Wide-angle camera in the smartphone Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure

Wide-angle cameras in Xiaomi smartphones have become the standard for most mid-range and flagship models, but many users still don’t know how to activate them properly. Unlike the main module, the ultra-wide lens often “hide” in the camera interface or requires additional manipulations to turn on, especially for the budget lines of Redmi and POCO, where functionality can be limited software.

In this article, we’ll break down all the possible ways to turn on a wide-angle camera on Xiaomi smartphones – from standard methods through the Camera app to hidden settings. MIUI You'll also learn why an ultra-wide module might not work on your model and how to fix it without going to a service center. 10S or POCO X3 Pro) where the wide-angle camera is physically present but locked at the software level.

How to know if your Xiaomi smartphone has a wide-angle camera

Before you try to turn on the ultra-wide module, make sure it is installed in your model at all. Xiaomi often releases modifications of the same smartphone with different camera units - for example, the Redmi Note 11 in the basic version has only the main camera, and the Note 11 Pro has added a wide-angle module.

Check the presence of a wide-angle camera can be in several ways:

• 🔍 Official specs: Find your model on Mi.com or in the specifications on the box. 118°/120° FOV.
• 📱 External inspection: a wide-angle camera is usually located next to the main module and is marked W or UW (For example, on Xiaomi. 12T Pro).
• 🛠️ Diagnostics through the engineering menu: enter the phone code in the application ##4636##, Then go to Hardware Info. → If there's a focal length module on the list 15-17 Mm, it's a wide-angle camera.

If your smartphone has an ultra-wide module, but it doesn't show up in the camera interface, the problem is probably software, and in the following sections we'll explain how to fix it.

The standard way to enable a wide-angle camera through the Camera app

In most cases, the wide-angle module is activated right in the standard Camera app, but the interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone.

1. Open the Camera app (the camera icon on the home screen).
2. Switch to Photo Mode (if you are in a different mode, such as Video or Portrait).
3. Click on the 0.6x, W or UW icon in the top bar (usually next to the zoom button).If the icon is not, swipe your finger across the screen from left to right - this may open up additional modes.
4. If the wide-angle camera is activated, you will see a change in the viewing angle (the picture will become wider, but vignetting around the edges may appear).

On some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite or POCO F3), wide-angle mode can be hidden behind a long press on the zoom button. Try to hold your finger on the zoom icon - this sometimes opens a menu with a selection of cameras.

If after these actions the wide-angle camera has not appeared, the problem may be:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI (Update the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🚫 Regional restrictions (on some models for China) UW-camera is off by default).
• 🔧 Failure in camera settings (try resetting the app settings in Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

Activation of wide-angle camera through the engineering menu (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try to turn on a wide-angle module through an engineering menu, which is suitable for models where the camera is physically present but locked software (for example, the Redmi Note 10S or the POCO M3 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can cause the camera or other components to fail. Follow the instructions carefully and do not change the settings that you do not understand.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## This will open the CIT (Camera Image Tuning) menu.
2. At the top of the screen, select the Rear Camera tab (rear camera).
3. Find a module labeled Ultra Wide or Wide (usually the third or fourth item).
4. Click on it and check Enable status. If you have Disable, tap the field and select Enable.
5. Save the settings (Save button in the upper right corner) and restart the smartphone.

After the reboot, the wide-angle camera should appear in the standard app. If that doesn't happen, try an alternative code to access the camera's advanced settings:

##6484##

In this menu, look for Camera Sensor Test or Module Info options – there may be an option to activate an ultra-wide module.

Using third-party applications to activate a wide-angle camera

If the built-in methods didn’t work, you can try third-party apps that allow you to control all the camera modules of the smartphone.

For GCam, it will be required:

1. Download a version compatible with your processor (Snapdragon or MediaTek).
2. Find a configuration (settings file) for your Xiaomi model (see 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
3. Install the config via the GCam menu (usually in the Settings → Configs section).
4. In the GCam interface, select the Ultra Wide lens (can be called Wide or 0.6x).

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the GCam may cause overheating or lag on Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g., Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi’s MediaTek processors). POCO M4 Before installing, check the reviews for your model.

Why a wide-angle camera may not work and how to fix it

If you have followed all the instructions, but the ultra-wide module is still not activated, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Software glitch: Reset camera settings via Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear cache/data. If that doesn't work, try rolling back the Camera app update (in the same app settings).
• 📱 Hardware malfunction: If the camera is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), it will not be detected by the system. Camera2 API Probe – if the module doesn’t appear in the list, it’s a hardware problem.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: on some models for China (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) wide-angle camera locks on global firmware. Solution is to install Chinese version MIUI (risk-taking).
• 🔒 Manufacturer’s lock: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The wide-angle camera can be turned off at the firmware level, and then only flashing through Fastboot will help.

If the problem is firmware, try updating MIUI to the latest version or installing custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

• 🚨 Cancels the guarantee.
• 🔄 It can cause data loss (do backup!).
• 🛠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (instructions are available on the 4PDA).

💡

Before flashing, check if your model supports custom firmware on the XDA Developers website.Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as those with a MediaTek processor) have limited support.

Comparison of wide-angle cameras in popular Xiaomi models

Not all wide-angle modules in Xiaomi smartphones are the same. The resolution, viewing angle and shooting quality can vary greatly even within the same line.

If your model didn’t make it to the table, check its specs on the GSMArena website. Please note that even at the same resolution, the quality of the shooting may differ due to:

• 📸 Type of matrix: for example, Sony IMX Usually better than OmniVision.
• 🔍 Availability of autofocus: in budget models UW-camera is fixed (no focusing).
• 🎛️ Processing MIUI: Some models artificially overstate saturation on a wide-angle camera.

💡

The wide-angle cameras in Xiaomi’s budget smartphones (like Redmi or POCO) are often low resolution (5-8 MP) and are only for daytime shooting. Don’t expect them to be flagship-like.

How to improve the quality of shooting on a wide-angle camera Xiaomi

Even if you managed to turn on the ultra-wide module, the quality of the photos can be disappointing.

• 🌀 Distortions at the edges (the barrel effect»).
• 🌑 Weakness in the dark (due to small pixel size).
• 🎨 Unrealistic flowers (excessive processing) MIUI).

To improve the outcome, follow these tips:

• 📏 Good lighting: wide-angle cameras don't do well with low light. Use an extra light source or shoot during the day.
• 🖼️ Frame trimming: If the edges of a photo are heavily distorted, crop the image in the editor (e.g. Snapseed or Lightroom).
• 🔄 Shutdown HDR: in some models HDR de-lineate UW-Try shooting without him.
• 📱 GCam usage: As mentioned earlier, Google Camera handles wide-angle shots better, especially on flagship models.

For advanced users: if you can work with RAW, Try to shoot in this format (if your model supports it). RAW-Wide-angle files can then be processed in Darktable or Adobe Camera Raw, removing vignetting and distortion.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the wide-angle camera in Xiaomi