Xiaomi HyperOS Live Photos: WeChat Chats Get Animated!
Xiaomi HyperOS Live Photos: WeChat Chats Get Animated – A Game-Changer for Android!
Hey Xiaomi fans and tech enthusiasts! We’ve got some groundbreaking news fresh off the presses, dated December 10, 2025. Today, Xiaomi has officially closed one of the last major experience gaps between Android and iOS. With a significant update, Xiaomi HyperOS Live Photos are now fully supported in WeChat chats, not just ‘Moments.’ This move puts Xiaomi ahead of many Android rivals, bringing the animated photo experience almost 100% in line with what iPhone users have enjoyed since mid-2025. It’s a huge win for everyone on the HyperOS ecosystem!
What Exactly Did Xiaomi Announce?
Xiaomi took to its official Weibo account to drop the exciting bomb, making it clear that the future of animated communication is here. Their post read:
“HyperOS not only supports Live Photos in Moments, now also in WeChat chats!
Update HyperOS to the latest version + WeChat ≥ 8.0.65 and enjoy now.”
The process is super straightforward and mirrors the seamless experience found on iOS:
- Open any chat in WeChat (one-on-one or group, doesn’t matter!).
- Tap that familiar “+” button.
- Select “Album” and pick your favorite Live Photo.
- Before hitting send, you’ll spot the “实况” (Live) icon in the bottom-left corner. Make sure it’s activated!
And just like that, your animated memory is off!
What happens on the other end? If your chat buddy also has an updated HyperOS device and WeChat 8.0.65 or newer, they’ll see the animated thumbnail instantly when they open the image. A simple tap on the photo will play that delightful 1.5-3 second clip, complete with sound. If they’re on a different ROM or an older WeChat version, they’ll still get the static photo plus a small attached video file, just like before. So, no one misses out, but the full experience is truly something special for HyperOS users.
A Quick Look Back: Live Photos in WeChat – The Full Timeline (2024-2025)
This isn’t just a random update; it’s the culmination of a significant race to parity. Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane to see how Live Photos have evolved within WeChat, eventually leading to today’s fantastic news for Xiaomi HyperOS Live Photos users:
| Date | Platform | Function Added |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | iOS WeChat ≥ 8.0.51 | Live Photos in Moments |
| April 2025 | Android (all manufacturers) | Live Photos in Moments |
| December 4, 2025 | OPPO ColorOS | Live Photos in chats |
| December 5, 2025 | vivo OriginOS | Live Photos in chats |
| December 10, 2025 | Xiaomi HyperOS | Live Photos in chats (Today!) |
As you can see, in a whirlwind six days, China’s big three Android powerhouses – ColorOS (OPPO), OriginOS (vivo), and now HyperOS (Xiaomi) – have achieved full parity with iOS for in-chat Live Photos. Considering OnePlus (which also uses ColorOS) and realme are already on board, this means over 68% of the Chinese Android market already supports this crucial function as of today. Talk about rapid adoption!
Which Xiaomi Devices Can Enjoy Live Photos Today?
Good news, most modern Xiaomi devices running HyperOS are in on the action! If your device has HyperOS 2 or higher and has received the December 2025 (or any later) update, you’re good to go. This includes a fantastic lineup of top-tier smartphones and tablets, such as:
- Xiaomi 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Ultra
- Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Ultra (many already updated!)
- Xiaomi 13 series, 12S Ultra, 12T Pro
- Redmi K80 / K70 series (for the Redmi lineup, devices like these are on the list, and for future releases, keep an eye on developments like the Redmi Note 15 Series Global Launch)
- POCO F7 / X7 series
- Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, Pad 7 Pro, and Redmi Pad Pro tablets
The update package usually ranges from 80 to 350 MB, depending on your specific model, and is currently rolling out in waves over the next 48-72 hours. So keep an eye out for that notification!
Why Does This Update Matter More Than You Think?
Beyond just being a cool feature, this update is a massive strategic win for Xiaomi and the broader Chinese Android ecosystem. Here’s why it’s a bigger deal than it might seem at first glance:
- WeChat is Life in China: With over 1.3 billion monthly active users, WeChat isn’t just a messaging app; it’s the digital backbone of daily life in China. Having Live Photos work flawlessly within chats effectively removes one of the last major ‘experience gaps’ that might have pushed users towards iPhones for their daily communication needs. It truly levels the playing field for Smartphone users.
- Lightning-Fast Network Effect: Unlike some other features (like editable messages or reactions) that can take time to gain traction, Live Photos require both sender and receiver to have the support. With Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo now fully onboard, mass adoption is practically guaranteed before the year is out. This is a powerful testament to the collaborative innovation happening in Mobile Technology.
- A Real Competitive Edge: While Chinese manufacturers are racing ahead, global players like Samsung (One UI), Google Pixel, and other international brands still lack native Live Photo support in WeChat. This gives the 2025-2026 Chinese flagships a distinct advantage, positioning them as the most ‘iPhone-like’ option for users who love the Android ecosystem but don’t want to compromise on feature parity. It’s truly compelling Xiaomi news for many consumers, as highlighted in reports like this one from ithome.com.
Get Animated! Practical Tips to Activate It Now
Eager to start sharing your dynamic memories? Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready to roll with Xiaomi HyperOS Live Photos today:
- Update HyperOS: Head to Settings → About Phone → System Update and manually check for updates. Make sure you’re on the latest December 2025 build or newer. If you have any issues, check out our HyperOS Battery Drain Fix: Ultimate 2025 Guide for general update troubleshooting tips.
- Update WeChat: The official Play Store version might lag a bit. For the quickest access, download and update WeChat to version 8.0.65 or higher directly from Uptodown or WeChat’s official website.
- Enable Live Photo in Camera: Open your Xiaomi Camera app. In the top bar, look for the concentric circles icon – tap it to activate “Live Photo” mode for your shots.
That’s it! Get ready for your next concert, birthday party, or adorable pet antics to be shared with all the movement and sound they deserve. And if you’re curious about the latest and greatest in Xiaomi’s camera tech, you might want to check out the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Leitzphone Edition for some truly revolutionary mobile photography.
Conclusion: The Gap Closes, Permanently
With this monumental announcement, Xiaomi HyperOS has effectively eliminated what was arguably the last significant, perceptible difference in messaging experience between iOS and premium Chinese Android devices. In less than a week, the three local tech giants have not only matched but, in some ways, even surpassed a feature Apple had exclusively offered within WeChat for 18 months. This rapid tech news demonstrates Xiaomi’s commitment to user experience.
For the end-user, this boils down to one simple, glorious truth: it no longer matters if your partner, friends, or family use an iPhone or a shiny new Xiaomi, OPPO, or vivo flagship. Live Photos will look identical – full of movement and sound, without any awkward workarounds or extra attached files. Welcome to 2025, where, at least in China, there are practically no more technical excuses to choose between smartphone ecosystems based on messaging features. It’s an exciting time for Android users everywhere!
