Xiaomi’s selfie stick is not just an accessory for self-portrait lovers, but a versatile tool for video, streaming and even controlling the camera from a distance. However, many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the device is not detected, the buttons are not working, or the connection is constantly broken. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to connect the Xiaomi selfie stick to Android and iOS smartphones, consider the nuances of compatibility with different phone models and give practical tips for eliminating typical errors.
Xiaomi’s selfie sticks (such as Mi Selfie Stick or Xiaomi Mijia Bluetooth Selfie Stick) use a Bluetooth connection to control the camera, which means that the stick works not as a simple mechanical stand, but as a full-fledged remote control with a shutter button. However, not all smartphones are equally well supported such functionality — here the Bluetooth version, the phone’s firmware and even the device brand. Next, you will learn how to avoid common problems and set up a selfie stick in minutes.
What Xiaomi Selfie Stick Models Are and How They Differ
Xiaomi has released several versions of selfie sticks, and their capabilities vary.
- 📱 Mi Selfie Stick (first generation) is a basic Bluetooth 3.0 model compatible with most smartphones. CR2032, has a single button to release the shutter.
Important: not all Xiaomi selfie sticks are universal, for example, models with Bluetooth 3.0 may not work correctly with iPhones or smartphones on Android 12+ If your stick doesn't connect, check the version, which is usually on the package or in the instructions.
Preparation for connection: what to check before starting
Before you start pairing, make sure your smartphone and selfie stick are ready to go. Here's a checklist of the required steps:
☑️ Preparation for connecting a Xiaomi selfie stick
Pay special attention to the battery. Most Xiaomi models use a cell. CR2032, If the stick doesn't flash when you press a button, replace the battery, which is the most common reason for the device's "invisibility," and check if the selfie stick conflicts with other connected gadgets (such as smartwatches or headphones).
On Android smartphones, it is additionally recommended:
- 🔧 Disable power saving mode for Bluetooth (in battery settings).
- 📱 Update the firmware of the phone to the latest version (especially relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices). POCO).
- 🚫 Remove old paired devices called Selfie or Mi Stick from your phone’s memory – they can create conflicts.
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If the selfie stick doesn’t turn on, try pressing and holding the shutter button for 10 seconds – this will reset the device settings.
Step-by-step: how to connect a Xiaomi selfie stick to an Android phone
The pairing process on Android usually takes place in 3 steps: turn on the search mode on the stick, connect via Bluetooth and adjust the camera control.
Step 1: Activate the pairing mode on the selfie stick
1. Put the battery in. CR2032 c the compartment on the handle of the stick (if you haven't already done so) polarity is indicated on the body.
2. Press and hold the shutter button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly in blue (search mode).
3. The stick will remain in pairing mode for about 30 seconds. If the connection has not occurred during this time, repeat the action.
Step 2 Connect via Bluetooth
1. Open your phone's settings and go to the Bluetooth section.
2. Activate Bluetooth and wait until the stick name appears on the list of available devices.
- Mi Selfie
- Xiaomi_BLE
- Selfie Stick
3. Click on the device name and confirm pairing. Some phones will need to enter PIN-code - default is 0000 or 1234.
Step 3: Set up camera control
After successful connection, check the button:
1. Open the standard Camera app on your phone.
2. Press the button on the selfie stick - the shutter should go off (or start recording video if you are in this mode).
3. If the button doesn’t work, try restarting the camera app or using third-party programs (such as Open Camera).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Stick undetermined | Battery discharged. | Replace the element CR2032 |
| The connection is breaking. | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Turn off the headphones/watch, reconnect the stick |
| The button doesn't work. | Incompatibility with camera firmware | Update your phone or use Open Camera |
| Stick plugs in but doesn't control zoom | The function is not supported on all phones. | Check the compatibility of the stick model and smartphone |
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On smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco For stable operation of the selfie stick, it is recommended to disable the function "Double tap to wake up" in the screen settings - it can conflict with Bluetooth devices.
Connecting Xiaomi selfie sticks to the iPhone: features and nuances
With the iPhone, Xiaomi selfie sticks work a little differently because of the limitations of iOS, and the main problem is that there is no full support for Bluetooth remotes in the standard Camera app.
Instructions for iPhone:
- Turn on the stick pairing mode (as described above).
- Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
- In the list of devices, find Mi Selfie or a similar name and connect. PIN-code not required.
- Open any third-party camera app (like ProCamera or Camera)+ 2) where external shutter buttons are supported.
- Press the button on the stick – if everything is set up correctly, the shutter will work.
⚠️ Attention: On iOS 15+ Xiaomi selfie sticks with Bluetooth 3.0 can connect, but not control the camera. In this case, only replacing the stick with a Bluetooth 4.0 model will help.+ (Xiaomi Mijia Bluetooth Selfie Stick).
You can also use a wired connection on your iPhone (if your stick supports a 3.5mm connector).
- Connect the stick to the phone via the audio jack (use the Lightning adapter). → 3.5 mm if not included).
- Open the Camera app.
- Press the button on the stick – it will work as a standard shutter button.
Why Xiaomi’s selfie stick doesn’t work with the native iPhone camera?
Configure additional functions: zoom, timer, switching modes
Some Xiaomi selfie stick models (such as the Mijia Bluetooth Selfie Stick) support advanced features such as:
- 🔍 Zoom control – double-pressing the button brings the image closer/distant.
- ⏱️ Timer – Holding the button activates the countdown (3 or 10 seconds).
- 🎥 Switching between photos/video – triple tap.
But these features don't work on all smartphones, and here's the compatibility table:
| Function | Android (Xiaomi/Redmi) | Android (other brands) | iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutter release | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ Only through third-party applications |
| Zoom management | ✅ Yes. MIUI 12+) | ⚠️ Depends on the firmware. | ❌ No. |
| Timer. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ No. |
| Switching photos/video | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
To activate advanced features on Android:
- Make sure your selfie stick supports these options (check the instructions).
- Update your phone to the latest version (especially relevant for the MIUI).
- In some cases, you need to reconnect the stick after updating the software.
⚠️ Warning: If after connecting the stick controls only the shutter but doesn't support zoom or timer, it's not a defect - it's just your smartphone is not compatible with advanced features).
Solution: Xiaomi selfie stick doesn’t connect or doesn’t work properly
If you followed the instructions, but the stick still doesn’t work, here are the list of problems and their solutions:
Problem 1: Stick is not defined in the list of Bluetooth devices
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔋 Battery discharged - replace the element CR2032 (Even if the indicator flashes, the voltage may not be enough to pair).
- 📱 Bluetooth on your phone is unstable – restart your smartphone or reset your network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
- 🔄 The stick is already connected to another device – reset its settings by holding the 10 second button.
Problem 2: Connection is established, but the button is not working
This error most often occurs on:
- 🍎 iPhone – Use a third-party camera app.
- 🤖 Android with custom firmware - update the software or roll back to the stock version.
- 📸 Phones with custom cameras (like Google Camera) – try the standard app.
Problem 3: The stick is connected, but the connection is constantly broken
What to do:
- 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches, speakers).
- 🔧 In Bluetooth settings, disable audio duplex (if there is such a setting).
- 🛠️ Update your phone’s firmware and reset your Bluetooth cache (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
If neither of these methods worked, check the stick on the other phone. If the problem persists, the device is malfunctioning (possible defect of the Bluetooth module).
Alternative ways to use Xiaomi selfie sticks
Even if your phone doesn’t support Bluetooth camera control, the selfie stick can be used in a different way:
- 🎬 Like a tripod for video – many models (like the Mi Selfie Stick Tripod) have a retractable leg that allows you to set the phone on a table or ground.
- 🔗 Wireless connection – if your stick supports a 3.5 mm connector, connect it through an adapter (iPhone requires Lightning) → 3.5 mm).
- 📱 Application Control – Some programs (e.g. Bluetooth Remote Camera) allow you to customize stick buttons for any action.
The selfie stick can also be adapted to:
- 🎮 Manage presentations (through applications like PowerPoint Remote).
- 🎵 Remote music management (play/pause).
- 📷 Timelapse shooting (if the phone supports external triggers).
⚠️ Note: When using a selfie stick as a tripod, avoid mounting your phone on uneven surfaces, which can cause the device to fall and damage. Use additional mounts or straps for reliability.