Xiaomi Monopod: How to Use It for Perfect Selfies and Videos

Xiaomi monopods are compact and functional accessories that will turn your smartphone into a professional camera for selfies, video blogs or streams. However, many users face problems: jittery frames, sudden Bluetooth blackouts or uncomfortable control. This article will help you understand all the nuances from the first connection to shooting in difficult conditions.

We'll look at not only the basic features, but also the hidden capabilities of the Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick, Xiaomi Mi Pocket Selfie Stick and other popular models, how to sync your device to your phone, set up a self-start, use a remote control, and even adapt a monopod for action video, and focus on the typical errors that spoil the quality of shooting, and how to avoid them.

What Xiaomi Monopod Models Are and How They Differ

Xiaomi’s line of monopods includes several models, each focused on specific tasks, the main differences are in the length of the tripod, the availability of wireless control and compatibility with cameras.

The most popular model is the Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick 2 (also known as the Mi Selfie Stick Tripod), which is equipped with a retractable leg, Bluetooth remote, and supports smartphones weighing up to 200 g. For travelers, the Xiaomi Mi Pocket Selfie Stick is a compact version with a folding design that fits in your pocket.

• 📱 Mi Selfie Stick 2 is a versatile model with a tripod, suitable for selfies and videos.
• 🎒 Mi Pocket Selfie Stick is a super compact, perfect for tourists.
• 🎥 Mi Selfie Stick Pro is an advanced video shooting feature.
• 🔋 Mi Selfie Stick Power Bank is a rare version with a built-in battery for charging a smartphone.

It is important to consider that not all Xiaomi monopods are compatible with the iPhone. For example, Mi Selfie Stick 2 officially supports only Android 5.0+ and iOS 9.0+ devices, but additional software may be required to fully work on the iPhone.

The first connection of the monopod to the smartphone: step-by-step instructions

Before you use the monopods, you need to sync with your smartphone, and the process varies depending on the model, but the overall scheme is as follows:

1. On most models, you need to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes (usually blue or green).
2. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. Find the monopods in the list. The device will be called Mi Selfie or Xiaomi_BLE_. Confirm the pairing.
4. Install the app (if required). For some models, such as the Mi Selfie Stick Pro, you need to download the Mi Home or Xiaomi Selfie Stick branded software from Google Play/App Store.

If the monopod is not defined, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both the smartphone and the monopod.
• 📱 Remove the device from the Bluetooth conjugated list and reconnect.
• 🔋 Check the battery power of the monopod (on some models the indicator flashes red at low charge).

On models with remote control (for example, Mi Selfie Stick 2), the trigger button only works after successful pairing over Bluetooth. If the indicator on the remote flashes, but does not work, re-press the connection button on the monopod itself.

How to use a monopod for selfies and videos: basic techniques

Selfies with monopod Xiaomi are better, if you follow a few rules:

1. Adjusting angle. The optimal angle for a selfie is 15-30° from the top. Avoid taking pictures from eye level, which visually enlarges the nose and distorts the proportions of the face.
2. Distance to the camera. Hold the monopod on the outstretched arm (about 50-70 cm from the face), too close to the camera leads to the effect of "fish eye".
3. Lighting: Point the camera against the light source (e.g., back to window) to avoid shadows on the face.

For the video, it's important:

• 🎬 Use tripod mode (if there is a leg) for stable frames.
• 🔄 Enable image stabilization in the smartphone camera settings.
• 🎤 For streams, connect an external microphone (Xiaomi monopods don't transmit audio over Bluetooth!).

On models with remote control (for example, Mi Selfie Stick 2), you can use double-press to switch between photos and videos. But Mi Selfie Stick Pro supports zooming - to do this, hold the down button for 2 seconds.

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If the monopod is shaking when you're shooting a video, wrap the handle with a rubber band or use a smartphone case with anti-slip coating, which will reduce vibration transmission.

Advanced features: timer, zoom and gesture control

Xiaomi monopods support features that many people don’t know about, such as auto-timer, which can be configured directly from the remote:

1. Press the power button once and the indicator will light up.
2. Press twice and the 3-second timer is activated.
3. Press three times and the 10-second timer will turn on.

Some models (such as the Mi Selfie Stick Pro) can control the zoom.

Hold the down button for 2 seconds → zoom enters


Hold the down button for 2 seconds again → zoom out

But gesture control works only in tandem with Xiaomi's proprietary Selfie Stick app.

1. Open the app and go to Settings → Gesture Management.
2. Turn on the hand gesture option.
3. Hold your hand to the camera at a distance of 20-30 cm and squeeze your fist - the shutter will work.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with Xiaomi monopods, there are failures, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the monopod has stopped responding to the buttons, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (the indicator flashes red when discharged).
• 🔌 Contacts in the battery compartment (wipe with alcohol when oxidized).
• 📲 Compatible with your version Android/iOS (older smartphones may lack resources for Bluetooth LE).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a Xiaomi monopod in rain or high humidity. Despite the claimed spray protection, water entering the battery compartment can cause contacts to corrosion.

Compatible with different smartphones and cameras

Officially, Xiaomi monopods support smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0+ and a body width of 55-85 mm.

• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Full compatibility, including gesture control and self-start.
• 🍎 iPhone: Only basic functionality (shutter release) works.Timer and zoom may not be supported.
• 🎥 Cameras GoPro/Sony: Only the Mi Selfie Stick Pro has an adapter for mounting action cameras.
• 🤖 Other Android smartphones: Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) compatibility check required.

To check compatibility:

1. Install a Bluetooth Scanner app (such as nRF Connect).
2. Turn on the monopod and check if it is found in the list of devices.
3. If the device is visible, but not connected - update the firmware of the smartphone.

On the iPhone for full work may require:

1. Install the Camera Connect & Control app from the App Store.


2. In Bluetooth settings, allow access to the camera.




3. Use the monopod in the "Simple Descent" mode (without a timer).

⚠️ Warning: When you connect a monopod to an iPhone 13/14/15, there is sometimes a conflict with the Ultra Wideband function (UWB).

Alternative ways to use Xiaomi monopod

Monopods can be adapted for non-standard tasks:

• 🎤 Improvised microphone tripod: Secure the loop microphone on the monopod holder and use it as an interview pen.
• 💡 Macro Illumination: Attach ring light to the monopod and use it as a stable stand for shooting small objects.
• 🎮 Gamepad holder: With the strap, lock the Xiaomi Gamepad controller on the monopod for easy play on your smartphone.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Signal Amplifier: Secure the Xiaomi Mi Router router on a monopod to temporarily increase coverage.

For shooting timelapses or long videos, you can use a monopod as a mini-station:

1. Turn the legs around (if any).
2. Keep your smartphone in a horizontal orientation.
3. Turn on the Professional video shooting mode in the camera and activate the timer.

If you need to take a panorama, set the monopod vertically and slowly rotate it around the axis, holding the down button. Most Xiaomi smartphones will automatically glue the frames into one panoramic photo.

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Xiaomi monopod can be used not only for selfies, but also as a universal holder for shooting from non-standard angles, backlighting or even as an improvised stand for equipment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi monopods