WhatsApp video calls have become an integral part of communication, but owners of Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi series) sometimes have difficulty configuring this feature. The problems can lie in the limitations of MIUI, incorrect app resolutions or hardware features of the device. This article will help you understand how to properly activate video communication, check the compatibility of your model and eliminate typical errors - from a black screen to the absence of a call button.
Xiaomi is a big fan of the MIUI, which sometimes leads to messaging conflicts, such as blocking camera access for third-party apps by default, and power-saving modes can interrupt the connection during a call, and we’ll take a look at how to get around these limitations and ensure that video calls work smoothly even on low-end models like Redmi 9A or POCO M3.
1. Checking the compatibility of Xiaomi phone with WhatsApp video calls
Before you set up video, make sure your device supports this feature. WhatsApp requires:
- 📱 Android 5.0+ (on Xiaomi. MIUI 7 Most of the current models (Redmi Note) 10, Xiaomi 12, POCO X4) They work on Android 11-13.
- 📷 Working front camera (even if you call from the back, the front camera is needed for testing).
- 🔋 Minimum 20% battery power – when low, WhatsApp can block calls.
- 🌐 Stable Internet connection (3G/4G/5G Or Wi-Fi. On Xiaomi with dual SIM Check that the Internet is active on the SIM that is used by default.
List of Xiaomi models that are guaranteed to run WhatsApp video calls without additional settings (as of 2026):
| Series | Models. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship | Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 2 | 1080p support in calls |
| Redmi Note | Note 12 Pro+, Note 11, Note 10 Pro | May require power saving cuts |
| POCO | POCO F5, X5 Pro, M4 Pro | Problems with the microphone on custom firmware |
| Budgetary | Redmi 10A, Redmi 9C, POCO C40 | Videos in 480p, possible lags |
⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience), video calls may not work due to lack of Google certificates. MIUI.
2.Phone Preparation: MIUI Permits and Settings
A common cause of video calls that fail is that WhatsApp doesn’t have the necessary permissions, and Xiaomi needs to set them up in two places: the app itself and the MIUI system settings.
Step 1: Permissions on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp. → press ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Annex.
- Select Permissions and enable: 📸 Camera (required for video calls) 🎤 Microphone (otherwise the interviewer will not hear you) 📁 Files and Media (to share photos during a call)
Step 2: MIUI System Permits:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find WhatsApp and select Permissions.
- Activate all switches, especially: 🔄 Auto-start (to make calls come in the background) 🔋 Energy saving (unlock restrictions) 📡 Mobile data (if you call through the phone) 4G)
Camera and microphone permissions enabled on WhatsApp|
Power saving for WhatsApp is turned off in MIUI|
The phone is connected to Wi-Fi or 4G/5G|
Front camera not covered with cover or film |
Updated by WhatsApp and MIUI last-minute-->
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) reset application permissions after the MIUI update. If video calls stop working after the update, recheck all settings.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to make a video call on WhatsApp
When all the preparations are complete, the process of launching a video call takes a few seconds, and let's consider two scenarios: calling an existing contact and creating a group video chat.
Method 1: Video call to one person:
- Open a chat with a contact on WhatsApp.
- In the upper right corner, click the icon. 📹 Video camera (near the phone tube icon).
- Wait for the person to take the call. Your video will appear on the screen (you can turn it off with a button). 👁️).
Method 2. Group video call (up to 8 participants):
- Open the group chat.
- Click on the group name at the top → choose 📹 Video call.
- Add members from your contact list (maximum 7 except you).
To install alternative messengers on Xiaomi, you may need to disable the MIUI check for the installation of unknown applications:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️) → Install unknown applications.
- Select a browser (such as Chrome) and allow APK installation.
How to transfer chat history from WhatsApp to Telegram?
7.Security of video calls on Xiaomi: what you need to know
Video calls in instant messengers are a handy tool, but they pose privacy risks. There are a few nuances to keep in mind on Xiaomi:
Risk 1: Data leakage through MIUI:
- 🔍 By default, Xiaomi collects data on app usage (including WhatsApp) to turn it off:
Risk 2: Eavesdropping through the microphone:
- 🎤 V MIUI There is a function of Smart Assistant (Settings) → A smart assistant that can activate the microphone for voice commands.
- 🔒 Check WhatsApp permissions: the microphone should only be turned on while calling (in newer versions of Android, this is set up separately).
Risk 3: Phishing calls:
- 🕵️ Fraudsters can send links to a "video call" via WhatsApp that leads to phishing sites.Never click on links in messages from unknown contacts.
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp: Settings → Account. → Two-step verification.
This should increase the resolution to 720p and reduce the lag.