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 β 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:
- πΈ Branding: The logo serves as free advertising, especially when users share photos on social networks.
- π Copyright protection: Xiaomiβs plan is to prevent photos being stolen (although in practice it is ineffective).
- π± Marketing data: in EXIF-Photo tags store information about the smartphone model, which helps the company analyze the popularity of devices.
- π‘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.
β οΈ 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:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the badge. βοΈ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down to the Watermark or Photo Settings section.
- Switch the slider Add the watermark to the off position.
- 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 βοΈ Settings β Additional β Camera watermark β DisableTake 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:
- π Reboot the smartphone (sometimes the settings are applied after the reboot).
- π² Update the Camera app via Google Play.
- ποΈ Clear the camera cache in Settings β Annexes β Camera. β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
β οΈ 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:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| 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 compression | Not 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 |
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If you want a quick shot without a watermark, but donβt have time to customize Pro Mode, use Portrait Mode β on some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) it doesnβt 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:
- π± EXIF Eraser (free, no advertising) β removes all tags or selectively.
- πΌοΈ Photo Exif Editor (premium version) β allows you to edit specific tags.
- π Metadata Remover β Removes watermarks and geotags.
Step-by-step (example EXIF Eraser):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open EXIF Eraser and select a photo from the gallery.
- Click Remove EXIF or Clear Labels.
- Save the processed image (usually a copy with the prefix noexif is created).
For PCs, you can use:
- π₯οΈ ExifTool (console utility) β the most powerful, but requires knowledge of commands.
- π· Exif Viewer by Fluntro (for macOS.
How to remove EXIF via ExifTool on PC?
β οΈ 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:
- βοΈ Trimming: If the logo is in the corner, just trim the edge (in Google Photos, Snapseed or Lightroom).
- π¨ Retouch: Close the sign with texture or blur (in Adobe Photoshop Express or PicsArt).
- ποΈ 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 copyFor automatic retouching suitable Remove Watermark (app for Android):
- Upload the photo to the app.
- Select an area with the Xiaomi logo.
- Click Remove β the algorithm will fill the void with close pixels.
- 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 youβre willing to take drastic measures, you can remove the watermark completely by installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a method thatβs suitable for power users because it requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.
The advantages of custom firmware:
- π Full Camera Control β No Default Watermarks.
- π± The ability to install Google Camera (GCam) with advanced settings.
- π§ No unnecessary Xiaomi software (bloat).
Cons:
- β οΈ Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
- π Loss of official warranty (if you do not return the stock firmware before the service).
- π± Some camera functions, for example, AI-regimes may work worse.
If youβre 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 applicationβ οΈ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may be difficult due to manufacturer policy!
π‘
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 update | Resetting the camera settings to standard | Turn off the sign again in the settings or roll back the Camera app update |
| There is no option "Watermark" in the camera menu | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional firmware | Update 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 editing | Restore the original from the cart or use another app |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π± Smartphone model: on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) CC9 for the Chinese market) watermark hard sewn into the firmware.
- π Version MIUI: In beta versions, there are often bugs with camera settings.
- π Application rights: If the camera is denied access to the storage, the settings may not be saved.