What is MiMoji and why is it needed for Xiaomi?
If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and you've seen funny animated avatars on messengers or social media that mimic the user's facial expressions, that's MiMoji. The technology, originally introduced by Apple as Memoji, was adapted by Xiaomi for its MiMoji devices. It is not just a static smiley face, but a full-fledged one. 3D-An avatar that repeats your facial movements, blinks and even copies your expressions in real time.
MiMoji's main advantage is personalization of communication. Instead of standard emojis, you can send friends videos or gifs with your virtual twin laughing, surprised or angry with you. It's integrated into standard Xiaomi apps like Camera, Messages and Mi Video, and it's also supported in some third-party messengers. But to take advantage of all the features, you first need to properly create and configure an avatar β otherwise MiMoji may work clumsy or not display emotions.
It's important to understand that MiMoji isn't available on all Xiaomi devices, and it requires a front-facing camera with deep-search support (ToF or dual-frontal) and a fairly powerful processor, such as a low-end model like the Redmi. 9A The feature may be missing, while on the flagships of the Xiaomi series 12/13 or 4 It works without a problem, and if you don't have MiMoji built-in, you can add it to your smartphone through third-party apps -- but more on that later.
What Xiaomi smartphones support MiMoji
Before you spend time looking for a feature in your settings, make sure your Xiaomi device is compatible with MiMoji. Officially, the technology is supported on the following models:
- π± Xiaomi Series 11/12/13 (All modifications, including Pro, Ultra, Lite)
- π± Xiaomi Mix 4 and newer (Mix Fold, Mix Fold 2)
- π± Redmi K40/K50 (and their pro versions)
- π± POCO F4/F5 (Snapdragon-powered 8 Gen 1 newer)
- π± Black Shark 4/5 (gaming smartphones with powerful iron)
On older or budget models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 or Redmi Note 10) POCO X3) However, there is a workaround: some users install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU), where MiMoji is activated even on supported devices. But itβs risky β unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty or unstable camera performance.
| Xiaomi model | Support for MiMoji | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | β Yes. | Full support, including language animation and blinking |
| Redmi K50 Gaming | β Yes. | Requires MIUI Upgrade to 14+ |
| POCO X4 Pro | β No. | Weak processor, no ToF camera |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 | β Yes. | Support for improved animation for the big screen |
| Redmi Note 11 | β οΈ Partially. | Only static stickers, no facial animations |
If your model isn't on the list, but you want to try MiMoji, check for a feature in the camera menu. To do this, open the Camera app, go to Portrait or Video mode, and look for the emoji icon on the top menu. If it's not, then your smartphone doesn't support the technology at the software level.
Step-by-step: how to create MiMoji on Xiaomi
If your device supports MiMoji, you can create an avatar directly from the standard Camera app. Here are the detailed instructions:
- Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi smartphone.
- Switch to the front camera (if it is not active by default).
- In the top menu, find the emoji icon (usually next to the mode switch) and tap it.
- Select the option to Create MiMoji (or Add an Avatar depending on version) MIUI).
- Follow the on-screen hints: The system will prompt you to scan your face to automatically adjust the trait.
- After scanning, an editor will open where you can fine-tune the avatar's appearance.
At the stage of scanning the face it is important to follow several rules:
- π¦ Lighting should be uniform β avoid bright sun or dark corners.
- π€ Keep your smartphone at eye level, donβt tilt your head.
- π Keep a neutral facial expression β donβt smile or frown.
- πΆοΈ Remove glasses or headgear if they cover part of your face.
If the scans are successful, you'll see a preliminary version of the avatar, and then you can start to manually adjust: change the hairstyle, skin color, nose shape, add accessories (glasses, earrings, hats), and even pick up clothes. MIUI Theme costumes are available β for example, superhero or futuristic.
Lighting without shadows
Neutral facial expression
Clean front camera (no dirt on the lens)
Lack of glasses or masks
Stable position of the smartphone (it is better to lean on the table)-->
Customization and customization of MiMoji: secret chips
Making an avatar is only half the battle, and to make MiMoji look as realistic as possible and convey your emotions, it needs to be fine-tuned. Here are some tips that few people know about:
1. Adjustment of the sensitivity of animation
By default, MiMoji can overreact to facial movements or lag behind to correct this:
- Open the Settings. β Additional settings β MiMoji.
- Find the tracking sensitivity slider.
- If the avatar twitches, reduce sensitivity. If it's late, increase it.
2. Adding custom accessories
The standard MiMoji editor has a basic set of accessories, but it can be expanded.
- Download the MiMoji Editor app (or similar) from Google Play.
- Import your avatar to the editor.
- Add new items from libraries (such as tattoos, unusual hairstyles).
- Save the changes and export the avatar back to the system.
3. Creating animated stickers
MiMoji can not only copy your movements in real time, but also generate ready-made animated stickers for instant messengers.
- Open the Camera app and select MiMoji mode.
- Record a short video (up to 10 seconds) with the right facial expressions.
- Click Save as a sticker β the system will automatically trim the background and optimize the file for submission.
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If your MiMoji looks too cartoonish, try reducing the Styling option in the editor to make your facial features more realistic.
How to use MiMoji in messengers and social networks
The avatar you create can be integrated into popular communication apps, and here's how to do it across different services:
On Telegram:
- π± Open the chat and tap on the Sticker icon next to the input field.
- π In the search, type MiMoji β your saved animations should appear.
- π If there are no stickers, export them in.webp format through the file manager and add them manually to the collection.
On WhatsApp:
- π€ Send the created sticker to your chat as a file.
- πΌοΈ Keep it in the gallery.
- π Return to the dialogue, click on the Sticker icon β Add a sticker and select the saved file.
On TikTok or Instagram:
- π₯ Record a video with MiMoji in the Camera app.
- π€ Export the video to the gallery.
- π² Upload it to social network as a regular video file (you can add music or effects).
β οΈ Note: In some instant messengers (e.g. Viber), MiMoji may appear as a static image due to format limitations. Before sending, check if the platform supports animated stickers in.webp or.gif formats.
If you want to use MiMoji in Zoom or Google Meet as a virtual background, you have to go for a trick: record a video with an avatar on a green background, then delete the background in the editor (for example, CapCut or Kinemaster) and upload as a custom virtual background.
Common MiMoji Problems and How to Fix Them
Even on supported devices, MiMoji can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| MiMoji doesn't track facial movements | Poor lighting or dirty camera | Clean the lens, turn on the extra light |
| Avatar twitches or is late | Low sensitivity or weak processor | Increase sensitivity in settings or close background apps |
| No MiMoji option in the camera | An outdated version MIUI or | Update the software or install custom firmware (at your own risk) |
| Stickers are saved without animation | Incorrect export format | Save to.gif or.webp with animation support |
| MiMoji is not synced between devices | There is no backup. | Enable synchronization through Settings β Xiaomi account β Mi Cloud |
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting MiMoji:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the camera and press Warehouse.
- Clear the cache and data (Warning: This will delete all saved avatars!).
- Reboot your smartphone and recreate MiMoji.
β οΈ Note: On some devices after the update MIUI MiMoji may disappear from the camera menu, due to firmware optimization, in which case you can try to roll back on the previous version of the software or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
What if MiMoji doesnβt save the changes?
MiMoji Alternatives for Supported Xiaomi Devices
If your Xiaomi smartphone doesnβt support MiMoji, donβt despair β there are a few alternative ways to create an animated avatar:
1. Annex Zepeto.
Popular platform for creating 3D-It supports export in video or gif formats, and minus the fact that avatars look more cartoonish than MiMoji.
2. Bitmoji (from Snapchat)
Thought it wasn't. 3D-avatar, Bitmoji lets you create personalized stickers with your face. Integrates with Snapchat, WhatsApp and other instant messengers.
3. Avatoon or FaceQ
These apps specialize in converting photos into animated avatars, and they support tracking facial expressions through the camera, but the quality depends on the lighting and resolution of the shot.
4. Custom firmware
If you're willing to take the risk, you can install Xiaomi.EU or some other custom firmware, where MiMoji is activated even on supported devices.
- β οΈ It voids the warranty.
- β οΈ Possible bugs in the work of the camera or sensors.
- β οΈ You need to be able to work with Fastboot and ADB.
If you choose an alternative app, pay attention to the permissions it requests. Some avatar creation programs may collect biometric data (face scans) - read the privacy policy before installing.