How to make the effect of time stop on Xiaomi: secrets of the movie trick from the smartphone

The time-stopping effect is one of the most spectacular movie tricks that can now be replicated on Xiaomi smartphones without professional equipment. This technique, popular in video clips and blockbusters (like the movie The Matrix or Loki), creates the illusion that everything around is frozen, and the main object continues to move. The secret lies in the combination of high frame rate, accurate synchronization and post-processing β€” and your Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra will cope with the task is not worse than a SLR camera.

In this article, you will learn three working ways to create a β€œtime freeze” effect on Xiaomi: through the built-in camera (for supported models), using third-party applications and manually – with subsequent editing. POCO X5 You might not have enough performance, and we'll share life hacks to make videos more realistic, and you'll also find a table of compatibility between models and models. FAQ error-response.

1 What is the effect of stopping time: types and examples

Before you start shooting, it's important to understand what kind of freeze you want to get, and there are three, and each requires a different technical approach.

  • 🎬 The classic "time freeze" - everything freezes and the subject moves in a static scene (like in the video "Look What You Made Me Do" by Tyler Swift) Requires a high frame rate (240 frame rates). FPS 960 FPS) and precise synchronization.
  • πŸŒ€ Reverse motion - the object moves backwards, the mientras background remains static (rewind effect.
  • πŸ‘€ Partial freezing – only part of the frame (like a person’s face) freezes and the rest keeps moving.

Xiaomi is the easiest to implement the first option – thanks to the mode of ultra-slow shooting (up to 960). FPS on flagships like Xiaomi 13T The second and third will require additional editing, but the result is worth it. Below are examples of videos from different Xiaomi smartphones (clickable links on YouTube):

πŸ“Š What effect do you want to repeat?
Classic time freeze
Rewind (rewind)
Partial freezing (mask)
I don't know, I just want to try.

Important: The higher the staff frequency (FPS), The smoother the effect, but the more the resolution drops. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ 960 FPS Video will be recorded in resolution 720p, not 1080p. It’s normal – the main thing is that the scene is well lit.

2. Method 1: Shooting through the built-in Xiaomi camera (for supported models)

If you have Xiaomi or Redmi with Super Slow Mode (240/480/960 FPS), You can do without third-party applications. 2020 year and later (full list in the table below:

  1. Open the Camera app and go to Mode More β†’ Super slow motion.
  2. Select the maximum frame rate (960) FPS, If available, a resolution reduction warning will appear on the screen, confirm.
  3. Lock your smartphone on a tripod or put it on a stable surface. FPS increase 3-4 times!
  4. Start recording 1-2 seconds before an action (e.g. throwing an object). Mode 960 FPS Records only short segments (about 0.2 seconds of real time) = 3 seconds video video).
  5. Stop recording and save the clip. The freeze effect is created during editing (see section 4 for this).

What Xiaomi models support 960 FPS? Here is the current table (data for 2026):

ModelMax. FPS.Max resolution. FPS.Notes
Xiaomi 13 Ultra1920 FPS720pBest for effect. Supports recording up to 0.5 sec of real time.
Xiaomi 12T Pro960 FPS720pIt requires good lighting (from 500 lux).
Redmi Note 12 Pro+960 FPS720pIn low light, the video will be noisy.
POCO F5 Pro480 FPS1080pNo 960. FPS, But the quality is higher. 1080p.
Redmi 10C120 FPS720pThe effect will be less smooth. We recommend using third-party applications.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M4 Pro) in 960 mode FPS You may see an artifact called jelly, and to avoid that, lower the frequency to 240. FPS or use method 2 (applications).

Lock the smartphone on a tripod

Insert maximum illumination (sun or annular lamp)

Clear the memory (freely) β‰₯ 2 GB)

Disable HDR in the camera settings

Check the white balance (automatically or 5000K)-->

Method 2: Applications for the time-stopping effect

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support high-end FPS Or you want more control over the effect, use third-party apps:

  • πŸ“± Record video with the imposition of a mask (partial freezing).
  • ⏱️ Set the duration of the β€œfreeze” manually.
  • 🎨 Add blurring effects or light glare.

Best Apps for Xiaomi (checked for) MIUI 14):

AnnexReferencePlusesCons
Time Freeze CameraGoogle PlayAutomatic masking, support 4K.Paid version for export without watermark.
Slow Motion Video FXGoogle PlayAdjusting the speed of individual fragments, effects of partial freezing.Requires a powerful processor (on Snapdragon) 6xx lay down).
KineMasterGoogle PlayFull-fledged editor with the tool "Frame Freeze".It is difficult for beginners, takes up a lot of space.

Instructions for Time Freeze Camera (the easiest option):

  1. Install the app and allow access to the camera and storage.
  2. Select Time Freeze mode and set the settings: Freeze Duration: 1-3 seconds (freeze time); Background Blur: 30-50% for realism; Motion Sensitivity: High (for clear separation of the object from the background).

Record

CapCut

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek Helio G processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Time freeze applications can be unstable. If video slows down when processing, try it:

  • Close all background applications (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Clear the memory).
  • Reduce the recording permission to 720p appliance.
  • Use KineMaster for post-processing instead of automated tools.

πŸ’‘

If the effect is unrealistic, add a light jitter of the camera (manually or through the Handheld filter in CapCut) to the frame. In real life, even a frozen scene has micro-vibrations!

4. Video editing: how to make the effect perfect

Even if you shot a 960 video FPS, Without editing, the time-stopping effect will look raw. Here's a step-by-step guide to processing in the free CapCut editor (available for Xiaomi on Google Play):

  1. Import the video to CapCut and cut the extra snippets. Leave only a moment with the action (for example, a glass drop).
  2. Divide the clip into two parts: One is normal speed (before freezing (0.1x or 0.05x).

To do that, tap on the clip. β†’ Speed. β†’ Cast and select the value.

Add the freeze effect

  • Go to the layer with the slowed fragment.
  • Tap the effects β†’ Search β†’ "Freeze Frame".
  • Choose the appropriate style (e.g. Glitch Freeze for a futuristic look).
  • In reality, when time freezes, the sound should also disappear. Add silence to the slowed-down fragment or use the Muffled Audio effect. β†’ Sound).
  • Export in maximum quality (1080p, 60 FPS).

Advanced Life Hack: To enhance the effect, add color correction. On the frozen fragment, reduce saturation (Settings) β†’ Colour β†’ Saturation: -20) and add a cold hue (temperature: -10). This will visually separate the "frozen" part from the dynamic part.

How to make a partial freeze (only part of the frame)
1.In CapCut, duplicate the clip (click on the video) β†’ Duplicate). 2. On the top layer, highlight the object (Mask tool) β†’ Brush) and remove everything but it. 3. Slow down the bottom layer to 0.1x, a leave the top at normal speed. 4 Add blurring around the edges of the mask for smoothness (Effects) β†’ Blurring β†’ Gaussian Blur).

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced Xiaomi users have trouble capturing the stop-time effect. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

  • πŸ”¦ Too dark video: At 960 FPS The camera array gets less light. Solution: use an annular lamp or shoot outside in sunny weather. HDR (he adds noise).
  • πŸ“‰ Sharp transitions: If freezing starts abrupto, add a smooth transition (Effects) β†’ Transitions β†’ Smooth in CapCut. Transition time: 0.3-0.5 seconds.
  • πŸ€– Object sticks to the background: This happens when the algorithm can't clearly separate the moving object. POCO M4 Pro because of a weak processor. Solution: shoot against a monochromatic background (like a white wall) or use a green screen.
  • 🎞️ Video slows down when playing: On budget Xiaomi (Redmi) 9C, POCO C31) It may not have enough power to play 960. FPS. Solution: Convert video to 60 FPS through VLC (Media β†’ convert).
  • πŸ”Š The sound is out of sync: When the video slows down, the sound stretches. Solution: delete the original track and add music without words (e.g. tracks with Epidemic Sound).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and older at 960 FPS If the smartphone gets hot, take a break for 5-10 minutes:

  • Close all background applications.
  • Remove the cover (especially silicone).
  • Activate Performance Mode in Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Performance mode.

6. Top.-5 Ideas for shooting (with examples)

Here are five creative ideas for the stop time effect on Xiaomi that are guaranteed to collect likes on TikTok or Instagram Reels:

  • 🍎 Falling fruit into a glass: Cut an apple or orange into slices and throw it into a transparent glass of water. Take it from above at an angle of 45Β°. For realism, add a few drops of food coloring to the water.
  • 🎨 Paint span: Fill the balloon with watercolor paint and pop it in front of a white background. Use 960 FPS maximally detailed.
  • πŸ’ Flight of rings or coins: Throw a few rings (or coins) into the air and shoot at chest level. In the edit, add the Light Leaks effect for the magical look.
  • πŸ”₯ Match burning: Light a match and blow on it from the side, and it's dramatic when you use a dark background and a cold color scheme.
  • 🧊 Ice dance in soda: Throw ice cubes in a glass of Coke and take off from the side. To enhance the effect, add effervescent vitamins (C-ce) to the drink).

Professional advice: To make the video look cinematic, follow the rule of thirds. Place the main object not in the center, but at the intersection of grid lines (includes in the settings of the Xiaomi camera on the Settings path). β†’ Grid).

(1) Maximum FPS (960 > 480 > 240).

(2) Good lighting (β‰₯ 500 lux).

(3) Stable chamber (station or surface).

(4) Clear separation of the object from the background (contrast or green screen).

5) Post-editing (CapCut, KineMaster).-->

7. Alternative methods (without high levels) FPS)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support 240+ FPS (Like Redmi. 8A or POCO C3), You can simulate the effect of time stop using other methods:

  • πŸ“Έ Photo session followed by editing: Take a series of photos in Serial mode (hold down the down button). Then import the pictures to CapCut as video frames (New project) β†’ Photo Photo β†’ Frame duration: 0.1 seconds. Add the Freeze Frame effect to every 3-4 frames.
  • 🎭 Pause shot: Make a video where everyone freezes on command, and the protagonist continues to move. 2x Add the sound of the clock ticking (Zedge or MixKit).
  • πŸ€– AI generation: Upload regular video to Runway ML Or Pika Labs and apply the Time Freeze effect. The free version allows you to process up to 3 seconds.

Example of a team for Runway ML:

Prompt: "a person walking in a frozen city, hyper-detailed, cinematic lighting, 8K, time freeze effect, slow motion, depth of field"


Negative prompt: "blurry, low quality, bad anatomy, motion blur"

⚠️ Note: When using AI tools, check for content rights. Some platforms (such as TikTok) may block videos with generative effects due to policies AI disclosure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ”Ή Why Xiaomi doesn’t have 960 mode FPS?
Mode 960 FPS Available only on flagship models with Snapdragon processor 8xx (For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Black Shark 5. On budget smartphones (Redmi 10, POCO M3) maximum frequency: 120 FPS 240 FPS. Check out the full list of supported models in the table above.
πŸ”Ή Can you make a time stop effect on an old Xiaomi (e.g. Mi)? A1)?
Yes, but with limitations. A1 Maximum frame rate: 120 FPS permitting 720p. Use Method 3 (Alternative Ways): Shoot Videos at 120 FPS. In CapCut, slow down the clip to 0.25x. Add the effect of Freeze Frame to 1-2 frames. The effect will be less smooth, but with the right editing it is not striking.
πŸ”Ή How to remove watermark from apps like Time Freeze Camera?
Most free apps add a watermark.To remove it: Buy a premium version (worth it) ~300 RUB. ) Use CapCut to crop the sign (Mask tool β†’ Rectangle. Put a sticker or text on the sign (e.g. your nickname). ⚠️ Removing a watermark without permission may violate Google Play rules.
πŸ”Ή Why post-processing videos weigh too much?
Video at 960 FPS It contains 32 times more frames than the usual one (30). FPS). To reduce the size: Export to 720p instead 1080p. Use codecs. H.265 (CapCut: Export settings β†’ Codecs. β†’ HEVC). Cut off the extra snippets (like the beginning and end of a clip). Example: 5-second video at 960 FPS and 1080p It can weigh up to 500 MB, and 720p β€” about 150 MB.
πŸ”Ή Can you make the effect of time stop on the front camera Xiaomi?
Technically yes, but the quality will be worse due to the limitations of the front camera: Maximum frequency is 120. FPS (Even on flagships. High resolution FPS β€” 480p. Autofocus works slower, which can ruin the effect. Recommendation: use the front camera only for simple scenes (for example, facial expressions) and shoot in a well-lit room.