How to compress video on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions for all models

Video files take up the lion’s share of memory on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones — especially if you shoot in 4K or 60 FPS. A single 5-minute video can weigh 500 MB or more, quickly filling up internal storage. But you don’t have to delete precious memories: they can be compressed 2-5 times without noticeable loss of quality.

In this article, 7 proven ways to reduce the size of video directly on a Xiaomi phone, including built-in MIUI tools, third-party apps and advanced settings for power users. We will compare the results of compression in quality and speed, and also tell you which formats (MP4, HEVC, MKV) are better to choose for different purposes, from sending to instant messengers to archival storage.

Why do Xiaomi videos take up so much space?

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) record video in high resolutions by default.

• 📏 Permission: 4K (3840×2160) weight 4 more than full HD (1920×1080).
• 🎞️ Frequency of frames: 60 FPS heavy-duty FPS nearly 2 times.
• 🔧 Codec: H.264 (AVC) vs H.265 (HEVC) — up to 50% difference with the same quality.
• 🎤 Audio track: Stereosound at 320 kbps adds ~10% by file weight.

For example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra in 8K@24fps mode generates ~400MB/min, whereas 1080p@30fps generates only ~60MB/min. Even if you don’t shoot at maximum quality, standard MIUI settings are often reinsured for growth.

⚠️ Note: Files with extension.MOV (Used in some models for recording with front camera, it takes up 15-20% more space than the camera.MP4 They're the ones that should be converted first.

Method 1: Built-in compression in the MIUI gallery

The easiest method is to use the “Saving Space” tool built into the standard Gallery app on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later.The algorithm automatically reduces resolution and bitrate, while maintaining visually acceptable quality.

How it works:

1. Open the gallery. → Choose a video → press ⋮ (More) → Saving space.
2. Select the compression level: "High quality" (compression ~30%) or "Mediocre quality" (compression ~60%).
3. Confirm the creation of the copy – the original will remain intact.

Advantages of the method: it does not require the installation of third-party applications and works offline. Disadvantages: limited settings (you can not choose a codec or bitrate manually) and sometimes artifacts appear on dynamic scenes (for example, when shooting sports).

Method 2: Manually changing permission before shooting

It’s better to compress video before shooting than after. Xiaomi’s camera can manually lower the resolution and frame rate so that files initially take up less space, especially for flagship owners (Xiaomi 13T Pro, POCO F5 Pro), where the default settings are set to maximum.

Instructions:

1. Open the Camera app → go to Video mode.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (Settings) in the upper corner.
3. Select Video Resolution and install: 📱 For social media: 1080p@30fps (balance-sheet) 🎥 For the archives: 4K@30fps (quality) 📤 For messengers: 720p@30fps (compression)

HEVC (H.265)

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro) when choosing HEVC Before you take an important shot, check for compatibility with your device.

Weight comparison of 1 minute video at different settings (on the example of Xiaomi 12 Pro):

• 8K@24fps (H.264): ~400MB
• 4K@30fps (H.265): ~120MB
• 1080p@60fps (H.264): ~130MB
• 1080p@30fps (H.265): ~60MB

💡

Changing the camera settings before shooting is the most effective way to save space, as the original files are initially created compact.

Method 3: Applications for video compression (TOP-5)

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, use third-party apps. We tested 15 programs and selected the best in quality/compression/speed ratio:

Selection recommendations:

• 🥇 CapCut is the best balance for most users, allowing you to manually adjust bitrate (optimum: 5-8 Mbps for the user). 1080p).
• 💰 Video Compress – if you want maximum control over parameters (you can choose a codec, resolution, FPS).
• ⚡ YouCut – for fast compression without unnecessary settings (ideal for sending to WhatsApp or Telegram).

Example of settings in CapCut:

1. Import the video to the project.
2. Click Export → Settings.
3. Install: Resolution: 1280×720 (if strong compression is required) Bitrate: 4 Mbps (for 720p) or 8 Mbps (for 1080p) Codec: H.265 (if supported) FPS: 30 (if the original was 60 FPS)

Set resolution 1280×720| Select codec H.265| Lower bitrate to 4-6 Mbps| Turn off sound if it is not needed |Export without watermark-->

Method 4: Convert to HEVC (H.265) for maximum compression

Codec HEVC (H.265) Video compression is 40-50% more efficient than outdated H.264 (AVC), But not all devices and apps support it, like Instagram and TikTok, which may not be able to handle it properly. HEVC-video.

How to convert to HEVC on Xiaomi:

1. Install the VLC app for Android (free, no ads).
2. Open the video in VLC → press ⋮ → convert.
3. Select the H.265+AAC (MP4) profile.
4. Set up the bitrate: 5000–8,000 Kbps for 1080p or 2000–4,000 Kbps for 720p.
5. Start the conversion (time ~1.5x of the duration of the video).
6. Video tab: Codec: H.265 (x265). Bitrate: 4,000–6,000 kbps (for 1080p). FPS: Same as source or 30.

Start Encode

Advantages of PC compression:

• 🚀 Speed: Processing on an Intel Core processor i5/Ryzen 5 into 3–5 faster than on a smartphone.
• 📁 Package processing: you can compress 100 videos in one run.
• ⚙️ Advanced settings: control over each coding parameter.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libx265 -crf 28 -preset fast -acodec aac -b:a 128k output.mp4

Where -crf 28 — balance between quality and compression (the higher the number, the stronger the compression).-->

Method 7: Optimize for specific platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Telegram)

Every social network has its own video requirements: By uploading a file in the optimal format, you avoid double compression (on the platform side) and save traffic.

Examples of optimization:

• 📺 For YouTube: Export to the 1080p@30fps bitrate 10 The platform will automatically generate versions for 720p and 480p.
• 📸 For Instagram Reels: Cut the video to 9:16 (vertical) and compress to 720p@4 Mbps.
• 💬 For Telegram: Use it HEVC — The messenger supports it, and the files will weigh 2 times less.

⚠️ Note: WhatsApp automatically compresses video to 480p bitrate 1 Mbps if the file is larger than 16 MB. To avoid losses, pre-compress the video to 720p@2 Mbps manually.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When compressing video, users often encounter problems that make the result worse. Here are 5 common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔊 Disappeared audio after conversion: Make sure audio codec is selected in export settings AAC with a bitrate not lower than 128 kbps. VLC and HandBrake check the Audio tab.
• 🎭 Artifacts on dynamic scenes: Reduce the parameter CRF (into FFmpeg/HandBrake) before 20–24 or increase the bitrate by 20%.
• ⏱️ Compression too long: Use fast or medium preset instead of slow. On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the difference in quality is minimal, and the speed of grows is 3 times.
• 📱 Video doesn't play after compression: Check the codec's compatibility with the player, HEVC Not supported in Windows Media Player by default.
• 🔄 Color Rendering is Strained: In the Coding Settings, Install Color Range: Full and Color Primaries: BT.709 (for most smartphones).

If the video looks worse than the original, try:

1. Increase bitrate by 20-30%.
2. Use two-pass encoding (2-Pass in HandBrake).
3. Turn off the noise reduction filters (Denoise) if they are turned on.

💡

Always save the original file until compression experiments. Most artifacts (blurring, blocks, ripples) are irreversible.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions