Watermarks in the photo with Xiaomi β a standard feature of the firmware MIUI, It automatically adds a brand logo or smartphone model to the corner of the images, and for some users, it's a convenient way to label, for others, it's an annoying interference that spoils the composition of the frame, POCO and flagship series Xiaomi 12/13/14, where the watermark is activated by default.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable a watermark β from the official settings in the camera menu to hidden settings. MIUI It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version (from the MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and smartphone models, for example, on POCO F5 The path to settings may be radically different from Redmi 10C. We have taken into account these nuances and prepared universal solutions.
You will also learn how to completely remove the watermark from already taken photos without loss of quality, using both built-in tools of the Xiaomi Gallery and professional editors. If you are faced with a situation where the option of turning off in gray or not on the menu β there is a section in the article with workarounds for such cases.
Why Xiaomi is adding watermarks and can they be removed?
The function of watermarks appeared in MIUI Xiaomi logo or model name (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 etc.) in the photo performs several tasks:
- π’ Brand advertising β users, sharing photos in social networks, involuntarily promote the brand.
- π‘οΈ Protection against plagiarism β watermark makes it difficult to use pictures without specifying the author.
- π± Device identification β by the sign you can determine which smartphone was used for shooting.
From a technical point of view, the watermark is added at the firmware level. MIUI It can be either static (logo) or dynamic (date, model, camera settings). MIUI 13, the algorithm became more flexible: users were able to adjust the position of the sign, its transparency and even replace the standard text with custom text.
Can you remove the watermark completely? Yes, but with the caveats:
- β On most models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi) 12T and newer) the option is turned off in the camera settings.
- β οΈ On certain devices (e.g, POCO M4 Pro MIUI 12.5) requires editing of configuration files.
- β On older smartphones (Redmi) 9A, Xiaomi Mi A3) watermark can be "sewn" in the firmware without the possibility of disconnecting.
β οΈ Note: Disabling the watermark through changing system files (e.g., editing build.prop) may cause the camera to crash or lose warranty. Use such methods only if the official methods do not work.
Method 1: Disabling the watermark through Xiaomi camera settings
The easiest and safest method is to use built-in options. MIUI. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general logic is maintained:
- Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi.
- Touch the gears. βοΈ in the upper right corner (or swipe left on some models).
- Go to the Camera Settings (or Additional Settings) section.
- Find the Watermark item (may be called Camera Label or Xiaomi Logo).
- Switch the slider to the off position. or uncheck the tick.
If the option is grey and inactive, try:
- π Reboot your smartphone β sometimes settings are blocked due to a temporary failure.
- π± Update the firmware - in old versions MIUI (below 12.5) the option may not be available.
- πΈ Change shooting mode β on some devices, the watermark is turned off only for the main camera, and in Portrait or Night modes remains active.
βοΈ Preparation for disconnection of the watermark
On models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro, the path might look like this:
Camera β Settings (three points) β Settings of watermark β Disableβ οΈ Note: On some devices (Redmi 10s) MIUI 13) after the watermark has been turned off, it may reappear after the firmware update, in which case repeat the procedure or use alternative methods from the following sections.
Method 2: Editing configuration files (for advanced users)
If the watermark is not turned off through the camera menu, you can try to change the system files, which is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights.
Algorithm of action:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop
- Find a line: ro.miui.has_watermark=1 and replace 1 on 0.
- Save the file and restart the smartphone.
For devices on MIUI 14 may require editing of additional parameters:
/system/vendor/build.propLook for lines that mention watermark or camera.watermark.
What to do if you donβt have a line from watermark in build.prop?
Alternative method for devices without root:
- π± Use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge to send command: adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0
- π§ Some firmwares are running a change of parameter through Activity Launcher (application to run hidden functions). MIUI).
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Does the editing of build.prop work? | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | 13.0.6 | Yes. | ADB-team |
| POCO F4 GT | 14.0.3 | Partially (Magisk required) | MagiskHide Props Config Module |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 13.2.4 | No. | Disconnect via hidden menu (#4636##) |
| Redmi 10C | 12.5.8 | Yes. | Editing camera_config.xml |
π‘
Before editing system files, make a backup copy of the partition /system through TWRP Or the adb backup command, which will restore the performance of the smartphone in case of an error.
Method 3: Using third-party applications to shoot
If the built-in techniques don't work, the most reliable workaround is to use alternative camera apps, which not only remove the Xiaomi watermark, but often offer advanced shooting features.
- πΈ Google Camera (GCam) is a ported version of Googleβs camera with Xiaomi support. download only proven builds for your model (for example, GCam for Redmi Note 12).
- π₯ Open Camera is open source with full control over settings. There are no watermarks by default.
- πΌοΈ ProCam X β Professional App with Manual Settings and Support RAW. Suitable for shooting without artifacts.
Instructions for setting up Google Camera:
- Download. APK-a file from a verified source (e.g., Celso Azevedo).
- Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources.
- Open GCam and go to Settings β Application settings β Watermark.
- Turn off the option Add a tag or Camera Label.
Advantages of third-party cameras:
- β No Xiaomi watermarks by default.
- β Advanced settings (RAW, manual focus, night mode).
- β Better processing HDR detailing.
Disadvantages:
- β Possible bugs (for example, broken portrait mode on some models).
- β Configuration of configuration files is required (XML) work-out.
Method 4: Removing watermark from already taken photos
If you have a watermark already added to the photo, you can remove it after the fact, and both the built-in tools of the Xiaomi Gallery and third-party editors will do this.
Option 1: Editor in the Xiaomi Gallery
The corporate application Gallery on MIUI It has a built-in editor with object removal function:
- Open the photo at the Gallery.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Select the Remove Object tool or Magic eraser (in newer versions) MIUI 14).
- Swipe around the watermark and press Remove.
- Save the changes (select Save as a copy to avoid losing the original).
Limitations of the method:
- π΄ Works only on photos with a simple background (artifacts remain on complex textures).
- π΄ The watermark may not be removed completely, leaving a blurred spot.
Option 2: Third-party editors (Snapseed, Photoshop Express, Lightroom)
For better removal, use professional tools:
| Annex | Tool. | Instructions | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Recovery | Open the photo. β Tools β Recovery β Round the sign β Press it. | ββββ (well-formed) |
| Photoshop Express | A patch. | Edit β Corrections β A patch. β Give me a sign. β Drag to a clean area. | βββββ (better for complex textures) |
| Lightroom | Cloning | Select a photo. β Edit β Healing brush β Hold it in a clean area, swipe the sign. | βββ (skillful) |
For automated removal of watermarks with a photo package, desktop programs are suitable:
- π₯οΈ GIMP (Free Photoshop analogue with Resynthesizer plugin.
- π₯οΈ Inpaint β specialized software for removing objects.
β οΈ Note: When editing photos in third-party applications, always save the original. Some methods (such as using neural networks) can distort the colors or details of the image. Also remember that removing a watermark from someone else's photos without the author's permission may violate copyright.
Method 5: Resetting camera settings to factory
If the watermark appears after a firmware update or setting change, resetting the camera settings will help, and this method will not remove the sign from the already taken photos, but will prevent it from being added to new pictures.
Instructions:
- Open the phone settings.
- Go to the Apps β Application management.
- Find the Camera app and select it.
- Click Warehouse β Clear the data and Clear the cache.
- Confirm the action (this will remove all camera settings, including custom presets).
After discharge:
- π The watermark may be turned off if it has been activated due to a failure.
- βοΈ Camera settings will return to factory settings (check permission, HDR, night-time).
- πΈ The first shots after reset may have an unusual color reproduction β this is normal, the camera needs time to calibrate.
If the reset didnβt help, try a more radical method β reset all phone settings (but pre-back up the data!).
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Reset Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
π‘
Resetting camera settings is the safest method, but it only works if the watermark has been activated software (for example, after an update) If the sign is sewn into firmware, more radical ways will be needed.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you turn off the watermark, Xiaomi users face typical difficulties, and we'll look at the most common cases and how to solve them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The option "Watermark" is not in the camera settings | Outdated version of MIUI or custom firmware | Update the firmware or use it ADB-Adb shell settings put global camera_watermark_enabled 0 |
| Watermark appears only in Portrait mode | Separate settings for each shooting mode | Check the settings of a specific mode or use GCam |
| After the switch is off, the sign is added anyway. | Camera cache not updated | Clear the cache and data of the Camera application in the settings |
| A blurred spot remains in the photo after the sign is removed. | The incorrect operation of the "Magic eraser" tool | Use third-party editors (Snapseed, Photoshop Express) |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Firmware version - on some beta versions MIUI The watermark is disabled only after a stable update is released.
- π§ Firmware region - on global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions MIUI settings may differ.
- π± Device modifications β if the smartphone is purchased from unofficial sellers, changes could be made to the firmware.