How to remove the Xiaomi logo from the photo: a complete guide for all models

Xiaomi watermark in photos is a standard feature of MIUI proprietary software that automatically adds the brand logo to the bottom corner of the images. For many users, this becomes a problem: the icon spoils the composition of the frame, interferes with printing or publishing on social networks. This topic is especially relevant for owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi 11/12/13 lines, where the watermark is activated by default.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove the logo – from standard camera settings to manual editing. EXIF-You'll learn how to turn off the watermark forever, temporarily hide it or remove it from the finished photos without loss of quality. MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models where options may differ.

Why does Xiaomi add a logo to the photo?

The watermark function was introduced in MIUI for a reason, and the manufacturer has several purposes:

  • πŸ“Έ Branding: The logo serves as free advertising, especially when users share photos on social networks.
  • πŸ”’ Copyright protection: Xiaomi’s plan is to prevent photos being stolen (although in practice it is ineffective).
  • πŸ“± Marketing data: in EXIF-Photo tags store information about the smartphone model, which helps the company analyze the popularity of devices.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Legal insurance: In some countries, a watermark may serve as proof of the authenticity of a picture (for example, for insurance cases).

Interestingly, in Europe and the United States, this feature is often disabled by default due to local data protection laws, but in Asia and Russia, the logo is activated on most devices. RAW β€” standard-only JPEG-photo.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO F3/F4/F5 Redmi Note 11/12 The watermark can automatically return after updating MIUI. It's got to do with brand policy. POCO, which positions itself as a "device for enthusiasts" and actively promotes the brand through photos.

Method 1: Disabling the watermark in the camera settings

The easiest method is to deactivate the feature right in the Camera app.It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, but the path to the option may vary depending on the model.

Instructions for most devices:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Touch the badge. βš™οΈ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
  3. Scroll down to the Watermark or Photo Settings section.
  4. Switch the slider Add the watermark to the off position.
  5. Confirm the changes by pressing OK or Save.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K50) the option is hidden deeper:

Camera β†’ βš™οΈ Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Camera watermark β†’ Disable

Take a test shot.|Open the photo in the gallery|Increase the lower corner (usually left corner)|Make sure there is no logo-->

If the sign still appears after the shutdown, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the smartphone (sometimes the settings are applied after the reboot).
  • πŸ“² Update the Camera app via Google Play.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the camera cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) after the watermark is turned off, a notice may appear: "Watermark function is disabled. Some camera capabilities may be limited." This is a standard warning - it does not affect the quality of the shooting.

Method 2: Use Pro Mode

If the camera settings do not have the option to disable the watermark (relevant for older versions of MIUI or some regional firmware), you can bypass the restriction using Professional Mode.

In this mode, the smartphone saves photos without processing, including a watermark, and the disadvantage of the method is that you have to manually adjust the shooting parameters (surveillance, ISO, white balance), which is inconvenient for fast shots.

How to turn on Pro Mode:

Camera. β†’ Swipe your finger left on the screen (or press "More" β†’ "Pro") β†’ Take a picture.

Features of the method:

PlusesCons
It works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1).Requires manual setting of shooting parameters
Photos are saved in original quality without compressionNot suitable for fast shooting (you need to adjust each frame)
You can save pictures in RAW format (without watermark)Takes up more space on the device

πŸ’‘

If you want a quick shot without a watermark, but don’t have time to customize Pro Mode, use Portrait Mode – on some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) it doesn’t add a logo.

Method 3: Editing EXIF-Tags (for experienced users)

If the watermark has already been added to the finished photos, it can be removed by editing. EXIF-Data is meta-information that is stored in an image file, and this method requires the installation of additional applications, but allows you to remove the logo without loss of quality.

The best apps for editing EXIF on Android:

  • πŸ“± EXIF Eraser (free, no advertising) – removes all tags or selectively.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Photo Exif Editor (premium version) – allows you to edit specific tags.
  • πŸ” Metadata Remover – Removes watermarks and geotags.

Step-by-step (example EXIF Eraser):

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open EXIF Eraser and select a photo from the gallery.
  3. Click Remove EXIF or Clear Labels.
  4. Save the processed image (usually a copy with the prefix noexif is created).

For PCs, you can use:

  • πŸ–₯️ ExifTool (console utility) – the most powerful, but requires knowledge of commands.
  • πŸ“· Exif Viewer by Fluntro (for macOS.
How to remove EXIF via ExifTool on PC?
1. Download ExifTool and unpack the archive. 2. Place the photo in the folder with exiftool.exe. 3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd). 4. Enter the command: exiftool -all=your photo.jpg 5. Ready! Photo will be cleared of all tags, including the Xiaomi watermark.

⚠️ Attention: Removal EXIF-It erases all meta-information, including the date of the shoot, the camera model, and geotagged data. If that data is important, use selective editing applications (e.g. Photo Exif Editor).

Method 4: Cutting or retouching photos

If previous methods don't work, you can physically remove the logo with editors, which is a good way to take single shots where the watermark doesn't cover important details.

Editing options:

  • βœ‚οΈ Trimming: If the logo is in the corner, just trim the edge (in Google Photos, Snapseed or Lightroom).
  • 🎨 Retouch: Close the sign with texture or blur (in Adobe Photoshop Express or PicsArt).
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Cloning: Copy neighboring pixels on top of the logo (Healing Brush tool in Photoshop).

Example of cropping in Google Photos:

Open photo β†’ Edit β†’ Trimming β†’ Select an area without a logo β†’ Save a copy

For automatic retouching suitable Remove Watermark (app for Android):

  1. Upload the photo to the app.
  2. Select an area with the Xiaomi logo.
  3. Click Remove – the algorithm will fill the void with close pixels.
  4. Save the result.

Turning off in camera settings|I'm using Pro Mode.|Editing. EXIF-marker|Cut or retweet|I'm not cleaning.-->

The downside of this method is the loss of quality when heavily edited, and if the logo is located on an important object (such as a person's face), it is better to use other methods.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can remove the watermark completely by installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a method that’s suitable for power users because it requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

The advantages of custom firmware:

  • πŸš€ Full Camera Control – No Default Watermarks.
  • πŸ“± The ability to install Google Camera (GCam) with advanced settings.
  • πŸ”§ No unnecessary Xiaomi software (bloat).

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
  • πŸ”’ Loss of official warranty (if you do not return the stock firmware before the service).
  • πŸ“± Some camera functions, for example, AI-regimes may work worse.

If you’re considering this step, follow the official guides on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. For most Xiaomi models, the process looks like this:

1. unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool


2. Install TWRP Recovery




3. Swipe custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20)




4. Install GCam or other camera application

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may be difficult due to manufacturer policy!

πŸ’‘

Installing custom firmware is an extreme method. If you only need a watermark removal feature, try standard methods or EXIF editing first.

Frequent problems and solutions

When removing the Xiaomi watermark, users face typical difficulties.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Watermark returns after MIUI updateResetting the camera settings to standardTurn off the sign again in the settings or roll back the Camera app update
There is no option "Watermark" in the camera menuObsolete version of MIUI or regional firmwareUpdate the software or use Pro Mode/editing EXIF
The logo appears even in Pro Mode.Feature of firmware (found on POCO M3/M4)Install Google Camera or edit EXIF
After deleting EXIF, the photo will not open.Damage to the file during editingRestore the original from the cart or use another app

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone model: on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) CC9 for the Chinese market) watermark hard sewn into the firmware.
  • πŸ”„ Version MIUI: In beta versions, there are often bugs with camera settings.
  • πŸ”’ Application rights: If the camera is denied access to the storage, the settings may not be saved.
Can you remove the Xiaomi watermark without root rights?
Yes, all of the methods described in this article (except custom firmware) work without root, the simplest methods are to turn off the camera settings or use Pro Mode.
Why did the watermark return after the MIUI update?
The update resets some camera settings to standard.This is a feature of Xiaomi firmware, especially on POCO and Redmi smartphones. To avoid the problem, turn off the automatic update of the Camera app on Google Play.
Will the watermark be removed if you transfer the photo to your computer?
No, the Xiaomi logo is part of the image itself, not the metadata. It will remain even after copying to a PC or uploading to the cloud. To remove it, you need to edit the file (short, wipe or clean EXIF).
Can I turn off the watermark in all photos at once?
Unfortunately, no. The camera settings only apply to new images. For old photos, you'll have to manually remove the logo (via the camera). EXIF-editors).
Does watermarking really make the photo worse?
No, the logo itself does not affect the quality of the image. However, on some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T) when activated by the watermark, the camera automatically applies additional compression of JPEG, which can slightly reduce the detail.