camera is stuck, restart the phone or gently tap the body next to the module (not the lens!).

If the retractable camera starts clicking louder than usual, try resetting the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings. → System applications → Camera.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Reboot the phone.

If this does not work, the mechanism requires cleaning or replacement. Xiaomi service centers perform this procedure in 1-2 hours, but the cost can reach up to 30-50% of the price of the phone (depending on the model).

5 What to do if the camera clicks and doesn't focus

One of the most frustrating things is when clicks are accompanied by an inability to focus, which can be either a constant "defocus" or a complete failure of autofocus.

To start, try checking the camera in a third-party app (like Open Camera or GCam) if it's focusing well, the problem is with the standard Xiaomi app. If it's not, it's hardware.

If you are sure that the problem is contamination, clean the camera according to the following instructions:

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card (if the camera module is next to the tray)

Use a soft brush (for example, for camera lenses) or a spray of compressed air

Don’t blow with your mouth – saliva can get inside the module

Do not use liquids or alcohol wipes without need.

After cleaning, let the phone lie down for 10-15 minutes before turning on-->

⚠️ Attention: If the clicks were increased or new sounds appeared after cleaning, you could move the lenses or damage the mechanism.

6. When to contact the service center

Not all camera problems can be solved by yourself, but here are the direct readings for a visit to the service:

• 🔧 Clicks are accompanied by a physical displacement of the lenses (apparently to the naked eye).
• 📵 The camera stopped turning on completely, or there is an error "Can not connect to the camera".
• 💥 Phone fell or was hit before clicking.
• 🌡️ The camera overheats when used (may indicate a short circuit in the module).

Xiaomi’s service center will first perform diagnostics (usually free), then offer a replacement module or repair.

• Budget models (Redmi) 9/10): camera replacement will cost 3 000–5 000 ₽.
• Mid-segment (POCO X4/5, Redmi Note 11/12): 5 000–8 000 ₽.
• Flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13/14): 10 000–15 000 ₽ (because of the complexity of the modules OIS and large matrices).

If the phone is warranty, repairs should be free - but only if clicks are not caused by mechanical damage (falls, fluid ingress, etc.) before visiting the service:

1. Make a backup copy of the data (in case of resetting).
2. Remove unofficial firmware or root rights (if any).
3. Bring a box and a check (if the phone is guaranteed).

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If clicks appear after a phone drop or moisture hit, the service will consider this as a non-guarantee case, even if you can not see external damage, it will be detected during the diagnosis.

7.Prevention: How to Avoid Clicking in the Camera

To make your Xiaomi camera last longer without extraneous sounds, follow these recommendations:

• 📵 Avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not leave your phone in the sun or in the cold (especially for models with a high temperature). OIS).
• 🧴 Do not use aggressive lens cleaning products.A dry microfiber wipe is sufficient.
• 🔋 Watch the battery level. At a discharge below 15%, the camera can work unstable (especially in models with a retractable camera).
• 📦 Keep your phone in a case, but don’t close the camera lens (this leads to heat and condensation).

For models with retractable camera (Mi) 9T, Mi A3):

• Do not drop your phone on the camera (even from a low altitude).
• Do not use your phone in dusty or wet conditions (beach, construction, bath).
• If the camera does not move, do not try to help it with your hands - this will lead to a breakdown of the mechanism.

It's also useful to update the firmware regularly. MIUI Often fix bugs related to the operation of the camera. To check for updates, go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If you shoot video frequently, turn off optical stabilization (OIS) This will reduce the load on the mechanism and prolong its life (especially relevant for Redmi). K50 Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra).

FAQ: Frequent questions about clicks in Xiaomi's camera