Connecting Xiaomi Selfie Sticks to Phone: Instructions for All Models (2026)

Xiaomi selfie sticks are not just an accessory for photo enthusiasts, but a full-fledged gadget with advanced features: wireless camera control, image stabilization and even high-resolution video capture. However, many users face difficulties when connecting a device to a smartphone for the first time. In this article, we will analyze all the synchronization steps for popular models – from Miie Self Stick 1S to Mi Pocket Selfie Stick, and also solve typical problems such as lack of reaction to the down button or intermittent connection.

Xiaomi selfie sticks are a feature that works on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, which is economical to consume battery power, but requires the right setup on the smartphone side. If you've previously connected other Bluetooth devices (earbuds, fitness bracelets), the process will seem familiar, but there are nuances. For example, some stick models need a special application for full operation, and others synchronize as a standard input device. We'll look at both options.

What Xiaomi Selfie Stick Models Are and How They Differ

Xiaomi has released several generations of selfie sticks, and their capabilities range from basic to advanced. Here are the key models that are found on the market in 2026:

• 📱 Mi Selfie Stick 1S — Classic model with a retractable handle up to 80 cm, shutter button and built-in 80 mAh battery. Supports all smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0+.
• 🎥 Mi Pocket Selfie Stick is a compact version with a telescopic handle (up to 50 cm), equipped with a tripod for stable shooting. Compatible with the Mi Home app for additional functions.
• 🔋 Mi Selfie Stick Tripod is a stick-and-tripod hybrid with a remote control that works up to 10 meters away. Perfect for bloggers and video shooters.
• 💡 Mi Selfie Stick Pro – flagship model with built-in lighting (LED-panel), gesture support and voice control through the application.

The main difference between the models is the way they connect, for example, the Mi Selfie Stick 1S is recognized by the smartphone as a standard Bluetooth keyboard (the shutter button emulates the press of the Volume Up key), whereas the Mi Pocket Selfie Stick requires the installation of proprietary software to activate all functions, including timer and serial shooting, which is important to consider when choosing a synchronization method.

Preparing for connection: what to do before synchronization

Before you start connecting, make sure your smartphone and selfie stick are ready to go, and skipping these steps often causes crashes, especially if you’re talking about older phone models or sticks with a dead battery.

Charge a selfie stick (the indicator should burn green)

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Remove old paired devices (if the stick has already been connected before)

Update the firmware of the smartphone (relevant for Android 10+ and iOS 15+)

Download the Mi Home app (for models with advanced features)-->

Pay special attention to charging the stick battery. Many users forget that the device needs to be charged via Micro-USB or USB-C (depending on the model) before first use. The charging indicator is usually located on the handle: red means the charging process, green means full charge. If the indicator is not on, check the cable or port - perhaps the contacts have oxidized.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi selfie stick doesn't respond to the on button after charging, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes three times. This is true for Mi Selfie Stick Pro and Tripod models.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi selfie stick to Android

The process of connecting to Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and others) consists of several steps.

1. Turn on the selfie stick. Press and hold the power button (usually located on the handle) for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes blue, which means that the device has entered pairing mode.
2. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on the feature. Make sure Visibility for All mode is active (some phones call it Detect).
3. Find the device in the list. The device section should show the name of your stick, for example "MI_SELFIE" or "Xiaomi_BLE". Press it.
4. Confirm pairing. A request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234) may appear on the screen, enter it and wait for the message "Connected".

Once you pair successfully, check the shutter button. Open the camera app and press the button on the stick -- if the smartphone takes a picture, everything is set up correctly. If the button doesn't work, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

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On Xiaomi’s MIUI-enabled smartphones, you can speed up the connection through the Quick Settings Panel. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen, find the Bluetooth icon and hold it, and it will open the pairing menu directly.

Specificity of connection to iPhone (iOS)

Connecting Xiaomi's selfie stick to the iPhone has its nuances due to the limitations of the iOS operating system. The main problem is the lack of support for emulating volume keys via Bluetooth, which means that the shutter button on the stick will not work out of the box.

• 🔄 Use a companion app. Download Mi Home or Xiaomi Selfie from the App Store. These programs emulate shutter pressing through software, not hardware keys.
• 📸 Set up a timer in the standard Camera app, and turn on a 3- or 10-second timer to allow you to take up your posture after you press the button on the stick.
• 🔌 Update the stick firmware. Some models (like the Mi Selfie Stick Pro) get updates through the Mi Home, which add iOS support.

If you're using an iPhone 12 or later, check to see if Low Power Mode is on, which can block the background Bluetooth operation, causing the connection to break. Disable it in Settings → Battery.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ You've got a feature that automatically turns off Bluetooth devices if they're not in use for more than 24 hours. To keep your selfie stick connected, add it to your favorite devices list in your Bluetooth settings.

Set up additional features through Mi Home

The Mi Home app gives you access to Xiaomi’s advanced selfie stick features, such as:

• ⏱️ Shooting timer (delay) 3/5/10 seconds).
• 📷 Serial shooting (3-9 frames in a row).
• 🎬 Recording a video with a button fixed.
• 🔦 Management LED-lighting (for models with lighting).

To activate these functions:

1. Open Mi Home and add a new device via + → Add Device → Selfie Stick.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning will be required) QR-packet code or enter serial number).
3. After connecting, go to the device settings and select the desired options.

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The Mi Home app is mandatory for models with LED-Without it, these functions will not be available even after successful Bluetooth pairing.

Solving problems: the stick does not connect or the button does not work

If Xiaomi’s selfie stick refuses to connect or the shutter button doesn’t work, use this troubleshooting instruction:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices. Turn off and re-energize your smartphone and selfie stick. This will reset the temporary Bluetooth bugs.
• 🗑️ Remove the device from the list of conjugates. In Bluetooth settings, find your stick, press "Forget the device" and reconnect.
• 📱 Check compatibility: Outdated smartphones with Bluetooth 3.0 or lower may not support BLE. Update your firmware or use an adapter.
• 🔋 A discharged battery (less than 20%) can cause intermittent connection.

If the shutter button doesn't work on Android, the reason could be a conflict with other applications using volume keys (such as music players).

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Input Devices.
2. Find your selfie stick on the list and prioritize it over other devices.
3. Restart the camera app.

Exploitation tips: how to extend the life of a selfie stick

To make your Xiaomi selfie stick last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🔌 Charge correctly. Use chargers with a current of no more than 1A to avoid damaging the battery. Avoid overheating while charging.
• 🧹 Clean the contacts. Periodically wipe the connectors. Micro-USB/USB-C with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove oxidation.
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave the stick in direct sunlight or in the cold (below). -10°C).
• 🔧 Lubricate the mechanism. If the telescopic handle is moving tightly, apply a drop of silicone lubricant to the guides.

For models with LED-It is important not to exceed the time of continuous operation of the backlight with lighting (for example, Mi Selfie Stick Pro) - more than 30 minutes can lead to overheating.

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Keep the selfie stick unassembled (folded) so that the spring mechanism doesn't stretch, which is especially true for models with automatic length fixing, such as the Mi Pocket Selfie Stick.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions