FaceMoji on Xiaomi: what is this feature and how to use it in 2026

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO base MIUI, You may have noticed strange animated emojis on the camera's keyboard or menu that mimic your facial expressions and movements. AR But how does it work in practice, how does it differ from its peers, and is it worth the time to set up? In this guide, we'll go through everything from the technical fundamentals to the hidden chips that are not even written in the official documentation.

It is worth clarifying: FaceMoji is not just static stickers, but full-fledged ones. 3D-Avatars with real-time face tracking, and the technology uses the front camera of a smartphone to capture your movements and then transfer them to a virtual character. MIUI It's more integrated than you might think: it can be used not only in messengers, but also to create live wallpaper, animated notifications, or even in some games.

What is FaceMoji on Xiaomi: simple words

FaceMoji (from the English. face - "face» + emoji – “smiley face” – is a system for creating personalized 3D-Avatars that mimic your facial expressions, head movements, and even some gestures, developed by Xiaomi as a response to similar solutions from Apple and Samsung, but with a focus on integrating with the ecosystem. MIUI. Unlike competitors, the focus is on:

• 🔹 Deep customization: you can change not only facial features, but also accessories, clothes, hairstyle and even makeup.
• 🔹 Cross-platform: Avatars work not only in standard Xiaomi apps, but also in WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram (through export in format) GIF/video).
• 🔹 Gaming integration: some mobile games (e.g, MIUI Game Turbo Supports FaceMoji as a Playable Character.
• 🔹 Offline mode: data processing takes place on the device, without sending photos to servers (important for privacy).

FaceMoji is technically based on two key components:

1. Neural network for tracking the face: analyzes the position of 106 points on the face (eyes, lips, eyebrows, etc.) at a frequency of up to 30 frames per second.
2. 3D-Renderer: Converts data from the camera into avatar movements, adding physics (e.g., realistic hair movement when turning the head).

It is important to understand that this is not the same as AR-FaceMoji creates a unique character attached to your Mi Account and syncs it between Xiaomi devices (if enabled).

On which smartphones Xiaomi has FaceMoji: a list of supported models

Although the technology was announced in 2019, it is not available on all Xiaomi devices.

• 📱 Processor: Snapdragon 7xx/8xx MediaTek Dimensity (entry-level chips like Snapdragon) 4xx unsupported).
• 🤖 Version. MIUI: lower MIUI 12.5 (some models require a MIUI 13+).
• 📸 Front camera: 16 MP resolution and Face Unlock support (for accurate tracking).

Official list of supported devices (as of 2026):

⚠️ Note: On budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The function may not be available even after updating to MIUI 14. Check for FaceMoji by searching for settings for “avatar” or “emoji».

How to create and configure your FaceMoji: step-by-step instructions

The process of creating an avatar takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are several key points that affect the final result.

1. Open the Camera app and switch to the front camera. In the upper right corner, find the icon "Avatar" (or "FaceMoji") - it looks like a smiling smiley face with a man.
2. Click "Create an Avatar" and follow the hints on the screen.
3. Customize the appearance: after scanning, the editor will open where you can change:

Save the avatar.

Lighting: bright uniform light (avoid shadows on your face)

Background: monochromatic, without foreign objects

Position: Keep your phone at eye level, at a distance 30-50 centimeter

Expression: neutral person at the start of the scan

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💡 Useful tip: If your avatar is too cartoonish, try reducing the Styling option in the editor (usually in the Additional section.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) the FaceMoji button may disappear from the camera after creating the avatar. → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Permissions and enable camera and microphone access for FaceMoji Service.

Where to use FaceMoji: Hidden opportunities

Most users are limited to sending stickers in instant messengers, but FaceMoji is integrated into the app. MIUI And this is a lot deeper. Here are some of the non-obvious applications:

1. Live wallpaper on the lock screen

Your avatar may respond to touch or repeat your facial movements when you look at a locked phone.

1. Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Live wallpaper.
2. Choose FaceMoji and adjust your reactions (like blinking or smiling when notified).

2. Animated Notifications

V MIUI 14+ The avatar can appear in the top curtain of notifications and comment on events (e.g., be happy when receiving a message from a favorite contact:

1. Settings → Notifications → Notification style.
2. Enable the option Animated Avatars.

3. Video calls with effects

In Mi Video Call or Google Duo, you can replace your face with a real-time avatar.

1. During the call, tap the screen and select the Effects icon.
2. Go to the FaceMoji tab and select the saved character.

4. Playable characters

Some games from Mi Game Center, for example, MIUI Racing or Xiaomi Party allows you to use FaceMoji as a game hero:

1. Start the game and find the Character section in the settings.
2. Choose Import from FaceMoji.

⚠️ Warning: Live wallpaper and animated notifications can significantly drain the battery (up to a maximum of two hours). 10-15% If you notice a fast charge consumption, turn off these options in the settings.

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To make your FaceMoji look as realistic as possible, go to the editor after creating the avatar and manually adjust the shape of your nose, lips and eyebrows - automatic scanning often mismatches the proportions.

FaceMoji vs Memoji vs AR Emoji: Comparison with analogues

If you've used an iPhone or a Samsung, you might have noticed that Xiaomi's FaceMoji works differently.

The main advantage of FaceMoji is flexibility, for example, you can:

• 🎭 Create multiple avatars (for example, for work and personal communication) and switch between them.
• 🔄 Import facial features from a photo (if the scan failed).
• 🎥 Record video with an avatar up to 30 seconds (Apple has a limit of 10 seconds).

There are, however, downsides:

• 🐢 On weak smartphones (Snapdragon) 6xx) animation can "slow down».
• 🔒 Some features (such as body tracking) are only available on flagships.
• 📱 When you reset your phone to factory settings, the avatars are permanently removed (no cloud backup).

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Xiaomi’s FaceMoji beats competitors in customization and cross-platform, but loses in the stability of work on budget devices.

FaceMoji Problems and How to Fix Them

Even on supported models, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

1.FaceMoji doesn't appear in the camera or keyboard

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Disabled permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → FaceMoji Service and enable all permissions.
• 🗑️ Cache Error: Clear the cache and data of the FaceMoji app in the settings.

2. the avatar does not repeat the movements or "gluts"

This is most often related to:

• 📵 Bad lighting: Try using an annular lamp or natural light.
• 👓 Accessories: Remove glasses or headgear while scanning.
• 🤖 CPU Overload: Close background applications through Settings → Annexes → Cleanup RAM.

3. It is impossible to retain or export an avatar

Check it out.

• 💾 Free space: At least 500 MB of video recording is required on the system partition.
• 📂 Storage Permits: Enable File Access for the FaceMoji app.
• 🔄 Regional restrictions: Some firmware for China has disabled the export function (we need to change the region to Global).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Your avatar is gone, try to restore it through Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Data synchronization, but it only works if FaceMoji sync was previously enabled.

The Future of FaceMoji: What to Expect from Xiaomi

In 2026, Xiaomi is actively developing the technology, and in the upcoming updates MIUI 15 to expect:

• 🤖 AI-generated avatars: Create a character based on text description (e.g., “Green Hair Girl in a Futuristic Suit»).
• 🎮 Metaverse integration: Using FaceMoji in virtual worlds (e.g. Xiaomi) VR).
• 👥 Group avatars: The ability to create joint stickers with friends (similar to Apple Memoji for group chats).
• 💬 Voice control: Avatar will voice your text messages (with multilingual support).

Also, the network is rumored about compatibility with neural networks for generating realistic videos with an avatar (like HeyGen or the Internet). D-ID). However, there are no official announcements yet.

💡 Useful advice: To stay up-to-date, sign up for beta testing MIUI through the System Update application → Three points. → Parameters → Join the beta, so you can access the new features of FaceMoji before others.

FAQ: Frequent questions about FaceMoji on Xiaomi