How to turn off the camera on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

The question of how to completely disable the camera on a Xiaomi smartphone often arises among users who care about their digital security or are looking for a way to limit children’s access to certain features of the device. In today’s world, when software becomes more complex and hardware buttons disappear, physical lens overlap or software lock becomes the only way to ensure that no one sees you. For owners of the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO ecosystem, this process has its own nuances, depending on the version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS.

It is worth noting that standard Android tools cannot completely kill the camera driver so that it is no longer defined by the system without resorting to complex manipulation of root rights. However, there are effective methods to block access to applications to the module, making shooting impossible for any software. We will look at all the available ways, from simple settings to the use of specialized utilities that will help you control access to the optical module.

Understanding your smartphone’s security architecture is the first step to protecting your device, and unlike computers where you can just turn off your device in the controller, Android mobile systems have a deeper understanding of the process, but the MIUI resolution management tools provide powerful leverage over how the sensor works.

Use of built-in application restrictions

The most civilized and safest way to deny access to the camera is to use regular permission management functions. Xiaomi’s Android operating system allows you to customize in detail which programs are authorized to use the video module, which does not physically turn off the camera, but makes it inaccessible to any software you deny access.

To do this, you need to go to the settings menu and find the privacy section, and it shows all the sensor access statistics, and if an app tries to start the camera in the background, the system will either block that request or notify you through the status bar indicator, which is a basic level of digital hygiene that should be configured on each device.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling camera access for system applications (e.g., Security or Scanner) may cause facial unlock or scan functions to malfunction QR-code.

To set the limits, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open Settings and go to Privacy Protection.
• 🔒 Select permissions management and find the Camera category.
• 🚫 Click on the desired application and set the value to Prohibit.

It's important to understand that this is a software query approach, and if you have a virus on your phone that has system rights, it can get around these limitations, so it's ideal for controlling legitimate applications, but it won't save you from complex malware.

💡

Use the Permission Clear feature in the Security app to instantly reset all camera accesses for newly installed programs.

Blocking through the "Second Space" mode

The unique feature of the MIUI and HyperOS shell is the ability to create a "Second Space" -- it's actually a second user profile inside the same phone, with its own apps, gallery and settings, and you can create a profile where you can restrict access to the camera or you can't install any apps that require it.

This is a method that parents often use to give their child a phone without taking pictures, or to separate their work and personal lives. In Second Space, you can simply not let any app get a camera, whereas in the main profile they will work normally, and you can switch between spaces using a fingerprint or pin code, which allows for a high level of data separation.

To set up, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Second Space.
2. Create a new profile and set it up as “children’s” or “limited.”
3. In this profile, do not install applications that require access to the sensor, or prohibit them from doing so in permissions.

The advantage of this method is that you don't break the system, you don't require superuser rights, you just isolate the environment where the camera isn't needed, and it's also a great way to check if an application is spying by running it in an isolated space.

Use of parental controls of Google Family Link

If your goal is to limit access to the camera on your child’s phone, native Android tools may not be flexible enough, as the child can change the settings himself. In this case, the official Google Family Link app comes to the rescue, which allows you to remotely control the child’s device and block access to certain functions or applications.

While there is no direct “Disable Camera” button in Family Link, you can block the installation of any apps that require access to the camera, or completely block the standard Camera app, which creates a situation in which the camera is physically working, but it is impossible to run it through the standard interface or third-party programs (Instagram, Snapchat).

Algorithm for parents:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Install Google Family Link on your child’s phone and phone.
• ⛔ In the parent app, find the child's app list.
• 🔒 Find the Camera app and select the option to Lock or limit usage time to 0 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: A child with technical knowledge may attempt to bypass the lock by resetting the device or installing a third-party camera from unknown sources. APK-file.

The good thing about this is that it's remotely controlled, so you can check at any time if your child has tried to access the blocked features, and you can also see reports of how much time your child spends on apps that are still allowed to access the camera.

Application of Root Rights and System Modifications

For advanced users who need a guaranteed system-level shutdown, there is only one way to get SuperUser (Root) permissions, which gives them full control of the Android file system. APK-files that are responsible for the operation of the camera drivers, which will make it physically inoperable until the moment of recovery.

The process of obtaining root rights (usually through Magisk) is complicated and requires unlocking the Bootloader, which is officially allowed by Xiaomi, but entails a loss of warranty and reset of all data. Once you get the rights, you can use file managers with access to the system partition (for example, Root Explorer or MT Manager).

Typical paths to camera files in Android:

/system/app/Camera/


/system/priv-app/Camera/




/system/lib/libcamera.so (driver libraries)

Deleting or renaming these files (e.g. adding the.bak suffix) will cause the app to crash when you try to launch the camera and the system will assume that the module is missing. This is the most radical method, providing maximum privacy, but it requires high skill.

Comparison of blocking methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we've compiled a comparative table, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals, whether it's protecting against hackers, restricting children, or simply wanting to save battery life.

As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is a combination of built-in restrictions and Second Space. Root rights should be used only if you know exactly why you need it and know how to restore the system in the event of a failure.

Physical methods and hardware solutions

No software provides 100% guarantee if the device