How to completely lock the camera on the Xiaomi phone: all working ways

The smartphone camera is one of the most vulnerable components in terms of privacy. Even if you don't actively use it, many apps can access the camera without you knowing. There are several ways to completely lock the camera on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, both software and physical. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including hidden MIUI settings, third-party utilities and hardware solutions.

It is important to understand that locking the camera may be necessary not only to protect against spyware, but also to save battery power (some background processes constantly activate the camera module), as well as to prevent accidental positives. For example, if the phone is in your pocket or bag, the camera may turn on from pressing, leading to unnecessary photos or even leakage of personal data.

We have tested all of these methods on the current Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 models with the latest versions of MIUI 15 and HyperOS. The methods will also be suitable for older devices (starting with MIUI 12), but some menu items may differ.

1. Locking the camera through MIUI privacy settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use built-in tools. MIUI. This method does not require superuser rights and works on all Xiaomi models without exception. the main disadvantage is that the lock is only valid for third-party applications, and system services (for example, a scanner) QR-codes) may retain access.

To limit access to the camera:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.
2. Select the Camera.
3. In the application list, disable sliders for programs you don't trust. To completely block access to all applications except system ones (for example, Camera and Scanner).
4. Return to Privacy and activate the option to Disable Camera Access in the background (available on MIUI 14+).

This doesn't shut down the camera completely, but it does reduce the risk of unauthorized access, for example, if an attacker installs spyware on your phone, they won't be able to use the camera without your knowledge.

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To check which apps have recently used the camera, go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions Log. This shows the history of camera access, microphone and geolocation over the past 24 hours.

2. Complete shutdown of the camera via Incognito Mode

MIUI 13+ and HyperOS have a hidden mode that temporarily blocks access to all sensors, including the camera, which is useful if you need to turn off the camera completely for a while, for example, during important negotiations or in public places.

You can activate the mode as follows:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Incognito mode.
• 🔒 Turn on the slider Block the camera and microphone.
• 🔄 Set up automatic timer shutdown (30 minutes to 8 hours).

In this mode, the camera will not be available to any application, including the system one, and trying to open the Camera application will lead to a message: "The sensor is disabled by the administrator of the device." The main advantage of the method is that it does not require a restart of the phone, and the shutdown occurs instantly.

3. Physical locking of the camera (sticker, case, sticker)

The most reliable way to protect yourself from unauthorized use of a camera is to physically close the camera lens, which is true if you're afraid of hacking your phone or exploiting vulnerabilities in your firmware, and even if an attacker gains access to the camera, they won't be able to take photos.

Physical block options:

• 📸 Special labels (e.g. from 3M Spigen – thin and do not interfere with the use of the phone.
• 🔄 Slider cases with camera shutters (Xiaomi has for flagship models).
• 🎨 Self-adhesive film (can be cut from tinted glass).
• 🛡️ Magnetic plugs – attached to the metal body of the phone.

Important: don't use tape or tape, they leave marks on the lens and can damage the coverage, and the best option is matte stickers that don't impair the quality of the shot.

Software (via settings)|Physical (sticker/case)|IncognitoMode|Application Party |Do not block-->

4.Use of third-party applications to block

If built-in MIUI tools aren’t enough, you can install specialized utilities that offer advanced features like schedule locking, password protection, and camera access attempts notifications.

Top.-3 tested applications:

Before installing, check the reviews and rating of the application - some utilities can collect data themselves. Also note the permissions requested: if the program requests access to SMS or Geolocation to lock the camera, it is suspicious.

Install only from the official store (Google Play)|Check the number of downloads (minimum) 100K)|Review reviews for espionage complaints|Refuse unnecessary permissions (geolocation, contacts)|Update the application to the latest version-->

5. Disconnect the camera via ADB (for power users)

If you need to completely deactivate the camera at the system level, you can use the ADB-This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic terminal knowledge, and the advantage is that the camera shuts down at the hardware level, and no application can activate it.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.camera This command disables the camera system app.
4. To block all applications from accessing the camera, use: adb shell settings put global camera_double_click_power_gesture_disabled 1

To get it all back, do this:

adb shell pm enable com.android.camera

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Disabling the camera through ADB does not physically remove it, but only blocks access at the OS level. This method is reversible and does not require root rights, but when you reset the phone to factory settings, all changes will reset.

6.Camera lock via TWRP (for stitched phones)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can delete or freeze the system files that control the camera, which is only suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to a “brick” of the phone.

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find and delete (or rename) the following files: /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.apk /system/priv-app/Camera2/Camera2.apk /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.camera.xml

Reboot the phone.

After that, the camera will stop working completely, and the Camera item will disappear in the settings, so to return functionality, you will need to restore deleted files from the backup or reflash the phone.

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Before deleting files via TWRP, make sure to back up the /system partition, which will allow you to restore the phone if something goes wrong.

7. Check for data leakage after blocking

Even after locking the camera, you should make sure that no apps are transmitting data from your phone.

• 🔍 NetGuard – shows which apps use the Internet and where they send data.
• 🛡️ GlassWire monitors network activity and detects suspicious connections.
• 📊 PCAPdroid – analyzes packet-level traffic (requires root for full functionality).

If you notice that after locking the camera, an application continues to transmit large amounts of data, check it for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web. It is also worth revoking all permissions from suspicious programs and removing them.

Frequent questions about camera locking on Xiaomi

If none of the methods described are suitable, consider using an external webcam via a webcam. OTG-This will completely disable the built-in camera, but retain the ability to video when necessary.

Remember, 100% protection against unauthorized access to the camera is possible only with a combination of software and physical methods, regularly check the permissions of applications and update the firmware to minimize risks.