Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi smartphone has tilt-controlled games running so smoothly, and augmented reality apps (AR) And that's a tiny, but critical component, the gyroscope, that's become an integral part of today's smartphones, including the Redmi line, POCO and flagship models Xiaomi 13/14.
Unlike an accelerometer that detects linear accelerations (like when a phone falls or shakes), a gyroscope measures angular velocities โ that is, the device rotates around three axes. That's what allows the phone to "understand" how you turn it, whether it's left-right, forward-back, or tilting the screen. Without the gyroscope, many functions, from video stabilization to virtual tours in Google Street View, would be impossible.
In this article, we will analyze how the gyroscope is arranged in Xiaomi smartphones, what it is responsible for in everyday use, how to check its performance and what to do if the sensor begins to โglutchโ. And you will find out which Xiaomi models are equipped with the most accurate gyroscopes โ it is important for gamers and amateurs. AR-applications.
What is a gyroscope and how it works in a smartphone
Gyroscope (from Greek gyros - "rotation" and skopeล โ "This is a sensor that determines the orientation of the device in space. Xiaomi smartphones use the MEMS-The Micro-Electro-Mechanical System, a microscopic mechanical system on a silicon chip, is based on the Coriolis effect. When the device rotates, the tiny movable elements inside the sensor shift, generating electrical signals that are converted into angular velocity data.
Unlike mechanical gyroscopes (which are used in aviation or rocket engineering), MEMS-gyroscopes:
- ๐น Compact โ their size does not exceed several millimeters.
- ๐น Energy efficient โ consume the minimum amount of battery charge.
- ๐น Cheap to manufacture โ which allows you to install them even in the budget models of Redmi.
- ๐น Work in tandem with accelerometer and magnetometer to accurately determine the position of the phone.
It's important to understand that a gyroscope doesn't replace an accelerometer, it complements an accelerometer. PUBG Mobile and tilt the phone for aiming, the gyroscope captures the angle of inclination, and the accelerometer โ the force of movement.
Why you need a gyroscope in a Xiaomi phone: 7 key features
Many users mistakenly believe that the gyroscope is only for gaming, and in fact, it is used in dozens of scenarios, from basic to advanced.
- Game control: Popular shooters (Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire) and racing (Asphalt 9) use a gyroscope to control tilt. In Genshin Impact, for example, the sensor is responsible for viewing the camera when you turn the phone.
- Video stabilization: When you're shooting with your hand, the gyro helps to compensate for the jitter, especially in models with a handheld camera. OIS (In Xiaomi 13 Ultra sensor works in conjunction with algorithms AI For smooth video even in motion.
- Augmented reality (AR). Apps like Google Measure or Google Measure IKEA Place uses a gyroscope to accurately superimpose virtual objects on a real environment.
- Panoramic photography. When you create panoramas (Camera) โ Regimes โ Panorama gyroscope helps the phone to "understand" how you move the device.
- Automatically rotate the screen, paired with an accelerometer, the sensor determines when to switch between book and landscape orientation.
- VR-To work with virtual reality glasses (Xiaomi) VR Play 2) gyroscope tracks head movements.
- Fitness trackers: In applications like Mi Fitness, the sensor helps analyze exercise techniques (such as tilts during push-ups).
In Xiaomi models with support 8K-Videos (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) gyroscope plays a critical role: without it, stabilization at such high resolutions would not be possible due to the slightest shaking of the hand.
๐ก
If the tilt control is not accurate in games, try calibrating the gyroscope through the engineering menu (instruction below).
How to check a gyroscope on Xiaomi: 3 working ways
If you notice that the games have become "slow down" when controlling the slope, and AR-applications that are not showing objects correctly, maybe the gyroscope is not working correctly:
Method 1: Built-in tests (engineering menu)
The most reliable method is to use a hidden engineering menu.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##6484##
- Select the Gyroscope Sensor Test.
- Turn the phone on all axes โ the values of X, Y, Z should change on the screen.
If the numbers donโt respond to movements or show zeros, the sensor is faulty.
Method 2: Diagnostic applications
Google Play has a tool to check the sensors.
- ๐ฑ Sensor Test (from Smart Tools) โ shows real-time gyroscope data.
- ๐ฎ Gyro Sensor Test - a specialized application for gamers.
- ๐ CPU-Z โ Sensors displays all active sensors.
Method 3: Testing through games
Run any tilt control game (like Racing in Car 2) and try to turn the phone, and if the car is late or not responding properly, the gyroscope or calibration is a problem.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Calibration of the gyroscope on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
If the gyro is working but the data is inaccurate (e.g. in games, the machine rotates itself), calibration will help. In most Xiaomi models, it is done automatically when the phone is turned on, but sometimes manual adjustment is required.
Place your phone on a flat horizontal surface (table)
Make sure there are no magnets or metal objects nearby.
Close all applications that use sensors (games, navigators)
Connect your phone to charge (in case of a long procedure)-->
For manual calibration:
- Install the app GPU Tools or Sensor Calibration from Google Play.
- Select the Gyroscope Calibration section.
- Follow the instructions on the screen: usually put the phone on the table, then slowly turn it to 180.ยฐ peraxle.
- Once completed, restart the device.
In some models (for example, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Calibration is available through the Engineering Menu:
##64663##Select Sensor Calibration โ Gyroscope and perform the procedure.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not calibrate the gyroscope in motion (e.g. in transport) โ this will lead to even greater errors. Also avoid places with strong electromagnetic radiation (near microwaves, speakers).
Table: Comparison of gyroscopes in popular Xiaomi models
Not all gyroscopes are the same. Budget smartphones have simple sensors with up to one margin of error. ยฑ5ยฐ, while flagships are equipped with high-precision modules (ยฑ1ยฐ). Below is a comparison of key models:
| Model | Type of gyroscope | precision (ยฑ) | Support for ARCore | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Bosch BMI270 | 1ยฐ | Yes. | 6-axis sensor (gyroscope) + The accelerometer is optimized for 8K-video |
| POCO F5 Pro | STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO | 2ยฐ | Yes. | Low energy consumption, suitable for VR |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | InvenSense ICM-42688 | 3ยฐ | Yes. | Improved stabilization for mobile gaming |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Bosch BMI160 | 4ยฐ | No. | Budget option, suitable for basic tasks |
To check for ARCore (Google's augmented reality technology) support, install the ARCore Checker app. If your model is not supported on the list, then advanced ones are available. AR-Applications will not work.
Frequent problems with the gyroscope and how to fix them
If the gyroscope stops working or gives out incorrect data, the reasons can be both software and hardware.
Problem 1: The gyroscope does not respond to movement
Possible causes:
- ๐ง Damage to the sensor after falling or impact.
- ๐ Firmware failure (especially after update) MIUI).
- ๐ฑ Conflict with apps that use sensors (e.g. fitness trackers).
Decisions:
- Reboot the phone.
- Check the sensor through the engineering menu (see section above).
- Reset the settings to factory (Settings โ About phone โ Reset settings).
- If nothing helps, contact the service center (a gyroscope replacement is possible).
Problem 2: The gyroscope is โdriftingโ (it changes its values independently)
This is a typical problem for cheap sensors.
- ๐งฒ Effect of magnetic fields (e.g., near speakers or magnet case).
- ๐ก๏ธ Overheating of the phone (gyroscope sensitive to temperature).
- ๐ Sensor wear over time (typical for phones over 3 years old).
How to fix it:
- ๐น Keep your phone away from magnetic radiation sources.
- ๐น Recalibrate the sensor (instruction above).
- ๐น Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Frequently correct sensor errors.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the gyroscope drift is only manifested in a particular game (for example, in the PUBG Mobile, the problem may be sensitivity settings. Try resetting the game's control settings to standard.
Problem 3: The gyroscope works, but the games don't see it
Sometimes the sensor is fine, but the apps can't connect to it.
- ๐น Check the permissions for the game: Settings โ Annexes โ [play-off] โ Permits โ Sensors.
- ๐น Turn off the power saving mode for the game.
- ๐น Reinstall the game โ configuration files may be damaged.
Can I replace a gyroscope in Xiaomi and how much it costs?
If the sensor is out of order, its replacement is possible, but there are nuances:
- ๐ง In most Xiaomi models, the gyroscope is soldered into the motherboard as part of the chip. IMU (This means that you can't replace the gyroscope alone, you have to change the entire module.
- ๐ฐ The cost of repair depends on the model: Redmi Note 10/11: 2 500โ4 000 โฝ (replacement IMU-module). POCO X3/X4: 3 000โ5 000 โฝ. Xiaomi 12/13 series: 5 000โ8 000 โฝ (due to the complexity of disassembly).
- โ ๏ธ In informal services may offer to "re-sweeten" the gyroscope, but this is a temporary solution - in 1-2 months the problem will return.
Before repair, check whether the warranty is valid. In official service centers Xiaomi replacement sensors are performed free of charge, unless the malfunction is caused by mechanical damage (falls, moisture).
๐ก
If the gyroscope breaks after the phone falls, repairs are not covered under warranty โ this is considered mechanical damage.